Perkins picks Green to preside

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Selma residents will have a chance at getting justice served more efficiently, according to the Mayor.

Mayor James Perkins Jr. appointed Judge Christmas Green as presiding part-time judge of the city court, with Judge Valerie Chittom serving in the city court’s associate position.

The decision, announced yesterday, gives the city’s court system a structure, part of the city’s plan for months.

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“It’s court reform,” Perkins said at a press conference. “It’s about doing a better job in the court.”

Chittom and Green were appointed by the City Council at the last meeting, on Feb. 14., by a secret ballot.

Chittom was elected to the position unanimously, Green received five votes.

The candidates went through two rounds of interviews with the city.

Councilman Reid Cain, who presided over the process as Public Safety Committee Chair, was pleased with the results despite being roundly criticized by other members of the council throughout.

“I am elated about our new municipal judges,” Cain said.

Some members of the community criticized the council for their decision.

Green said she was aware of the controversy surrounding the issue, but that wouldn’t be a deterrent to doing her job.

“I’m just pleased to be given the opportunity to serve the city of Selma,” she said.

Green said she’s already discussed changing the courts structure.

One change was actually implemented while Green worked as interim judge with fellow candidate April England Albright was an alternating docket.

“We’re hoping to cut down on the wait people experience when they come to court,” she said.

She’s also hoping to set up a payment system for fines and fees.

“We think that will increase the revenue,” she said. “It makes no sense to turn people away with (partial payments).”

Perkins’ announcement included high praise for both candidates.

“Last week, I met separately with both judges to discuss my interest with court management issues,” he said in a prepared statement. “During our discussions both expressed their desire to work together as a team to fulfill the mission of the court. I was convinced that both are qualified to serve in the presiding role.”

The statement also defined the difference between the presiding judge and the part-time judge.

“I anticipate both judges having the same amount of bench time,” Perkins said. “The added responsibility of the presiding judge is meeting with the magistrate, police chief, mayor, city council and citizens to strengthen communications and solve non-case related system problems.”

Perkins said both Judges would start work today.