Tuesday, October 22, 2008 — Races for judicial seats
typically don’t have the sizzle a mayor’s contest or ballot issue
can generate. The office upholds the law rather than shape policy or
collect taxes, so, rightfully, the substance is typically found in
each candidate’s credentials rather than their politics.
The two vying to direct the Bremerton Municipal Court, Ed Wolfe
and current Judge James Docter, are each running on a stellar resume
of legal expertise and community involvement. Both also promise to
support the City Council in finding a new municipal court for the
city.
But Judge Docter stands out to us for his recent track record of
success on the bench. For that, we’re endorsing him to retain the
position for another four-year term.
Wolfe has been a local attorney for years, worked on an array of
volunteer boards, and has a genuine interest in seeing Bremerton
prosper. His optimism that the municipal court can be an office the
drives positive change is also admirable.
Docter has shown a steady hand on the bench for a decade, and
also boats a long list of civic involvement. In addition, the
opinion of the legal community matters in a race like this, and the
Kitsap County Bar Association has overwhelmingly endorsed Docter.
Docter hasn’t shied away from being involved in the community,
but he has stated a more measured approach to that ambition than
Wolfe. Docter has insisted that the demands of the court, and its
stability and health, come first and foremost. His experience doing
just that and his grasp of the office’s workload, which has
increased lately and will demand considerable effort and experience
in the coming four years, earn him our approval.
Read more:
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/oct/25/our-view-retain-docter-as-municipal-court-judge/#ixzz0UxngSrnd