Judges ceremony humorous but dignified

By Karla Pomeroy

Tuesday morning I traveled to Worland to the Washakie County Courthouse to attend the swearing-in ceremony and robing ceremony for Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Robert Skar. It was my first such ceremony and I found it to be enjoyable and not at all stuffy like I had feared and expected for a government-run ceremony. Mike Messenger, speaking for the Judicial Nominating Commission, was the first guest speaker and spoke about the selection process. Things then turned a bit humorous with Scott McColloch, representing the State Bar, doing his interpretation of Johnny Carson’s Carmac the Magnificent, telling funny stories about Judge Skar and his clerks from Circuit Court.
Former Sen. Alan Simpson, who is always a delightful speaker, shared humorous stories of his early years in a courtroom. Governor Freudenthal, who with a touch of humor, talked about the seriousness of selecting a judge, followed him. He said often times if people are not happy with a judge, it comes back on the governor who appointed the judge.
Having worked with Judge Skar when I worked in Lovell, I agree that the governor indeed made a good pick for a District Court judge to replace Gary Hartman. I believe Skar has a good knowledge of the law and works to be fair to attorneys, plaintiffs, victims and defendants. I believe justice will be served under Judge Skar.
Freudenthal mentioned that he gets complaints from people when there is too much laughter at these types of ceremonies. I found that surprising but am sure some people feel that it should be a solemn occasion but I think when a person is being robed as a district court judge it should be a celebration and laughter is a good indication of a festive atmosphere.
I enjoyed the ceremony and thought it had just the right amount of seriousness, humor and dignity. All five Supreme Court justices were in attendance with Chief Justice Barton R. Voigt administering the oath of office. Judge Skar’s wife, Rhonda, had the honor of conducting the actual robing of her husband.
I think it is good for people to see our judicial leaders and our government leaders lighten up and enjoy themselves while still attending to the task at hand. And plenty of people were able to witness that on Tuesday with a standing-room-only crowd packed into the courtroom.
Good Luck District Court Judge Robert Skar.
I now hope that the Judicial Nominating Committee and Governor Freudenthal select someone of the same caliber to replace Skar as our Circuit Court judge.