Marion County Judges

As we all know, Senator Mike Young defeated Coach Phil Webster in the November elections. I knew Phil Webster a long time ago when we taught together at Decatur Central and, while Coach Webster is a fallen creature like the rest of us, I find him to be a competent and honorable man.

Alas, he was defeated by Sen. Mike Young, who essentially drew his own district. For the record, here is a map of the district that Mike Young drew for himself to ensure that he would be a permanent fixture at the statehouse.

Just in case you don't want to hit the link, here is a broad outline of what his district looks like:

Anyway, I see that our intrepid Senator Young has "authored" a bill that would choose the judges who preside over cases here in Marion County. Here is the text:

Marion County judicial selection. Provides for the selection of Marion superior court (court) judges. Establishes the 13 member Marion County judicial selection committee (committee). Provides that, when the committee learns of a vacancy or open judicial seat on the court, the committee follows certain procedures that conclude in the committee appointing a judge to the court (in the case of an open judicial seat) or sending the names of three nominees to the governor (in the case of a vacancy). Specifies that the Indiana judicial center shall receive public comments concerning a candidate, remove identifying information from the comments, and compile the comments (with identifying information removed) into a document for the use of the committee. Provides that a sitting judge may have the question of the judge's retention on the court placed on the general election ballot. Requires the judge's retention on the court to be approved or rejected by the electorate of Marion County.

Interestingly,  Senator Young did not see fit to author any bills as to how judges are selected in Hendricks county, the other county he represents. One can only wonder why he bothered to do so for Marion County and not Hendricks County.

Partisanship is a powerful drug, isn't it Senator?