Colleagues Tap Former Chief Judge Kaye To Head Judicial Panel

JUDITH S. KAYE: Back in judicial saddle.

Former Chief Judge of the State Court of Appeals Judith S. Kaye May 21 was elected the new chairperson of the State Commission on Judicial Nomination.

"I am honored that Governor Paterson appointed me to the Commission and am now doubly honored to be chosen to serve as chair," Ms. Kaye, who was forced to retire because she reached the maximum age of 70, remarked.

Paterson Clashed With Panel

Ms. Kaye was appointed by Governor Paterson to serve a term that expires in 2013 after he criticized the all-male slate of choices by the Commission to replace the first female Chief Judge. Mr. Paterson ultimately selected Jonathan Lippman as her successor after publicly sparring with the Commission when he asked for new names.

The Commission nominates seven people for a vacancy in the office of Chief Judge, from whom the Governor must select his appointment for the vacancy. But that appointment is subject to confirmation by the State Senate. Of the 12 members of the Commission, four are chosen by the Governor, four by the Chief Judge, and one each by the Assembly Speaker, Temporary President of the Senate, the Senate Minority Leader and Assembly Minority Leader.

Ms. Kaye will preside over Commission meetings and act as the organization's sole spokeswoman. T.H.