KING COUNTY SUPERIOR
King County Superior Court
Judges preside at arraignments, trials, sentencings and many other court hearings. They rotate on many specialty assignments, including Juvenile Court. Four-year terms. Salary: $111,549.
Any candidate receiving more than 50 percent of the vote is elected. Otherwise, in races with more than two candidates, the top two vote-getters advance to the general-election ballot.
Ratings are by the King County Bar Association.
# indicates incumbent
These are the questions The Times asked the candidates:
1. Why are you running for this office?
2. Explain how your personal background and/or community involvement makes you a good judicial candidate.
3. What is the biggest problem facing the court system and how would you address it?
Position 2
Cheryl Carey
Age: 43
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Assistant attorney general
Education: B.A. in English, Seattle Pacific University; J.D., Seattle University
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Well-qualified
1. I am running for office because I care about justice and am concerned about access to justice. I grew up in King County and will serve it well because of my training, experience and my desire to serve its citizens in a respectful and courteous manner.
2. As a King County deputy prosecuting attorney, I acquired extensive trial experience. I have practiced civil-rights litigation and currently practice labor and employment law. I serve as a District Court judge pro tempore, presiding over criminal and civil matters, which will serve an essential balance to a judicial position.
3. The huge backlog of cases, each representing people needing their day in court so they can move on with their lives. Having been rated as "well-qualified" for Superior Court judge by the King County Bar Association, I can help alleviate this backlog by managing cases with skill and efficiency.
Holly Holman
Age: 44
Residence: Bellevue
Occupation: Court commissioner
Education: B.A. in education, Arizona State University; J.D., Gonzaga University
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Adequate
1. The increase in the number of cases and seriousness of issues involving families and children: child abuse, shattered families, victims of violence, etc. It is imperative that the court have more judges with an expertise in family and children's issues, especially as the caseload in these areas increases.
2. Before becoming King County Family Law Court commissioner four years ago, I spent 15 years in private practice, focusing on family law and handling thousands of cases under pressure. I've been a board member of Medina Children's Services, King County Humane Society, and chair of the Medina Civil Service Commission.
3. A lack of a stable, reasonably predictable and adequate source of funding to meet the increased needs for services for children and families involved in the judicial system.
Position 3
Mike Jensen
Age: 37
Residence: Covington
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A., Brigham Young University; J.D., University of Puget Sound
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Not qualified
1. We need an independent and accountable judiciary. I have a reputation for hard work, fairness and stability and I will bring those attributes to the bench.
2. I have been in private practice for 10 years handling a wide variety of cases. I have been a judge pro tem. As a school-board member, I have had to make tough decisions impacting our students and community.
3. Access to the courts remains difficult. It is costly in both time and money. I would advocate using new technology to improve access. Numerous civil matters could be handled electronically. We need secure software and networks to allow us to move even further toward e-trials if the litigants so choose.
Julie Spector #
Age: 42
Residence: Issaquah
Occupation: King County Superior Court judge
Education: A.B. in Russian and government, Bowdoin College; J.D., Seattle University
Campaign Web site: www.judgejuliespector.org
Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified
1: I believe strongly in public service and giving back to the community. I served both as a public defender and King County deputy prosecutor before moving into the private sector of law. While growing up, my parents instilled in me a sense of serving the community through public service.
2: In 14 years of trial practice, I tried hundreds of cases in both criminal and civil areas of the law. My broad combination of trial experiences included death-penalty, insurance matters, environmental, land-use and mental-health law. I co-edited the Mental Illness Benchbook currently used statewide by judges and commissioners.
3: The cost of litigation is prohibitive and creates a roadblock for the average citizen to hire an attorney. It is incumbent that alternatives to litigation be implemented to allow individuals access to justice in a fair and meaningful process. Expanding programs such as mediation and arbitration must be considered as alternatives to trial and dispute resolutions.
Position 11
Robert S. Bryan
Age: 58
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A. in philosophy, J.D., University of Washington
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Well-qualified
1. To bring a broad 33-year courtroom career to the bench to better benefit our community by offsetting great current losses of judicial experience, by working for better public confidence in the judiciary, and by fairly and efficiently reducing backlogs on all types of cases from day one of service.
2. After working through school as a railroad cook, I prosecuted criminals and then practiced with partners who became lawyers to be of value to people rather than to acquire status or wealth. For individuals, often of limited means, I have successfully practiced all types of courtroom law for three decades.
