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Portsmouth needs a General District Court judge. It doesn't need local legislators bickering over the choice. And it certainly doesn't need a lawmaker insisting that the seat should go to his law partner - or no one at all.
As The Pilot's Julian Walker and Janie Bryant reported last week, substitute judges are helping with the court's busy caseload until legislators agree on who should take over full time for S. Lee Morris, who retired from the bench Feb. 1.
But there's been little progress so far. Several lawmakers told The Pilot that Del. Johnny Joannou, a Portsmouth Democrat, has tried without luck to get local legislators to agree to name his law partner, W. Thomas Knowles, to the seat.
Joannou subsequently asked House courts committee Chairman David Albo to review whether Portsmouth even needs the General District Court seat - one of three - to be filled.
State Sen. Louise Lucas, a Portsmouth Democrat, calls Joannou's actions "unconscionable."
Her criticism is justified. No matter how qualified the prospective nominee might be, it's inappropriate for a lawmaker to push for the appointment of his law partner to a judgeship. And it's also inappropriate to suggest that the seat will disappear if other lawmakers don't go along.
Lucas and state Sen. Fred Quayle, a Suffolk Republican, are backing GOP leader Bryan K. Meals for the judge's seat. Quayle told The Pilot that Joannou's request to review the need for the seat occurred "because I wouldn't agree to naming his partner to that position."
Few people have illusions that the General Assembly is free of shenanigans like these. Politicians everywhere cut deals on legislation and appointees, and the people's best interests may or may not figure into the gamesmanship.
But, as a result of this particular episode, Portsmouth's General District Court could end up with one fewer judge than it needs to effectively handle its caseload. City residents deserve better.
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Judges
Respectfully, we have many very good local judges. I have lived in a state where judges are elected, and trust me...you don't want elected judges.
until
Someone explains why Lucas is supporting a Republican I say go with Johnnys pick. I am a lifelong Republican but she has an ulterior motive and until I know what it is I can't support her choice.
Mr. Meals is well qualified
Mr. Meals is an experienced and skilled attorney. I have no doubt he would be a fair and impartial jurist, treat all litigants and attorneys with respect, and yet not be afraid to issue tough rulings in a firm application of the law to the case.
Not unexpectedly, one or more of the comments have focused on politics. While admittedly (and unfortunately) the selection process is political, good judges toss aside their party's hat to take up the robe. Justice is not about politics, and any trial attorney can point to a number of judges in our area who are considered to be excellent and yet come from a different political party than the attorney's own.
Tom Knowles
Tom Knowles is one of the most qualified candidates for a judgeship in recent history. An excellent lawyer and decent man who should not be penalized for who he practices law with.
Ethically challenged Lucas throwing stones
Joannou is a first rate legislator and a boon to Portsmouth. Knowles is absolutely qualified. Who is Lucas to say anything and what does the ethically challenged Lucas gain by teaming up with Republican Quayle?
Shenanigans? Surely, you speak of Lucas! Does the Victory Conference Center ring any bells? Filing a lawsuit against Portsmouth? This poor example of a legislator is saying that a Delegate of the stature of Joannou is doing something unconscionable?
If Joannou is playing "hard ball" to prevent more shenanigans by Louise Lucas, then good for him!!!
Bad Behavior
"State Sen. Louise Lucas, a Portsmouth Democrat, calls Joannou's actions 'unconscionable.'"
What did he do? Did he sue the city he represents or something? Now, that would be "unconscionable"!
LOL...
Gee, Lucas of all people calling something "unconscionable". That's a hoot!
the facts
Lets face it Politicians are just about all crooks. They say one thing and do another. As for Portsmouth, They are not losing anything by Judge Morris leaving. Hopefully they will have a judge that will put people in jail now and not let them go. I can't even blame the Commonwealth or the Police for that, the judge would dismiss charges without even hearing the case. He did a poor job glad to see him go!!! I will not even start to comment on Sen Lucass, she is a joke.