Bazzoli named new judge

County prosecutor Aaron Bazzoli has been selected by the state judicial council to be the next magistrate judge for Elmore County.

Bazzoli will assume the bench upon the retirement of Judge John Sellmen in June.

The current county prosecutor, in his second term of office, was one of seven candidates who had applied for the position, including two others from Elmore County, Phil Miller and Terry Ratliff.

The Elmore County Republican Central Committee is now launching a search for a qualified replacement for Bazzoli. A subcommittee has been formed and each candidate submitting a request for consideration will be offered a brief opportunity to make a presentation before that subcommittee and the full central committee during the party's regular central committee meeting on May 26 at 7 p.m. at the Desert Wind Golf Range.

The party then will send three nominations to the county commissioners, who will make the final selection for Bazzoli's replacement, who will fill out the remainder of Bazzoli's term.

Central committee Chairman Frank Edes said the committee is primarily concerned with finding qualified candidates to nominate, more so than worrying about party affiliation. "The priority criteria is their capability as a lawyer," he said.

Applications can be picked up by contacting Vivian Garcia at the elections desk in the recorder's office at the courthouse.