Evaluator questions JPEC process
Commission gets answers to questions that can only result in a negative opinion
I just completed my evaluation of the district judges in the Twelfth Judicial District, which is comprised of Otero and Lincoln counties. As a court administrator, I conduct employee evaluations every year. In doing so, I have to look at the good, bad and indifferent aspects of one’s performance in order to accurately critique an employee. Putting together the “big picture” is a fundamental component of evaluations.
When I took the survey to evaluate the district judges, I was surprised that the feedback sections didn’t solicit any information that would provide that “big picture.” Rather, the questions were framed to only identify perceived areas of improvement. Needless to say, the only responses will be those that are somewhat — or outright — negative.
While soliciting constructive feedback isn’t a bad thing, I was puzzled why it was the only thing. There were a lot of great things I could have offered about the judges in the Twelfth that I thought would be useful. I would have offered that the judges are extremely cognizant and concerned when a problem arises, and that they take immediate steps to resolve issues as soon as they are brought to their attention. I would have offered that their collegiality and respect for one another is outstanding, and likely among the best in the state. I would have offered that they have the highest work ethics and that the example they set for staff is positive and profound. I would have offered how phenomenally adaptable they are with our constantly changing technology and business practices in order to keep up with changing needs of attorneys, the public and staff.
The feedback questions in the evaluation simply didn’t seek that type of information.
There has been a lot of scrutiny of JPEC in recent months and it is not my intention to criticize JPEC or its members. I don’t doubt that they have a difficult and somewhat unpopular job and are making recommendations based upon the information they have at hand. However, based upon the evaluation I just completed, I can’t help but wonder if it is the information collected that is better deserving of the scrutiny. Does the commission really have all the information at hand necessary to connect the dots and make recommendations based upon the bigger picture?