Douglas A Bean

Douglas A Bean was nominated as a member of the Industrial Accident Board.

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Contributions

The hearing for is scheduled for June 13, 2018 at 10:30 am

Hearing:

Councilors Present were:

Joseph C. Ferreira - District 1

Robert L. Jubinville - District 2

Marilyn M. Petitto Devaney - District 3

Christopher Ianella - District 4

Eileen R. Duff - District 5

Terrence Kennedy - District 6

Jen Caissie - District 7

Mary Hurley - District 8

Eileen R. Duff - District 5 presided

Opening Statements, Omar Hernândez, Michael Swain

A vote was taken at the June 27, 2018 meeting

Unless otherwise noted these recordings are complete recordings of the Council Hearings, gavel to gavel.

Use of the materials provided on this website is encouraged, however please provide this website as the source where appropriate

Douglas A Bean was nominated as a member of the Industrial Accident Board.

(vice Patricia Costigan June 3, 2010)

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Eileen R. Duff - District 5 presided

Does the judge demonstrate a basic knowledge of workers' compensation law and procedure?

Always 40.6% (13), Usually 40.6% (13), Sometimes 18.8% (6), Rarely 0% (0), Never 0

Does the judge exhibit appropriate judicial demeanor?

Always 36.4% (12), Usually 33.3% (11), Sometimes 27.3% (9), Rarely 3% (1), Never 0

Is the judge punctual?

Always 30.3% (10), Usually 45.5% (15), Sometimes 21.2% (7), Rarely 3% (1), Never 0

Are the judge's hearing decisions supported by adequate subsidiary findings based on the evidence?

Always 24.2% (8), Usually 42.4% (14), Sometimes 21.2% (7), Rarely 12.1% (4), Never 0

Does the judge understand and correctly apply the rules of evidence at hearing?

Always 28.1% (9), Usually 34.4% (11), Sometimes 31.3% (10), Rarely 6.3% (2), Never 0

Does the judge avoid excessive bias in the administration of justice?

Always 43.8% (14), Usually 37.5% (12), Sometimes 6.3% (2), Rarely 9.4% (3), Never 3.1% (1)

Are the judge's hearing decisions issued within a reasonable period of time given the complexity of the case?

Always 53.1% (17), Usually 25% (8), Sometimes 21.9% (7), Rarely 0, Never 0,

Do the judge's decisions adequately address the issues raised on appeal?

Always 24.1% (7), Usually 24.1% (7), Sometimes 24.1% (7), Rarely 0, Never 0, N/A 27.6% (8)

Does the judge write opinions in a clear and well-reasoned manner?

Always 20% (6), Usually 36.7% (11), Sometimes 30% (9), Rarely 6.7% (2) , Never 0, N/A 6.7% (2)

Does the Reviewing Board issue decisions within a reasonable period of time given the complexity of the case?

Always 7.1% (2), Usually 10.7% (3), Sometimes 3.6% (1), Rarely 3.6% (1), Never 0, N/A 75% (21)

Source: Massachusetts Bar Association Survey

The hearing is scheduled for May 30 at 10:30

Hearing:

Charles Oliver Cipollini - District 1

Marilyn M. Petitto Devaney - District 3

Jen Caissie - District 7

Marilyn M. Petitto Devaney - District 3 presided

First to speak was The Honorable Omar Hernandez, Senior Justice for the Industrial Accident Board.

He has known Judge Bean for 20 years, and is now his boss.

The Honorable Omar Hernandez, described him as compassionate, as well as being a colleague.

The Honorable Omar Hernandez, stated that based on the metrics used by the Industrial Accident Board, Judge Bean is one of the highest producers, in terms of the number of cases processed as well as the turn around for these cases.

The Honorable Omar Hernandez, went on to state that the decisions are clearly written.

According to The Honorable Omar Hernandez,, Judge Bean sits in the Lawrence Court, and is not a problem judge.

Outside of the office, Judge Bean has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, he went to New Orleans on such a project, as well as Nicaragua.

Councilors then started to question The Honorable Omar Hernandez, about the make-up of the Industrial Accident Board.

The Industrial Accident Board is granted its authority by Chapter 23E of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Concern was aired about the apparent duplicity of duties of the Nominating Committee, and the Advisory Board.

However it was the issue regarding appointment and reappointment of judges that was of most interest.

Unlike other offices held by Judges, this office is not a lifetime appointment. The offices have a specific term and metrics are to be maintained for

each judge by which they may be reviewed for reappointment. Recently judges have simply been allowed to continue in office after their term

expires. No explanation was made for the lapse. It was acknowledged that in addition to the two justices having hearings today, there were five

others whose terms had expired, but were continuing in their office.

The next witness was Ralph Swift. Mr. Swift is a town school committee member. He has known Judge Bean for years and considers him a great guy.

Then Judge Bean spoke, he described his love of the work he does. He is a family man with four children.

His term expired in June of 2011, but he continued to work even after his term expired.

It was claimed that it was the practice of past senior judges, to ignore the expiration of an appointment and just allow the judge to continue serving.

The Honorable Omar Hernandez, again spoke stating that he would do what he could to address the issue of holding over judges, once their term has expired.

A vote was taken at the June 6, 2012 meeting.

Use of the materials provided on this website is encouraged, however please provide this website as the source where appropriate