Letters to the editor

Vote for Alexander

As a former prosecutor and life-long civil servant, I have spent over a decade working with the judiciary. Based on my experience, I full-heartedly support Anna Alexander for Superior Court judge.

Anna has the diverse experience we need on the bench. She has practiced as a criminal prosecutor and as a civil litigator. Given the variety of cases heard before Superior Court judges, this diverse experience is what we need on the bench. Named a “Rising Star” in the legal profession by her peers, Anna has earned the respect of her colleagues and opponents alike.

Anna has made a career of helping others, including those who may not be able to afford legal representation. She has proved to be not just knowledgeable and well-respected by her community, but has a reputation for being honest, decent, and fair, all qualities that would make for an outstanding judge.

Melissa Chin, Renton

Vote for Okoloko 

As a recently retired trial attorney after a long career in the Snohomish County public defender’s office, I strongly recommend Judge Okoloko be retained as a Superior Court judge.

Prior to being appointed to the bench by our governor just over a year ago, Judge Okoloko was a well-regarded prosecutor for many years, and I litigated many cases against him.

I found him to be a highly ethical, hard-working and skilled attorney. He brings those same qualities to the bench and is supported by many of my former colleagues who are familiar with his work. We need to retain good judges like Judge Okoloko.

Neil, Friedman, Seattle

Vote for Thompson 

Judge Paul Thompson was an excellent choice for our governor to make when he appointed him to a seat on our Snohomish County Superior Court bench. And now that the voters have an opportunity to speak, we would urge you to vote to retain Judge Thompson.

We note that he received the highest rating given by many diverse Bar organizations prior to his appointment.

We have a combined judicial experience of 58 years and can say, without hesitation, that Paul Thompson has the intellect, work ethic and demeanor to be the kind of judge we can be proud of in Snohomish County. It is also significant that he has been widely endorsed by a broad range of people and organizations who have an interest in our justice system, including law enforcement.

Judge Steve Clough, Snohomish

Judge Patricia Lyon, Monroe

Another vote for Okoloko 

Most of us are tired of all of the political ads…but sometimes a person comes along who is blessed with amazing honesty, compassion, integrity, a good heart and just plain “smarts”. Judge Edirin Okoloko is one of those people.

I know this to be true. When Judge Okoloko was a prosecutor for Snohomish County, he successfully prosecuted one of the people involved in the murder of my niece, Rachel Burkheimer. Our family can never thank him enough.

Tom Burkheimer, Marysville

Another vote for Thompson

Judge Paul Thompson was appointed last year by the governor from a wide field of candidates to fill a vacancy on the Snohomish County Superior Court. He is currently running for election to retain his judicial position. Before his selection he received top ratings from seven independent statewide legal groups and is the overwhelming choice for election by local attorneys.

I am well-acquainted with the challenges facing judges every day, as I served as a Snohomish County judge for 39 years before my retirement. Judge Thompson was well-prepared to deal with the felony criminal, family law and wide variety of civil litigation over which he has been presiding. He practiced law as a public defender for 14 years. Cases in his courtroom involve mental health issues, drug addiction and homelessness. He has recently worked with the latest research in juvenile brain development, restorative justice, and alternative approaches to mental health treatment and addiction. He is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and decisive in reaching his judicial decisions.

Judge Thompson previously served as president of The Washington Defender Association and as a board member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has demonstrated the kind of leadership we need to retain on the bench. Judge Thompson is endorsed by all 14 of his Superior Court colleagues, 16 Snohomish County district and municipal court judges and seven retired county judges.

Thomas J. Wynne

Retired Superior Court judge