EVERETT — Two experienced lawyers are in the last leg of the race for a seat on the Snohomish County Superior Court bench.
George Appel and Joe Wilson are facing off in the general election after earning the most votes during the August primary. They hope to replace longtime Superior Court Judge Richard Thorpe, who will retire at the end of the year.
Thorpe’s departure leaves open Snohomish County Superior Court judge, Position 6.
Both men say their individual law careers give them the edge over their opponent.
Appel, 43, of Marysville, is a career criminal prosecutor. He volunteered with the SnohoÂmish County prosecutor’s office after law school and was hired in 1994.
He has worked in various units in the office, prosecuting violent crimes as well as drug and theft cases. Appel also argued cases in the state Court of Appeals when he worked in the office’s appeals unit.
He has worked in the county’s district courts, prosecuting misdemeanors such as drunken driving and has been assigned to the domestic violence unit since 2007.
“It boils down to judgment,” Appel said. “What a judge brings to work everyday is his or her judgment.”
Appel said as a prosecutor he has acted as a quasi-Âjudicial officer. Police officers bring investigations to him and he must examine the case and laws and determine how the case will look when it gets to court.
“I have a proven record of exercising good judgment,” he said.
Appel also said he believes he is a diligent worker.
“As a public servant, I realize every dime I earn was earned before me by a taxpayer,” Appel said. “I have always respected my role as a public servant. I will continue to do that.”
Appel is endorsed by State Attorney General Rob ÂMcKenna and County Prosecuting Attorney Janice Ellis. He also is endorsed by the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and other police and fire unions around the county, as well as endorsements of some area judges.
He ended up with about 6,800 more votes than Wilson in the three-man primary race. He also topped his opponent in the Snohomish County Bar Association poll.
Wilson, 47, of Everett, is a private attorney who started his own practice in 1995.
His father was a Superior Court judge in Everett. Wilson was a law clerk for Superior Court Judge Larry McKeeman.
Wilson said his law experience is broad, including criminal and civil litigation. He said he honed his skills arguing complicated cases in the state Court of Appeals, as well as the State Supreme Court.
He said he tries about 10 cases a year in Superior Court.
A Superior Court judge needs to have broad-based legal experience that should include significant work in civil litigation, Wilson said. He said about 70 percent of his practice is civil law, including family law, real estate and probate work.
“I’ve done more than criminal work,” he said. “I won’t need a year or two to be brought up to speed on civil cases. I haven’t sought legal experience for the purpose of running for office. I’ve just been running my business.”
Wilson also said he has a record of extensive community involvement. He’s volunteered since 1996 with Snohomish County Legal Services, providing legal counsel to low-income clients. He was the first male board member of the Center for Battered Women. He serves on the feasibility committee for Dawson Place, a child advocacy center.
Wilson said his breadth of life experiences make him well-qualified for a seat on the bench.
He is a business owner and worked numerous jobs before beginning his law career. Wilson believes he can draw from those experiences to be an effective judge.
Wilson is endorsed by the majority of the Superior Court bench, including Thorpe and McKeeman, who is now the court’s presiding judge. He also is being endorsed by County Executive Aaron Reardon, Sheriff John Lovick and Snohomish County Democrats.
“I think I have the compassion and commitment to be a good judge,” Wilson said.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
George Appel
Age: 43
Hometown: Marysville
Experience: Snohomish County deputy prosecutor
Joe Wilson
Age: 47
Hometown: Everett
Experience: General practice attorney; law clerk; bailiff
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