CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch tomorrow will nominate Daniel Cappiello, acting presiding justice of the Rochester District Court, to serve as the court's permanent presiding justice. The Executive Council must approve the nomination.

"Daniel Cappiello has deep roots in the community and an extensive knowledge of the law. As acting presiding justice of the Rochester District, he has proven himself well qualified to handle the job on a permanent basis, "Gov. Lynch said.

Gov. Lynch selected Daniel Cappiello from candidates recommended by the Judicial Selection Commission. Gov. Lynch created the Judicial Selection Commission to ensure the most comprehensive searches possible for potential judicial candidates and to ensure that applicants would know they do not need political connections, just qualifications, to be considered for a judicial appointment.

"Mr. Cappiello's strengths include extensive experience, over 30 years as a lawyer, judge and resident of Strafford County, a deep understanding of the Rochester District Court and the people of Strafford County; and a practical and sensible approach to his judicial duties. He has a firm, but friendly demeanor and is both well liked and well regarded by lawyers, judges and members of the public throughout Strafford Country," Jill Blackmer and Philip Waystack, the chairs of the Commission, wrote to Gov. Lynch in recommending Cappiello.

Judge Cappiello has served as a special justice of the Rochester District Court since 2002, and became the acting presiding justice in 2004. He served as the city attorney for Somersworth from 1981 until 1992; he was a partner at Shaheen & Gordon in Dover from 1981 to 2003; and served as staff attorney for the Atlas Title Company from 2003 to 2004. Before being named a special justice, he volunteered approximately twice a month as a mediator in the New Hampshire Superior Courts.

A resident of Barrington, Mr. Cappiello has been active in numerous Strafford County civic organizations, currently serving on the board of the Strafford County Mental Health Council.

Mr. Cappiello graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1967 and from the New England School of Law in 1973.