CHARLESTON, W.Va. — New state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Ewing says he considers himself a turtle on a fence post. He says many have helped him get where he is today.
Ewing was formally sworn-in Monday afternoon during an investiture ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom at the state capitol.
Ewing, previously a circuit judge in Fayette County, said he decided to get out of his comfort zone earlier this year when former Justice Beth Walker retired.
“I had a guaranteed place on the bench in Fayette County until 2032. To say the least it all felt familiar, safe and secure. But the comfort zone can become a graveyard for dreams,” Ewing told the crowd.
He decide to apply for the open position. Gov. Patrick Morrisey chose him to replace Walker.
Ewing was sworn-in on Aug. 27 in a private ceremony but he said it was important to take the oath publicly Monday.
“I did so with the full understanding of the compact I have made with the people of the state of West Virginia to uphold the rule of law, to maintain my independence and to be fair and impartial in all cases before this court,” Ewing said.
Ewing said a second reason for taking the oath before family, friends, colleagues and others was to allow them to hold him accountable.
The other justices on the court, Chief Justice Bill Wooton and Justices Haley Bunn, Charles Trump and John Hutchison, all praised Ewing
Bunn said she knows he’s already missed in Fayette County.
“I know it was bitter-sweet for a lot of folks in Fayette County that he had to leave that behind to come up here but his passion for people he did not leave behind,” Bunn said. “In every case of discussion that is a topic.”
State Police Superintendent Col. Jim Mitchell serves as Ewing’s pastor in Fayette County. He said Ewing is humble and wise.
“Justice Ewing is not a man who sought power, he sought purpose. There’s a big difference. He does not chase prestige but he pursues principle,” Mitchell said.
Ewing is the first Supreme Court justice from Fayette County.
He worked for the law firm of Kay, Casto & Chaney, PLLC from 2004 until his appointment to the bench in 2018.