3. Access to affordable justice, addressed by: licensing and funding nonlawyers to meet people's unmet needs; better funding for criminal defender and civil legal-aid agencies; maintenance of an efficient mandatory arbitration system; election of judges with the breadth of experience needed to be fully effective throughout their term.
Mike Finkle
Age: 43
Residence: Sammamish
Occupation: Supervising prosecutor
Education: B.B.A. in business, Loyola Marymount University; M.B.A., Seattle University; J.D., UCLA
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified
1. As a Seattle supervising prosecuting attorney for 10 years, I've been on the front lines of today's urban law and order. I've successfully dealt with mental-health patients wielding weapons, "driving under the influence" laws, sidewalk vagrancy and tenant-landlord laws, while helping create the domestic-violence unit within my office.
2. I'm one of the youngest presidents of the Washington State Municipal Attorneys Association and have served as judge pro tem in District Court. I'm also adjunct professor of law at Seattle University. I worked toward incorporating my Sammamish community into a city. I also helped form my neighborhood's public safety committee.
3. The court's caseload involves an increased understanding of issues involving mental health. We cannot assume that costly, overcrowded courts can handle the onslaught of problems inherent in today's increasing mental-health caseload. I am the only person running that has substantial expertise in both the law and mental-health issues.
Richard L. Jones
Age: 48
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.S., Willamette University, J.D., University of Puget Sound
Campaign Web site: www.jones4judge.org
Rating: Not qualified.
1. I have frequently complained about the "trial worthiness" of the current bench and believe it time for me to do something about the situation.
2. I have always represented small businesses and persons of modest means who have struggled to have their voices heard in court. I believe there to be a need for practical and cost-saving solutions to litigation that will ensure that all who appear in court will have their say, no matter their community status or bank balance.
3. There is no one big problem, rather a number of small ones that needlessly increase the cost of litigation. If elected, I would have pretrial conferences with the parties and their lawyers during the discovery process instead of 45 days before the trial. This would introduce me to the case and counsel and offer an opportunity to encourage settlement long before the sides have hardened in preparation for trial.
Catherine Shaffer
Age: 42
Residence: Shoreline
Occupation: Senior King County deputy prosecuting attorney and Des Moines municipal judge pro tem
Education: B.A. in political science and American studies, Wellesley College; J.D., Columbia University
Campaign Web site: www.catherineshaffer.org
Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified.
1. I am dedicated to ensuring access to the courts and making justice affordable. I will also deliver quality justice: My experience includes years of civil litigation, a decade prosecuting hundreds of felony trials before juries, and substantial judicial experience as a judge pro tem. I am sensitive to crime victims and committed to public safety.
2. I work for justice as an officer and board member of the King County Bar Association, a board member of King County Washington Women Lawyers, and a fund-raiser for "safety-net" charities. I am a leader in programs to stop sexual assault and domestic violence, help at-risk youth, reduce school gun violence, and divert juvenile offenders from the criminal system.
3: Navigating the courts can be difficult and expensive. I believe we can make it easier by informing the public, simplifying legal forms and providing electronic and telephone access to the court. We can make it more affordable by supporting arbitration, mediation and the use of legal advocates and paralegals, encouraging free legal services and handling cases efficiently.
Position 15
Michael Morgan
Age: 41
Residence: Federal Way
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A. in philosophy and history, Vanderbilt University; J.D., University of Puget Sound
Campaign Web site: www.michaelmorganforjudge.com
Rating: Adequate.
1. Since my opponent's graduation from law school in 1993, she has not tried a single case in Superior Court. With encouragement from my family, I decided to run for Position 15 because I offer our Superior Court the needed experienced leadership when hearing important cases such as rape and murder.
2. I am the only candidate for Position 15 with Superior Court trial experience, appellate-court experience, juvenile-court experience, family-law experience, private-practice experience, pardons-and-parole experience, complex-litigation experience and capital-murder-trial experience. Because our Superior Courts hear important cases, they need experienced decision-makers.
3. The pending retirement of six experienced judges along with the recent resignation of three other experienced judges is creating a leadership vacuum in Superior Court. My 15 years of Superior Court experience can lessen the eventual impact to our community by the loss of these nine experienced judges.
Mary Yu #
Age: 43
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: King County Superior Court judge
Education: B.A. in liberal arts, Dominican University; M.A. in theology, Loyola University; J.D., Notre Dame
Campaign Web site: www.judgemaryyu.org
Rating: Well-qualified.
