Alpine County's public defender has announced he is seeking election to the seat now held by retiring Alpine Superior Court Judge Richard K. Specchio.
Thomas D. Kolpacoff has served as public defender since 2005.
"I have been practicing in the Alpine courts since the 1980s, and have always loved that its legal community was small and friendly, yet professional," said Kolpacoff. "I look forward to serving in a new capacity, and believe my skills and expertise will be a good match for the local bench."
An attorney since January 1972, Kolpacoff has represented clients in a variety of legal matters including criminal and civil litigation, business law, family law, real estate law, and estate planning.
He is a graduate of Western State University School of Law.
He practiced law in Orange County, Calif., before moving to Lake Tahoe in 1979.
"We came to Tahoe that summer on vacation, and fell in love with the area," Kolpacoff recalled. "We have been fortunate to be able to raise our children in this beautiful area."
Kolpacoff said he enjoys fly fishing and looks forward to continuing to enjoy Alpine's beautiful streams.
Kolpacoff and wife Marilyn celebrated their 42nd anniversary recently.
They have two grown children and two young grandsons.
