News-Record.com

Congratulations to Robby Hassell, appointed by Gov. Bev Perdue today to serve as a special Superior Court judge.

Hassell, from Greensboro, was a Guilford County District Court judge for many years -- but was defeated in last year's election by Avery Michelle Crump, a stunning outcome generally explained by local voters' overwhelming preference for female judges.

Perdue, the state's first woman governor, apparently doesn't share the gender bias. She made a good move in returning Hassell to the bench.

Hassell will fill the rest of John W. Smith's term. He was named director of the Administrative Office of the Courts by Chief Justice Sarah Parker in December. The judge's term runs until February 2011.

There are 15 special Superior Court judges, appointed by the governor to eight-year terms. All are subject to assignment anywhere in the state. AOC tries to keep them as close to home as possible to save travel costs, spokesman Dick Ellis said.

There will be plenty of work for Hassell, he added.

I'm sure nothing could please him more. He's proven he belongs on the bench.

Addendum: Just spoke with Hassell, who's very pleased and grateful for the appointment. He had a personal interview with the governor last week. It's good to see she's taking a hands-on approach to judicial appointments.

Hassell will be sworn in at 3:30 Friday afternoon in the Guilford County Courthouse, courtroom 3H, by Chief Resident Superior Court Judge Catherine Eagles.