He has experience working in multiple city prosecutor’s offices, as a private practice attorney handling estate planning, land use and environmental and business law, as a criminal defense attorney and as a pro-tem judge in a municipal court. Here’s what they had to say. He replaced Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, who was appointed in December 2019 to the Washington State Supreme Court. Whatcom County, Washington; Washington Superior Court; Courts in Washington; External links This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Publication date 2020-07-22 Topics Bellingham, Washington, Bellingham TV, BTV, Government Access TV, Community Media, PEG, Youtube, Whatcom County, Elections, Superior Court Judge… His father worked as an administrative review judge for several decades before he became severely disabled when Freeman was around 8 years old, Freeman said. The following Forums will be broadcast live as Zoom Webinars. His mother, who has the same degenerative eye condition that Freeman does, went back to work to provide for the family. Describe an ethical dilemma you recently faced and explain how you solved it. Vote %. 59.74%. Whatcom Superior Court - Judge Position 4. Please look at our … Freeman, who has been working in law for around 15 years, has experience representing children’s interests in dependency matters, as a county prosecuting attorney, as a review judge for Washington state, as a pro-tem judge for all city municipal courts in the county and as a Whatcom County Superior Court commissioner. Because I’m aware that it exists. David Freeman is running to retain Whatcom Superior Court, Judge Position 4. Whatcom Superior Court, Judge Position 4 (LWVBWC) When. Jay Inslee. Because he knows what it feels like to be intimidated by the judicial system, Freeman said he works hard to treat people with respect. It’s a very important decision for individuals, or often the community as a whole, so do the homework and look carefully at the information you can about the candidates and make the best choice.”. They shall hold their sessions at the county seats of the several counties, respectively, and at such other places within the county as are designated by the judge or judges thereof with the approval of the chief justice of the supreme court of this state and of the governing body of the county. “I think the community should take away the satisfaction in knowing they have a role to play in picking people who make those kinds of decisions. Freeman said his interest in law happened early on. He said he wants the community to know that he would listen to each and every person as a judge. What can be done to ensure juries represent the community? These are people that have seen my work as an attorney, have seen my work as a judge and they’re vouching for me to the voters. Grochmal was appointed by Inslee in February 2019 after Judge Charles R. Snyder retired from position 3 at the end of February 2019. James Erb, Evan Jones, Lisa M. Keeler, David Freeman, Carl Munson Jr. and Jim Nelson are on the ballot. 4 ... Whatcom Superior Court should develop a case flow management plan to reduce time to disposition and shorten defendants’ length of stay (according to the Vera report, the Court has not ... As a sitting Superior Court Judge, I am regularly tasked with considering the imposition of Erb said he has wanted to be a judge since early on in his legal career. Superior Court Questionnaire, Pos. Nelson said he decided not to seek or accept endorsements or campaign contributions from elected public officials. Jones has spent his nearly 15-year legal career working across the various court systems in Whatcom County. Both have decades of legal experience, and each claim to have the better experience. Judges Rob Olson and Lee Grochmal ran unopposed, so they did not appear on the primary or general election ballots and retain their positions. Seattle, WA 98101 Snyder said he doesn’t believe endorsements impact a judicial candidate’s decision-making if elected to the bench, because that candidate should be ready to remove themselves from hearing cases involving people who endorsed them. Washington State Constitution: Article IV, Section 29 Judge Position 1 District WHATCOM SUPERIOR COURT Candidate Robert E. Olson Judge Position 3 DistrictWHATCOM SUPERIOR COURT Candidate Lee Grochmal The League of Women Voters Education Fund does not endorse the contents of any web pages to which it links. Superior Court Judge David Freeman has been a resident of Whatcom County for nearly two decades. Washington State Supreme Court pos. When Freeman was around 14 or 15 years old, he was diagnosed with an eye condition that makes him legally blind, he said. **No election shall be held for Whatcom Superior Court Judge Position 1 and Position 3. We don’t have to pick sides,” Jones said. Freeman’s endorsements include the Lummi Indian Business Council, 20 current and former Supreme, appeals, Superior, District and municipal court judges, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu and Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood. In the courtroom, Erb said judges can work to ensure