Item B: Mid-Point Evaluation for Judge Allen

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Central Services Municipal Court City of Eugene 777 Pearl Street, Room 104 Eugene Oregon 97401 (541)682-5400 (541)682-5417 FAX (541)682-5058 TTY M E M O R A N D U M www.eugene-or.gov Date: September 15, 2008 To: Mayor Piercy and City Council From: Kristie Hammitt, Court Administrator, 682-5019 Subject: Summary of Mid-Point Evaluation Input for Presiding Judge Wayne Allen The Eugene City Code, Section 2.011 (2) sets forth a specific process for the Council to review the performance of the Municipal Court Presiding Judge. The Eugene City Code requires a limited survey to solicit feedback regarding the Presiding Judge’s performance at the mid-point of his 4-year contract term. A total of 100 surveys were distributed in May to the City Prosecutor’s Office, the attorneys who provide defense counsel, the Eugene Police Department and to court staff. Fifty-two surveys were returned. All survey responses are anonymous to promote openness. The survey asked for ratings and comments in six areas: Legal Ability, Integrity, Communication Skill, Judicial Temperament and Conduct, Administrative Ability, and Settlement Activities. The evaluation form also asked for comments on Judge Allen’s overall judicial performance. The feedback was very positive for the most part, as the following information indicates. Agreed or Insufficient Strongly Disagreed Information to Evaluation Category Agreed Rate Legal Ability 49 1 2 Integrity 48 3 1 Communication Skill 48 1 3 Judicial Temperament & Conduct 50 1 1 Administrative 30 1 15 Settlement Activities 31 0 18 *Six people did not rate the Administrative Section and three people did not rate the Settlement Activities section. Some comments regarding overall performance provide additional insight. Judge Allen “is fair, impartial and knowledgeable. He is open to discussion both from staff and defendants.” “I appreciate Judge Allen’s judicial temperament. His balance of compassion and duty to hold offenders responsible for their actions is admirable.” Judge Allen is “fair and unbiased. I enjoy appearing in front of him.” “I believe that Judge Allen is a professional and fair judge.” A police officer commented “He is fair, but also holds people, including officers, accountable for their actions and mistakes.” Judge Allen’s “demeanor is appropriate, commands respect and gives it in the courtroom.” “Judge Allen remains a strong asset to the court with his leadership and temperament.” If you have questions or need more information about the evaluation input please contact me at 682-5019 or via email at kristie.a.hammitt@ci.eugene.or.us.