Item B: Judicial Evaluation Committee Report

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own standards, and developing a selection and training program to develop a pool of qualified Spanish interpreters to meet the court's needs. Response to 2006 Survey · In response to the comments expressing the desire for Judge Allen to do more community outreach, Judge Allen and the committee discussed the May 1 Law Day open public forum which, at that time, was being planned. The committee pointed out how difficult it is for a judge to do community outreach when they must always be perceived as being neutral. · Judge Allen discussed the coaching and counseling he has provided to the judges who report to him. Maior Issues for the Court from 2006 Survey . Judge Allen pointed out it will be a big change for the court when the current Court Administrator retires. · The change in case type and complexity continue to be a concern for Judge Allen as well as the survey respondents. As potentially more serious cases are shifted to the municipal court, the ability of the court to deal effectively with community quality oflife issues may be compromised. . Regarding lack of space for the court, Judge Allen pointed out that the court has been involved in the City's efforts to define future space needs and plan for a new City Hall, as well as possible interim court space. . There was interest expressed in survey responses for the court to become a court of record. Given that there are so few appeals, Judge Allen and the committee did not feel the cost of the staff and technology would warrant this effort at this time. Where Is Municipal Court Heading? The next four years will very likely provide the City Council with the opportunity to further define the kind of court it wants its municipal court to be, as on-going budget reductions at the State and County level further reduce the ability of the District Attorney and the Circuit Court to handle misdemeanor offenses. The court and Judge Allen consistently get high ratings on their performance because of the size, resources and collaborative nature of this court to be innovative and responsive to community concerns. With more serious and complex cases added to an already full caseload, it will be less and less possible for the municipal court to deal with quality of life issues, offer educational diversion programs, and provide extra services to marginalized populations. Eugene Municipal Court has just completed a year-long effort to develop a shared vision for the court to the year 2015. This vision statement was shared with the committee, and its development involved judges, staff and key stakeholders within and outside the City organization. COMMITTEE FINDINGS The committee expresses its appreciation to Judge Allen for his service as presiding judge for the past four years. In particular, he should be recognized for the work he has done to address issues of the mentally ill and the Spanish-speaking community.