Ocean City was in the house yesterday for the judicial oath of office ceremony for newly-minted Superior Court Judges Michael J, Donohue and James H. Pickering, Jr. at the historic Cape May County Superior Courthouse.
Cape May County Freeholder Marie Hayes, Surrogate M. Susan Sheppard, and Judge of Compensation Audrey Kernan, all of Ocean City, were among the local luminaries on hand for the ceremonies in Cape May Courthouse.
“I am here to show support for Judge Donohue and Judge Pickering, and also for the American judicial system,” said Kernan, daughter of former City Councilman, the late John Kemenosh. “Both of these gentlemen are going to be outstanding jurists.”
Donohue and Pickering are presiding over cases in the state’s Vicinage 1, for Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
Donohue, the former County Republican Chairman, said he had some mixed feelings about leaving the world of politics for the bench, until his friend, Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton urged him to take the opportunity.
Pickering, a prominent local Democrat, drew laughs during his speech when he said “I never thought I would say these words, but thank you Governor Christie (for appointing him). “
“It’s nice to be standing in this building with so many great people representing both parties,” Donohue said.
The building, which dates to 1849, was in full use until the new courthouse opened in 1927. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
The ceremony was presided by Judge Julio L. Mendez, who noted both of the new judges grew up in Middle Township lived for a time in Sea Isle City and attended Middle Township High School.
“It is rare for two judges to be appointed from the same municipality,” Mendez said. “(Middle Township) should be proud. It is fitting these ceremonies are taking place in this historic building.”
Numerous elected officials were on hand for the event, which packed the old courthouse with friends and relatives of the judges. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Kim Guadagno made remarks, as did State Senator Jeff Van Drew.
Presentations were made on behalf of the Bar Associations of Cape May and Atlantic Counties.
