Sixteenth Judicial District - Bent County Court Judge
Honorable Mark A. MacDonnell
Retention Year: 2000
Recommendation: Retain
The Sixteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends Judge Mark A. MacDonnell BE RETAINED.
Judge MacDonnell was appointed as Bent County Judge in the Sixteenth Judicial District in October 1993, and was retained in 1996. He is a graduate of University of Colorado Law School, and practiced law prior to his appointment.
This commission finds him to be concerned about the judicial process and learned that in cooperation with the District Attorney's office, Judge MacDonnell has implemented changes in his courtroom that have streamlined the weekly docket. When interviewed, he was open to discuss areas of potential weakness and expressed willingness to address them.
Judge MacDonnell is a member and past president of the Bar Association of the Sixteenth Judicial District. He is an active member of the Lion's Club, having served once as president and is currently president-elect. He also works with the youth of his community in various capacities.
Results of surveys received by this Commission rate Judge MacDonnell as average or above average overall. Of the responses received, 65% of the non-attorneys and 75% of the attorneys recommended retention. Seventeen percent (17%) of the attorney respondents voted not to retain and 8% had no opinion.