Commission nominates Gookin as district judge

Fairfield attorney and city council member Myron Gookin is a final nominee to fill the vacant District 8A District Court Judge seat.

After interviews Thursday and Friday in the Court Administrator?s office in Ottumwa, the Judicial Nominating Commission narrowed the 10 applications to Gookin and Mark E. Kruse of Burlington, an associate district judge.

The commission will submit the names of Gookin and Kruse to Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who will appoint one person to the position within 30 days.

Gookin was born and reared in Fairfield. He graduated from Fairfield High School in 1976. After attending Iowa Wesleyan College for two years, he transferred to Iowa State University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1980. He continued his education and graduated from the Drake University Law School with a juris doctorate in 1983. He has been with Foss, Kuiken, Gookin and Cochran P.C. since 1983.

Gookin and his wife Ann have three children, and he is active in many church and community organizations.

Gookin was not available for comment this morning.

The District 8A District Court Judge seat became vacant when Judge Michael Mullins was appointed to the Court of Appeals June 9.

Applications from those interested in the position were due to the Court Administrator?s Office July 18. In addition to Gookin and Kruse, others who submitted applications were: Robert E. Breckenridge II of Ottumwa; Michael O. Carpenter of Ottumwa; Randy S. DeGeest of Oskaloosa; Barbara A. Edmondson of Washington; Kristin W. Ensign of Urbandale; Daniel P. Kitchen of Washington; Kathryn J. Salazar of Washington; and David M. Van Compernolle of Pleasant Hill.

Seven interviews were held Thursday and three were held Friday.