Re: Peter Callaghan’s column, 11-3.
Callaghan identifies a very thorny issue. I know from conversations with attorneys how reluctant they often are to criticize, much less run against, a sitting judge. I worked for many years as a King County sheriff’s deputy when Norman Maleng was the elected prosecutor. I found him to be an arrogant, self-serving politician with little or no regard for law enforcement personnel. He took interest primarily in cases which could help him politically. No one had the courage to try to unseat him.
I would suggest a change in the process for election to the bench, as follows: only those directly in professional contact with the courts may vote. That means members of the bar in good standing (defense and prosecutorial, criminal and civil, as well as judges); also commissioned law enforcement personnel and court personnel. No one may campaign for the position. Any candidate found attempting to influence a voter would be disqualified. A list of candidates would simply be sent to all qualified potential voters. Ballots would, of course, be secret.
Why not have those who actually deal with judges and have an understanding of the law and court procedures be the ones to select them?
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