CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former House of Delegates Chief of Staff Dan Greear took the oath of office Monday as Kanawha County circuit judge.
Greear, 49, a South Charleston native, was appointed by Gov. Jim Justice to take the place of the recently retired Judge Jim Stucky.
Greear told the large crowd gathered in the Ceremonial Courtroom at the Kanawha County Courthouse Monday afternoon he would have three goals as judge.
“I know how hard attorneys work to try their cases and I want to bring the same dedication and work ethic. Treat people fairly no matter who is coming in front of me. Whether they agree or disagree, I want them to feel like they got a fair shake and we considered their position thoughtfully and just apply the law. I’m not here to create law or create policy, but just to apply the laws,” Greear said.
Greear’s appointment is only for three months. The rest of Stucky’s term, six years, will be up for election in November. Greear will run for the seat. Several other Kanawha County lawyers have expressed interest including Charleston attorney Tara Salango. The filing period is set for next month.
Judge Stucky was among those on hand for Monday’s swearing-in.