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Governor appoints Mejia as judge Former public defender was among four attorneys who applied to replace retiring Judge Davis By DANI DODGE Mail Tribune Gov. John Kitzhaber appointed former public defender Lorenzo Mejia as Jackson County's newest Circuit Court judge. "I really appreciate the governor's confidence in me and hope both he and the people of Jackson County are not disappointed," Mejia said Monday shortly after learning the news. "And I look forward to working with all the attorneys in the county." Four attorneys had applied for the appointment to replace Judge Ross Davis, who is retiring May 31. Kitzhaber made his selection late Monday, although his office is not making the formal announcement until today. The other attorneys who applied for the position were state Rep. Rob Patridge, Medford attorney Douglas Richmond, and Jackson County Bar President Joe Charter. Kitzhaber's legal counsel, Danny Santos, said choosing from among the four candidates was tough. "All the candidates have their different strengths," Santos said. "But what the governor saw in Lorenzo was someone who is passionate about the practice of law ... and it became apparent he has the heart and judicial temperament to be a judge, and that came through very well in his interview." Santos also said that Mejia's community involvement and interest in educating the public about the functions of the court were a strong factor in the governor's choice. "There are big shoes to fill in Judge Davis' departure," Santos said. "He's an activist in the community - letting the community know what the bench does." Santos said that the governor actually hurried his selection because two of the prospective appointees are on the primary ballot for different positions and those ballots go out Saturday. Charter is running for an elected Circuit Court judge position against Bill Purdy. Patridge, R-Medford, is running for re-election in House District 6, which roughly encompasses Medford. Medford City Councilman Sal Esquivel also is on the Republican primary ballot, but will withdraw from the race. Esquivel had only placed himself on the ballot in case Patridge was appointed judge. But now, Patridge will be the candidate, and Esquivel has vowed to work for Patridge's re-election. "I'm pleased the decision was made today so I can move forward in my life," Patridge said. Charter responded to the announcement by congratulating Mejia on his appointment. Mejia, 48, of Medford, only found out about the appointment late Monday, and was still trying to absorb it when contacted by the Mail Tribune five minutes later. Asked how he would celebrate, he said he would spend the evening trying to "let it sink in." This was the second time Mejia had applied for a judicial appointment. "I wasn't really quite sure about trying for it after trying in 1997," Mejia said. "But a lot of people encouraged me ... and got me believing in it and now it's come through." Mejia will face re-election in November. "Hopefully, all the people so helpful in talking me into it will be helpful in the campaign also," he said. Mejia left the Jackson County public defenders' office in September after 13 years. He would have set up a private practice if he had not been appointed. Prior to working at the public defender's office, Mejia clerked for a judge in Eugene and worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation doing contract compliance. Mejia has served on the board of directors for La Clinica Del Valle, and the Center for Nonprofit Legal Services Inc. He is a married to Cristina Sanz, an attorney who works as the court's financial mediator. They have a 6-year-old daughter. Mejia received his law degree from the University of Oregon in 1986. Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.