Retiring judge endorses Wilson

Experience counts. And Joe Wilson has the experience that counts to be an excellent judge, which is why so many judges support his candidacy. It's the reason I have endorsed Joe to take my place on the bench. He has tried cases in Superior Court for the last 14 years and has tried cases in the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. No other candidate for judge can make that claim.

Most of our citizens receive the services of our courts in civil cases, not criminal. Joe Wilson has not only handled criminal cases, as his opponent has, but also all the civil cases which most effect our citizens -- personal injury, real estate, domestic relations, wills and estate planning. Litigants prefer to have their cases heard by a judge who has represented clients with similar problems.

For the last 10 years Joe has served as a board member with domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, helping thousands of the most vulnerable members of our community find help.

I've been a Superior Court judge for the past 20 years. I know what it takes to be a solid judge. There is no doubt Joe is the more qualified person to succeed me. I'm voting for Joe because he has a rare combination of legal skills, fairness and integrity. I hope everyone will join me this year and vote for Joe Wilson for Superior Court judge.

RICHARD J. THORPE
Snohomish County Superior Court judge