A judicial vacancy has opened in the 6th Judicial District – which includes Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties – after Judge Suzanne Carlson announced plans to retire this fall.
Carlson served as a district judge for 13 years, following nearly two decades as an attorney. She said she is ready to retire and “pass the baton to the next generation.”
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to be a judge in this county, and I'm proud of the work that I've done,” Carlson said.
She is especially proud of her nine years presiding over the district’s wellness court – a treatment-focused, intensive supervision program for individuals with substance use disorders who are at high risk of incarceration.
“It’s our highest level of supervision,” she said. “And it’s about giving people the structure and support they need to get sober and become healthy, contributing members of the community.”
Her judicial philosophy, Carlson explained, has always been rooted in a strict adherence to the law, thoughtful consideration of facts and a holistic understanding of each case.
She emphasized the importance of weighing all relevant information before reaching a fair and informed decision – something she said requires enormous preparation.
Carlson plans to remain in Durango part time after her retirement but said she will also spend time in North Carolina, where she looks forward to being near the beach.
“I just want to spend more time, I think, listening to babbling streams and crashing waves,” she said.
The move may give her more time to enjoy fly-fishing – a hobby she joked many people don’t realize she has.
“People don’t know I have legs,” she joked. “They’re always surprised when they see I have legs,” referring to how judges are usually seen only from the waist up in the courtroom.
While retirement will include some well-earned leisure, Carlson said she doesn’t plan to stop working entirely. She has applied to serve as a senior judge, filling in for judges across the state when they are absent.
“I’m probably also going to be doing some mentoring of new judges,” she said. “When you’re a new judge, it’s really hard to get thrown in. There’s not a lot of good training.”
Carlson’s retirement leaves a vacancy on the bench. The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission will meet Aug. 4 to interview and select nominees for appointment by Gov. Jared Polis. The appointed judge will take the bench Oct. 1.
Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Colorado and registered to vote in the 6th Judicial District by the time they are sworn in.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. July 23. The names of applicants will be made public after the application period closes.
Those interested in nominating a candidate may submit a letter to the nominating committee and the ex officio chair. Letters must be received by 4 p.m. July 16 to be considered.
The annual salary for the position is $198,798.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
