Suburban bar associations make Cook County judicial recommendations
The Suburban Bar Coalition released its recommendations for Cook County judges seeking retention in the Nov. 3 election.
Established in 1998, the coalition is made up of the Northwest Suburban, North Suburban, South Suburban, Southwest and West Suburban bar associations.
Assessments are based on a candidate's legal ability, temperament, integrity and impartiality.
Appellate court judges Aurelia Pucinski and Mary Katherine Rochford are highly recommended for retention, according to coalition members.
Coalition members recommended against retaining John J. Mahoney and Jackie M. Portman-Brown. Judges Mauricio Araujo and Patricia Manila Martin did not participate in the judicial screening process and were therefore not recommended for retention.
The spokeswoman for Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans confirmed that Araujo submitted his resignation Thursday. It will take effect Monday. Oct. 5.
All other Cook County judges running for retention were either "recommended" or "highly recommended" by coalition members. For a sitting judge to be retained, he or she must receive a 60% yes vote on the ballot question: "shall judge be retained?"