By Lisa Trigg
TERRE HAUTE — Judge Michael Eldred has been a fixture on the bench of Vigo Superior Court 1 for almost 30 years.
But when his fifth six-year term comes to a close at the end of 2010, Eldred has decided he will retire from office in the Vigo County Courthouse.
He announced Monday that he will not seek a sixth term as judge of Division 1.
“This has been a difficult but rewarding job with different challenges almost every day,” Eldred said. “Yet, I can say that I enjoyed coming to this courthouse every day.”
The range of cases he has presided over has run the gamut from misdemeanor crimes to felony murder. Eldred said he feels himself to be “maxed out experience-wise,” but that does not mean he is ready to give up practicing law.
Serving as a senior judge is one option. He has also taught classes at Indiana State University. And he welcomes new opportunities that may arise.
“I’ve always been challenged by complex cases, and I know the Indiana Supreme Court accepts competent senior judges to do difficult cases around the state, so I will consider joining that group if they’ll have me.”
Announcing his retirement from the bench with a year left to serve not only allows Eldred time to plan for the future, but it also gives potential candidates for the office a chance to prepare their campaigns.
“That was very thoughtful of him to announce his retirement early,” said Vigo County Republican Party Chairman Bill Treadway. “I understand he’s ready for retirement, but he will be sorely missed.”
Treadway applauded Eldred’s reputation on the bench, and the respect he has from the public and the legal community.
“He has run unopposed many times,” Treadway said. “And that says something about him. He’s been a fantastic jurist. He’s done an amazing job for the community.”
Eldred did not come to his retirement decision easily, and only after much deliberation and discussion with his family.
“I’m satisfied that it is the right decision,” he said, “but that doesn’t mean I’m not a little anxious about it.”
Still, he did say that “30 [years] seemed like a good round number” to end a career on.
“I wish to thank my family, my friends, and the citizens of this great community who have supported me and accepted my judgment in some very controversial decisions. To serve them has been the honor of my career. I also want to thank the Terre Haute Bar Association, which is as good a group of attorneys as anywhere in the United States,” Eldred said.
“For 30 years it has been an exhilarating ride and I thank all who have made it possible.”
Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
