Saturday, February 27, 2010
Delegates panel approves Franklin Co. judge's reappointment
William Alexander faced tough questions over his role in a special grand jury investigation.
General Assembly 2011
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RICHMOND -- A House of Delegates committee spent nearly three hours last week questioning and criticizing Franklin County Circuit Court Judge William Alexander for his handling of a special grand jury investigation of the county's sheriff.
On Friday, the same panel quickly certified Alexander for reappointment without a peep of opposition, setting up a final vote on the floors of the House and Senate that likely will occur March 10. The approval by the House Courts of Justice Committee is an important signal of support for Alexander, who faces no apparent opposition in the Senate for another eight-year term on the bench.
The House held up Alexander's reappointment vote in January amid concerns about his handling of a special grand jury investigation of Sheriff Ewell Hunt. The grand jury in December returned an indictment against Hunt on a misdemeanor charge of failing to maintain proper records.
Alexander faced tough questioning from the House Courts of Justice Committee in an extraordinary hearing Feb. 17. Lawmakers questioned the judge's selection of jurors and his decision to unseal a grand jury report that was critical of Hunt's office.
Some committee members argued that Alexander should have recused himself from the sensitive case because of potential or perceived conflicts. They asked Alexander about his relationship with Franklin County Sheriff W.Q. "Quint" Overton, whose son Hunt had defeated to become sheriff. Alexander said he saw no conflict in handling the case, but also told the committee that he "most likely" would recuse himself if he faced a similar situation in the future.
"It's all been worked out behind the scenes," said House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, a member of the courts committee. "It's clear he [Alexander] understands he should recuse himself should this situation present itself again."
Alexander could not be reached for comment Friday.
The vote by the House committee came two days after Del. Charles Poindexter, R-Franklin County, issued a public statement of support for Alexander. Sen. Robert Hurt, R-Chatham, who also represents Franklin County, has publicly backed Alexander.
House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, D-Henry County, called last week's hearing "an interesting intellectual exercise."
Armstrong, a member of the House committee, added: "I'm pleased that we finally did the right thing by Judge Alexander."
