Wednesday, October 8, 2014

State Supreme Court




Justice, position 1
Mary Yu
Candidate’s statement:
Legal/Judicial Experience: Current Supreme Court Justice. Fourteen years as a trial court judge. Served as Deputy Chief of Staff to King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng and Deputy in the Civil and Criminal Divisions.

Other Professional Experience: Instructor and Distinguished Jurist in Residence, Seattle University School of Law. Director, Office for Ministry of Peace and Justice, Archdiocese of Chicago. Co-Chair, Washington State Minority and Justice Commission.

Education:
B.A., Dominican University. M.A., Theology, Mundelein of Loyola University. J.D., University of Notre Dame Law School.

Community Service: Distinguished speaker on civility in the legal profession and reducing financial barriers to courts. Mentor to minority and disadvantaged students. Boardmember of FareStart.

Statement: Justice Yu joined the Supreme Court after serving for fourteen years as a highly respected Superior Court judge, where she presided over both criminal and civil cases, including hundreds of adoptions and other family law matters.

As a trial court judge, she was known for treating everyone with respect and fairness, approaching each case with an open mind, understanding that each decision a judge makes impacts someone’s life, and paying careful attention to the law.

Because of her experience, integrity, and impartiality, she has received numerous awards including “Judge of the Year” from the Washington State Association for Justice, King County Washington Women Lawyers, and the Washington State Bar Association; and “Public Official of the Year” from the Municipal League Foundation. Justice Yu received the highest possible rating - Exceptionally Well Qualified - from all six bar associations that rated her.

Justice Yu is dedicated to improving access to justice and protecting individual rights for all. She is endorsed by hundreds of current and former justices and judges, elected leaders, Washington State Patrol Troopers Association, National Women’s Political Caucus, Washington State Labor Council, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and thousands of civic leaders, small business owners and community members across the state.
Contact:
(206) 801-3494
www.JusticeMaryYu.com

Because she is running unopposed, there is no need for a recommendation.

Justice, position 3
Mary Fairhurst
Candidate’s statement:
Legal/Judicial Experience: Supreme Court Justice, 12 years; Washington Attorney General’s Office, 16 years, specializing in revenue, transportation, criminal justice, and personnel; Supreme Court law clerk, 2 years.

Other Professional Experience: Judicial Information System Committee, Chair; Judicial Administration Public Trust and Confidence Committee, Chair; Council on Public Legal Education, Member; Washington State Bar Association, past President and Board of Governors; Washington Women Lawyers, past President.

Education: Law degree, high honors, BA with honors in Political Science, both Gonzaga University.

Community Service: State iCivics Program Chair; We the People Board Member; Thurston County Food Bank Board Member; YMCA Youth and Government volunteer; past Girl Scout Board member.

Statement: I am delighted and honored to serve you on our highest court. As a justice, I am a fierce champion of fairness and judicial independence. I respect the dignity and worth of every individual – and the guiding principles of our Constitution and laws. My role is to ensure that your rights are protected and responsibilities to our communities are upheld.

During my tenure, I've worked to enhance your trust and confidence in our judicial system. We have improved access to justice, streamlined operations, promoted technology, and made the court more efficient and transparent.

I was raised in a large, engaged family where I learned at the kitchen table, the values of open debate, honesty, and standing up for each other. I bring these values every day to the Supreme Court. I am passionate about achieving outcomes that make a difference in the lives of real people.

With your vote, I will build upon my record of fairness, impartiality, and independence. I'm proudly endorsed by over 100 current and retired judges, political and civic leaders, business and labor, law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, Democrats, Independents, Republicans and many more.
Contact:
(360) 216-7388
www.JusticeMaryFairhurst.com
Because she is running unopposed, there is no need for a recommendation.


Justice, position 4
Eddie Yoon
Candidate’s statement:
Legal/Judicial Experience: Assistant Prosecutor for Tacoma, prosecuted DUI cases. Arbitrator; Pierce County Court. Advisor on international arbitrations.

