Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo unveiled six nominees Monday for vacant judicial positions.
Raimondo introduced her selections during a Statehouse conference. In deciding among the recommendations of the Judicial Nominating Commission, she said she emphasized qualifications and an effort to have the judiciary more closely resemble the people of the state.
“We have to make it clear in our legal community that this is a merit-based process, not a purely political process,” the governor said. “This is about what you know, not who you know. And we are committed to getting the highest quality people we can, and frankly committed to diversity.”
The nominees include Melissa Darigan, the daughter of retired Superior Court judge Francis Darigan, for a vacant Superior Court position. That vacancy was created by the death of Judge Walter Stone.
For two District Court openings, Raimondo nominated assistant state public defender Christopher Knox Smith and Melissa Dubose. The first position is vacant because of the death of Judge William Clifton Sr. earlier this year. The second seat is empty due to the resignation of Judge Rafael Ovalles, who retired after facing accusations of misconduct.
Also nominated were Keith Cardoza and Susan Pepin Fay for vacancies on the Workers Compensation Court, and Richard Merola for an open judicial position on Family Court.
The state Senate will consider approving the governor’s nominees after the start of the 2019 legislative session next month.
