Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday appointed Key West attorney Tim Koenig

SEAN KINNEY

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday appointed Key West attorney Tim Koenig to a seat on the 16th Judicial Circuit Court covering the Florida Keys.

Koenig, 54, takes over for former Judge David Audlin who resigned earlier this year.

Audlin was initially elected to a six-year term in 2006 and re-elected unopposed in 2012. Koenig will fill out the remainder of the term.

Koenig, a graduate of Florida State University, serves as a magistrate judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit and also has a private practice.

He’s also the vice-chairman of the Florida Keys Community College Board of Trustees.

Scott appointed Koenig to that position after former trustee Ed Scales was appointed to seat on the Third District Court of Appeal bench.

“During his more than two decades of practicing law,” Scott said in a statement, “Tim has demonstrated a dedication to fairness and respect for the rule of law.”

“I am confident he will continue to serve Monroe County families with honesty and integrity on the 16th Circuit Court bench.”

Koenig was one of four lawyers recommended to Scott for appointment by the Judicial Nominating Committee for the 16th Judicial Circuit Court.

That group, led by Monroe County Attorney Bob Shillinger, recommended Koenig, county Judge Wayne Miller, Chief Assistant Monroe County State Attorney Manny Madruga and Assistant Monroe County Attorney Mark Wilson.

The appointment fills one of two vacancies in the Keys as Circuit Court Judge Tegan Slaton is on indefinite medical leave after being removed from the bench twice for erratic behavior.

Slaton came in last place during a three-way Aug. 26 primary election. That leaves attorneys Bonnie Helms and Jack Bridges to face-off for Slaton’s judgeship in the Nov. 4 general election.

Florida Circuit Court judges earn $146,079.96 per year.

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