INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana Supreme Court justice who is stepping down says he believes the state’s process for picking his replacement contributes to public confidence in the court system. The state’s Judicial Nominating Commission is currently accepting applications to fill the vacancy coming with Justice Brent Dickson’s retirement.

The 74-year-old Dickson announced in early November he would retire next spring after 30 years on the state’s highest court. The nominating commission will interview candidates early next year and recommend three finalists to Gov. Mike Pence, who will make a selection.

Dickson tells The (Munster) Times he believes that process is better than in other states where Supreme Court justices are elected and candidates have to appeal to lawyers to finance their campaigns.