Senior judges named to fill in for retiring Kanawha, Cabell judges

CHARLESTON – Two senior status judges have been named to fill in for retiring circuit judges in Kanawha and Cabell counties.

Herman Canady Jr. and Robert Chafin have been named to fill the spots in Kanawha and Cabell counties, respectively, for Charles King and Alfred Ferguson.

State Supreme Court Chief Justice Spike Maynard issued the orders Wednesday. Also, Maynard ordered Thursday that Senior Status Judge James Holliday assist both Canady and Chafin in their roles such as when either would have a conflict of interest in a case.

King and Ferguson both recently retired and are running unopposed in the election. By retiring now and being elected later, it will allow them to draw from their pensions on top of earning their salaries. Summers County Magistrate William Jeffries is also retiring and planning a return.

This week, Gov. Joe Manchin said ending this practice some have termed "double-dipping" will be a top priority if he is re-elected in November, and said he has the backing of lawmakers.

"I think the reason people are upset about this is, basically, over the appearance of unfairness in the political process," Manchin said in a Charleston Gazette report. "They feel like they took advantage of the safeness of these seats, by having no opposition."