Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 26, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Lauds State's Judges, Emphasizes Importance of Washington Judiciary

Gov. Gary Locke today praised the state’s Superior Court judges and emphasized the importance of the state’s judicial branch at the 2004 Superior Court Judges Association Spring Conference in Blaine. He also discussed the process of appointing judges and his significant personal involvement in each judicial appointment.

“I am proud that I have appointed 54 of the best-qualified Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Superior Court judges in the history of this state,” Locke said. “I am proud that 24 of these appointments have been female candidates. I am proud that 11 of my judicial appointments have been minorities. And I am proud of the many ‘firsts’ we have achieved with our judicial appointments.”

Following his speech, the Superior Court Judges Association acknowledged and thanked Locke for his many years of support for the judicial branch of government.

Locke described in his address the significant amount of time he devotes to the selection of judges. He interviews each of the finalists for a position himself, and he attends the public announcement ceremony of each of the judges he appoints.

“I believe that the process of appointing judges should honor the importance of the role they play in our society,” Locke said. “That’s why I make judicial appointments a top priority.”

“You lead our legal system and make possible the peaceful resolution of disputes,” Locke told the judges. “You are essential to effective democratic government. You are a vital influence in our society, often the voice of reason and conscience when others have lost both. I am proud of the job that you do and humbled by the responsibility that you bear.”

Locke also thanked the judges for the significant work that is done daily by the state’s judicial branch. “I am very proud of our state’s judiciary. The quality of our Superior Court and other judges has never been higher. And I suspect the challenges have never been greater. But I know you are equal to the task. On behalf of the people of Washington, thank you for the great work that you do in keeping the wheels of justice turning.”

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