Judge’s retirement creates 7th District Court vacancy

By Sun Advocate

Judge Bryce K. Bryner has officially decided to retire from the 7th District bench, effective Jan. 20, 2006.
The deadline for candidates to apply to fill the vacancy expired Sept. 12 and Gov. Jon Huntsman has appointed seven people to serve on the 7th Judicial District nominating commission.
The district encompasses Carbon, Emery, San Juan and Grand counties.
Pursuant to state statute, the bipartisan panel’s membership must include attorneys and non-lawyers, explained the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts.
Individuals appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms on the judicial nominating panel include Ryan Thomas, Price; Barry Cook, Price; Sam Singleton, Ferron; Gwen Peacock, Castle Dale; Clayton Long, Blanding; Craig Hall, Monticello; and Janet Lowe, Moab.
Utah law requires the judicial nominating commission to submit between three and five candidates to the governor within 45 days of the panel’s first meeting, indicated the administrative office of the courts.
Qualified candidates must be at least 30 years of age, citizens of the United States, residents of Utah for at least five years and admitted to practice law in Utah.
After the commission forwards the names of three to five applicants to the governor for consideration, Huntsman will have 30 days to nominate one candidate to replace Judge Bryner on the 7th District Court bench.
The Utah State Senate will then have 60 days to approve or reject Huntsman’s selection.