(Le Mars) — State legislators Tom Jeneary and Jim Carlin held a town hall meeting Saturday morning at Floyd Valley Healthcare. One topic that was discussed was the proposal to change the way judges are selected.
Republican State Senator Jim Carlin informed the gathering why the proposal is being discussed at the state capitol.
Carlin, who is an attorney, says the current process of selecting judges does not have anyone on the selection commission accountable to the public, and are not elected officials. He says the new proposed selection process will allow both parties an opportunity to voice their opinion as to who will serve our judicial courts.
Carlin says under the current system, the governor would be forced to make a nomination for judicial candidates that would only be selected from the Iowa Bar Association. Carlin informed the gathering what is being considered at Des Moines.
Both Carlin and Jeneary expect the proposed changes for selection of judges will pass both chambers.
Discussion with the small group of constituents also focused on the proposed amendment for gun carry, voting rights for former felons, education spending, and inheritance taxes.
