[Previous entry: "Orcas Island HS Class Of 1988"] [Next entry: "SJI Transfer Station EIS Released"]

07/28/2008: "Guest Editorial"

By Vickie I.Churchill

As one of two former judges in San Juan County Superior Court, both Judge Hancock and I have been in a unique position to watch and to evaluate Judge John Linde, both as an attorney and as our judge pro tem.

There is no doubt in my mind that Judge Linde is the best person for this job. You have the chance to make history with your vote. After 100 years of being in a judicial district with another county, you now have your own court.



The person you elect as San Juan County Superior Court Judge must be a person of character, one with a comprehensive knowledge of the law, one who is honest, fair and impartial -and above all, one who has a heart for justice. That person is John Linde.

Politics has no place in the courtroom. That is why judicial races are non-partisan. Governor Gregoire picked the best person for judge when she appointed Judge Linde in 2007. To her credit, she put aside politics and chose the best person for judge, John Linde.

The vast majority of cases in superior court are family law and civil cases. While criminal cases are important to all of us, they represent only a small percentage of the filings in superior court. You need a Judge who has experience in both criminal and civil matters. Judge Linde is that person. As an attorney, he specialized in general practice with an emphasis in civil matters. As a district court judge for 21 years, he proved his ability to handle criminal cases.

It was a privilege for me to serve San Juan County as your judge for many years. I still want only the best for a place that I love. That’s why I ask for your vote for Judge Linde.