Podunk Below the Masthead, Monday, August 31, 2009

Here comes the judge, consultation in the classroom recommended and a few questions arise over the Province's ambitious Asia Gateway strategy, some of the items of note for a Monday.

DAILY NEWS, Headline story
PUNNET SWORN IN AS NEW LOCAL CIRCUIT JUDGE-- A familiar face around the Prince Rupert courthouse takes on some new responsibilities as long time local lawyer Rob Punnett was recently sworn in to the bench in Prince Rupert, taking on the duties of Prince Rupert County's new Supreme Court circuit judge (see story here) Item is provided at the end of this post as well.

Teachers and their union leaders are hailing an arbitration report from James Dorsey, that states that school administration has a duty to prove that teachers have been consulted with concerning classroom size (see story here)

Last weeks speech from the throne has many of the province's transportation officials in the public and private sector wondering what it is exactly that the Liberal government of Gordon Campbell has planned for its northern corridor strategy of the Asia Pacific Gateway process (see story here)

The sports section features a review of the weekend action in the Bob Hellyer Memorial tournament, putting a wrap on the slow pitch season for another year (see story here)

NORTHERN VIEW (web extra)
CHARITIES MAY SUE OVER GAMING GRANTS-- With The Liberal government of Gordon Campbell looking to cut costs, one are that may be facing the chopping block is grants to community organizations, a situation that they aren't going to accept without a fight (see story here)

Front page, headline story:

Punnett sworn in as new local circuit judge
By George T. Baker
The Prince Rupert Daily News
Monday, August 31, 2009

His former colleagues sat with hushed voices as they looked upon their esteemed man and his new role in courtroom 302.

Rob Punnett, known locally for many years as one of Prince Rupert's most respected legal patrons, was officially sworn in as Prince Rupert County's new Supreme Court circuit judge.

A ceremony that was performed before a crowd of family, friends, colleagues new and old, and the local
media.

Those who spoke of Punnett Friday described a man who has always been admired for his responsible,thoughtful and intelligent application of the law, his ability to work with colleagues and his dutiful ability to serve his clients well.

"One has the feeling you are talking about someone else," a humble Punnett responded.

They were talking about a man who has served Prince Rupert for the past 31 years and has been appointed to a prestigious position the former lawyer almost did not accept.

When Punnett was told about an upcoming request to name him to the vacant Supreme Court seat in Prince Rupert, Punnett did not jump at the lofty new height being offered.

That's because, according to Punnett, he was comfortable with what he achieved as a lawyer and was more than at ease with continuing on in that capacity.

So, when the Attorney General of Canada called, he was uncertain what he would say.

"I made the decision to accept the position right when the call came," said Punnett. "I am immensely pleased that I did."

He has served for 31 years beside partner Paul Johnston and built a solid relationship of trust and friendship with his partner.

"And what do I see, but an advertisement for a Junior Associate position in Prince Rupert with Johnston solicitors. To think - 31 years of service and to be replaced by a junior associate," roasted the president of the Law Society of BC, Gordon Turiff who took part as one of the ceremony's speakers.

"It is entirely likely that when Mr Justice Punnett looks down upon a junior associate, that lawyer could be the one who replaced him at Johnston."

Turriff, along with representatives from the Attorney General office of Canada and of British Columbia spoke well of Punnett.

The newly minted judge said it was his parents who he thanked most for how he and his brothers turned out.

"Without their encouragement of reading, education and music, I would not have been here," said Punnett.

His parents have both passed away, but clearly they were centered in his mind as he spoke of them. So,too, were his wife and children, who he said have made sacrifices for his success.

"My wife Christine has been with me every step of my career, and was supportive of my decision [to become a judge] with one caveat - if it was outside of Prince Rupert, she wasn't coming."

After the ceremony, everyone was ushered into courtroom 300 where, over biscuits and coffee, those in attendance were more than complimentary about their friend.
"On behalf of the bar, we were hoping he would be chosen," said Prince Rupert lawyer, Steve Merrick.

Merrick knows first hand how effective Punnett has been as a lawyer. Often pegged against each other in legal proceedings, Merrick said one should never have underestimated Punnett's ability in front of the judge.

"He was tough to beat because he was always so well prepared," recounted Merrick.
His preparation also gave him the time to be compassionate and fair with his clients, and his judicial opposition. Merrick said that when confronted with a case against Punnett, local lawyers knew the outcome would be just, which left a lot them pleased to have fought against him.

"He's well respected, he has been a leader, and certainly our friend," affirmed Merrick.

Donald Brenner, B.C.'s chief justice of the Supreme Court, was on hand for the ceremony and said that appointing Punnett, a local, was an astute no-brainer.

"He had the type of background that we were searching for. He knows the law very well and he is respected, which are some of the qualities we go looking for."