COUNTY News:

Upon further review of State statute, the Los Alamos County Attorney has determined the County should change the end date for the term that had been specified in earlier public notifications about the upcoming Probate Judge vacancy. 

The selected applicant who fills the vacancy left by current Probate Judge Christine Chandler will fill the position until Dec. 31, 2016. The original notice to the public for letters of interest last month had indicated that the successful applicant would fill Chandler’s unexpired term, which began in 2014 and expires in 2018. However, with 2016 being a general election year, the County Attorney interpreted from State statute that the more appropriate process is to fill the vacancy through the democratic voting process that would be required for any elected position.

Therefore, the applicants who applied have been notified today by the County that, if appointed, their term will end in 2016 unless they file to run for the office of Probate Judge and successfully win the election this November. Filing day is March 8 for any elected office vacancy in Los Alamos County. If the applicant wishes to withdraw their application, given this change in term limit and the adjusted process, their letter of interest will be removed from consideration at the upcoming council meeting Feb. 16.

Under State law, any qualified person over the age of 18 who is a resident of Los Alamos County may serve as Probate Judge.

Chandler’s resignation takes effect Feb. 20, 2016. Candidates who submitted a letter and wish to continue with the process for consideration and possible appointment until the end of 2016 will be expected to attend the February 16th Council meeting to respond to questions from the Council about their letter and qualifications. The Council meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

For more information about the duties of the Probate Judge or responsibilities of Probate Court, visit https:////www.losalamosnm.us/clerk/Pages/ProbateCourt.aspx