Retired Judge Not Joining Chafee Administration

Retired Judge Not Joining Chafee Administration

Retired District Court Judge Stephen Erickson will not be taking on the role of legislative liaison and senior counselor in the administration of Governor Lincoln Chafee, a spokesman confirmed today.

“Judge Erickson had been asked to fill two significant roles in the Administration – senior counselor to the Governor and legislative director,” said spokesman Christian Vareika. “After a series of discussions aimed at establishing the specific expectations of these roles, the Administration and Judge Erickson were unable to reach a suitable agreement.

Earlier this month, Chafee’s office announced that Erickson, who collects annual judge’s pension of $120,000 would be working as a $4,000-a-month consultant for the Governor, saving the state the costs of paying employer taxes and employee benefits.

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“The decision was amicable on both sides, and the Governor continues to have strong positive feelings toward Judge Erickson,” Vareika said. “He was a key member of the Governor’s successful campaign, as well as the transition. The Governor hopes that his experience will be put to use in a position on one of the state’s Boards or Commissions.”

So far, no decision had been made on a replacement for legislative liaison.