Nearly two dozen applications were filed to fill two vacant judges’ positions in the 4th Circuit.
The vacancies are the result of the December death of Judge Jean Johnson and the appointment of Brian Davis as a federal judge in the Middle District of Florida.
The applicants are:
• Marianne Lloyd Aho
• Garrett Noble Barket
• Lester Bernard Bass
• Michael Chris (Issa) Bateh
• Melina E. Buncome
• Frederic A. Buttner III
• Brian C. Cabrey
• Janet Adams Carver
• John Joseph Cascone
• Katie Lee Dearing
• Rosa L. Dubose
• Kelly Elizabeth Eckley
• Steven M. Fahlgren
• David A. Hallman
• Russell L. Healey
• Joanna G. Houser
• Blane Gerard McCarthy
• John M. Merrett
• Margaret Dianne Misiak
• Rhonda Denise Peoples-Waters
• David P. Trotti
• Gary L. Wilkinson
• Cyrus Patrick Zomorodian
Comments about the candidates may be sent to Chip Bachara, Chair, 4th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, One Independent Drive, Suite 1800, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Comments must be received on or before Feb. 26 to be considered by the commission.
Eligible candidates will be interviewed by the commission, which will then determine which applicants to recommend to Gov. Rick Scott for his consideration. The commission can nominate three to six applicants for each opening.
The governor has 60 days to appoint a judge from those nominees.
Retired judge joins
Public Defender’s Office
Public Defender Matt Shirk appointed retired 4th Judicial Circuit Judge McCarthy “Mack” Crenshaw Jr. as an assistant public defender to the juvenile unit of the Duval County office.
A 20-year veteran of bench, Crenshaw presided over juvenile delinquency cases for 18 years before his retirement in December 2012.
“I strongly believe that young people can turn their lives around and by doing so, they benefit themselves and the country,” Crenshaw said.
Before being appointed to the bench by Gov. Lawton Chiles in 1992, Crenshaw spent 20 years practicing law with various Jacksonville firms.
He served on the City Council from 1975-79 and is the brother of U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw.
Crenshaw graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1972 following four years working for the national organization Campus Crusade for Christ, where he was instrumental in developing the longstanding Athletes in Action program.
In 1964, he graduated from the University of Georgia, which he attended on a basketball scholarship.
“With Judge Crenshaw joining our recognized team of juvenile advocates, we expect to continue improving the conditions for existing and future clients,” Shirk said.