Despite a quick 5-0 vote with one abstention, concerns linger over the newly appointed city judges.
Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem abstained from Tuesday”s vote when the candidates endorsed by the majority of the judge interview committee, on which Karriem was included, were not recommended to the council.
Ward 1 Councilman Gene Taylor moved lawyers Nicole Clinkscales and Marc Amos be appointed to fill the position, which was split following the passing of the late Judge Curtis Austin.
The interview committee, which included Mayor Robert Smith, Human Resources Director Pat Mitchell, Police Chief Joseph St. John, City Administrator David Armstrong, Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens and Karriem, voted unanimously for Clinkscales but three members voted for attorney Shane Tompkins and two voted for Amos.
Mickens was unable to attend the interview meetings and did not vote until Tuesday”s council meeting.
“Coming out of the committee I was under the impression the votes were there for those two candidates (Clinkscales and Thompkins),” said Karriem. “But evidently it had changed by the time it got to the council.”
Smith, who favored Amos based on experience and seniority, stated Mickens” vote in favor of Amos at the council meeting indicates the interview committee was split and had no recommendation between Amos and Tompkins.
Mitchell based her ultimate decision for Amos on the fact that he is a civil attorney. Clinkscales and Tompkins are both criminal attorneys and Mitchell felt it best to have one judge from each school of law on the bench.
St. John praised all three candidates, and Armstrong declined comment on his recommendation.
Karriem disagreed with Amos” experience, pointing out Amos hasn”t argued and cases in municipal court.
Mickens and Ward 4 Councilman Fred Stewart also based their votes for Amos on age and familiarity.
Ward 6 Councilman Charlie Box had hoped to vote for each candidate individually, because he wanted Amos and Tompkins on the bench.
Gavin expressed concern over the fact Clinkscales” sister works in the city drug court and a pending misdemeanor charge of failure to obey a police officer.
Clinkscales was arrested in June 2009 after a neighbor called the police on her for disciplining her son outdoors. When police arrived, the report states Clinkscales ignored orders to calm down.
The case was originally scheduled to be heard in municipal court, but Austin recused himself due to a personal friendship with Clinkscales. The unsigned order to send the case to Justice Court was on his desk at the time of his death in October.
One of three interim judges sharing the city judge position until replacements were appointed signed the order. No date has been set for the trial.
City Attorney Jeff Turnage is unaware of any language in the city judge job description which would disqualify Clinkscales from service if she”s found guilty of a misdemeanor.
Karriem said the charge was discussed during Clinkscales” interview and was not thought to be a major concern.
“A woman has to be able to discipline her children,” he said.
Mickens expressed his confidence Clinkscales will be an excellent city judge.
“Nicole is very determined, very adamant and a strong person. I think a judge has to have that characteristic. She has her own identity,” he said.
Mickens said he would have preferred to see more minority candidates apply for the position.
All members of the interview committee to comment for this story praised all three candidates.
Several councilmen said Tompkins will be heard from again.
“Shane is a nice young guy with a bright future,” said Stewart. “If he stays in Columbus long enough he”ll end up on some boards. His time will come.”
Jason Browne was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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