Two women seeking a judicial position in Everett tout their experience as the reason why voters should cast ballots for them Nov. 7.
State administrative law judge Tam Bui and substitute judge and prosecutor Lorrie Towers survived a crowded field of candidates in the primary to face off for a job on the Everett District Court bench.
Only voters in Everett, Mukilteo and parts of Marysville are entitled to cast ballots in the race.
Bui finished with a lead of more than 1,700 votes in the primary. About 27,000 voters cast ballots for five candidates in the race.
Towers said her 14 years of experience practicing at the District Court level makes her better qualified for the job. As the Mukilteo prosecutor, she’s practiced in the Everett court, and she’s been a substitute judge in municipal courts in Lynnwood, Bothell, Marysville and Edmonds.
“What strikes me as being important is having the relevant experience,” Towers said.
Bui said she “respectfully disagrees.”
As a state judge, she hears a variety of issues, such as cases concerning child support and foster care. Bui has been a substitute judge in Everett District Court and Snohomish County Superior Court. In 12 years of experience, she’s been a public defender and had a private law practice.
“My experience is a lot more on point because I sat as a judge in Everett District Court,” Bui said.
Before turning to law, Towers worked in public television in Seattle and Los Angeles. Bui came to the United States as a Vietnamese refugee when she was 7.
Both women have substantial endorsements.
Bui boasts support from the county prosecutor and sheriff, as well as the Everett mayor. Towers has numerous judges in her corner, including the man one of the women will succeed: District Court Judge Thomas Kelly. By the end of the year, Kelly will have been on the bench 33 years.
Both candidates say they would work with other judges to make the courts more efficient and improve public access to justice.
What distinguishes them is their reasons for running.
Bui’s work ethic and belief that a judge plays an important role in the community drove her to seek the job. She said she wants to become a role model, demonstrating that with hard work, a lot can be accomplished.
“That’s really part of who I am,” Bui said. “Also, the public service is part of who I am.”
Towers said the post is a natural step up for her.
“I just feel I had a calling to go forward because I thought I could serve the public and make some improvements,” Towers said.
In the Bothell area, voters also will pick between Richard Pope and Frank LaSalata, both of whom finished with more primary votes than incumbent Mary Ann Ottinger.
The Northeast District Court serves King County cities, including Bothell, part of which is in Snohomish County.
A hand recount was required to determine that LaSalata had eliminated Ottinger by just 7 votes.
Reporter Jim Haley: 425-339-3447 or haley@heraldnet.com.
Everett District Court candidates
Name: Tam Bui
Age: 39
Residence: Mukilteo
Occupation: State administrative law judge
Name: Lorrie Towers
Age: 47
Residence: Mukilteo
Occupation: Substitute judge and part-time Mukilteo prosecutor
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