Superior Court Presiding Justice Joseph Rodgers Jr. announced he was stepping down yesterday after 35 years on the bench.  Fortunately for  him, he won't be affected by any of the new pension changes which may take effect.  He is due to receive a pension of $185,649.  At the same time, Governor Don Carcieri announced his choice of Kristen Rodgers to replace Judge Vincent Ragosta.  That's right, one Rodgers steps down and another on gets appointed.

     I don't know Kristen Rodgers, and from what I read in today's Providence Journal, she seems qualified.  With that said, I find this appointment troubling.  Not only was her appointment announced on the day her father announced his retirement, but she isn't even one of the 5 people on a current list of the Judicial Nominating Commission's finalists.  It looks like Carcieri went way back to an older list, then saw fit to announce her appointment at the same time her father steps down.  It gives the appearance of favoritism, and undermines faith in our government.