Title
Appointment of Felicia L. Orth, as the Alternate Judge for Los Alamos Municipal Court.
Recommended Action
I move that the Council accept Felicia L. Orth, submitted by the Municipal Judge, to serve as a temporary judge during temporary incapacity or absence of the duly elected judge.
Body
Felicia Orth is a resident of Los Alamos County pursuant to the requirements in Municipal Code Sec. 26-44. Ms. Orth has a Juris Doctorate (JD) from University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has been practicing law in New Mexico since 1987. Ms. Orth has previously been the Los Alamos assistant County Attorney (1996-2000) and been an Administrative Law Judge for the Air Quality Control Board, the Environmental Protection Agency, the New Mexico Environment Department, the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the New Mexico Horse Racing Commission and the New Mexico Medical Board. Ms. Orth would serve as Alternate Judge, as filed with the County Clerk, during times when the Elected Official would be incapacitated or absent for an extended period of time. Council is being asked to approve the appointment of Felicia L. Orth - who has expressed a desire to act in this capacity.
Alternatives
Council could choose to not have an Alternate Municipal Court Judge. Cases would have to be delayed or dismissed without the service of a Judge.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
The cost for an alternate judge is earmarked in the Municipal Court budget. This amount is budgeted at an est. of $500 a year and will be paid as a vendor, not an employee of Los Alamos County.