Commission confirms Stephen Whiting as justice court judge, one commissioner records opposition

The San Juan County Commission voted Feb. 3 to appoint Stephen Whiting as a justice court judge following a candidate vetting process coordinated with the Utah courts and a nominating committee.

Tanner (HR director) summarized the selection: the Utah judicial court system handled the application intake, a nominating committee reviewed candidates and submitted three names to the county, commissioners conducted interviews and selected an offer and salary. Tanner said the offer was made, accepted and signed by Stephen Whiting. Staff will forward the approved name to the Utah courts for final processing and orientation; the Utah courts will consider the appointment at a Feb. 23 meeting on their calendar.

A motion to confirm Whiting passed, though one commissioner stated opposition for the record during the public vote.