Gov. Gregoire Appoints David Kurtz As Snohomish County Superior Court Judge

For Immediate Release: January 17, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Snohomish County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, David Kurtz of Everett, to the Snohomish County Superior Court.

The seat was recently vacated by Judge Steve Dwyer, who won election to the Washington State Court of Appeals.

"David Kurtz�s commitment to community service, his strong work ethic, and dedication to justice will make him a fine judge," said Governor Gregoire.

"Dave�s experience, demeanor, and intelligence are attributes that will serve him well," said Janice Ellis, Snohomish County Prosecutor. "His work ethic has never changed, he is always there to respond to questions, give direction, and offer advice."

Mr. Kurtz joined the Snohomish County Attorney�s Office in 1983. He litigated over a hundred felony jury trails and supervised the Violent, Charging, Juvenile, District Court, and Special Assault Units. Most recently, he supervised the Domestic Violence Unit. He practiced law in Wenatchee from 1981-1983, and also served as public defender for the City of Wenatchee. From 1978-1980, Mr. Kurtz was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Chelan County.

Mr. Kurtz has served as President of the Snohomish County Bar Association; currently serves on the Boards of the Snohomish County Labor Council, and of Compass Health; and chairs the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee at Everett Community College.

Mr. Kurtz received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Washington School of Law in 1978, and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin in 1974. He is married to Peggy Kurtz. They have two adult children: Julie, who lives and works in San Francisco, and Andy, a junior at Colorado Christian University. The Kurtz family attends Central Lutheran Church of Everett. Mr. Kurtz is active in community theatre and has completed 47 marathons.