There maybe last minute judicial candidates in the 2024 race and are we getting a new Commissioner?

Some sources about the courts have always been accurate. Others have a smidgen of accuracy and I have learned to ignore anything I hear from such "sources."

According to "smidgen sources", Commissioner Frances Greenleaf is retiring, however there was no date provided. If so, that position would be appointed. The same source claims that Tanya Ellis who currently is an attorney with self help and has the favor of current Presiding Judge Gregory Kreis is interested in that position. You may remember Ellis's name on a list aa she is scheduled for a deposition in the lawsuit filed against Judge Kreis by former deputy Public Defender Rory Kalin.

Ellis is an adequate attorney but her being a Commissioner and a temporary judge is not in the interest of justice or the public. There are several reasons & conflicts of interest if appointed and before giving someone more power, there should be transparency. Others running for a judicial position are scrutinized including their personal relationships and any conflict in the inner Humboldt court and legal circles; Ellis should be held to  same standards. Unless someone other than "smidgen sources" confirms this alleged interest by Ellis or Commissioner Greenleaf retiring, it seems more like courthouse whispers.

I had asked former Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin if he would run again for judge after he lost to former Deputy DA, now Judge Steven Steward. He told me no. Again, there are whisperings from the same  smidgen sources.  reached out to him. He responded, "Heck, no." 

I was the first to report that former Deputy Conflict Counsel April Van Dyke pulled papers to run against Judge Kreis. I have heard directly from one or two other potential candidates that may throw their hat in the race for judge at the last minute. If they do, there is one candidate who I think would make a good Judge and has the connections & recognition. It will not be that hard to defeat Kreis if the right candidate steps up. The candidate would have to run a campaign like Judge Steward to win.