Mayor Michael Hancock, left, introduces Justice Alex Martinez as Denver’s next safety manager.
By Matt Masich, LAW WEEK COLORADO
DENVER — It was a sweltering summer day as Colorado Supreme Court Justice Alex Martinez addressed the crowd gathered in Civic Center Park for his introduction as Denver’s next manager of public safety.
“Beautiful as it is here today, it’s also hot already and I know it’s going to get hotter,” Martinez said.
He wasn’t just talking about the weather. Martinez, 60, will step down from the state’s high court at the end of October to become the city’s sixth safety manager in a year and half. The position, which oversees the city fire and police departments, has become a hot seat following a number of police brutality complaints and criticism over the city’s handling of the issue.
It’s one of the most important positions in the city cabinet, particularly at a time when public trust and confidence in city safety agencies has been shaken, Mayor Michael Hancock said. Hancock called for a round of applause for the previous safety manager, Charles Garcia, who stood in the crowd. Garcia stepped down last month after approving the firing of eight police officers during his short time as safety manager.
“Justice Martinez brings the highest level of integrity, a deep commitment to fairness and justice, and a well-earned level of respect from the legal and public safety communities,” Hancock said.
Martinez has spent the last 28 years on the bench. He has served on the Supreme Court since January 1997, appointed by Gov. Roy Romer. Before that, he was a Pueblo district judge for nearly a decade and spent five years as Pueblo county judge. Born and raised in Denver, Martinez received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Colorado. Voters in November retained Martinez for another 10-year term; he could have served another dozen years as a justice before hitting the mandatory retirement age of 72.
“I believe Denver is at a critical juncture,” Martinez said. It’s vital to establish mutual respect between the city safety agencies and the public they serve, though he declined to get into specifics until after he leaves the bench.
While it’s “difficult to leave the post I have as a justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, the decision to do so is made easier by my excitemet to be a part of a talented and dedicated team that Michael Hancock has assembled,” he said.
Martinez’ long familiarity with Denver, his experience as a judge, his reputation for fairness and willingness to do what is necessary will be assets in his new role, he said.
This move will leave a vacancy on the seven-justice Supreme Court, and it will give Gov. John Hickenlooper his first crack at appointing a justice. When Martinez tenders his official resignation, a judicial nominating commission will have 30 days to meet and recommend three possible successors; Hickenlooper will then have 15 days to choose one to become the next justice.
Some of Martinez’ colleagues on the bench were in the crowd, and most offered prepared statements.
Chief Justice Michael Bender
Having served 14 years on the bench with Justice Martinez, I wholeheartedly support him in his new endeavor. Justice Martinez has made enormous contributions to the operation of Colorado’s courts and its jurisprudence. With that, and his long record of service to the state, he will be greatly missed, but I have no doubt he will excel in this position.
Justice Gregory Hobbs
A wit, an outdoorsman, a good story teller, a principled and critical thinker, a person whose scholarship, logic and kindness contributes to any conversation involving a complex problem.
Justice Nancy Rice
The court will miss all of his experience and contributions from the county court level to the Supreme Court. He will be missed
Justice Allison Eid
Alex is a brilliant colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Justice Monica Márquez
I can’t thank Alex enough for his support and mentoring during my transition to the bench; I will miss him greatly as a colleague. His departure is a loss, both for me personally, and for the court, but I know his skills and experience will serve the Hancock administration extremely well. I am thrilled he will be able to use his talents in this new capacity. He will be a tremendous asset to the City of Denver.
