Gov. Gregoire appoints new Superior Court judge

For Immediate Release: January 15, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Judge Richard Melnick to the Clark County Superior Court. Melnick now serves as a Clark County District Court judge, and replaces Judge Robert Harris, who left office in December.

�I am truly impressed with Judge Melnick�s contributions to his community, not only in the courtroom, but as a volunteer,� Gregoire said. �It is clear that Judge Melnick deeply cares about the people he serves. I am confident that he will bring a high level of integrity to this position, and serve the citizens of Clark County well.�

�I thank Governor Gregoire for her confidence in me to serve in this role,� Melnick said. �I appreciate this opportunity, and am honored to serve the citizens of Clark County in this new capacity. I fully understand that my rulings have a real impact on people�s lives, and will continue to keep that in mind as I make decisions.�

Melnick, a District Court judge since 2004, currently is the presiding judge for Clark County�s Substance Abuse Court. Prior to this position, Melnick spent more than 20 years working in the county�s Prosecuting Attorney�s Office, most recently as a senior deputy prosecutor.

�Judge Melnick will be an excellent addition to the Clark County Superior Court bench,� said county Prosecuting Attorney Art Curtis. �It has been a pleasure working with him in the District Court, and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.�

Melnick, a tireless volunteer, has made serving holiday meals to the area�s homeless an annual tradition. As a board member of the TODAY Foundation � which supports youth athletes �Melnick is active in youth sports, coaching soccer and basketball teams and raising funds to support local teams. Judget Melnick also helps high school students prepare for mock trial competitions.

Melnick earned a bachelor�s degree in history and political science from Northwestern University in Chicago and a juris doctorate from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College in Portland.

Melnick�s appointment is effective February 1.