Rich Melnick, a resident of Hockinson, was sworn in Feb. 1 as a Clark County Superior Court Judge, replacing the retiring Robert L. Harris.
Melnick was appointed to the post by Gov. Christine Gregoire.
Melnick has served as a District Court judge since 2004, and before that was a Clark County deputy prosecuting attorney for 23 years.
Gov. Gregoire praised Melnick during her Jan. 15 announcement of the appointment. “I am truly impressed with Judge Melnick’s contributions to his community, not only in the courtroom, but as a volunteer,” said Gregoire. “It is clear that Judge Melnick deeply cares about the people he serves. I am confident that he will bring a high level of integrity to this position and serve the citizens of Clark County well.”
Melnick, 54, was the presiding judge for Clark County’s Substance Abuse Court.
“Judge Melnick will be an excellent addition to the Clark County Superior Court bench,” said Clark County prosecutor Art Curtis. “It has been a pleasure working with him in the District Court, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”
Melnick has made serving holiday meals to the area’s homeless an annual tradition. He is a board member of the TODAY Foundation, which supports youth athletes. He coaches soccer and basketball teams, and raises money for teams. He also helps high school students prepare for mock trial competitions. Melnick said he planned to remain active in his various community projects.
“I thank Gov. Gregoire for her confidence in me to serve in this role,” said Melnick. “I appreciate this opportunity and am honored to serve the citizens of Clark County in this new capacity. I fully understand that my rulings have a real impact on people’s lives, and will continue to keep that in mind as I make decisions.”
Melnick earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Northwestern University in Chicago and a law degree from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College in Portland.
To retain his position as Clark County Superior Court judge, Melnick will need to file in June and run for election in the November 2010 general election for the two years remaining on Judge Harris’ term.
Five other people applied for the Superior Court position, including Vancouver attorneys Peter Fels, David Gregerson and Mark Baum, and two court administrators.
District Court replacement
Clark County administrator Bill Barron said replacing Judge Melnick on the District Court bench could take up to 90 days, depending on how many attorneys apply for the position.
Applications to replace Melnick are due by March 1, after which the Clark County Bar Association will conduct a judicial preference poll among its members and a judicial selection committee will interview applicants and recommend finalists to the board.
The Clark County commissioners will appoint Melnick’s replacement who then must file in June to be a candidate in the November general election.