| A bill working its way through the State Senate to increase by one the number of circuit judges in Mason, Jackson, Roane and Calhoun has reportedly died in the senate finance committee.
Delegate David Walker said he would oppose the bill if it comes to the House of Delegates to add a circuit judge to the local fifth judicial circuit with its amendment allowing two judges to come from the same county.
The district currently has two judges, Thomas Evans III of Jackson and David W. Nibert of Mason.
An amendment tacked to Senate Bill 577, would directly affect Roane and Calhoun.
That amendment changes WV Code allowing two judges from the same county.
Previously, under code, no more than one judge could be from the same county.
The bill is from Senate President Kessler, who serves Calhoun, and from senators Boley, Nohe and Hall.
Critics of the bill, including residents of Calhoun and Roane, say the amendment has been added to favor the appointment of a judge from Jackson or Mason County.
The Calhoun Commission has protested the amendment to legislators.
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