Other Professional Experience: Professor of U.S. Constitutional Law; EWHA Women's Law School - Seoul. My Supreme Court Cases: (1) against ex-presidents Chun, Do-whan, and Roh, Tae-woo for massacres in Kwang-ju City, South Korea and (2) against Japanese corporations for slavery during WWII.

Education: Lincoln High School, Tacoma 1966 - all city football player. Grays Harbor Junior College. Played football for Jack Elway. Pacific Lutheran University, 1970. University of Washington Law School, 1974. CLEO Legal Fellow.

Community Service: Pro bono work for Korean and others.

Statement: Unlike most judges, I have had real life experiences. While in college I worked in the logging camps (choker). Before becoming the first Korean-American attorney in the Northwest I also worked as a transportation agent for Northwest Airlines. Although I am currently a professor of U.S. constitutional and criminal law at the elite EWHA Women's Law School in Seoul, my wife and I lend a hand at running a small hotel owned by her family in Korea. I believe that my legal ability is evidenced by the fact that I took two cases to the U.S. Supreme Court which is unheard of for a solo attorney. As a Supreme Court Justice, I will try to continue to educate young people regarding the legal systems in Washington and the intrinsic value of our U.S. Constitution. I would be willing to travel throughout the state to do this. I also believe Supreme Court cases should be heard at cities throughout the state so that citizens know the workings of the Supreme Court. Finally, I believe a salary of $90,000.00 is enough for this job and would donate the balance ($77,505.00) to charity.
Contact:
(818) 903-1692
Total funds raised: $0

Charles W Johnson
Candidate’s statement:
Legal/Judicial Experience: Associate Chief Justice Charles Johnson, the State Supreme Court’s most experienced member, has worked 24 years protecting individual rights, balancing the scales of justice for those less privileged, and improving court efficiency. For 15 years he taught Washington Constitutional Law at Seattle University Law School. He remains distinguished jurist in residence at the school.

Other Professional Experience: Before joining the court in 1991, Justice Johnson worked 14 years as a lawyer helping people with everyday needs.

Education: Seattle University Law School; University of Washington; Curtis High School, Tacoma.

Community Service: Washington Trails Association; Pierce County Food Bank; Pierce County Prayer Breakfast; YMCA Youth Programs.

Statement: Justice Charles Johnson understands our rights and freedoms. His 24-year record shows his commitment to individual privacy and holding government accountable. He works to deliver fair, accessible, and equal justice for all.

Lawyers’ groups rate Justice Johnson “exceptionally well qualified.” His proven experience, fairness, intellect, and impartiality are reflected by the diversity of organizations supporting his re-election, including: State Council of Fire Fighters; State Patrol Troopers; King, Pierce, and Snohomish County Democrats; Mainstream Republicans; State Labor Council; State Association of Realtors; Aerospace Machinists 751; Federation of State Employees; and other groups and individuals statewide.

The National Council on Racial and Ethnic Fairness recognized his efforts to improve justice for all persons. He received the McAulay National Legal Educator Award for lifetime dedication to integrity, compassion, courage, and professional service. He received a special commendation for improving legal services to military members.

We need Supreme Court members like Justice Johnson, with proven experience, intelligence, integrity, fairness, and impartiality. Hard work and challenges underscore his life. He worked as a laborer to pay for college and law school, and understands the value of our time and money.

A lifetime Washington resident, Justice Johnson and his wife, Dana, live in Gig Harbor.
Contact:
(253) 279-2102
www.charlesjohnsonforjustice.com
Total funds raised to date (10-8-14) $22,683.96   total spent: $6587.44

Charles Johnson has been doing a good job at the Supreme Court these last 12 years. Any candidate against him would have to have some very serious credentials. His opponent, Eddie Yoon, appears, from his interview with The Stranger, to be a bit of a buffoon. He just doesn’t come across as a serious candidate, saying that he prefers to lose so he can go back to Korea where he teaches law. Ok.

