Carefree Truth

Issue #356, November 17, 2014

 

 

 

When Judge Scull announced his intention to retire as the Chief Magistrate of the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Courts after 14 years of service, the search for his replacement began.  A committee was formed consisting of Mayor David Schwan, Councilman Glenn Miller, Town Administrator Gary Neiss, Town Attorney Mike Wright, and Town Clerk Kandace French.  Mrs. French had previous experience in the judicial selection process at the State level, so had a wealth of experience and knowledge. 

 

 

 

The position for a new judge was posted for 6 weeks.  31 candidates applied.  The final vetting process left 6 finalists who were then interviewed by the committee, and a recommendation was made to hire Stephanie Olohan.  She has served on both sides of the bench, as a prosecutor and as a pro tem municipal judge, and has presided over a wide variety of cases.  Her in-depth experience is complemented by her exceptional communication skills.  

 

 

 

 

The criteria included 10 years of progressive judicial experience, supervisory/management experience in the judicial environment, availability at all hours, budget/finance experience, experience in processing misdemeanor offenses, being a member in good standing of the Arizona Bar Association, and passing MCSO and Judicial Conduct Commission background checks.  The Town of Carefree required the judge to be patient, courteous, and quality focused, with excellent writing and verbal skills, and a willingness to make a long term commitment.  Carefree has a small staff of 15, and the members are like a family.

 

 

 

 

The position is for a contract employee receiving no benefits, earning $45,000 per year, with reimbursement for the court mandated expenses of continuing education seminars and Arizona Bar Association dues.  The employment contract is for 4 years.

 

 

 

Ms. Olohan thanked the Town for this opportunity and said she is excited to join the Carefree "family".  Her legal career began 12+ years ago, and the majority of it has been spent at the municipal court level.  She feels that is where her level of expertise lies and it is where she feels most at home.  Mr. Miller jokingly told her that now she will have a place to put her books.  She agreed that she will be happy to no longer be a nomad, and to have a place to put her books.

 

 

 

Mr. Neiss said the court does an excellent job, as shown by the most recent "clean" audit.  The Town is very thankful for the 14 years of leadership provided by Judge Scull, including leading the court through the consolidation transitional period. 

Mayor Schwan recognized Judge Scull for his service.  Vice Mayor Les Peterson thanked the Judge and remarked that his reputation is known throughout the court system.  Judge Scull said that it has been a real honor and a great experience, the capstone of his career.  Although he is ready to retire, he stated his willingness to help however he could in the future, be it as an advisor, a pro tem judge, or whatever was needed, and that he loves Carefree and Cave Creek.    

 

 

 

The Mayor said that, while the choice was difficult, as there were many well qualified candidates, he felt confident that Ms. Olohan was the best choice.  The Council unanimously approved Stephanie Olohan as the new Presiding Judge for the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court. 

 

http://vimeo.com/user18676056/review/111302553/7efa4f09ec

 

 

Lyn Hitchon

 

 

 

Prepared by Carefree Truth

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