Citizens should be wary

Dear Editor,

Iowans must be wary of Republican legislation in the State Senate to turn back the clock on how we select our judges. The News reported on the legislation March 15.

Iowa's system of eleven member Judicial Nominating Commissions is regarded as among the best in the nation in removing partisan politics from the aspect of government most in need of impartiality. Our courts. Citizens can be cheated when judges are picked through partisan politics.

The Commission focus is on one issue: qualifications through education and experience. Five members are Iowa attorneys. Five are not. A senior judge serves as chairman.

Republicans don't like some court decisions so their is a rush to push through SF 237 and to return Commission member selection to the days of political hackery. They want to remove attorneys from the Commission selection equation.

Really? Who better knows the qualifications for the judiciary than an attorney? Certainly not a politician whose influence can be bought.

Hundreds of volunteer Iowans from all walks of life have served on these commissions. Why have they not been interviewed? Why do we not see news accounts of the legislature surveying those having had commission experience?

Iowans are not getting a full picture here. And, that's what they are counting on.

Dave Helman, of Salem