For Immediate Release: January 22, 2015
Contact: Rep. Todd Novak, 608-266-7502
Rep. Novak applauds Constitutional Amendment on Election of Chief Justice
Madison… Representative Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville) released the following statement after voting to approve an amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution to allow the state’s Supreme Court Justices to elect their own Chief Justice:
“This is not new territory for state Supreme Courts. Wisconsin would now join 23 other states that utilize the concept and have peer selection for their Chief Justice,” said Rep. Novak. “The structure that allows members to elect our leaders in the Legislature has a proven track record of success; it seems just, that the Judicial branch be granted the same privilege.”
The amendment grants the Supreme Court Justices the power to elect their Chief Justice for a term lasting two-years. The amendment effectively alters the selection process that will now encourage engagement, input, and cooperation of the seven Supreme Court Justices, equipping them with a useful democratic tool to run Wisconsin’s highest court. Prior to this amendment, seniority was used as the exclusive piece of criteria.
Rep. Novak’s office is located at 304 North in the Wisconsin State Capitol. He can be contacted by phone at (608) 266-7502 or by e-mail at Rep.Novak@legis.wisconsin.gov.
Representative Novak serves the 51st Assembly District, which includes parts of Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Richland, and Sauk Counties.
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