State Senator Eric D. Coleman
April 28, 2008
Coleman and Black and Latino Caucus Express Concern About Minority Representation of Judges in the State
Connecticut's Legislative Black and Latino Caucus held a press conference today to express dissatisfaction with the candidates appointed to be judges in Connecticut's courts.
Since 2005, over 30 newly appointed judges have been submitted for confirmation by Governor M. Jodi Rell, but only two or less than 7% are of African-American or Latino descent. The caucus feels that there needs to be a more aggressive campaign to recruit minority candidates to become judges in the state of Connecticut. These concerns have also been expressed by the Connecticut Minority Supplier Development Council and the NAACP.
"It is in the interest of our state to maintain and improve the racial composition throughout all branches of government," said Rep. Don Clemons. "No one should feel that they are only pawns in a game of chess. We need to look into recruitment, mentoring, and ensuring that our talented pool of minorities has every opportunity to attain their goals in the state of Connecticut."
According to recent statistics from the American Bar Association, there are only seventeen African Americans and five Latino judges in the state of Connecticut.
"It is imperative that our judicial system represent an array of individuals from various life experiences, conditions, and environments," said Rep. Kenneth Green. "Therefore, we are calling on Gov. Rell to hold a meeting with the caucus to ensure that diversity is reflected in our judgeships." "We must do better," said Senator Eric Coleman, a member of the Judiciary Committee. "The members of the Black and Latino Caucus stand ready to assist in identifying and encouraging individuals of African American and Latino descent to apply and become successful judges in the state of Connecticut."
The Legislative Black and Latino Caucus and the NAACP have written letters to the governor expressing their concerns on this issue. They have requested a meeting with Governor Rell to "discuss meeting the goal of nominating qualified candidates to the judicial branch that also represents the demographics of the state of Connecticut".
|
Senator Coleman’s |
Listing of Senator Coleman’s recent press releases and a Press Kit with official head shots and bio. |
Press Aide Lloyd Wimbish |
