When Ann Hansbrough was recently appointed to fill the circuit judge post vacated by the retiring James Van Amburg, it created a vacancy in Hansbrough’s former spot of associate circuit judge.
The process to name the new associate circuit judge is well underway. Eight people submitted applications to fill the post.
One of those applying is Joe Vanover, who in November was elected to the position of second district Platte County commissioner.
If Vanover, a former assistant in the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office, is chosen as the new associate circuit judge, Gov. Mike Parson would then appoint someone to fill Vanover’s former spot on the county commission.
In addition to Vanover, others who applied are: Amy R. Ashelford, Megan B. Benton, Kristin E. Kandt, Myles E. Perry, Jesse Sendejas, Nicolas J. Taulbee, and Maria M. Theoharidis.
Asked why he applied to be considered for the judgeship opening, Vanover said: “I have practiced law in this community for more than 20 years. I started in a well-respected firm that handled the general practice of law. I served as an assistant prosecutor for more than a decade, working with law enforcement to do justice and keep our community safe. Since returning to private practice in 2017, I have handled a variety of legal issues. I have the kind of broad experience that is beneficial to judges.”
Vanover added that he expects the selection committee “will hear from many members of the public in the next couple of weeks. I hope and believe that most people who have gotten to know me through the years will see me as someone that can be trusted to serve as a judge. I look forward to interviewing with the judicial selection committee.”
The Sixth Circuit Judicial Commission on Friday announced the demographic information relating to applicants for the associate circuit judge vacancy.
Of the eight applicants, five are female and one reports being a minority. One applicant works in the private sector; six work in the public sector and one is employed in both the
public and private sectors. The average age of the applicants is 43.50 years.
The judicial commission says it will interview all eight applicants.
The commission expects to interview applicants starting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 17 at the Platte County Courthouse, 415 3rd Street, Platte City, Missouri.
Applicants will be interviewed in person. Any applicant who prefers to be interviewed by video conference should e-mail Jo Chrisman at jo.chrisman@courts.mo.gov by 3 p.m. March 12, 2021. The public may attend the interviews, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, members of the public will be required to satisfy building entry and occupancy protocols as a condition of attending, including responding to screening questions, wearing a face covering at all times, social distancing, and adhering to gathering limits.
Immediately after the interviews, the judicial commission will meet to select the names of three applicants to send to the governor. Gov.
Parson will then have 60 days to appoint one of the three nominees as associate circuit judge in Division IV of the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Members of the judicial commission are Cynthia L. Martin, chief judge of the
Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District; attorneys Mark Ferguson and Jared Welch; and lay members Julie Elliott and Carla Killen.