Judicial conduct nominees forwarded to joint session after testimony and public comment

The Senate Judiciary Committee reviewed three gubernatorial appointees to the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct on April 15 and recommended forwarding their names to a joint session for consideration.

Aldine Kilburn (self‑identified) described her role as a second‑term public‑seat member, explained the commission’s investigatory role and the confidentiality that protects complainants and the commission’s work until probable cause is found, and said the commission disciplines judges only when misconduct is proven.

Jane Steiner Moores, an attorney reappointed to the commission, outlined her 35‑plus years practicing law in Alaska and said the nine‑member commission takes its oversight role seriously and values public trust. Senators asked Moores about statutory qualifications and impartiality. Moores explained the staff review and jurisdictional screening process, and said staff and commissioners review records and audio when assessing jurisdictional issues.

Donald William McClintock, an attorney with roughly 45 years’ practice, discussed the commission’s confidential investigatory phases and said complaints are handled quietly until staff and the commission determine probable cause, at which point public notice is provided and there is an opportunity for additional public input.

Public commenters raised procedural concerns about the commission. Betty Jo Moore urged term limits for commission members and said the commission "is not functioning to enhance justice for all Alaskans," while Ed Martin Jr. urged the committee to review recent commission meetings and decisions before forwarding names. Committee members asked nominees about procedural safeguards, confidentiality and how complainants are involved in the review process.

Senator Tobin moved that the committee forward the nominees Aldine Kilburn (self‑identified), Donald McClintock and Jane Moores to a joint session for consideration; the chair said the names would be forwarded. The transcript records the recommendation to forward the appointments but does not record a roll‑call confirmation vote in committee.

What happens next: The nominees will be considered in a joint session of the legislature; the committee made a procedural recommendation to forward the names but did not record a final confirmation in this hearing.