Panel submits 2 judge candidates to Schweitzer

The names of two long-term Havre attorneys have been sent to Gov. Brian Schweitzer to select a replacement for the state district judge here, who is retiring effective Nov. 30.

The Judicial Nomination Commission announced Friday it had forwarded the names of Daniel Boucher and Brian Lilletvedt for the governor's consideration.

The governor must fill the position within 30 days of receiving the names of the nominees. Schweitzer will appoint the replacement to fill the rest Judge David Rice's term, through Dec. 31, 2012.

The commission said in its release that both Boucher and Lilletvedt were qualified applicants, received significant public support, and have a longstanding presence in the community served.

The comments received about both candidates are available online at http://courts.mt.gov/supreme/boards/jud_nomination/default.mcpx.

The comments on the nominees were almost universally — with three exceptions — in support of one or the other, sometimes for both.

In 30 pages of comments and e-mails and transcriptions of telephone calls, supporters ranging from retired judges and law enforcement officers to retired and active attorneys and county attorneys to court volunteers and advocates, a chemical depency treatment company president and Montana residents told the commission and Schweitzer that they believed Boucher would be an excellent judge.

Former Hill County Justice of the Peace Carol Chagnon, who wrote she also worked with Boucher while she was employed by Juvenile Probation and Parole, said Boucher "always presented himselfwith the utmost respect for the court as well as due consideration for the individual he represented."

Hill County Reserve Deputy and Coroner Steve Sapp said he has observed Boucher in numerous occaisions in court.

"I especially noted Dan's professionalism during these proceedings," Sapp said in his comments. Dan always seemed to be well-composed and well-versed in the law."

"Mr. Boucher comports himself in a professional manner and and is respectful of all persons that he has contact with," said Blaine County attorney and former Blaine County Attorney Yvonne Laird. "He is highly regarded by the local bar and judiciary as an extremely competent attorney and a person of character and integrity."

Another advocate of Boucher's selection was one of two detractors of Lilletvedt. Former Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees Chair Shad Huston said in a transcribed telephone conversation that he has been impressed by Boucher, who has represented him on some occaisions. He said his experience with Lilletvedt in dealings with the school board were not impressive.

Huston said that in once instance involving a coach and in another regarding Lilletvedt insisting the board should release information on the resignation and severance package of former Superintendent Dave Mahon Lilletvedt was "pushy and not open-minded."

Other comments in the 31 pages of comments for Lilletvedt, which included comments for law professors, private and county attorneys and

Former Hill County Commissioner Doug Kaercher said, "Brian has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition.He isdefinitely a leader rather than a follower."

Great Falls attorney Kevin Meek said, "Over the years I have had an opportunity to visit withother attorneys about Brian and, without exception, I know that my view of Brian's legalknowledge and abilities is shared by other attorneys who have had any meaningfulexperience or knowledge about Brian. Accordingly, the Commission has an opportunityto appoint someone who clearly has a superior knowledge ofthe law."

Tom Reynolds of Havre wrote, "I believe, you will find Brian to be of good character, honest, with extreme integrity; diligent in his work,fair and objective in his advice and counsel; and has the ability to understand complex issues andproblem solve."

The names of two long-term Havre attorneys have been sent to Gov. Brian Schweitzer to select a replacement for the state district judge here, who is retiring effective Nov. 30.

The Judicial Nomination Commission announced Friday it had forwarded the names of Daniel Boucher and Brian Lilletvedt for the governor's consideration.

The governor must fill the position within 30 days of receiving the names of the nominees. Schweitzer will appoint the replacement to fill the rest Judge David Rice's term, through Dec. 31, 2012.

The commission said in its release that both Boucher and Lilletvedt were qualified applicants, received significant public support, and have a longstanding presence in the community served.

The comments received about both candidates are available online at http://courts.mt.gov/supreme/boards/jud_nomination/default.mcpx.

The comments on the nominees were almost universally — with three exceptions — in support of one or the other, sometimes for both.

In 30 pages of comments and e-mails and transcriptions of telephone calls, supporters ranging from retired judges and law enforcement officers to retired and active attorneys and county attorneys to court volunteers and advocates, a chemical depency treatment company president and Montana residents told the commission and Schweitzer that they believed Boucher would be an excellent judge.

