Selecting a County Judge Replacement

TYLER – Smith County commissioners have discussed their process for selecting a replacement for County Judge Joel Baker. At Tuesday’s commissioners’ court session, it was announced nine persons have come forward to express interest in the post. And of those nine, several front runners seem to have emerged. They are former County Commissioner David Stein, retired 12th Court of Appeals Justice Sam Griffith and a third person who asked that they not be named. They are still taking nominations and won’t make a decision until their next meeting on July 19th. They also said all discussions will be held in the open. Judge Baker was suspended after being indicted and arrested and charged with three counts of violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act.