juries reflect the diversity of the community and watch for unfair patterns during the jury selection process. A list of Nelson’s personal endorsements can be found on his campaign page. Freeman said he also sought and was endorsed by both the Whatcom County Democrats and Republicans, as well as the 42nd LD Democrats. Nelson said voters be paying attention to their local judicial races, and should work to get to know each of the candidates and their differences. What is your primary consideration for setting bail amounts? For position 1, Superior Court Judge Robert E. Olson is running unopposed. There are additional ways you’ll be able to watch these events live and recorded. He said he believes his track record of working as a decision-maker in the legal community for the last decade is what sets him apart from his opponent. “We’re just talking about keeping the process fair for every minority group. Judge David Freeman is running to retain his position as judge in Position 4 against Jim Nelson. A judge that cares about the community and one that will be fair to everyone. Erb said he doesn’t have all the answers, but sees the problems with the criminal justice system, and wants to work to fix them. Whatcom Democrats Endorsements; 2020 Endorsements; Ballot Measures; Elected Officials. Erb said the depth and breadth of his experience from working in multiple court systems sets him apart from his opponent and allows him to bring a wide perspective to the bench. The Superior Court Judges are elected to four-year terms and the Commissioners are appointed by the Judges. Freeman was appointed by Gov. Superior Court Judge Position 4 David E. Freeman was appointed to the Whatcom County Superior Court in 2020 when Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court. He said some of those improvements are things like alternative sentencing and pre-trial release programs. Asotin, Columbia, Garfield Superior Court - Judge Position 1; Benton, Franklin Superior Court - Judge Position 1; Skagit Superior Court - Judge Position 3; Thurston Superior Court - Judge Position 8; Whatcom Superior Court - Judge Position 2; Whatcom Superior Court - Judge Position 4 He was appointed to the court on January 28, 2020, by Governor Jay Inslee to replace Raquel Montoya-Lewis and was sworn in on February 13, 2020. Jones said he’s been working to reach as many people as he can across the county. Get all the news you need to start your day. “I’ve been a public servant my entire career, and obviously I want what’s best for our community,” Freeman said. Carl Munson. A list of Freeman’s endorsements can be found on his campaign page. Nelson has experience as a county and city prosecutor, in private practice handling criminal defense, personal injury, divorce and landlord/tenant cases, representing parents and children involved with Child Protective Services, and has most recently been working as a public defender in the Skagit County Public Defender’s Office. Freeman said he’s proud of the track record he’s created throughout his legal career, and said the endorsements he’s received reflect that record. "-Eric J. Richey Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney. Freeman was appointed to Whatcom Judge Position 4 on Jan. 28 by Gov. She has worked in Montana, Florida and Virginia. • Practice Notes from Judicial Assistants: Judge Copies/Confirmations/Proof of Service • New Adoption Background Check Requirements, effective … This enables him to pick up more on what people are saying, as opposed to getting distracted by visual cues, he said. Featuring candidates David Freeman, Carl Munson, and Jim Nelson. Raquel Montoya-Lewis; Charles R. Snyder; See also. Jones is rated as well-qualified by the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington and the Washington State Veterans Bar Association and is rated qualified by the LGBTQ+ Association of Washington (QLaw), the Joint Asian Judicial Evaluations Committee and the Whatcom County Bar Association. Whatcom County Superior Court Judge, Position 2. Whatcom Superior Court In the non-partisan races for judge: For position 1, Superior Court Judge Robert E. Olson is unopposed and is considered re-elected and won’t be on the ballot. Whatcom … Contribute. Evan Jones. Whatcom Superior Court, Judge Position 2 (LWVBWC) When. You might be in for a rude awakening, Tri-Cities legislator wants to end WA state voting by mail, New DNC chair promises greater midterm election involvement — to Democrats’ relief, GOP to open community centers to reach out to Black voters in battleground states, Could ranked choice voting make elections more equitable? late Judge Ira J. Uhrig who died in May 2018, considered not running for Whatcom County Prosecutor in 2018, Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, Freeman said his interest in law happened early on, available to subscribers at our Voter’s Guide online, Activist from Black Lives Matter movement to run for this Whatcom office, No change to Whatcom County races after election results are posted Friday evening, WWU female student reportedly escapes attempted drive-by kidnapping on Samish Way, State will enter Phase 3 March 22, professional sports to welcome fans, Three strikes and you‘re out? Mon-Fri: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Freeman said he approaches the job with dedication and patience. James Erb and Evan Jones are running for Position 2; Judge David Freeman and Jim Nelson are running for Position 4. Location. Jones said judges have to open and willing to talk about reforms that make the system better for everyone. There are additional ways you’ll be able to watch these events live and recorded. Erb said he’s “truly passionate” about making the system fair and just for everyone, and has tried to make that clear to people in the community. Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal is also running unopposed for position 3. Public Utility … … You need people to know that ‘I can go to court and receive justice,’ they need to know that. I see it as critical to be providing some sort of objective evidence to go along with my resume,” Freeman said. Everybody that walks down the street, everybody that drives a car, everybody that comes out in public, I think we defend their right to be left alone by the government,” Nelson said. “With justice and with the courts, we can pick judges that we can trust to be fair to everyone.”. WHATCOM COUNTY. Lisa Keeler. Jones’ endorsements include Whatcom County Prosecutor Eric Richey, Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo, former county prosecutor Dave McEachran, multiple current and former judges, numerous public and private attorneys, and the police guilds for Bellingham, Lynden and Blaine. Deborra Garrett; Ira Uhrig; Former judges. Freeman was rated exceptionally well qualified by the Whatcom County Bar Association, the Loren Miller Bar Association, the Cardozo Society of Washington, the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, the QLaw Association of Washington and was rated well qualified by the Joint Asian Judicial Evaluations Committee. Carl Munson. David Freeman is a judge for the Whatcom County Superior Court in Whatcom County, Washington. Some attorneys also may not feel comfortable challenging an incumbent, especially if they lose, he said. Google Maps Directions. He is smart, motivated, and compassionate. Erb, who has worked as an attorney for more than 15 years, has experience as a specialty and tribal prosecutor, Indian Child Welfare attorney and currently works as a senior assistant attorney for the city of Bellingham. Jay Inslee. Jones currently works as a deputy felony prosecuting attorney in the Whatcom County prosecutor’s office. If you keep that process fair for people who are minorities, then the process becomes more fair for everyone as well, so it becomes a win-win situation. He also said recent national events “underscores the importance of judges that will be fair, that will be unbiased and that will be impartial.”. County Results & Map. “I think that awareness and that willingness to be an agent of change is the most important thing I can do as a judge.”. 17 Jul 2020 . Jim Nelson has worked as a private attorney for 31 years. He said he hasn’t been practicing law in the county courthouse for the last decade, unlike his opponent, so he won’t be faced with having to remove himself from hearing cases or be the decider among cases brought by people he has worked with and against for the last 10 years. Jones said during his campaign he sought the endorsement of both the Whatcom Democratic and Republican parties. I have worked in the following positions: 1) Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor; 2) Mount Vernon City Prosecutor; 3) Special Prosecutor for Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office; 4) Private practice attorney; 5) Contract attorney with Skagit County and the State of Washington to represent parents and children in dependency matters; and As of Oct. 21, Freeman has raised $41,898 and spent $33,798, according to the state public disclosure commission. Candidate. James Erb and Evan Jones are running for Position 2, which is opening due to Judge Deborra Garrett’s retirement. “I’m kind of an outsider, which I think is kind of a good thing.”. Jones said his judicial experience and his background in various forms of law distinguishes him from his opponent. The general election will be Nov. 3. They exist to support and protect constitutional rights and ensure that justice is done. Jones said throughout his career he’s seen the traditional methods of the criminal justice system and he recognizes where that model isn’t working and where reforms and improvements can be made. Snyder also said that for many people, they likely won’t appear in a courtroom, perhaps except for a minor traffic ticket or divorce, and most people won’t be involved in lawsuits or litigation, so it’s difficult to evaluate candidates when they haven’t had that experience themselves. Freeman said after Inslee’s appointment, that judge was one of the first he emailed to thank. Federal Officials; State Officials; Local Officials; Helpful Websites: Elected Officials Voting Records; Get Involved. Jay Inslee in … WHATCOM COUNTY BAR 2016 JOURNAL www.whatcombar.org NOVEMBER Top Stories! Freeman said he doesn’t need his eyesight to evaluate things such as credibility, and that he feels he’s a “very active listener” because he can’t rely on his eyesight. “I am very confident that if elected, I will be an entirely independent thinker about all of the cases in front of me. He said the voters are often left to evaluate the candidates based on their broad philosophies and legal backgrounds. Whatcom County Superior Court has 4 elected Judges and 3 Court Commissioners. Whatcom County voters will elect two judges to the Whatcom County Superior Court bench this election season. 