This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
As a candidate for Salt Lake County Clerk, I frequently get asked questions about how to vet judges that are up for retention elections. I was excited when I saw the May 1 Tribune column written by Supreme Court Justice Chief Mathew Durrant stating that judicial evaluations are available at http://www.judges.utah.gov
Unfortunately when you go to the website and click on your county, it states that these reports will be published "just prior to the 2014 election." And when you click on the survey link it states, "The resource cannot not be found."
As these reports were completed earlier this year, I would like to make a public request that these reports be posted immediately on the site indicated so voters have plenty of time to view the reports and do their own research.
I also would suggest to voters that they ask prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs and court clerks for experienced and insightful information about judges. Voters can also sit in the courtrooms to observe judges. Earlier release of this crucial information would help voters make the informed choices regarding the individuals in charge of our courtrooms and interpreting our laws.
Wanda Amann
Sandy