The City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Vernon F. "Rick" Romney this week, making him the court's first judge.

"It'll be a great adventure," he said. "It's a good chance to put a good stamp on a brand-new court. I'll do everything I can to treat people fairly."

Romney, who has served as Provo's prosecutor and as an assistant city attorney, was selected out of a pool of 38 candidates. He will be sworn in at the end of June.

"Mr. Romney just has all of the right things that we think are going to be needed," Mayor Lewis Billings said. "The commitment, the work ethic, the understanding and the passion for the law. But, most importantly, good, decent respect for people."

Provo's Justice Court is at the corner of Center Street and 300 West, the spot previously occupied by a Wells Fargo Bank branch.

Romney, who is fluent in Spanish, earned his law degree from Brigham Young University, where he teaches business law part time. He also teaches at Utah Valley State College and Stevens Henager College.

"In addition to being eminently qualified, Mr. Romney is a good man with a good heart," said Council Chairman George Stewart. "That, of all things, is what we're looking for in a judge."

toddh@sltrib.com