Judicial “musical chairs” continue in the 6th Judicial District, which includes Archuleta, San Juan and La Plata counties.
Gov. Jared Polis on Friday appointed two current judges to new positions within the 6th Judicial District, creating two additional vacancies that must be filled.
La Plata County Judge Reid Stewart was appointed to a district court seat, and San Juan County Judge Anthony Edwards was appointed to the Archuleta County Court, according to a news release from Polis’ office.
Stewart will fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Chief District Judge Jeffrey Wilson, who will step down in January.
The Archuleta County Court vacancy was created when Judge Justin Fay was appointed to a district court position vacated by Judge Suzanne Carlson.
Stewart will begin his new role in January; Edwards will take office Nov. 12.
County court judges handle low-level criminal cases and financial disputes under $25,000. Judges at the district court level oversee higher-level criminal cases and civil disputes that involve more money.
With Edwards and Stewart moving seats, their current positions at the San Juan and La Plata county courts must be filled. The 6th Judicial District Nominating Commission will meet on Dec. 1 at the La Plata County Courthouse to interview potential candidates.
Any qualified elector with at least a high school degree or equivalent is eligible for the San Juan County Court seat, the release said. The La Plata County Court seat is open only to residents who have been permitted to practice law in Colorado.
Whomever is selected to the San Juan County Court position will serve for two years, at which time they must be retained by voters.
Applications can be found online at coloradojudicial.gov/careers/judge-opportunities and submitted to judicial.applicants@judicial.state.co.us.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
