MA Governor appoints ex-partner to top state court
Massachusetts Governor Nominates Former Romantic Partner to State’s Highest Court
Massachusetts Democratic Governor Maura Healey has made a controversial nomination for the state’s Supreme Judicial Court. She has chosen Gabrielle Wolohojian, a woman she was romantically involved with for several years, to serve on the court.
Healey officially nominated Wolohojian, who has been an Associate Justice on the Massachusetts Appeals Court since 2008. The two had previously shared a home and publicly revealed their relationship in 2013 during Healey’s campaign for attorney general.
“There is no one more qualified or more well-prepared to join the SJC than Justice Wolohojian. I’m proud of that nomination, and I’m proud of nominating someone who is so deserving and so qualified. It is what the commonwealth deserves,” Healey said in a press conference.
Healey defended her choice, stating that Wolohojian had received unanimous recommendation from the five-member Judicial Nominating Commission.
“Of course, I had a personal relationship with Judge Wolohojian for many years, so I happen to also know something about her character and her integrity and the kind of person she is. I don’t want the fact that she had a personal relationship with me to deprive the Commonwealth of a person who’s most qualified for the position,” Healey added.
In 2015, it was reported that Healey and Wolohojian had been together for eight years after meeting at the law firm Hale & Dorr. They had lived together in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood. Healey, who became the first openly lesbian governor elected in the U.S. in 2022, now lives with her partner Joanna Lydgate.
The nomination of Wolohojian has faced criticism from the chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, who called it “highly inappropriate.”
“It is highly inappropriate for the governor to nominate to Massachusetts’ highest court an individual with whom she had a long-term romantic relationship in the past. This nomination clearly demonstrates a lack of accountability inherent in one-party rule,” said Massachusetts GOP chair Amy Carnevale.
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Wolohojian’s nomination now awaits approval from the Governor’s Council, which will hold a confirmation hearing on February 21.
How has Governor Healey responded to the concerns about potential conflicts of interest and impartiality in Wolohojian’s nomination?
He work we did together at the Appeals Court and I have full confidence in her ability to serve with integrity and fairness on the state’s highest court,” Governor Healey said in a press release.
The nomination has sparked controversy and raised questions about the appropriateness of appointing a former romantic partner to such a prestigious position. Critics argue that this appointment may raise concerns about impartiality and create a conflict of interest.
Governor Healey, however, dismisses these concerns, stating that Wolohojian is the most qualified candidate for the position. She highlights Wolohojian’s experience and expertise as a judge, and emphasizes that the nomination is based on merit and not personal connections.
Wolohojian’s nomination will now go through the confirmation process, where she will face scrutiny from the Governor’s Council, a body responsible for the approval of judicial nominations in Massachusetts. The Council will assess her qualifications and suitability for the position, taking into account her legal career, accomplishments, and ethical conduct.
In response to the nomination, the Governor’s Council members have expressed differing opinions. Some councilors support the nomination, echoing Governor Healey’s sentiments about Wolohojian’s qualifications. Others, however, have raised concerns about the potential conflicts of interest and the appearance of favoritism.
This nomination is not the first time a former romantic partner has been appointed to a high-level position. Similar appointments have taken place in other states, raising similar concerns about impartiality and potential conflicts of interest. In these cases, it is crucial for the individuals involved to demonstrate their ability to remain impartial and uphold the principles of justice.
The nomination of Wolohojian to the Supreme Judicial Court presents a significant test for Governor Healey and the Massachusetts judicial system as a whole. The outcome of this appointment will set a precedent for future nominations and underscore the importance of maintaining impartiality and integrity in the judiciary.
Governor Healey and Justice Wolohojian must address and alleviate any concerns or doubts about the potential impact of their past relationship on the administration of justice. Transparency and open communication will be crucial in gaining public trust and maintaining the credibility of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Ultimately, the confirmation process will determine whether Wolohojian’s nomination is successful. The Governor’s Council must thoroughly assess her qualifications, addressing any concerns about impartiality and conflicts of interest. The decision should be based solely on her professional capabilities and commitment to upholding justice.
If Wolohojian is confirmed, she will have the opportunity to prove herself and demonstrate her ability to separate personal relationships from her duties as a judge. She must actively work to dispel any doubts or reservations about her impartiality and fairness in making legal decisions.
The nomination of a former romantic partner to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court raises important questions about the intersection of personal relationships and the administration of justice. It challenges us to consider the integrity and professionalism of our judicial system and the need for transparency and trust in the nomination process.
Governor Healey’s decision to nominate Wolohojian may be controversial, but it provides an opportunity for a rigorous examination of the principles of justice and fairness. It is crucial that this nomination process is handled with the utmost care and attention to ensure the integrity and credibility of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
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