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Retirement, vote will bring court into order By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune Some heavy duty shuffling will take place in Jackson County's circuit court during the next few years when a veteran judge retires and a new judgeship opens up. "There are going to be some significant changes in the constitution of the system," agreed Judge Ross Davis, who on Tuesday announced plans to retire. Davis, who has served 28 years on the bench, said he becomes eligible for public employee retirement benefits when he turns 60 next year. He was re-elected to a six-year term in 2000. When Davis leaves in May, a new judge will be appointed by Gov. John Kitzhaber. According to state law, the appointee must run for the seat in the next general election, Davis said, adding that would be the November 2002 election. "All of us have to be elected and we have a great deal of confidence in the public," he added. However, for the first time in 17 years in Jackson County, candidates will vie for an open circuit court position. The last open race was in 1984, when Judge Mark Schively was elected. Jackson County's new judge is one of six other judgeships created by the state Legislature this year. Each judge will serve a six-year term and earn $7,533 per month, according to a Department of Justice spokeswoman. Jackson County's new judge won't start working until January 2003, following a November 2002 election. Retired local attorney Bill Purdy has filed his candidacy for the new judgeship, as has practicing attorney Joe Charter. Purdy said he's looking forward to the race. "I think it's a very unique opportunity," Purdy said. "I think it's going to be interesting." Candidates must file with the Secretary of State by March 12, according to Jackson County Clerk Kathy Beckett. Purdy, Charter and any others who join the race will face off first in the May primary election, she added. Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston said he expects more candidates to file before the March deadline. "Often times there isn't a large field of folks interested," Huddleston said. "I understand there's a large interest ... . That's good." Between January and June this year, approximately 18,088 cases were processed in Jackson County's circuit court, compared to 19,066 cases in Lane County and 17,146 cases in Marion County. Davis said he's grateful that a new judge will soon take office, bringing the total number of circuit court judges in Jackson County up to eight. "We appreciate very much that the Legislature gave us a new judge," Davis said. "Our judges have been overworked in our county for years and years," Huddleston added. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.