Former Hill County Justice of the Peace Carol Chagnon, who wrote she also worked with Boucher while she was employed by Juvenile Probation and Parole, said Boucher "always presented himselfwith the utmost respect for the court as well as due consideration for the individual he represented."

Hill County Reserve Deputy and Coroner Steve Sapp said he has observed Boucher in numerous occaisions in court.

"I especially noted Dan's professionalism during these proceedings," Sapp said in his comments. Dan always seemed to be well-composed and well-versed in the law."

"Mr. Boucher comports himself in a professional manner and and is respectful of all persons that he has contact with," said Blaine County attorney and former Blaine County Attorney Yvonne Laird. "He is highly regarded by the local bar and judiciary as an extremely competent attorney and a person of character and integrity."

Another advocate of Boucher's selection was one of two detractors of Lilletvedt. Former Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees Chair Shad Huston said in a transcribed telephone conversation that he has been impressed by Boucher, who has represented him on some occaisions. He said his experience with Lilletvedt in dealings with the school board were not impressive.

Huston said that in once instance involving a coach and in another regarding Lilletvedt insisting the board should release information on the resignation and severance package of former Superintendent Dave Mahon Lilletvedt was "pushy and not open-minded."

Other comments in the 31 pages of comments for Lilletvedt, which included comments for law professors, private and county attorneys and

Former Hill County Commissioner Doug Kaercher said, "Brian has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition.He isdefinitely a leader rather than a follower."

Great Falls attorney Kevin Meek said, "Over the years I have had an opportunity to visit withother attorneys about Brian and, without exception, I know that my view of Brian's legalknowledge and abilities is shared by other attorneys who have had any meaningfulexperience or knowledge about Brian. Accordingly, the Commission has an opportunityto appoint someone who clearly has a superior knowledge ofthe law."

Tom Reynolds of Havre wrote, "I believe, you will find Brian to be of good character, honest, with extreme integrity; diligent in his work,fair and objective in his advice and counsel; and has the ability to understand complex issues andproblem solve."

The names of two long-term Havre attorneys have been sent to Gov. Brian Schweitzer to select a replacement for the state district judge here, who is retiring effective Nov. 30.

Panel submits 2 judge candidates to Schweitzer

The Judicial Nomination Commission announced Friday it had forwarded the names of Daniel Boucher and Brian Lilletvedt for the governor's consideration.

The governor must fill the position within 30 days of receiving the names of the nominees. Schweitzer will appoint the replacement to fill the rest Judge David Rice's term, through Dec. 31, 2012.

Both candidates deemed qualified

The commission said in its release that both Boucher and Lilletvedt were qualified applicants, received significant public support, and have a longstanding presence in the community served.

The comments received about both candidates are available online at http://courts.mt.gov/supreme/boards/jud_nomination/default.mcpx.

The comments on the nominees were almost universally — with three exceptions — in support of one or the other, sometimes for both.

In 30 pages of comments and e-mails and transcriptions of telephone calls, supporters ranging from retired judges and law enforcement officers to retired and active attorneys and county attorneys to court volunteers and advocates, a chemical depency treatment company president and Montana residents told the commission and Schweitzer that they believed Boucher would be an excellent judge.

Former Hill County Justice of the Peace Carol Chagnon, who wrote she also worked with Boucher while she was employed by Juvenile Probation and Parole, said Boucher "always presented himselfwith the utmost respect for the court as well as due consideration for the individual he represented."

Hill County Reserve Deputy and Coroner Steve Sapp said he has observed Boucher in numerous occaisions in court.

Boucher seen as "well-composed and well-versed"

"I especially noted Dan's professionalism during these proceedings," Sapp said in his comments. Dan always seemed to be well-composed and well-versed in the law."

"Mr. Boucher comports himself in a professional manner and and is respectful of all persons that he has contact with," said Blaine County attorney and former Blaine County Attorney Yvonne Laird. "He is highly regarded by the local bar and judiciary as an extremely competent attorney and a person of character and integrity."

Another advocate of Boucher's selection was one of two detractors of Lilletvedt. Former Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees Chair Shad Huston said in a transcribed telephone conversation that he has been impressed by Boucher, who has represented him on some occaisions. He said his experience with Lilletvedt in dealings with the school board were not impressive.

