By NIKI TURNER |[email protected]
RBC | Meeker attorney Joe Fennessy has a new role in our local courtroom, that of county judge. He replaces longtime Judge Laurie Noble, who retired in July 2020 after 28 years in Rio Blanco County courts. The HT sent a list of questions to Fennessy about his new appointment and he responded via email. The questions and Fennessy’s answers follow (edited for clarity and space):
Q. When did you come to Meeker? From where (pre-Meeker background)? What brought you here?
A. I came to Meeker in January of 1982, when I accepted the position of Deputy District Attorney for the 9th Judicial District. I was raised in East Hartford, Connecticut. I attended various law schools before graduating from the University of Tulsa in 1978 with my law degree. From there, I attended the University of Denver where I graduated with my Master of Laws and Taxation in 1981. I moved back to East Hartford for a short period of time, before accepting the position of Deputy District Attorney here in Meeker. After working for five years as a prosecutor, while at the same time volunteering as a firefighter and EMT, I decided I wanted to enhance my background in science. I applied and was accepted to Yale University as a special student, where I took classes for four semesters in chemistry, physics and calculus. I returned to Meeker in 1991, to work as a prosecutor once again for the 9th Judicial District. I stayed with the District Attorney’s office until 1997, when I opened my private practice here in Meeker, which is where I have spent the past 23 years. I am licensed to practice law in Colorado and Connecticut, several Federal Courts, and before the United State Supreme Court.
Q. You’ve been very involved in the community. What are/were some of those activities and which ones are you most proud of?
A. I involved myself in the Meeker Chamber of Commerce for many years, where we promoted economic growth for this community. I have spent many years on the finance council at the Holy Family Catholic Church. I was a volunteer firefighter and EMT at the Meeker Volunteer Fire and Rescue, from which I have retired after 20 years of service. I have also been a volunteer for the 9News Health Fair blood drive, Meeker Sheepdog Trials, and the Fourth of July Range Call Celebrations for many years.
Q. Health issues sidelined you for a period of time. What can you share about that experience? What has changed for you since, and what got you through the process?
A. I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014. My life was put on hold for a while. This was my wake up call. I still have some lingering medical issues that will remain with me as a result of the cancer but you learn to deal with it every day. I am grateful for the hundreds of caregivers who have helped me along the way. My cancer has made me a better person and taught me to be more sympathetic to the needs of others.
Q. How long have you been an attorney and what cases stand out for you from your career?
A. One of the highlights of my career has been helping people with motor vehicle issues. I realize how important a driver’s license is to a person and a family. If you lose your license you can lose your job, your health insurance and your retirement. I have learned to keep the impact of the loss of a license in mind. This is why what happens in county court is important to the community.
Q. What was the process for being appointed as a county judge?
A. My process for being appointed to county judge was to put in an application for the judicial position. This application was reviewed by a committee of citizens and attorneys who interviewed the applicants. Once I was chosen as a candidate for the position, I was interviewed and appointed by the governor’s office. My motivation for applying for the position of county judge was to further serve this community. I have lived in this community for over 35 years and I truly appreciate the opportunity to help people.
Q. How is being a judge different than being an attorney, in your opinion?
A. A judge has a different approach than an attorney. An attorney works for his client and tries for the best possible outcome for that client. A judge works for the community by preserving the rule of law and giving all parties a chance to be heard.
Q. As a lawyer, you’ve dealt with a lot of judges during your career, what have you learned from that and how will you apply it to your role?
A. I have had the opportunity to work with many judges in different capacities over the years and I have learned how a courtroom should be run. I treat all litigants, law enforcement and my staff with respect. It is important when you enter a courtroom that all parties feel that they have an opportunity to present their case and be heard. I have also learned it is important to maintain a sense of humor.
Q. Having lived here a long time and knowing a lot of the people, how does that work when you have to hear a case that involves someone you know?
A. I have lived and served in this community for many years and I am very familiar with many of the citizens here. However, this doesn’t always mean that it will affect an outcome of a case. A judge has a duty to be fair and impartial, and uninfluenced by bias or prejudice by either party. If a judge is related to the party, or the attorney of record, or if the judge has previously represented one of the parties, then he must remove himself from the matter. I feel very confident that I will be able to be a fair and impartial judge for this community.
Fennessy closed his remarks by saying, “It is an honor to have been selected as the county judge for this community.
By NIKI TURNER |[email protected]
