Kolkoski to fill vacant Municipal Court spot

Erin Neff

Wednesday, June 21, 2000 | 11:04 a.m.

Elder-rights attorney Betsy Kolkoski was appointed to the vacant bench on the Las Vegas Municipal Court this morning.

The City Council unanimously appointed Kolkoski to the Department 2 seat vacated June 1 by Seymore Brown. Brown, the court's chief judge, died Friday after a lengthy illness.

Kolkoski currently serves as an attorney with the state Division of Aging Services. She will make $91,084 as a Municipal Court judge.

"I am honored by this appointment to an innovative and progressive court," Kolkoski said. "I am especially honored to be appointed to the court of Seymore Brown, who had an enormous presence, who in fact is irreplaceable."

Kolkoski edged out five other local attorneys for the seat. Craig Hendricks, who placed fourth in the 1998 bid for the court's Department 4 seat, was the other leading candidate for the seat.

This morning's vote capped an emotionally wrenching week for the city's court after burying a local legal legend and recalling the 70-year-old Brown's wit and wisdom on the bench.

Judge Toy Gregory, an 18-year veteran of the court, was named chief judge to replace Brown. Brown retired just before his death after 27 years on the bench and 14 years as a police officer.