I’ll be voting for Charles Johnson


Justice, position 7
Debra L Stephens
Candidate’s statement:
Legal/Judicial Experience: Supreme Court Justice since January 2008. Statewide trial and appellate practice, including 120+ appearances before the Washington Supreme Court. Author and speaker at 100+ legal seminars. Judge of Division Three Court of Appeals before joining the Supreme Court.

Other Professional Experience: Minority and Justice Commission Member. National Courts Science Institute Advisory Board Chair. Adjunct Professor, Gonzaga Law School since 1995 (taught Constitutional Law, Community Property and Appellate Advocacy). Former community college instructor.

Education: B.A. and J.D., Gonzaga University; West Valley High, Spokane.

Community Service: Former school board director. Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital fundraising volunteer. Rotary Board member.

Statement: Since becoming a Justice in 2008, I have dedicated myself to serving the people of this state and upholding the rule of law. As the only current Justice from Eastern Washington, I bring an important perspective to the Court. As a longtime constitutional law professor, I respect legal traditions. And as a mom, former school board member, and community volunteer, I understand how court decisions impact Washington families.

Our courts are a critical branch of government, where every person – regardless of circumstance – is treated fairly, with dignity, and free from bias and politics. I work every day to maintain the independence of our judiciary, and trust the people of Washington to elect judges who support our values and respect the law.

I am proud to have support of people across the state: prominent leaders in government, education, and business; law enforcement, firefighters, labor unions, judges, and lawyers. Rated “exceptionally well qualified,” by statewide organizations, I strive to write clear opinions that uphold our values and build trust in the integrity of our justice system. I ask for the opportunity to serve you for another 6 years, and appreciate your vote.
Contact:
(360) 313-6913
www.JusticeDebraStephens.com
Total raised to date (10-8-14) $68,008.34   total spent: $35,227.61


John (Zamboni) Scannell
Candidate’s statement:
Legal/Judicial Experience: John Scannell organized and filed a class action lawsuit which won millions of dollars for City of Seattle employees. He blocked/delayed the building of sports stadiums by challenging their public financing. He was elected employee representative by the City of Seattle employees on the Civil Service Commission.

Other Professional Experience: No information submitted

Education: Graduated with honors at Renton High School. Graduated with honors University of Washington with major in Physics, minor in mathematics Became the second person to complete the State of Washington Law Clerk program in the minimum of four years

Community Service: Performed pro bono legal work for low income clients and prisoners.

Statement: Zamboni John Scannell has been one of the few attorneys in the State that has actively been supporting the American Bar Associations long standing criticism of the Washington attorney disciplinary system. He has filed a federal RICO lawsuit citing the problems the Washington State Bar Association has created by administering the system.
The Washington State Supreme Court is in charge of the system, but the court has come under sharp criticism for 40 years for its practice of delegating its responsibility to the Washington State Bar Association. The ABA rightly likens this to the practice of putting the fox in charge of the henhouse, with Washington being one of the few state that still continue this practice.
The practice of putting a politically elected bar leadership in charge of attorney discipline has resulted in low charging rates, discipline directed at attorney who represent unpopular clients, as well as discipline directed at minority attorneys in disproportionate numbers. John Scannell appears to be the only candidate that advocates taking the bar association out of the disciplinary process.
Scannell will protect the rights of Washington citizens with decisions that are intelligent, just and ethical.
Contact:
(206) 624-3685
www.actionlaw.net
no campaign information has been filed with PDC

Wow. This one is a hot potato. It seems that Mr Zamboni Scannell  was the subject of a court disciplinary action – authored by justice Debra Stephens. The man appears to be a crusader for the underdog, which is a good thing. But he seems to cut corners in the process. Since he’s been disbarred, I’m not sure how he can serve as a supreme court justice. His primary issue (of course) is reforming the attorney discipline rules. Meanwhile, Justice Stephens has been doing a good job. I see no reason to replace her.

I’ll be voting for Debra Stephens.

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