Wednesday, June 9, 2004

Elgee sworn in as district 5th District judge

Seventeen attorneys and judges apply to fill magistrate position

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By GREG MOORE
Express Staff Writer

Former Magistrate Judge Robert Elgee was sworn in Friday as Fifth District judge, taking his place on the bench Monday in Hailey.

Fifth District Judge Robert J. Elgee, 53, is congratulated by family members following his swearing-in ceremony Friday. From left to right are daughters Laura, 13; Kate, 18; Erin, 20; Molly, 6; son, Ted, 15; and wife Jayne Elgee. Express photo by Willy Cook

Elgee was appointed to the position by the Idaho Judicial Council to fill a vacancy left by Judge James May, who retired May 1. The term will extend until Jan. 1, 2007, meaning that Elgee’s position will be up for a vote during the May 2006 Primary Election.

Seventeen attorneys and judges have applied to fill the magistrate position vacated by Elgee. Two of those candidates are Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Thomas and county Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tim Graves.

The Fifth Judicial District Magistrates Commission will winnow the list down during a meeting June 29, then interview the remainder and choose a candidate on July 1. The commission has 18 members, including a county commissioner from each of the district’s eight counties and mayors from three towns.

Until a new magistrate is appointed, the magistrate bench is being filled by Elgee and visiting Fifth District judges.

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