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06/08/2008: "Judge Linde Will Stand For Election"

Judge John O. Linde has announced he will stand for election as the SJC Superior Court Judge. Linde is the current sitting Judge, having been appointed to the position by Governor Gregoire. The following is his announcement:

The honor of being appointed Superior Court Judge of the newly created judicial district for San Juan County came with a condition. Governor Gregoire made it clear that, as her appointee, I would be expected to continue to serve well beyond the initial one year appointment. To do that I assured the Governor that I was prepared to stand for election this year.

To fulfill my commitment to the Governor and my commitment to the justice system in San Juan County, I am pleased to announce that I have filed my declaration of candidacy to retain my position as Superior Court Judge. The matter will be decided in the primary election to be held August 19th.



I can think of no greater privilege than to continue to serve the community I love as its Superior Court Judge. As I promised Supreme Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander when I took the oath of office, I will faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office. I will strive to always listen courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly and decide impartially. All matters that come before me will be decided on the law and the facts and I will not be influenced by emotion or prejudice.

I believe my 35 years of private practice in San Juan County, which includes 21 years as the elected District Court Judge, and my five months as the County’s first Superior Court Judge, coupled with extensive trial experience, give me unique and unparalleled qualifications to continue to serve as the County’s Superior Court Judge. I am honored to have the support of Judges Hancock and Churchill of Island County, and Judges Rickert, Meyer, and Cook of Skagit County. I also count as supporters Superior Court Judges, Appellate Court Judges and members of the State Supreme Court. It is indeed humbling to know that I have earned their respect and I will work every day to ensure that their trust and confidence in me is not misplaced.

While support from members of the non-partisan judiciary is critical, I would not be in this position without the Governor’s endorsement. When it became apparent that the position would initially be filled by gubernatorial appointment rather than by election (in 2007) I was worried that partisanship would determine the appointment. I was assured that the Governor, an attorney and former Attorney General, would conduct a thorough vetting of all candidates and make her decision based solely on qualifications. And that is what she did.

This election, however, will be decided based upon your assessment of each candidate’s qualifications. I believe that I have the qualifications, the background and the temperament to best do the job. I ask you to compare qualifications and then to contact your attorney, a member of my campaign committee, or me should you have any questions.

And finally, I ask for your vote in the mail-in primary election held August 19, 2008.

Sincerely,
Judge John O. Linde