Strickland takes a bold step in dealing with crucial issue

We can't imagine Ohio Democratic Party insiders -- at least those who embrace the philosophy that to the victor belongs the spoils -- being particularly pleased with Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland's establishing an objective process for filling judicial vacancies.
After all, the state Constitution gives the governor sole authority to fill vacant positions in Ohio's courts. Partisan appointments have been the spoils that come with winning the governorship.
Strickland's swearing in at the beginning of January marked the first time in the past 16 years that a Democrat has occupied the top office in state government. And with the party being out in the political cold for so long, it is understandable that there would be those eagerly awaiting the benefits that come with such power.
But this week, Strickland, a former congressman from Lisbon, sprinkled water on the victory blaze when he announced the establishment of the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendations Panel. The operative word is Recommendations. Unlike his predecessors, who sought advice from the state and county party chairmen and other prominent party members, Strickland is establishing a new standard that can be described in one word: Objective.
How? By giving the panel the responsibility of evaluating the qualifications of applicants for judicial vacancies and then making non-binding recommendations to the governor.
Critics could argue that the non-binding aspect of the procedure gives Strickland a way out, but in light of his commitment to "transparent and inclusive government" we expect that he will stay true to his goal of "selecting the most qualified judges to carry out the critical role of presiding over the courts in Ohio."
Strong credentials
The five panel members who have been appointed by the governor appear to have strong credentials to conduct a thorough screening. They will be assisted by regional groups of six members, who will be appointed by the governor as vacancies on the bench occur in their area of the state.
Strickland wants judicial vacancies to be publicized as widely as possible and says that any Ohio lawyer who meets the legal requirements for judicial appointment would be eligible to apply. There is no "Democrats only" provision.
Judicial elections in the state meant to be nonpartisan -- even though candidates first run in their party primaries. What the governor has proposed is a nonpartisan method of selecting judges.
Strickland has won praise from the Ohio State Bar Association, which called his plan "a major step toward improving the administration of justice and building trust and confidence in Ohio's courts."
"The Ohio State Bar Association, which has been concerned for many years about our state's methods of judicial selection, has long supported changes aimed at ensuring that only the best qualified and most dedicated lawyers gain entrance into Ohio's judiciary," President John S. Stith said in a statement. "Gov. Strickland's plan to establish balanced judicial appointment panels comprised of citizens who understand judicial qualifications, who bring an appreciation for the needs of local communities, and who can help assure the appointment of judges fully committed to the fair and impartial administration of justice in Ohio, is a courageous change that will improve our system of government. The panels' recommendations regarding appointees will be advisory only, but to the extent they are followed by the governor, all Ohioans will benefit."
We would hope that Strickland's action is a first step toward a comprehensive study of the state judiciary.