Gov. Gianforte Announces Advisory Council for Eighth Judicial District Vacancy

• May 14 2021

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced an advisory council to assist in identifying and reviewing qualified candidates to fill the district court judge vacancy in the Eighth Judicial District. 

“Comprised of accomplished attorneys and long-time community leaders, the Eighth Judicial District Advisory Council will assist me in identifying exceptional candidates to serve as the district court judge in the Eighth Judicial District,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I have charged the advisory council with casting a broad net to identify well-qualified candidates who are committed to the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law and who will interpret laws, not make them from the bench.”

Members of the advisory council follow:

David Bowen, retired chief of police of Great Falls Police Department

Brett Doney, president of the Great Falls Development Authority

Shane Etzwiler, president of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce

Brion Lindseth, attorney at KLB Business Law

Ron Nelson, attorney at Church Harris Johnson & Williams P.C.

Greg Pinski, former judge for the Eighth Judicial District

Kristy Pontet-Stroop, executive director of the Alliance for Youth

Jennifer Quick, deputy county attorney for Cascade County

Christie Slaughter, probation and parole officer for the State of Montana

Ruth Uecker, assistant superintendent, K-12 Great Falls Public School District

The governor is accepting applications from and nominations of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. The application form is available electronically at nominatejudges.mt.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically as well as in hard copy by Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Applications will be made available to the public.

Commencing Tuesday, June 1 and continuing through Friday, June 30, 2021, the public will be given the opportunity to provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants at nominatejudges.mt.gov. Applicants must receive at least three letters of support to be considered for appointment by the governor.

The governor’s appointee, who will be named in July 2021, will be required to run for election in the 2022 election.

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