Garfield County Court Judge Jason D. Jovanovich on Wednesday announced his intention not to stand for retention in this fall’s election.

The seven-member Ninth Judicial District Court Nominating Commission will convene at the Garfield Combined Courthouse in Glenwood Springs on Monday, August 30, to vet and interview applicants. Following the interviews, the Commission will recommend finalists to Gov. Bill Ritter, who is expected to announce his nominee within the 15-day period proscribed by the Colorado Constitution.

Situated in Colorado’s high country, Garfield County is home to just over 55,000 residents and incorporates the towns of Rifle, Glenwood Springs, and Carbondale. The Gilpin County Court judgeship is for a Special Associate County Judge “who shall maintain his official residence and court chambers in the city of Rifle,” as required by C.R.S. § 13-6-209. It is a part-time (90 percent) position, with an annual salary of $110,760.30.

Judges at the county court level receive a provisional, two-year appointment by the governor, after which they are retained by voter approval every four years. Judge Jovanovich’s successor will begin his or her appointment in January 2011.

Registered electors in Garfield County who are high school graduates or have attained its equivalence (via a GED) are eligible to apply for the judgeship. Detailed information about courts in the Ninth Judicial District and the application are available online. Application packages (consisting of one original application plus seven copies) must be received by the office of Commission ex officio chair, Justice Nancy E. Rice, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Eighth Floor, no later than Friday, August 20, at 12:00 p.m.