Salem Attorney Wes Gozia was sworn in at the Marion County Courthouse Friday afternoon as Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Judge at Large.
Before giving the oath of office, Supreme Court Justice David Overstreet commended Gozia’s demeanor and volunteerism on court committees as well as with various organizations in the Salem area.
“You have a reputation of those qualities that we want in our judges,” Overstreet said. “Someone with good temperament, civil, respectable, knowledgeable, hardworking and fair. You don’t have to be the loudest in the courtroom to be the best judge. You’ve got that quiet demeanor that’s going to serve the people well here in the circuit.”
After taking the oath, Overstreet helped Gozia into his judicial robe. Gozia then addressed the capacity crowd in the large third story courtroom.
“I pledge to honor the responsibility placed upon me today as I now don the black robe,” Gozia said. “Justice Overstreet, I have watched over the years your demonstration of perseverance and swift decision-making. The lessons you have taught me will help guide me as I seek to serve to the best of my ability. I will cherish the service opportunities you have bestowed upon me. I look forward to being able to work with you in this new capacity. Thank you for bringing me on this chair.”
Gozia also thanked those who helped advance his career and private law practice, including retired State Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier who also spoke on Gozia’s qualifications to be judge.
Gozia will handle cases throughout the nine-county circuit. The judgeship will be up for election next year with a March primary and November General Election.
Gozia replaces Judge Douglas Jarman who recently retired from the bench
