Aldrich invested as 6th Judicial District Court judge

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

On Friday, June 16, 2017, Timothy L. Aldrich officially became the newest judge of the 6th Judicial District Court, after being recently appointed by Gov. Susanna Martinez to replace Judge Henry Quintero, who retired earlier this year.

Court Crier, Edgar Gomez, announced the arrival of the Honorable Timothy L. Aldrich.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358 Color Guard posted the colors. Pastor Joseph Hill of Lordsburg gave the opening prayer. "Let his decisions be blessed."

The call to order and welcoming remarks were given by 6th Judicial District Court Judge J.C. Robinson. He also recognized special guests, judges and former judges.

As the master of ceremonies Canon Stevens was unable to attend, so Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepard ably filled his spot.

A group of men and women seated in the jury box became the "voices in the crowd," and scattered throughout the ceremony read quotes that pertained to justice.

For the investiture and swearing in of the Honorable Timothy L. Aldrich, 12th District Court Judge (of Otero and Lincoln counties) the Honorable Angie K. Schneider swore Aldrich in as he placed his hand on the family Bible, held by Tianna Laupola.

Before the robing of the new Judge Aldrich, Shepard presented some history of why judges wear black robes. He said the tradition started in England with colorful robes and fancy wigs.

"John Jay, the first U.S. Supreme Court justice wore a black robe with red and white trim," Shepard recounted. "Thomas Jefferson was against wigs and fancy robes, so now every judge wears a plain black robe."

The robe used for the robing ceremony belonged to Judge Norman Hodges, who was born Aug. 5, 1925 and died Aug. 5, 2012. He served as a judge from April 4, 1963 to his retirement on Dec. 31, 1986.

Aldrich's life partner, Julie Enos, and his mother Diane Kleiss held the robe while he put it on.

Lordsburg Chief of Police Arthur J. De La Garza presented the gavel to Aldrich.

After the pronouncement of Aldrich as judge, he spoke to those filling the courtroom.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Aldrich said to everyone present. "Canon Stevens headlocked me and told me to apply for the judge vacancy."

He said the community supported him in an "overwhelming" way, with letters, calling and brochures. "Without you, I could not have done this. No one is lifted up alone. One of the most enjoyable parts has been how proud my parents are. My mother, Diane Kleiss, is here with me today."

Aldrich said he and Enos, as well as his mother, live in houses near the courthouse. "My amazing renaissance woman partner, Julie Enos, is a great campaign manager."

He said he is always looking forward, but also looking backward to how "I got here."

Aldrich commended the court rules, which require judges to listen to everyone, so people feel comfortable in court. "We need to look at how to support people. Many can't afford an attorney. Over the next few months, I need to listen and understand. One thing I heard from one of you that concerned me was public safety. I hear about restorative justice. One thing I can do directly is leadership. Change is always with us."

He quoted: "The meek shall inherit the earth." But what does that mean, he asked. "Meek in Greek means those who are willing to accept new things and are willing to change."

"I've been doing this for 30 years," Aldrich said. "Every Sunday I was in the jail from 6 to midnight talking to the inmates. I would see them again and again—about every 85 days. I would ask them why, but the only person I can change is myself. How can I teach change, if I haven't done it myself?"

He explained why he had chosen the quote by Martin Luther for the back of his investiture brochure. "During my Lutheran upbringing, I had to read all through Luther's writings. This is one that stuck with me: 'Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.' Thank you!"