A judicial nominating commission tasked with helping Wyoming's governor fill a seat left vacant by the retiring state Supreme Court’s chief justice has nominated three candidates for his consideration, the high court announced Monday.
One of the three is Gov. Mark Gordon’s appointed state attorney general, Bridget Hill.
The commission also nominated Campbell County District Court Judge Stuart S. Healy III, and recent Wyoming State Bar President and private attorney Anna Reeves Olson.
Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Kate M. Fox is retiring May 27, after serving as justice for 11 years. She turns 70 this year, which is the age limit for justices to serve on the state’s high court.
Hill declined Tuesday to comment, citing the ongoing selection process.
Olson and Healy both voiced gratitude, and high opinions about the other nominees.
“I so appreciate the judicial nominating commission recommending me for Governor Gordon’s consideration,” wrote Healy in a Tuesday email. The commission’s job is difficult, since “they are interviewing a whole slew of incredibly qualified people,” the judge said, adding that he respects their work and the merit selection process.
Wyoming does not elect judges. Commissions have nominated candidates to be appointed by the governor since 1972 – a process the late, former U.S. Sen. Al Simpson put forth, successfully, as a ballot initiative when he served the Wyoming Legislature.
“Bridget Hill and Anna Reeves Olson are two incredible, well-respected lawyers who would both make outstanding justices,” wrote Healy. “I’m honored and humbled to be included in their number for the Governor’s consideration.”
Healy said his one regret is that one of the nominees will fill Fox’s seat.
“She is not only a brilliant jurist, but she has been a fierce advocate for an independent, well informed, and fair judiciary,” the judge said. “We have been blessed with her leadership.”
Olson said she’s “incredibly grateful and humbled to have had my name put forward,” and is thrilled for both Healy and Hill – “and wish them both the very best of luck.”
Chief Justice Boomgaarden
Justice Lynne Boomgaarden will now serve as the chief justice, Fox told the Wyoming Legislature during her January state of the judiciary speech.
Fox chaired the judicial nominating commission that named Hill, Healy and Olson.
The commission also comprised three lawyers elected by the Wyoming State Bar: Devon O’Connell of Laramie, Mandy Good of Cheyenne, and Clint Langer of Sheridan; and three non-lawyers appointed by the governor: Dan Kirkbride of Chugwater, Lisa Anderson of Shell and Rick Fagnant of Lander.
If Hill is appointed to serve on the court, Gordon will appoint a new attorney general; but the Wyoming Senate would need to confirm him or her.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
