Bottom of the ballot judicial races sometimes don’t warrant much attention, however the 2018 primary in Carroll County features a number of contested races.
Both Republican and Democratic voters casting ballots in the primary may choose one of three candidates seeking a seat on the Circuit Court bench, while Republican voters will note contested races for both clerk of the Circuit Court and register of wills on their ballots.
Quite simply, when it comes to endorsements for these particular offices, we’re leaning on the side of experience.
For judge of the Circuit Court, we are endorsing sitting Judge Richard Titus. During his short time on the bench, we believe Titus has served the court and the citizens of Carroll County admirably, and should continue.
Titus was appointed to the bench in 2016 by Gov. Larry Hogan, following the retirement of Judge Michael Galloway. Under the Maryland Constitution, judicial appointees to Maryland’s Circuit Court bench serve until the next statewide election that occurs at least one year after the appointment.
The minimum requirements to run for Circuit Court judge are that the candidate must be between age 30 and 70, be a member of the Maryland Bar, be a U.S. citizen at least five years, and a Maryland citizen and registered voter who has resided in the jurisdiction over which they would be presiding for at least six months.
Judge Titus, to be appointed, was vetted along with eight other nominees by the Maryland Trial Court Judicial Nominating Commission, which narrowed the field to four — two males and two females — before Titus was tabbed by Hogan.
Also, contrary to a misleading campaign mailer sent recently from one of his opponents, Titus has received the endorsement of the Carroll County Bar Association, which we believe carries some significant weight in this race.
There are also two contested races for administrative offices in the judicial branch of Carroll’s government this year on the Republican ballot. Again, in both cases, we lean on experience.
For register of wills — who serves as the clerk of the Orphan’s Court, administers probate laws and handles others duties related to wills and estates of the deceased — incumbent Paul Zimmermann is our to choice to continue in office. His combination of experience, having served in the role four previous terms, and his background as an attorney make him the most qualified candidate for the office.
There is no incumbent in the race for the clerk of the Circuit Court of Carroll County. However, as we view these as administrative positions rather than political ones, there is a clear choice based on almost four decades of experience. That is why we are endorsing Missi Green. Green has worked as a court clerk in Maryland for 39 years, 29 of those in Carroll County. Since 2008, she has been the senior supervisor of court operations for Carroll County Circuit Court. If the position was not an elective one, she would seem to be the obvious candidate to be promoted to the top job.
Other judicial offices on the ballot include the Orphan’s Court, where three candidates from each party are running. All six will advance to the general election in November. Terrie Connolly, a Democrat, is running unopposed for her party for clerk of the Circuit Court, and Republican Sheriff Jim DeWees and Republican State’s Attorney Brian DeLeonardo are also running unopposed.
