Gov. Christine Gregoire selects Deputy Prosecutor Michael J. Sullivan for Pacific, Wahkiakum bench

For Immediate Release: October 7, 2005

OLYMPIA - Oct. 7, 2005 -- Gov. Christine Gregoire today announced her appointment of Michael J. Sullivan as Superior Court Judge for Pacific and Wahkiakum counties effective Friday, Oct. 14.

The seat was vacated in September with the governor�s elevation of Judge Joel Penoyar to Division II Court of Appeals.

�Michael Sullivan is an experienced prosecutor and private practitioner with ample experience on the bench,� said Gov. Gregoire. �He follows in the tradition of Judge Joel Penoyar by understanding that he is the face of justice for Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.�

Michael Sullivan is currently the deputy prosecutor for Wahkiakum County, and he is a former prosecutor for Pacific County. A former superintendent of the Willapa Valley School District, he has served as a Judge Pro Tem on the Superior Court for five years. He was elected as the North Pacific District Court judge, a position he held for seven years.

Known as a compassionate and engaged public servant, he enjoys broad-based support in both counties. The Superior Court seat will be on the ballot for the November 2006 election cycle.

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