| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 2:13 pm |
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Editorials 
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Elect Appel, Lucas for Superior Court judge Voters are being asked to decide two races on the Snohomish County Superior Court bench this year. One is a three-way race to replace retiring Judge Richard Thorpe, the other is a rematch of a race run four years ago.Among the contenders vying for Thorpe's seat (Position 6), we endorse George Appel as the candidate with the best combination of experience, intelligence, humility and temperament. Joe Wilson, a longtime Everett attorney with an impressive record in the courtroom and in community service, is a close second in our view. Jim Johanson, a one-term state legislator in the early '90s now in private practice, seems better suited for political office than the bench. If one of the three receives more than 50 percent of the vote in the Aug. 19 primary, he wins. If not, the top two vote-getters advance to the Nov. 4 general election. Appel, a senior deputy prosecuting attorney, has the potential to be an outstanding judge. He is known as a tireless prosecutor who has earned a reputation as a champion of victims' rights. He has the clear and vocal support of those who have worked most closely with him, and is widely respected throughout the legal community. We think he has what it takes to make consistently sound, well-reasoned judgments. He also has an impressive record of community service, as does Wilson. Wilson is highly respected throughout Snohomish County, and for good reason. He's a talented and passionate advocate who has handled a variety of cases at all levels of Washington's court system, and he's clearly qualified to serve on the Superior Court bench. Were Appel not in the race, we'd be recommending Wilson. Johanson is a serious and earnest candidate, but his legal credentials simply don't match those of his opponents for this position. In the race for Position 8, the incumbent, Eric Lucas, is being challenged by the man he defeated in 2004, former Judge David Hulbert. We endorse Lucas, though with some concerns. In separate rankings by the Snohomish County Bar Association, one last winter and a recent election-related poll, Lucas received relatively low scores. And Washington Women Lawyers, a group whose recommendation Lucas sought, rated him "unqualified." Such rankings are largely subjective, and Lucas clearly has substantial support inside and outside the legal community, including the strong endorsement of Snohomish County Prosecutor Janice Ellis. But if he's re-elected, Lucas should take such concerns seriously, find out why they exist and work to address them. Hulbert, who voters rejected four years ago, also had low rankings in the bar's election poll -- lower than Lucas'. He's running aggressively to get his old job back, saying he's ready to address his own shortcomings. We think the court is better off with Lucas -- a good judge with room for improvement. |
- A revolutionary 747
- Fire breaks out at Everett car dealer
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last
- Boeing's 747-8 takes off after weather delay
- Plan for I-5 closures this week
- A new bowling alley for Monroe?
- Lake Stevens man homeless after fire
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged
- Vote on school levies by Tuesday
(11) - A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood (10)
- Everett police officers cleared in 2008 shooting death (5)
- 1949 travel aid shows how few places blacks were welcome in Washington (4)
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged (4)
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries (4)
- Three politicians who want Gregoire's job in 2012 (3)
- Toyota has powerful D.C. friends (3)
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last (3)
- Life story: Man fought depression courageously, family says (3)
- Edmonds educator, famous announcer dies
- Mill Creek to appeal ruling on annexation
- Through the air, with the greatest of ease
- E-W thriving under new coach
- The path to citizenship
- EUUC puts on ‘Pants & Shoes’
- Wolfpack wins the ‘Battle'
- Lynnwood’s annexation plans OK’d
- Arlington's Cascade Valley Hospital celebrates expansion, national award and 100 years of service
- Business Licences Feb. 2010
- Technology tips for launching your own business
- Business Events Feb. 2010
- Tech Talk: No excuse today for going without a Web site
- State already raising fees and rates that restrict business growth
- Some legislators again targeting people’s initiative petition rights
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