Judge’s covid symptoms raised valid concerns

I completely disagree with the letter to the editor that criticized the decision to identify a judge showing potential symptoms of covid.

Official policies allow the identify of covid-positive public officials to be released to prevent and control the spread of disease. Judge Cassandra Lopez-Shaw is a public official whose salary is paid by state and county taxpayers. Judges have an ethical responsibility to exercise sound judgment in their roles. The poor judgment she showed that day causes concern about the judgment she uses in her role as a public official.

The article described a number of lawyers and court staff who were concerned about the judge coughing and not looking well. It was only after they pointed it out to her that she had a rapid covid test. Despite voiced concerns about her coughing and not looking well, she didn’t go home. Instead, she continued to expose lawyers, court staff, and everyone in her courtroom to covid. Even if she thought it was a bad cold or the flu, staying was not the responsible thing to do.

County Prosecutor Adam Cornell is also a public official and is responsible for keeping his staff safe. His letter to the court was voicing a valid concern about his employees being unnecessarily exposed to covid by the judge. It was not public humiliation; it was a responsible reaction and the right thing to do.

Most importantly, my husband was at the courthouse for jury duty and was on an elevator with the judge the morning this happened. If The Herald hadn’t written the article, my husband wouldn’t have known, nor would the many others who encountered her that day.

Writing about the incident was the responsible thing to do.

Liz Davidson

Snohomish

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Feb. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

Forum: State church leaders call for compasion for immigrants

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality.

Forum: Support state legislation to reform policing, corrections

One bill would harmonize standards for agency leadership; another would clarify review of corrections facilities.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.