Deputy prosecutor David Kurtz compared being appointed to the Snohomish County Superior Court bench to running a marathon.
He knows about marathons, having run in 47 of them since 1989. Now he knows what it’s like to undergo the scrutiny of the governor to become a judge.
Gov. Christine Gregoire on Tuesday appointed Kurtz, who has been a Snohomish County prosecutor more than 22 years, as a Superior Court judge. The job pays about $122,000 a year.
He replaces Stephen Dwyer, who in November won a seat on the state Court of Appeals. Kurtz will have to run for election later this year.
The appointment becomes effective Saturday. Kurtz said he expects to be sworn in during a private ceremony this week and have a formal ceremony late this month.
In the meantime, he will go to school.
Beginning Sunday, Kurtz, 52, will attend a judicial college for new judges in Tacoma, requiring him to give up his Seahawks tickets for the playoff game that day. It’s a small sacrifice for a job he’s sought for years, he said.
“It really has been a marathon,” said Kurtz, who started lobbying for the job with fellow lawyers the day after Dwyer’s election. He also made previous applications for vacant seats on the bench.
“I worked hard to convince the governor I was the right person,” Kurtz said.
He was a finalist in 2004 when Gov. Gary Locke appointed Dwyer and former prosecuting attorney Michael Downs to vacant spots on the court.
The governor informed Kurtz on Friday that he had been chosen.
“Waiting for a call from the governor is like waiting for a jury. Things are out of your control. All you can do is wait,” Kurtz said. “I’m glad the verdict came in my favor.”
Reporter Jim Haley: 425-339-3447 or haley@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
