By Bayleigh Swanton

The Orange Leader

 

On July 16, 2019, former Precinct Three Commissioner John Gothia was announced to be sworn in as the new Orange County Judge. Gothia’s position on the court was replaced by Kirk Roccaforte who took his chair today. 

Gothia will be sworn into his position on Friday, July 19 at noon. 

Looking forward to this opportunity, Gothia is going into this position optimistic. 

Gothia has made sure to be familiar with the County budget in order to make the transition as seamless as possible. Gothia has also been in contact with Commissioner Roccaforte in order to help make his new position on the court go as smooth as possible. 

“I guess just as anything else I like a challenge,” Gothia said. “This is definitely going to be a challenge. It’s nothing I’d say I’d ever wanted or thought about doing. I was happy with being a commissioner. I would have liked to have continued to do that but, things change and challenges arise and you have to take that. I typically like those kind of things. I’m excited about it. I have a great court, no doubt, to work with a lot of good elective officials, a lot of great employees at the county. We’re just going to do what the people put us here to do and that is to take care of our people because that’s our job.” 

Today, the court also approved line item for the Records Management Department, Social services and the Constable of Precinct Two. 

The court will hold a special meeting on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. after the swearing-in of John Gothia to accept his bond. He can not take the seat until the court has officially approved the bond.