Our View

Our View

Changing judge selection process will only lead to party politics

It appears so-called “established politicians” in Little Rock are working on a way to take control of how our state justices are selected, which means that if this proceeds the days of the voters selecting future justices may just be a thing of the past.

We know, for a fact, that justices would rather be selected by committee and appointed by the sitting governor rather than going the “uncomfortable” route of begging voters to support them.

The biggest argument from proponents of change centers around the influx of negative ads and mailers funded by independent spending groups and so-called “dark money” in this year’s two Supreme Court races.

Oh, but this is just the latest in a series of arguments by proponents of change. Leading this latest charge is no other than the nephew of guess who? Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock, the nephew of no other than our very own and current Republican governor, Asa Hutchinson.

Sen. Hutchinson is circling the wagons advocating for a proposal long supported by Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, that would create a panel to nominate candidates to fill vacancies and leave the final decision to the governor.

Arkansas wouldn’t be the first state to go this route of selecting their state’s high court justices. Many states use a similar “merit system” process. Sen. Hutchinson says it is imperative that Arkansas change its ways.

According to the America Bar Association Arkansas is one of 21 states that elect their Supreme Court justices.

Hutchinson is hoping to get a proposed constitution amendment on the agenda for one of the upcoming special legislative sessions with the measure going before voters this November.

Let’s be perfectly frank about this debate and say there are valid issues on both sides. For instance, we admit that under the present method of selecting our high court justices there is “questionable” and selfserving financial contributions given to certain candidates, which we would think could be stopped by stronger ethics laws and election reform.

But nevertheless, this won’t solve voter ignorance on the issues or the candidates which leads to what some critics say leads to poor choices. Let’s face it, most voters know very little to nothing about these candidates when they are asked to make their selection. This process can be said to be flawed and inaccurate at best.

Now then, let’s look at the alternative which politicians, such as Hutchinson is spearheading. This process can also be questionable in that the current controlling political party in Little Rock pretty much dominates the selection process, very much like how U.S. Supreme Court justices are picked.

Just look at what is going on right now in Washington over the controversy that has erupted between President Obama and the Republicans.

So, let’s use the present day political scenario in Little Rock. Right now we have a Republican governor and a majority Republican House and Senate. Now then, where do the Democrats in Little Rock stand in a socalled committee/governor appointment process?

The same scenario holds true if Democrats were in majority control. Is this bad or good? That answer is obvious, determined as to which side of the political isle you are on at the time of selection.

BIBLE VERSE

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

34:8-10

Psalm