4: No Endorsement. David Freeman is running to retain Whatcom Superior Court, Judge Position 4. For Judge. Certificate of Election issued to candidate after Filing Week. A list of Erb’s endorsements can be found on his campaign page. “The time is right for unique perspectives that reflect our growing and diverse community,” the candidate said. Four candidates are vying for Position 8 on Thurston County Superior Court in the Aug. 4 primary, hoping to fill a seat that will be left vacant by retiring Judge Anne Hirsch. Reporter Denver Pratt joined The Bellingham Herald in 2017 and covers courts and criminal and social justice. The primary election will be Aug. 4. He said it’s imperative that judges have experience representing defendants, something he said his opponent doesn’t have. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Snyder said voters should examine who supports the candidates, what experience the candidates have in what areas of law and for how long, and what the people who know them are saying about them. Whatcom County voters will … LWVWA Education Fund contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. Jones has his foundations in Bellingham and the Whatcom County area, and it’s that strong connection to the community, as well as his belief that he can be fair, that he says made him decide to run for a Superior Court judicial position. As the August primaries draw near, press on the various campaigns increase. Judges and Commissioners hear and decide cases assigned to them by the Presiding Judge. Last updated on 11/24/2020 4:00 PM. Judges are, first and foremost, public servants. The Bellingham Herald interviewed all four candidates about why they’re running for judge. “It’s something that I’ve really, truly thought a lot about and wanted to make sure that I was the appropriate fit for this job and to serve my community in this way.”. … Carl is an advocate for Equal Justice, and has spent much of his career fighting for the rights of our community’s most vulnerable and under-served members. Total “I can be an ally to the bigger, broader societal discussions that are going on about the criminal justice system and in communities of color. Nelson said he believes his more than three decades of experience and independence make him the better candidate for a Whatcom County Superior Court judicial position. Judges. Vote. The Presiding Judge is elected by the other Superior Court Judges to serve not less than two years. Freeman was appointed as a Whatcom County Superior Court Judge in January of this year by Gov. Carl Munson is an attorney with 23 year of diverse legal experience who is running for Whatcom County Superior Court Judge in Bellingham,WA. … The only solution is for people to see these endorsements for what they really are,” Nelson said. Having that background allows judges to see the consequences of the decisions they’re making in the courtroom, he said. I know about the concept of two systems and the feelings and real experiences of people of color. Whatcom man arrested 3 times in 4 days on suspicion of DUI, Borrowing someone else’s Netflix password? Publication date 2020-07-22 Topics Bellingham, Washington, Bellingham TV, BTV, Government Access TV, Community Media, PEG, Youtube, Whatcom County, Superior Court Judge, Bellingham, 2020 “My endorsements, one of the things I”m most proud of is that they reflect the diversity of the community that we live in, and I think that’s really important for a judge to have that kind of diverse support,” Erb said. “I think what I’m hoping the community understands is that justice is for all of us, and that we can and should elect judges that are for different people. Join Us. He said it’s important to make the system less intimidating for those who aren’t actively involved in it. R.I.P. Last updated on 08/20/2020 9:48 AM. In the time he has lived here, he has worked diligently to improve this amazing place that we call home. Whatcom Superior Court - Judge Position 4 - County Results. RETAIN JUDGE DAVID FREEMAN. Nelson said he believes there should be a distinct line between the attorneys, their clients and the judges and there should never be suspicion that the judge is working for one side or the other. The Judges hear and decide on all cases assigned to their department. Whatcom Superior Court, Judge Position 2 (LWVBWC) Back. Two Whatcom County Superior Court judicial positions are on the primary ballot for Aug. 4. “These aren’t just political endorsements. Erb said he has wanted to be a judge for many years and he believes his experience, independence