FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 19, 1996

Lowry appoints Kurtz to appeals court

OLYMPIA - Gov. Mike Lowry today named Yakima attorney Frank L. Kurtz to a newly created position on the Washington Court of Appeals, Division III. The position was created by the Legislature to expand the Eastern Washington court to four judges.

Kurtz graduated from the Gonzaga University School of Law in 1974 and practices commercial law, with some emphasis on litigation and business reorganization cases. He also has contracted as a public defender with Yakima County. Kurtz is chair of the Executive Committee of the Creditor/Debtor Section of the Washington State Bar Association and was co-founder of the Bankruptcy Bar Association of the Eastern District of Washington. He also serves on the advisory board of YWCA Volunteer Attorney Services.

Kurtz was rated "exceptionally well qualified" by Washington Women Lawyers. He begins his job August 5 and will earn $104,448 annually. Kurtz will face election this fall.

For more information, contact the Governor's Communications Office at 360-753-6790.