Addison County Side Judges Sheriff And High Bailiff Sworn In

By Mike Cameron

photo by Mike Cameron Assistant Judges Poole and George flank Sheriff Keeler in a photo taken after the swearing in ceremony.

On Monday, February 2nd, 2015, Addison County Assistant Judges Alice M. George of Middlebury and Irene Poole of Ripton both took their oaths of office in Courtroom #2 of the Frank Mahady Courthouse in Middlebury.  Administering the oaths for the new assistant judges was the Honorable Robert A. Mellow, Superior Court Justice.
    The ceremony was attended by family, friends and associates of both women even as a severe winter storm was causing restricted travel in the county and across the state on this day.
    Both newly elected assistant judges will now replace outgoing Assistant Judges; Francis Broughton and Margaret “Betsy” Gossens.  Both side judges Broughton and Gossens had completed their current terms and had chosen not to seek re-election this past fall.
    After the assistant judge swearing in ceremony, Assistant Judge George administered the oath of office to Addison County Sheriff Donald Keeler Jr.
    Sheriff Keeler was successful in his reelection bid this past fall.  Sheriff Keeler then swore in the deputies in his department individually and as a group.  Each officer then signed his and her individual duty contract with the county.
    Later in the day, Assistant Judge Poole was scheduled to swear in Charles Clark of East Middlebury as High Bailiff.  Mr. Clark is the incumbent High Bailiff and was reelected to the position this past fall.