Judge named to vacant Superior Court bench

Clark County District Court Judge Richard Melnick has been appointed to the Superior Court bench vacated last month by Judge Robert Harris, Gov. Chris Gregoire announced today.

The appointment is effective Feb. 1.

“I am truly impressed with Judge Melnick’s contributions to his community, not only in the courtroom, but as a volunteer,” Gregoire said in a statement. “It is clear that Judge Melnick deeply cares about the people he serves. I am confident that he will bring a high level of integrity to this position and serve the citizens of Clark County well.”

The governor interviewed several people for the position; Superior Court Commissioner Daniel Stahnke and Melnick were interviewed this week as finalists.

Though the Clark County Bar Association endorsed Stahnke in a preference poll, Melnick came in second.

Melnick has been a District Court judge since 2004 and is currently the presiding judge for Clark County’s substance abuse court. He also spent more than 20 years working at the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, most recently as a senior deputy prosecutor.

“I’m honored by the appointment by Gov. Gregoire,” Melnick said this afternoon. “They are big shoes to fill, but I hope I can fill Judge Harris’ shoes.”