Federal Way Mirror

Endorsements

Mirror's recommendations for the 2009 primary election

Friday, July 31, 2009 — Of the six candidates vying for Federal Way Municipal Court judge position one, Rebecca Robertson and Matthew York have the strongest qualifications for the job. All five candidates running for the position against current judge Michael Morgan have vowed to change the tone at the court. Robertson and York have prior judicial experience, and that carries a lot of weight. Voters are electing a judge, not a supervisor, even if the latter is a valid concern during this election.

In black-and-white terms, Robertson and York rise to the top because of their resumes. However, for voters who insist their elected officials have roots in Federal Way, then Robertson (from Seattle) and York (from SeaTac) are not your candidates.

Three of the six candidates reside in Federal Way: Mark Knapp, James Santucci and Morgan. All three have logged years of experience practicing law in the private world. For Knapp and Santucci, this experience will translate well as elected judges. Knapp will take a workingman's approach to the job. Santucci delivers a rich background in municipal law. Knapp and Santucci would do the job justice and make their communities proud.

The only candidate not mentioned so far, Williams Jarvis, had the most direct and accurate critique of Morgan: He was offended that the presiding judge, Michael Morgan, used the office to shield himself from improper conduct. Jarvis could have been a stronger candidate had he still been active in a law career.

All dirty laundry aside, Morgan is the most qualified candidate on paper, with four years as a judge and no official reprimands regarding decisions from the bench. However, based on reports of inappropriate behavior, including a reprimand from the Commission on Judicial Conduct, The Mirror cannot in good faith support Morgan for another term.

For the primary election, The Mirror recommends voting for Rebecca Robertson or Matthew York.

VotingforJudges.org, P.O. Box 1460, Silverdale, WA  98383
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