Friday, March 29, 2024

Commissioners to appoint Blackmon as Chelan County District Court judge

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WENATCHEE – Allen Blackmon, a 26-year veteran of the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office, has accepted a judge’s appointment to the Chelan County District Court.

Chelan County commissioners officially appointed Blackmon, a deputy prosecuting attorney, to position No. 2 of District Court on Nov. 21, when the Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution making the appointment. He will begin serving on the District Court bench in early December.

On Nov. 21, commissioners interviewed three finalists for the judge’s position, currently held by Judge Kyle Mott. Commissioner Bob Bugert said Blackmon stood out among the candidates interviewed.

“Allen not only has a broad depth and breadth of experience and understanding of the law but he also has the temperament to be an effective and respected District Court judge,” Bugert said. “We are lucky to have had several highly qualified candidates to consider for the open position. Allen stood out because of his commitment to helping people experiencing mental health or substance abuse issues. He has great compassion for people.”

Raised in Wenatchee, Blackmon has represented the state and Chelan County in all levels of local courts, including appellate courts. For the last 16 years, he has served as a deputy prosecutor in the District Court. Blackmon also serves on numerous mental health and substance abuse disorder committees and groups and helped create the Mental Health Diversion program in Chelan County District Court.

“I plan to expand on the mental health work I have been able to accomplish and will continue to seek better ways of addressing the mental health crisis in the local courts,” said Blackmon, who will serve for a year and then can run for election in November 2023.

Blackmon will replace Judge Mott, who announced in October he would be stepping down. Mott, who was running uncontested in the November general election, has accepted a position at a local law firm.

Blackmon and private attorney Jon Volyn also faced off in the current election for Seat 1 on District Court. While the election was not certified until Nov. 29, it appears Volyn has won position No. 1.

“It was a lot of work to get here, not only coming out of the election but also over the span of my career,” Blackmon said. “This court can be confident that I will serve the bench and our community with respect, honor and justice in a neutral and fair manner.”

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