This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah is one of the fastest growing states in the Union, yet it was disheartening (but not surprising) to read The Tribune article "Gavel gap — Utah's bench least diverse in nation with 79 percent of judgeships" (June 23).
Although Utah has historically had a high caucasian percentage, new census data shows that the faces in Utah are becoming more diverse, with more Latinos, African-Americans and others.
With new Utahns coming from diverse U.S. states, a person would think that at least some would be lawyers. It would be great if Gov. Gary Herbert met with leaders of the state's universities, as well as representatives from the Utah Bar Association, to formulate a pool of diverse names for judgeships from a variety of backgrounds.
I am not in favor of any quota system nor affirmative-action type of remedy. I am in favor of encouraging women and minorities who are already lawyers to put their names in the minds of key officials.
Many people don't pursue being judges because they feel the demographic deck is stacked against them. I'd like a well-rounded judiciary to meet Utah's needs for the future.
James A. Marples
Provo