The controversial career of Judge John W. Benoit took a positive turn last week with his nomination for reappointment by Gov. John R. McKernan.

A maverick district court judge whose style and temperament frequently conflicted with that of more mainstream jurists, Benoit during the mid-1980s generated broad public support and criticism from within the legal community when he launched an aggressive and badly needed campaign from the bench to adequately punish convicted drunk drivers.

His frequent collisions with lawyers, and his censure at the hands of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court for violations of defendants’ due process and constitutional rights left his popularity with the public undiminished. In fact, Benoit survived the personal turmoil and conflict of that period because his unconventional and stern approach to OUI and other serious offenses was fundamentally in sync with that of the people he served.

A resident judge in Skowhegan and Farmington for the past 14 years, Benoit has sat with flair on the 12th District Court, but also with a conscientiousness to principles of law and public security that were overshadowed by his frequent brushes with colleagues on procedural matters.

First appointed by Gov. James Longley, an independent. Reappointed by Gov. Joseph Brennan, a Democrat. And now, reappointed for a possible third term courtesy of Gov. John McKernan, a Republican, Benoit is the perfect public servant, a man who understands the people and the dictates of his responsibilities, and who isn’t afraid to act, at great personal risk, for the betterment of society.

He has earned reappointment, based on past performance, and also because he has been out of public view the past few years, a sure sign that he has heard the beat of the drummer at the Supreme Court. He deserves more time for good behavior.