the courts, VERY IMPORTANT

We've got one contested race, for position 9 on the State Supreme Court. This one is very important because as we've been seeing at the federal level, the courts make a major difference in how our world works.

WA state Supreme Court

I’m not at all clear on why two of the judges are running unopposed - a second time.

position 2

√  Susan Owens, incumbent, endorsed by Progressive Voter, been a good judge for 12 years. No reason to change now. Judged Well Qualified by King Co Bar Assoc. Described by a fellow justice as “bright, well-intentioned, thoughtful and compassionate, and takes her job very seriously.”

position 8

√  Steve Gonzalez, incumbent, appointed 2012, endorsed by Progressive Voter, respected and experienced judge on King Co Superior Court, former Assistant US Attorney. “We need to have the courage to speak for people who don’t have a voice.”

position 9

√  Sheryl Gordon McCloud, endorsed by Progressive Voter and an impressive array of judges and attorneys. She wants to assure that trials are conducted properly. “I’ve been fighting for fairness for all, including those who have often lacked meaningful access to the judicial system.” Says one attorney: “McCloud’s reputation for fairness and her tireless pursuit of justice will benefit all of our State’s citizens.” She represented a man wrongly sentenced to death and won him a retrial. She worked to win sick leave benefits for pregnant women. She has fought for battered women who fight back.  She has also fought to support the right to own guns. Gotta say, she’s fair across ideological lines.

           

Richard Sanders former justice, libertarian property rights proponent who has consistently ruled against women, LGBTs, and the environment. Thinks diversity is a red herring. Its all about individual rights. Endorsed by contractors, Libertarians, NRA, Christian Homeschoolers, Pro-lifers, Property Rights proponents. He was bad news when he was on the court before. He will be bad news if he’s elected again.

Court of Appeals  division 1, district 3  position 1           

√  Mary Kay Becker, incumbent, unopposed  She’s been on the court of appeals since 1994. Back in 1973 she co-wrote a fictional account of a major oil spill in Puget Sound. Her focus as a state representative was juvenile and adult sentencing, agriculture, environmental affairs, and budgeting for social services. 

Island County

Island County Superior Court

position 1            
√  Alan Hancock, incumbent, unopposed   I’ve watched Judge Hancock at work and have to say he is a deep thinker, a scrupulous researcher, and has amazing patience with fools. We’re lucky to have judge Hancock.

position 2            
√  Vickie Churchill, incumbent, unopposed  Judge Churchill seems to get the high profile criminal cases, often involving juveniles. She has been the spark plug behind the county’s juvenile detention center, which has actually reduced juvenile crime to the point that some on the right are demanding it be shut down.