Interviews begin for court candidates

Monday, Dec. 8, 2003 | 8:46 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Commission on Judicial Selection today began two days of interviewing 23 people, including Las Vegas Municipal Judge Abbi Silver, who have applied to replace District Judge Gene Porter, who resigned Oct. 24.

The commission has set aside two days of closed-door interviews at the Supreme Court offices, 316 Bridger St., and plans to decide Tuesday afternoon on which three to nominate to Gov. Kenny Guinn, who makes the final selection.

Those who applied are: Kenneth C. Cory, 60, Susan Holland Johnson, 44, Kevin R. Utterback, 52, and Timothy Williams, 48, all in private practice in Henderson.

Those in private practice in Las Vegas are Frank Cremen, 56, Philip Dabney, 44, Bruce Gale, 48, Elizabeth Goff Gonzales, 42, Mathew P. Harter, 37, Ronald Israel, 49, Barbara I. Johnston, 56, Joseph F. Kyle, 67 and Kathleen M. Paustian, 54.

Others from Las Vegas in private practice were Troy E. Peyton, 43, Henry H. Rawlings, Jr. 62, Sandra S. Robertson, 35, David M. Schieck, 47, Michael P. Villani, 46, and Paul Wommer, 50.

Other applicants were Scott H. Waite, 38, of Logandale, who works for the Clark County public defender's office; Deputy Attorney General Kathleen E. Delaney, 38, and Paul Lychuk, 46, who works with the state Appeals Division.

The Selection Commission, headed by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah Agosti, asks each attorney 50 questions on the applications about his or her education, law practice, business and community involvement, professional and personal conduct and health.

Other members of the commission appointed by the governor are Jerry Bussell, Rose Dominguez, Drury Thiereof and Monte Miller. Commission members named by the State Bar are Ann Bersi, David Grundy, Arthur Mallory and Candace Carlyon.

Miller and Carlyon are temporary members sitting for this appointment only.