State HouseSaturday, November 7
Gov. McKee names three more judicial nominees, and the Senate hasn't formally received them yet
The 5AM North Providence team
If you follow the courts, Gov. Dan McKee delivered three more judicial nominations to Senate leaders Friday, Nov. 6. He named two new Superior Court justices and a chief judge for the District Court.
McKee named one chief judge and two Superior Court justices
| Nominee | Would fill | Current role |
|---|---|---|
| Debra Saunders | District Court chief judge | District Court associate judge |
| Denise Cassisi Finkelman | Superior Court associate justice | Family Court magistrate |
| Carly B. Iafrate | Superior Court associate justice | Employment attorney |
Source: Rhode Island Current
Saunders would replace Jeanne E. LaFazia, who retired Oct. 9. The Judicial Nominating Commission sent McKee five names on Oct. 23, including former state Sen. Stephen Archambault, who represented Smithfield, Johnston and North Providence from 2013 through 2022. Saunders had support from all eight commission members. The chief judge runs the busiest court in Rhode Island, some 60,000 cases a year.
- Senate Judiciary hearings: Nov. 17 and 18
- Committee size: 10 members
- Chief judge starting salary: $232,907
- McKee leaves office: January
The nominations follow a retirement and a commission vote
- Oct. 9Chief Judge Jeanne E. LaFazia retires after 16 years on the bench.
- Oct. 23Judicial Nominating Commission sends five names to McKee for chief judge.
- Nov. 6McKee names Saunders and two Superior Court nominees.
- Nov. 17Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to begin considering nominees, meeting through Nov. 18.
Sources: Rhode Island Current, Rams Wire
Sources: Rhode Island Current, Rams Wire