and integrity make him the most qualified candidate for a Superior Court position. The court presides over Whatcom County. Whatcom County Superior Court Judge, Position 3. Judge David E. Freeman was appointed to Whatcom County Superior Court by Governor Jay Inslee. The candidates’ answers to these questions are available to subscribers at our Voter’s Guide online: How will you ensure that your decisions are equitable and fair, particularly in regard to race and ethnicity of defendants? Snyder said voters should try hard to keep politics out of judicial races. He was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in January of this year and previously served as a review judge in the Commissioner's Review Office for the Washington State Employee Security Department. He was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in January of this year and previously served as a review judge in the Commissioner's Review Office for the Washington State Employee Security Department. Nelson did not seek ratings from the various bar associations, he said. Erb’s endorsements include Supreme Court Justices, an appeals court judge, several state legislators, a current Whatcom County Superior Court Judge, the Lummi Nation, the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council and the Whatcom and 42nd LD Democrats. So we need to take these elections much more seriously than we have been.”. … I hear these stories all the time from people of color about the inequities that they’ve faced,” Jones said. Our judicial system includes several key elected positions, yet many voters are under-educated about what these positions do and how to determine which candidates to support. And I will work hard to make that clear and express that to everybody in the courtroom,” Jones said. He said he considered not running for Whatcom County Prosecutor in 2018 because of how it might affect his chances to be elected judge. Whatcom County has 4 Superior Court Judges elected to four-year terms, and 3 Court Commissioners. 3: Raquel Montoya-Lewis (not on primary ballot – will be on November ballot) Whatcom PUD dist. “Courts are there to settle disputes so that people can get on with their lives, and if they settle them in a fair way, then they can get on with their lives,” Nelson said. The Superior Court Judges are elected to four-year terms and the Commissioners are appointed by the Judges. Every candidate comes to the race having previous jobs within various offices in the legal system, Jones said, and what a person has done for a job “doesn’t define who you will be as a judge.”. I know Evan will make an excellent Superior Court Judge. Snyder said voters may have a hard time distinguishing between the judicial candidates because, unlike in other races, there are limits to what a judge can say. Snyder said judges have to be people who are independent, either know or have had exposure to all areas of law, are capable of making difficult decisions, have the proper kind of temperament, be unprejudiced and respectful, and will do the work to be prepared for the cases they’re hearing. He is licensed to practice law in two states and in state and federal court. As of Oct. 21, Jones has raised $27,187 and spent $20,117, according to the state public disclosure commission. David Freeman is a judge for the Whatcom County Superior Court in Whatcom County, Washington. 47,881. 17 Jul 2020 Featuring candidates David Freeman, Carl Munson, and Jim Nelson. James Erb. He said these show he’s not biased, is impartial and can be trusted to be on the bench. Because Experience Matters When it comes to equal justice, Nelson said there are ways that judges can use their discretionary powers to ensure things like a fair racial makeup that’s representative of the community on juries, or that someone isn’t being dismissed as a juror for an unfair reason. It was her strength and resilience that inspired Freeman, he said. Whatcom County has four Superior Court judges. Whatcom Superior Court - Judge Position 4 The superior courts are courts of record, and shall be always open, except on nonjudicial days. Former Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Kurtz Remembrances by Andy Peach 4 Re-Run of 2012 WCBJ Interview w/ J. Kurtz 5-7 Report on LAW Advocates’ Priorities to the Membership 9-10 Toll Free: (800) 419-2596 Click on the icon below to access the member-only section. Phone: (206) 622-8961 Whatcom County Superior Court Judge, Position #2 James Erb Whatcom County Superior Court Judge, Position #4 David Freeman Public Utility District 1(Whatcom County PUD) Commissioner, District 1 … Washington may find out, ‘A good personal friend’ Ivanka Trump won’t run against Rubio in 2022 election, How one group pushed young Latino voters to register: Letting them Google how to do it. “It’s about a person’s capability, character, knowledge and experience,” Snyder said. Judge David Freeman is running to retain his position 4 as judge against Carl Munson Jr. and Jim Nelson. YAKIMA COUNTY -- The race for Yakima County Superior Court judge position 4 pits the judge of nearly 16 years, Judge Blaine Gibson, against trial defense attorney Scott Bruns.