Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 4, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Governor appoints John Hotchkiss to Douglas County Superior Court

WATERVILLE, Douglas County — Gov. Gary Locke traveled to this small Eastern Washington town about 30 miles northeast of Wenatchee today to reveal the identity of Douglas County's first superior court judge. Locke named long-time local attorney John Hotchkiss to the newly created position on the bench. Douglas County until now has been served by the combined Chelan-Douglas Superior Court.

Hotchkiss, a partner at the Wenatchee law firm of Cassel, Beuhler, Hotchkiss, DiTommaso and Crowell, has been an attorney practicing in the Wenatchee area for 18 years. A resident of East Wenatchee, Hotchkiss is a graduate of Gonzaga University Law School, and attended both Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University.

Locke said the choice was clear. "John Hotchkiss is very highly respected in the local legal community, which is particularly important for a superior court with only one judge," Locke said. "I was also quite impressed with the breadth of Mr. Hotchkiss' background and experience in the practice of law. He will make an excellent judge."

The governor came to the county seat to make the announcement to underline his goal of enhancing the public's understanding of and respect for the judicial branch of government. He said the responsibility for making judicial appointments is a duty of the office, which he takes very seriously.

Hotchkiss, 48, also worked part-time as a law clerk in the U.S. Attorney's office in Spokane while finishing the last year and a half of law school. He was born and raised in neighboring Grant County. He was an active member of Rotary Club and coached various youth sporting activities. Hotchkiss will start Jan. 1 and will earn an annual salary of $100,995. He serves until the November general election, when he will be subject to election by Douglas County voters to serve the remainder of the four-year term.

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive