Tacoma News Tribune

Endorsements

For FWay municipal court: Robertson and Larson

The News Tribune

Thursday, October 8, 2009 — Federal Way's municipal court has been troubled for too many years now. With any luck, it should be a healthier institution after election day.

Both seats on the court are up for grabs Nov. 3. Federal Way voters should be, well, judicious in distinguishing the two incumbents.

Judge Michael Morgan has been a flashpoint of controversy and accusations since he was elected four years ago. Judge David Larson has been a solid, steady, reassuring presence in the court. We urge the citizens of Federal Way to elect Morgan's challenger, Rebecca Robertson – and re-elect Larson.

When a trial judge is in the headlines, it's rarely a good thing. Morgan illustrates the point. As presiding judge, he has been responsible for court administration. He hasn't fared well: The court has been racked by infighting during much of his tenure.

Last December, he was reprimanded by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct for intemperate off-the-bench behavior. He waged a long, unsuccessful legal battle against this newspaper to suppress an investigation of his handling of the court; taxpayers wound up stuck with the $115,000 bill.

Earlier this month, the state Public Disclosure Commission accused Morgan of violating state election laws by letting his city-owned computer be used for his re-election campaign. Morgan is challenging the charge, but you get the sense that such disputes will continue as long as he is on the bench.

It's a shame, because he is a smart man who appears to administer justice capably in the courtroom.

Robertson, a prosecutor in the Seattle City Attorney's Office, is an excellent alternative. She has plenty of experience at the municipal court level, both as an attorney and as a substitute judge. The King County Bar Association rates her as "well qualified." We agree.

As for Larson, the King County bar rates him as "exceptionally well qualified." We agree with that assessment as well. By all accounts, he's been a fine judge. He's been extensively involved in the Federal Way community. He projects a sober, temperate, thoughtful demeanor. He's exactly what this court needs more of – and will get more of, if Robertson is elected.

Larson's challenger, Renee Walls, is a former Federal Way prosecutor. She appears qualified to serve on the municipal court bench, but she makes no case for unseating a judge who has already proven himself in the position.

VotingforJudges.org, P.O. Box 1460, Silverdale, WA  98383
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