Tenure of county interim judge ends
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The tenure of Washington County interim administrative Senior Judge Joseph M. James officially came to an end Tuesday as an order from the state Supreme Court formally removed him from his duties.
James, a former administrative judge and president judge of Allegheny County, was appointed as interim administrative judge of Washington County Nov. 5 after the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts relieved former President Judge Debbie O’Dell Seneca of her administrative duties amid concerns about her management style. O’Dell Seneca retired from the court effective Jan. 5. She held the position, which pays $175,306, for the last 10 years. In 2011, O’Dell Seneca won retention for a third 10-year term by a margin of nearly 2 to 1. Her tenure was supposed to end in 2021.
On Jan. 6, Judge Katherine Emery assumed the role of president judge after serving roughly 20 years on the bench, but the administrative duties remained with James. In Washington County, the position is determined by seniority. With James’ departure, Emery will now be responsible for oversight of the court’s operation. James could not be reached for comment.
Emery said late Tuesday she and the other judges said their goodbyes to James Thursday during a judges’ meeting.
“I’m happy to take the reins,” she said. “The five of us are looking forward to working together.”
Emery and fellow judges Valarie Costanzo, Gary Gilman, John DiSalle and Michael Lucas have discussed several new ideas that could result in courthouse changes, she said.
“By summertime, I will be able to speak to them in great detail,” she said.
She said she hopes to have open and transparent discussions with court staff and attorneys before making any decisions.
Emery said the judges’ assignments will remain the same and senior judges will be used to fill in any gaps. Emery said Senior Judge William Nalitz, who retired from Greene County Dec. 30, will handle O’Dell Seneca’s existing trial list.
Several positions are also under review, Emery said.
James did not hear cases during his tenure with the county. He was paid $536 per day.