Huston said that in once instance involving a coach and in another regarding Lilletvedt insisting the board should release information on the resignation and severance package of former Superintendent Dave Mahon Lilletvedt was "pushy and not open-minded."

Other comments in the 31 pages of comments for Lilletvedt, which included comments for law professors, private and county attorneys and

Former Hill County Commissioner Doug Kaercher said, "Brian has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition.He isdefinitely a leader rather than a follower."

Great Falls attorney Kevin Meek said, "Over the years I have had an opportunity to visit with other attorneys about Brian and, without exception, I know that my view of Brian's legalknowledge and abilities is shared by other attorneys who have had any meaningfulexperience or knowledge about Brian. Accordingly, the Commission has an opportunityto appoint someone who clearly has a superior knowledge ofthe law."

Tom Reynolds of Havre wrote, "I believe, you will find Brian to be of good character, honest, with extreme integrity; diligent in his work,fair and objective in his advice and counsel; and has the ability to understand complex issues andproblem solve."

Schweitzer will make the pick

The names of two long-term Havre attorneys have been sent to Gov. Brian Schweitzer to select a replacement for the state district judge here, who is retiring effective Nov. 30.

The Judicial Nomination Commission announced Friday it had forwarded the names of Daniel Boucher and Brian Lilletvedt for the governor's consideration.

The governor must fill the position within 30 days of receiving the names of the nominees. Schweitzer will appoint the replacement to fill the rest Judge David Rice's term, through Dec. 31, 2012.

The commission said in its release that both Boucher and Lilletvedt were qualified applicants, received significant public support, and have a longstanding presence in the community served.

The comments received about both candidates are available online at http://courts.mt.gov/supreme/boards/jud_nomination/default.mcpx.

The comments on the nominees were almost universally — with three exceptions — in support of one or the other, sometimes for both.

In 30 pages of comments and e-mails and transcriptions of telephone calls, supporters ranging from retired judges and law enforcement officers to retired and active attorneys and county attorneys to court volunteers and advocates, a chemical depency treatment company president and Montana residents told the commission and Schweitzer that they believed Boucher would be an excellent judge.

Former Hill County Justice of the Peace Carol Chagnon, who wrote she also worked with Boucher while she was employed by Juvenile Probation and Parole, said Boucher "always presented himselfwith the utmost respect for the court as well as due consideration for the individual he represented."

Hill County Reserve Deputy and Coroner Steve Sapp said he has observed Boucher in numerous occaisions in court.

"I especially noted Dan's professionalism during these proceedings," Sapp said in his comments. Dan always seemed to be well-composed and well-versed in the law."

"Mr. Boucher comports himself in a professional manner and and is respectful of all persons that he has contact with," said Blaine County attorney and former Blaine County Attorney Yvonne Laird. "He is highly regarded by the local bar and judiciary as an extremely competent attorney and a person of character and integrity."

Another advocate of Boucher's selection was one of two detractors of Lilletvedt. Former Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees Chair Shad Huston said in a transcribed telephone conversation that he has been impressed by Boucher, who has represented him on some occaisions. He said his experience with Lilletvedt in dealings with the school board were not impressive.

Huston said that in once instance involving a coach and in another regarding Lilletvedt insisting the board should release information on the resignation and severance package of former Superintendent Dave Mahon Lilletvedt was "pushy and not open-minded."

Other comments in the 31 pages of comments for Lilletvedt, which included comments for law professors, private and county attorneys and

Former Hill County Commissioner Doug Kaercher said, "Brian has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition.He isdefinitely a leader rather than a follower."

Lilletvedt praised for legal knowledge

Great Falls attorney Kevin Meek said, "Over the years I have had an opportunity to visit withother attorneys about Brian and, without exception, I know that my view of Brian's legal knowledge and abilities is shared by other attorneys who have had any meaningfulexperience or knowledge about Brian. Accordingly, the Commission has an opportunityto appoint someone who clearly has a superior knowledge ofthe law."

Tom Reynolds of Havre wrote, "I believe, you will find Brian to be of good character, honest, with extreme integrity; diligent in his work,fair and objective in his advice and counsel; and has the ability to understand complex issues andproblem solve."