I rarely write a letter, but the diatribe about Engrossed Senate Joint Resolution 8208 by a representative from Ephrata should not go unanswered, because it contains serious misstatements (“Voters should keep local control of judges,” Oct. 20). Recently, the Washington Supreme Court had to dismiss a criminal case because no judge was available to hear it during the time period required. ESJR 8208 will help prevent problems like that by allowing better, more efficient use of our elected judges. The state Legislature overwhelmingly agreed – 134 of our 147 legislators – that this ballot measure is a good idea. It helps courts better serve the public, and it does so without spending more tax dollars. Accusations that ESJR 8208 will line lawyers’ pockets or permit hoards of judges from around the state to be forced on people who don’t want them are flat wrong. Here is what 8208 really does:
Only elected judges can be assigned under 8208 – not lawyers. Once a year, each superior court will publish a list of eligible judges. In Snohomish County, that list can have a maximum of three names. Because judges are already being paid, their temporary assignment to a different court will not cost the taxpayers one dime. Nobody’s pockets will get lined.
If the parties to a case don’t like the temporary judge, they have a right to reject that judge from their case. In times like these, doing more with less is an ideal we should all support. Vote yes on ESJR 8208.
Judge, Court of Appeals
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