Fort Wayne, Indiana – The Allen County Judicial Nominating Commission will hold public interviews on Wednesday, July 23, as it begins the process of selecting a new judge for the Allen Superior Court’s Family Division. The vacancy comes as a result of an upcoming departure from the bench, and four magistrates have submitted their names for consideration.
The interviews will take place at the Allen County Courthouse, located at 715 S. Calhoun Street in downtown Fort Wayne. The proceedings are open to the public and will be held in Courtroom 107, with decorum rules in place to maintain order during the process.
The day begins at 10:00 a.m. with an executive session during which the commission will privately review the applications. At 10:45 a.m., a short public session will be held to honor Judge Andrea Trevino, who currently serves on the court and whose position is expected to be filled through this selection.
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Public interviews of the four applicants begin at 11:00 a.m. and continue through early afternoon. The candidates, all currently serving as magistrates, are:
• Brent Ecenbarger (11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
• Carolyn Foley (11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
• Sherry Hartzler (12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
• Michael Douglass (12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
After the interviews, the commission will reconvene in executive session over lunch to further evaluate the applicants. A public vote will follow, during which the commission will select the nominees to be submitted to the Governor.
According to state law, the commission is required to forward “the three most qualified candidates” to the Governor for consideration. The Governor will then make the final decision regarding the appointment.
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The commission evaluates candidates based on several factors, including their legal education, professional experience, judicial temperament, reputation, and the quality of their legal writings. Chaired by Indiana Supreme Court Justice Christopher Goff, the commission includes both legal professionals and lay members from the Allen County community.
This process is part of Indiana’s ongoing efforts to ensure a transparent and merit-based approach to judicial appointments. More information about the commission, including its membership and responsibilities, can be found on the Indiana judicial branch’s official website.
The public is encouraged to attend and observe the interviews, which provide an opportunity to see firsthand how judges are selected and what qualifications are considered for such an important role in the justice system.
