Judge J. Michael Smith’s decision to retire from his position as Cowley County’s chief judge has set off a flurry of activity amongst local attorneys interested in taking Smith’s place.
Judge Smith sent out an e-mail to local attorneys Monday telling them he would not seek reelection after 15 years as a judge. Now those who are interested in the position have until noon June 10 to decide if they want to file with the state.
That’s not a lot of time.
"It just came up so quickly," says local attorney Mark Krusor, who said he’s "absolutely" interested in seeking the judgeship. "It’s caught everyone by surprise."
Though Krusor, a Democrat, is very interested in the job, he’s not fully certain he will throw his hat in the ring. He wouldn’t comment further on what will go into a final decision.
Then there’s county attorney Chris Smith, who’s long said he’d be interested in becoming a district court judge someday. Smith, too, expressed interest in the job when contacted by NewsCow, but says he’s not totally decided on how to move forward.
"I’ve never been coy about that fact that I’d like to be a judge," Smith says. "That’s what I can say right now."
Bert Wilson, former county counselor and an Ark City attorney, Bill Muret, a Winfield attorney and legal counsel for the city, and Rod Iverson, an Ark City defense attorney, all have signed paperwork at the county courthouse, says county clerk Karen Defore.
Defore says interested candidates can fill out paperwork at the courthouse but must formally file with Kansas Secretary of State’s office.
Defore is hopeful the interest in the position will bring voters to the polls.
"Maybe it will help with turnout, since it’s a county-wide race," she says.
