Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride announced on Thursday the names of six attorneys who have applied to fill a judicial vacancy in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Fulton County resident Circuit judge Edward R. Danner.

The Illinois Constitution gives authority to the Supreme Court to fill Circuit Court vacancies on an interim basis; and Chief Justice Kilbride uses an extensive application, evaluation and interview process to make a recommendation to the Court for judicial vacancies in the Third Judicial District.

That process now will proceed to background checks by law enforcement authorities and with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Chief Justice Kilbride also will use a poll of all attorneys residing in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. The Illinois State Bar Association will conduct the poll, asking attorneys their opinions of the applicants' integrity, temperament, legal ability, management skills and other professional qualifications.

Chief Justice Kilbride also will appoint a judicial screening committee made up of representatives from the community, including non-lawyers as well members of the legal profession, to evaluate the candidates. The names of the committee members will be announced at a later date.

The attorneys who have applied are Anne M. Burton of Macomb; Thomas B. Ewing of Lewistown; David M. House of Peoria; Michael J. Kraycinovich, currently in the U.S. Army stationed in Alabama; Curtis S. Lane of Canton; and Jeff L. Neigel of Canton.

Those wishing to send written comments about the candidates during the selection process may address them to: Judge Appointment Comments, Ninth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, 3101 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, IL 62704. Comments must arrive by Friday August 9, 2013. Comments must include contact information such as name and address, and should be brief, preferably no more than 250 words.

Notice of the vacancy and the appointment process was posted at various courthouses within the Ninth Judicial Circuit, comprised of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough and Warren counties.

Among qualities an applicant must possess are a demonstrated reputation for integrity and good character; a demonstrated commitment to equal justice under the law; outstanding legal ability and competence; and the appropriate demeanor, character and personality necessary for the judicial temperament required by a Circuit Court judge.
The person appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until December 1, 2014, when the position will be filled by the 2014 General Election.