1. I was a prosecutor before Gov. Gary Locke appointed me as a judge. I saw firsthand how important it is that judges know the law; make decisions fairly and impartially; balance compassion with accountability. I love being a judge and would be honored to continue serving the public in this way.
2. Coming from a first-generation immigrant family and being a woman of color, I understand the importance of individual liberty and respect for all. My first jobs after college were in the peace-and-justice movement; I still volunteer for youth organizations as part of my commitment to the community.
3. The length of time before a case is heard is simply too long. People turn to the justice system for help, but often they wait months if not years to have their problem addressed. Judges must take a strong leadership role in making the system more accessible, understandable and responsive.
Position 17
Frederick Canavor
Age: 56
Residence: Vashon
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.S. in business, Syracuse University; M.B.A., Golden Gate University (Seattle campus); J.D., St. John's University; LL.M. Law, New York University
Campaign Web site: www.geocities.com/canavor
Rating: Pending.
1. People should have confidence that their judges will fairly balance the rights of victims against the accused, the rights of employees against employers, and the rights of individuals against big business and government. I have chosen to run because I expect to be that kind of judge.
2. I have dealt with most aspects of the law affecting real people, as an elected prosecuting attorney in a rural county, and as a lawyer in private practice in Seattle. I can get quickly to the bottom of a dispute and have the integrity to ensure a just result.
3. The biggest problem facing the court system is laws preventing judges from doing their job properly. Judges frequently state that they would have given a higher or lower sentence but for the law. They should have the discretion to impose the higher or lower sentences true justice demands.
Donald D. Haley #
Age: 67
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: King County Superior Court judge
Education: B.A. in political science/economics; LL.B., University of Washington
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Well-qualified.
1. I have been a King County Superior Court judge for 17 years. My experience, dedication and efficiency in dispensing justice are extremely valuable to the court. Having held many leadership positions at the local, state and national levels of the judiciary, I constantly seek to improve citizens' access to justice.
2. Growing up in a small, segregated Louisiana town with limited resources, my parents instilled in me the importance of education, hard work and compassion. I moved here to study law and work with organizations dedicated to liberty and justice for all.
3. Citizens lack information and interest in the judicial system. This third branch deals with life, liberty, property and personal relationships. Yet, it is too complex for most to understand. At jury selection, I will continue to educate jurors about the system's importance and ask them to share this with others.
Position 21
Greg Canova
Age: 52
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Senior assistant state attorney general, criminal-justice division
Education: B.A. in political science, Washington State University; J.D., University of Southern California
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified.
1. I care deeply about justice and my community. In my 28-year career I've earned a reputation among judges, colleagues and opponents for common sense, hard work, fairness and compassion - qualities we want in judges serving the vital role of ensuring justice. I'll continue this commitment as a judge.
2. I've practiced civil and criminal law, tried 300 Superior Court trials and argued dozens of appeals. As a prosecutor for 26 years, for King County and the attorney general, I've protected community safety and defendants' rights. Endorsed by 40 judges, the King County Bar Association rates me "exceptionally well-qualified."
3. Courts are for the people. Courts should be user-friendly and accountable. Innovations like Drug Court, Mental Health Court, civil mediation and increased use of technology can save taxpayers' money and enhance justice. I'm a proven leader and problem-solver committed to helping courts serve the public effectively and efficiently.
Raymond V. Gessel
Age: 43
Residence: Kent
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A., political science, Brigham Young University; J.D., University of Idaho
Campaign Web site: www.raymondgessel.com
Rating: Adequate.
1. I am concerned about the increasing difficulty that individuals and small businesses have in accessing our justice system. Drastic improvements could be made by reducing court procedures, modifying burdensome rules and utilizing already available technology to economize, streamline and make more efficient and cost-effective a system long in need of an overhaul.
2. For more than 16 years I have represented the consumers of the judicial system in the six divisions of the Superior Court. I have shared their frustrations, advised them on the law, analyzed complicated legal issues for them and advocated their cases. Not only can I make sound factual and legal determinations, I understand those areas of due process and procedural streamlining that need to be effected for individuals to have their cases appropriately, adequately and efficiently heard.
3. The biggest problem facing the court system is accessing the system. Greater numbers of cases and burdensome procedures make it more difficult for parties to be heard. The rules need to be streamlined. Available technologies need to be efficiently used to reduce procedures, time and costs, not just to the court but to litigants. By so doing, many pretrial procedures can be more efficiently dealt with and parties will be heard without fearing burdensome and unnecessary procedures.
Joe Lynch
Age: 48
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A., society and justice, University of Washington; J.D., Gonzaga University
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Well-qualified.
