For the first time in more than a decade, there is a new judge in town.

Late last month, Langley Mayor Lloyd Furman appointed Carolyn Cliff to fill an open municipal court seat vacated by Larry Shafer. Shafer, who had served as the city’s municipal court judge since 1990, did not request to be re-appointed to the position.

Unlike the elected judges serving in Island County’s district and superior courtrooms, Langley municipal court judges are appointed every four years by the mayor with the consent of the city council. Shafer served three terms with the city after starting with the municipal court as a judge pro-tem in 1989.

Cliff, who practices law in Langley, served as judge pro-tem under Shafer for a number of years. Her appointment carries through the end of 2005.

The Langley court convenes at 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

Cliff will preside over the court for the first time as an appointed judge on Jan. 10.