SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – With the 31st Judicial Circuit (Greene County) facing unprecedented turnover among its judges, local leaders wanted to learn more about how the process for replacing retiring judges works. So Circuit Judge Jerry Harmison Jr. took time during the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's quarterly public policy seminar to explain.

Harmison told the audience, while some judges may choose to leave earlier, the state constitution requires all judges to retire at age 70. Harmison noted he had just been elevated in September to replace a retired circuit judge on the court, creating a vacancy in his old associate circuit judge position. At the time he spoke, Greene County had filled that position but had two others pending, with more vacancies expected due to retirement in the coming months.

He also explained how Missouri's nonpartisan court plan – adopted in November 2008 by Greene County voters for their local circuit and associate circuit judges – works to ensure vacancies on the bench are filled with high-quality candidates. He noted local voters have the opportunity to decide whether to retain a new judge in the first general election after the judge has been in the new position for at least a year. He also answered other questions about how the court is ensuring smooth transitions with no gap in services for the public.

"It was a truly wonderful event, and so nice to have Judge Harmison at the Chamber," Sandy Howard, the chamber's senior vice president for public affairs, said. "His ability to inspire people and his strong servant leadership are admirable, refreshing, and a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season. Our community is so very lucky to have him!"

Those in attendance at the quarterly public policy seminar included Springfield's mayor and city manager, the director of the Springfield-Branson National Airport, the clerk of the Greene County circuit court, bank presidents, and many owners and leaders of area businesses.