1. A great judge once said lawsuits should be dreaded beyond anything short of sickness and death. Many judges, as lawyers, never had a real human being for a client, representing only the government or large corporations. As a lawyer, I've fought for the privacy and dignity of the individual. As a judge, I will work for equal justice every day.
2. Admitted to practice in 1979, I am experienced in family law, personal injury, contracts and consumer protection. Most of my career has been devoted to representing the poor in the criminal courts of Seattle and King County. Since 1989, I've taught Introduction to Law classes at Seattle Central Community College.
3. Our great challenge is to build public confidence in the courts during a time of increased caseloads and diminished resources. I will work to improve simple access to justice and relieve burdens on those who seek to be heard. I will work for equal justice every day.
Position 25
Jim Doerty #
Age: 54
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: King County Superior Court judge
Education: B.A. in political science; J.D., University of Washington
Campaign Web site: www.jdoerty.com
Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified.
1. Last year Gov. Gary Locke appointed me to the Superior Court. After five years as a court commissioner, I concluded that much is needed to improve the relationship between courts and communities. I envision more efficient courts, less costly processes, and more attention to the increasing caseload involving families and children.
2. I've spent 20 years as a trial lawyer and almost six on the bench dealing with many social issues. I also have extensive administrative, budget and management experience and broad community support, having been rated exceptionally well-qualified by five major bar associations and blessed with many diverse endorsements.
3. Access to justice. I've worked to improve it by planning and implementing the Unified Family Court, which allows us to analyze the long-term placement and well-being of children, reducing the situation-to-situation approach. And, I've worked on the Superior Court's Volunteer Committee to keep judges connected to their communities.
Linda Thompson
Age: 51
Residence: Kent
Occupation: King County District Court judge
Education: B.A. in political science, University of Texas; J.D., William & Mary Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Adequate.
1. I have been a District Court judge for nearly six years. In recognition of my reputation as a judge, the Washington Council of Police endorsed my candidacy for Superior Court as follows: "We applaud you for your honesty, fairness, ethics and toughness. You are exactly the type of judge the citizens of King County demand."
2. I have been honored to serve my community as a District Court judge, and look forward to serving as a Superior Court judge. In acknowledgment of my community involvement, King County Councilman Kent Pullen stated, "Judge Thompson has an outstanding record of public service to our community. She has worked hard to provide justice to all citizens."
3. Finding effective ways to combat violence and crime are major community challenges. We must elect judges who will consistently uphold the constitution, apply the law and hold offenders accountable. As a judge, I have earned a reputation in the justice system as a tough but fair trial judge.
Position 26
Jeanette Burrage #
Age: 47
Residence: Des Moines
Occupation: King County Superior Court judge
Education: J.D., University of Washington
Campaign Web site: www.judgeburrage.org
Rating: Not qualified.
1. I believe an impartial, reliable, honorable and responsive judicial system is critical to our society. Because of this, I have dedicated myself to serving as a judge and I wish to continue to do so as long as the public continues to give me support and trust.
2. Five years as a judge give me a wealth of knowledge and experience. Prior to being a judge, I worked as an attorney, an accountant and city-council member. I volunteer to educate the public, particularly students, about our judicial system. Endorsed by Supreme Court Justices Madsen, Sanders and Gerry Alexander.
3. Delay in serving the public is a pressing problem facing King County courts. There is a greatly increased caseload, which intensifies a lack of funding. I have worked diligently with legislators and will continue to do so, to secure the additional resources necessary to resolve this problem.
Laura Gene Middaugh
Age: 51
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Mediator, court commissioner pro tem
Education: B.A. in psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz; A.S. in registered nursing, Cabrillo College; J.D., University of Puget Sound
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Adequate.
1. I respect the law and receive satisfaction from serving it. We in the legal system have an obligation to make courts accessible and an obligation to provide fair and competent justice. I have chosen this office because I will bring the necessary competence to King County Superior Court Position 26.
2. I have 17 years as a trial lawyer and mediator. I was appointed a court commissioner by the judges. As an attorney, commissioner, children's advocate and registered nurse, I have extensive experience evaluating situations and making critical judgments. I have respect and endorsements from a broad cross section of the community.
3. Access to justice. Help provide translations of important information for non-English-speaking litigants, provide access for low-income people to services that the court requires of them. Increase use and availability of court facilitators and other resources already available for pro se litigants. Reduce paper requirements and court waiting time.
