There are a lot of judges resigning these days, and rumor has it more to come. And we’re not talking about the ones retiring at the end of their terms due to age either.
Is Broward in the middle of a historic purge, as has been suggested in the comments section? Or is it simply a coincidence that judges are quitting sixty days after paying thousands of dollars to qualify for a new six-year term, or even more abruptly?
Due to the dearth of print investigative journalism in Broward, we may never find out if there’s more to it than a bunch of judges deciding to cash in their pension chips. The JQC has a lot of rules regarding when or if they’ll tell if they were even involved, a much criticized secrecy problem that’s been debated for years. And with Broward already suffering a massive credibility gap brought on by decades of weak, ineffective leadership, a stunning lack of accountability, substance abuse, nepotism, patronage, and political considerations often trumping the needs of the community, the latest round of disappearing judges certainly isn’t helping.
Accordingly, the following email was sent to Jack Tuter earlier today:
I am writing an article for the courthouse blog concerning the recent spate of judicial resignations.
Of particular concern is whether or not non-compliance with the standards, canons, and other rules and regulations required of all judges precipitated any of the resignations.
With the secrecy rules binding the JQC, it is impossible to know if they were involved or what may have transpired, but as Chief Judge it is certain you know more than others, including information that may not be covered by JQC secrecy standards.
The reason for the request is to help illuminate the public as to what has happened with all the resignations, since all judges are public servants. Also, of equal importance, absent any type of formal recognition by you or the JQC, if the JQC was indeed involved in any of the situations, the didactic imperative of a chief judge or a disciplinary body such as the JQC to help inform judges in Broward and across Florida of the potential penalties for certain proscribed behavior that may not be clearly spelled out in administrative orders or canons would not be achieved, which could possibly lead to further judicial impropriety and additional great cost to judicial integrity and the taxpayers if discipline or removal proceedings become necessary.
Let’s hope Tuter responds, because the public has a right to know …
The email to Jack Tuter printed in italics above was sent from a newly created email address. Possibly, someone in judicial administration may have made sure all our other email addresses previously used to query Tuter and other judges are now blocked, with send attempts greeted by the message pictured directly above. Is it a glitch, or a response to catching the chief judge in written faux pas before posting blog articles? Whatever it is, at least new email addresses are both limitless and free …
“I’m Judge Diaz, candidate for county court“. Bobby Diaz introduces himself back in May at the judicial candidates ethics forum held before every election season …
Pete Holden before the JNC …
And Frank Ledee too. With the recent resignations there are now three circuit spots and one county seat to be filled …
Still no coffee in sight, although we’re told the jury room is getting a java vending machine solely for those under subpoena …
Truth in advertising, SoCo, Austin, Texas, Friday night …
PB’s Dana Santino booted AFTER public finding of JQC probable cause
NOT COMING SOON – Professionalism Panels for Judges; Rotation for judges and chief judge term limits …
