Gov. Butch Otter has announced the appointment of Moscow attorney Tom Whitney to the 3rd District judgeship left vacant by the recent retirement of Judge Thomas Ryan; the judgeship is based in Caldwell. Whitney taught math at Bonners Ferry High School before attending law school at the University of Idaho; he and his wife, Diane, operate the Whitney and Whitney LLP law firm in Moscow.

“Tom’s passion for justice, high regard for the legal system and extensive experience in Idaho courts make him an outstanding choice for district judge,” Otter said. “He also has the strong work ethic and management skills that will be a great asset in handling a heavy caseload in southwestern Idaho.”

Whitney was one of 10 attorneys who applied for the opening; Otter chose him from among four finalists selected by the Idaho Judicial Council. The other three were Leon Francis, a Hawaii Judicial Circuit military judge; Matthew Roker, a lawyer in private practice in Caldwell; and Thomas Sullivan, a 3rd District magistrate judge.