Position 30
Paris Kimberley Kallas
Age: 43
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Court commissioner, Washington State Court of Appeals
Education: B.A. in literature and art history, St. Olaf College; J.D., University of Puget Sound
Campaign Web site: www.kallasforjudge.org
Rating: Well-qualified.
1. I believe in the justice system and I am convinced that a job well-done makes a difference. I am dedicated to restoring public confidence in the courts. I bring years of judicial experience and a proven record of making fair and sound decisions in my years as appellate-court commissioner.
2. An involved member of my community, I have volunteered in the public schools and devoted countless hours to programs promoting quality after-school care, leadership training for young women and diversity in private schools. And as a mother, I have gained patience and wisdom, qualities that make a good judge.
3. Lack of public confidence is the biggest problem. I promise first to treat all who appear before me fairly and with respect. This promotes confidence and understanding. I also promise to work hard and creatively in the community and within the court to find solutions to improve the justice system.
Doug North
Age: 48
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Attorney
Education: J.D., University of Washington
Campaign Web site: www.dougnorth.com
Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified.
1. I have always received the greatest satisfaction from public service, whether from my environmental work protecting rivers and watersheds or from my legal work representing individuals and small businesses seeking justice in court. As a judge, I want to improve access to justice and make our court system more understandable.
2. For 22 years I have represented clients in nearly every kind of case before our courts: real estate, criminal, family law, personal injury, contracts, guardianships, business disputes, estates and condemnation. I have the highest rating of the candidates for this position from the King County Bar: exceptionally well-qualified.
3. Lack of access to justice for people of modest means. I will work to make it easier for people to understand procedures and represent themselves. We also must use technology, such as interactive kiosks at courthouses, allowing people to fill in and print out forms for simple legal cases.
Position 51
Bill Budigan
Age: 43
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A. in European history, M.A. in international relations, University of Chicago; J.D., University of Illinois
Campaign Web site: None
Rating: Not qualified.
1. To provide public service in law. To best utilize my skills, knowledge and experience for the development of law, order and justice for the greatest number of legal matters from my community.
2. Seventeen-plus years experience at all levels of courts, handling over 1,700 cases in criminal, family, injuries, real estate, probate, business and appeals. Arbitrator, mediator, guardian ad litem. Much greater experience in handling a wider variety of cases that actually come before the court than my challengers.
3. Salvaging the King County Mandatory Arbitration Program required for cases under $35,000. The program is extremely cost-effective, as attorney arbitrators resolve cases without using taxpayer-paid judges and courtrooms, and by paying very low arbitrator rates. We need to foster drug court and domestic-violence court programs.
John Erlick
Age: 46
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.A. in psychology, Harvard University; J.D., Georgetown University
Campaign Web site: www.erlick4judge.com
Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified.
1. King County residents deserve judges who are fair, experienced and hard-working. I am seeking office as a judge because I have had a successful, challenging 20-year career in private practice and as a Superior Court arbitrator. I have long been committed to community service. A priority in my courtroom will be to ensure that all parties feel they have been treated fairly and been given an opportunity to present their case or issue.
2. As a community leader in health care, education and housing, I have dealt with a variety of challenges facing people in everyday life - issues that judges must decide in the courtroom. I have also been an instructor in schools and strongly support enforcing laws to maintain safe schools for our children.
3. Increasing caseloads, particularly in criminal matters, are creating court congestion that is compromising the public's access to justice. I support specialized tracks for juveniles, mentally ill, domestic violence and select drug offenders to ensure greater efficiency in handling these matters by judges familiar with the issues.
Kris R. Jensen
Age: 38
Residence: Seattle
Occupation: Attorney
Education: B.S. in civil engineering, Washington State University; J.D., Gonzaga University
Campaign Web site: www.JensenForJudge.com
Rating: Adequate.
1. The King County Superior Court needs good judges who will work hard to maintain a fair and respectable court reputation. The reputation of doing good justice is a necessary foundation of our society. I believe I have this reputation both as an attorney and while sitting as judge pro tem.
2. Sitting as judge pro tempore in various regional courts has given me an awareness of how to be a judge and how to treat people who come to court. Involvement within Burien city government has shown me the complexities and necessities of governmental operations. Lastly, I manage my own law firm and business.
3. King County Superior Court needs judges who will foster respect for participants who use the courts. Judges must work with participants to foster this respect. The courts must facilitate greater use of alternate dispute-resolution methods. Also, judges must be seen as fair and nonpartisan, which requires fair and nonpartisan judges.