ANNAPOLIS — There is an upcoming vacancy in the Circuit Court for Somerset County due to the retirement of the Honorable Daniel M. Long on Dec. 31, 2016. This vacancy is to be filled by appointment of Gov. Larry Hogan.

Appointed to the bench in July 1990 by Gov. William Donald Schaefer, Judge Long said back in February that he would like to spend the winter months down south where his children and grandchildren live. “Everything comes to an end,” he said, adding, “It’s time for somebody else.”

Judge Long would not have reached the state’s mandatory retirement age of 70 until July 29, 2017 and he is expected to continue as a retired judge after the appointment of a successor, but on a reduced schedule. Former District Court Judge R. Patrick Hayman called the mandatory retirement age “legislative senility” and served seven years past his December 2008 retirement until stepping down for good on New Year’s Eve 2015.

In August and September of next year two Worcester County Circuit Court judges, Tom Groton and Richard Bloxom, each turn 70, and successors for them will also be needed. Crisfield attorney John Phoebus, who is chairing the committee to consider candidates to replace Judge Long, also led the group to find a successor for Wicomico County Judge W. Newton Jackson III. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to get the best qualified person,” Mr. Phoebus said earlier this year. And despite what may appear to be partisan, “You don’t see the politics in it.”

Any judge or lawyer interested in appointment to this vacancy should complete the personal data questionnaire which is available as a downloadable document on the Judiciary’s website at www.mdcourts.gov.  Any applicant who reapplies to a commission with whom they have filed a personal data questionnaire within the past twenty-four months need not file a new questionnaire.  The candidate may submit a letter stating that he or she is reapplying and submit any changes that have occurred since the submission of the earlier questionnaire. Any questions about the application process should be directed to Debra L. Kaminski or Connie Winkel at the Administrative Office of the Courts at 410-260-1271/410-260-1275 or Maryland Relay Service (TTY/Voice) 1-800-735-2258.

The completed personal data questionnaire and two writing samples (at least 17 copies – see questionnaire as to additional copies) must be received by Debra L. Kaminski or Connie Winkel in the Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources Department, Maryland Judicial Center, 580 Taylor Avenue, Building A, First Floor, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401, by the close of business at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2016.  Late applications will not be accepted.

Along with Mr. Phoebus, committee members are Catherine Carroll-Fischer, Esq.; Ernest I. Cornbrooks, III, Esq.; Pamela M. Correa, Esq.; Howard H. Crossan; Russell C. Dashiell, Jr., Esq.; Michelle R. Fager, Esq.; Stephen G. Frey; Kelley Spahn McFadden, Esq.; Joseph E. Morse; James L. Otway, Esq.; Heather Stansbury, Esq.; and Louis H. Taylor.