AUGUSTA – Maine Youth Court founder and former workers compensation commissioner Paul A. Cote Jr. should return to district court, according to Gov. John Baldacci.

Cote, an Auburn resident, was one of nine individuals Baldacci nominated for seats on Maine superior and district courts Wednesday.

Cote has served as district court judge for 14 years. Before that, he served as workers compensation commissioner. He co-founded Maine’s first youth court at Edward Little High School in 2001, along with Auburn’s Richard Kendall.

Cote earned his undergraduate degree from Colby College and his law degree from Boston University School of Law.

Nominees must be reviewed by the Judiciary Committee and confirmed by the Senate before being appointed.

Baldacci also nominated Andre G. Janelle of Saco and Jane S. Bradley of Freeport to be returned to their district court positions. He added Jeffrey H. Moskowitz of Saco and Susan A. Sparaco of Farmingdale.

Baldacci nominated Roland A. Cole of Wells and Robert E. Crowley of Kennebunk to return as superior court justices, and nominated William R. Anderson of Morrill to a new position. He nominated Donald H. Marden of Oakland for active retired appointment.

“This is an impressive list of candidates, each bringing a wealth of professional, civic and community experience to the bench,” Baldacci said in a written statement. “They are individuals of high integrity and are dedicated to upholding the laws of this state. I am confident that they will serve the people of Maine with great distinction.”