Steve Stobbs
Madison County's new associate judge, Godfrey attorney Stephen Stobbs, will be sworn into office June 19 -- right after he resigns his county board seat.
Stobbs, a Republican, was elected on a first ballot by the nine circuit judges of the Third Judicial Circuit on June 6.
Once Stobbs resigns his seat, Madison County Board Chairman Alan Dunstan has 60 days to fill his vacant post. Dunstan has said that he plans to make the appointment at the next county board meeting.
Dunstan must appoint a Republican to fill Stobbs vacated position. Gene Frizzo, who ran against Dunstan in 2004, and Godfrey Village Board Trustee Mike Walters have expressed interest in the seat.
Traditionally, Republican county board members nominate an individual to the seat, however Dunstan is not obligated to appoint the nominee.
Stobbs is serving his third term as a Madison County Board member and chairs its Judiciary Committee.
In April, the Third Circuit -- which includes Madison and Bond counties -- learned it was gaining a new associate judge position due to population gains reflected in the 2000 U.S. Census report. Statewide, a total of 26 new associate judgeships were authorized. The positions have gone unfilled so long due to budgetary constraints, according to a spokesman from the Illinois Supreme Court.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier is expected to attend Stobbs' ceremony.
Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis said Stobbs' county governmental experience gives him a "unique" perspective that will benefit the court.
"Steve will bring a new energy and a balance to our court system," Callis stated in a press release. "We welcome him to the bench and look foward to the beginning of a long judicial career."
Stobbs' law practice focused primarily in the areas of probate and estate, elder law, as well as trusts, will, estate planning, civil litigation, commercial and residential real estate and small business representation.
He is a graduate of St. Louis University and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich. Stobbs is licensed to practice in Illinois and Missouri.
He and his wife, Katie, have three children, Madeline, Grace and Caroline, and are expecting their fourth child and first son in August.