LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A failed applicant

Editor, the Journal,

Dave Stevens asks the people of Mason County to hire him as a judge. Before hiring, potential employers normally establish the job qualifications and review the candidate's application.

We know what we need in a judge: stability, community commitment, experience in impartial roles and knowledge of the law. Stevens did complete an application when he unsuccessfully tried to get appointed as a superior court judge in 2022. So, let's review that application and see how Stevens stacks up.

Stability: In the 10 years before 2021, Stevens held 10 jobs in five states and two foreign countries. That's not stable; it's erratic.

Community service: Most judges, like Judge Cadine Ferguson-Brown, have long records of community service. When the application asked, "list all community and civic activities ... in the last 10 years," Stevens responded: "none."

Impartial decision-making: Most judicial applicants have already developed the difficult skill of applying rules to make impartial decisions, regardless of personal preferences. For example, Judge Ferguson-Brown had served as a court commissioner. But when the application asked, "briefly identify all of your experience as a neutral decision maker," Stevens responded: "none."

Knowledge of the law: A judge needs to know the law, and 75% of cases in Superior Court involve civil law. Stevens has practiced only criminal law. Stevens told the Okanogan County commissioners in 2021, "I have no interest in civil law." It's hard to learn something we have no interest in. And Mason County shouldn't have to gamble on whether Dave Stevens cares enough to reacquaint himself with civil law 23 years after he took it in law school.

To summarize: Dave Stevens lacks the stability, community commitment, experience as a neutral decision-maker and knowledge of the law expected of a Superior Court judge. Mason County voters should reject him.

Jim Oswald, Union

Timber industry

Editor, the Journal,

Mr. Burke previously wrote a letter to the editor, at his own expense, about the timber industry and its tax disparity in Mason County. With current industries and population increasing there is an inherent formula in the assessor's handy way of increasing our assessments. "Your neighbor's sale value went up now you pay more."

When the timber industry was developed, a state law of compassion was afforded them due to the great expanse of their land holdings. The local population was minimal at the time with a small tax base for county operations. The timber land tax base has remained relatively small in comparison with current times. Their tax has remained relatively flat due to law. Now here comes the current population increase and a need for buildable spaces. Land expanses are naturally available due to the timbered/marketed and clearing. Citizens are currently aware of land prices and are paying a major part of assessments.

And here come thousands of acres for sale, ready to build. Where is the profit now? Where, if any, are the back taxes for counties? Politics now, as always, count the jingle in their pockets or whatever else is afforded them.

Housing is being developed on Port Gamble timberland as well as in timbered counties also. I ask when fairness will be afforded our society to reduce greed. It may never be recovered but here is a chance for retribution for the Legislature to change the antiquated law on the books.

Bill Bruder, Shelton

Eminently qualified

Editor, the Journal,

I am an attorney who has practiced civil law most of my career and write to share my experiences working with Dave Stevens. I first met him over a decade ago when he began as the chief public defender for the Colville Tribes. Then, in 2019, I worked under Mr. Stevens when he was chief criminal prosecuting attorney for Okanogan County. In my opinion, Mr. Stevens is eminently qualified to be a superior court judge. I have witnessed his strong sense of justice when he was defending the accused, and when prosecuting them. I have seen that his primary concern is with what the law is and not what he believes it ought to be, which is critical for any judge. My interactions with him revealed a sharp and analytical mind, one that is intellectually curious and open to opposing views and that reflects of his diverse life and professional experiences. Again, something I believe is critical for any judge. He can certainly handle any case, civil or criminal, that may come before a superior court judge.

Jason D'Avignon, Mount Vernon

Classmate reflections

Editor, the Journal,

It is with great pleasure that I endorse Judge Cadine Ferguson-Brown as she campaigns for election to the bench in Mason County Superior Court.

Judge Ferguson-Brown and I were fellow undergraduates studying at The School of Legal Studies at The University of Wolverhampton Class of 2000.

During our time we studied together and represented the university on the national stage where we reached the semifinals of the Law Society Mooting Competition. We were both proud to have worked for and represented the Faculty of Law in this high-profile competition. The citizens of Mason County are benefitting from her successes as a law undergraduate that have shaped her approach to her office now. I was honored to be elected the president of the Student Law Society and again would look to Judge Ferguson-Brown for advice and support. She always found time to help and support others.If I were to point to one thing that made Cadine stand out, it was her ability to apply herself to her studies and the determination she had to succeed. This was despite her being far from home and supporting herself throughout her undergraduate studies.

This maturity beyond her years has propelled her to where she finds herself now and the voters of Mason County now have an opportunity to elect Judge Ferguson-Brown and ensure her service continues.

I endorse Judge Cadine Ferguson-Brown.

Ray Deans, Huddersfield, United Kingdom

I apologize

Editor, the Journal,

I am writing to apologize to Darrell Barker. It appeared I was quoting him, when I was actually personally interpreting what he said. I focused on his comments of Ezekiel 23:20, ignoring the larger part of his letter that indicated we were, for the most part, in agreement.To this point, however, Darrell likewise, in focusing on the sexual innuendo of Ezekiel 23:20 - "For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses," which would have sailed over the heads of most children, perhaps missed the larger point that the "woman" the prophet Ezekiel thus described was metaphorically Jerusalem, a city that had turned against God to idol worship, riotous sexual promiscuity and child sacrifice. Ezekiel prophesied and continually warned Jerusalem that if she didn't repent, she would be destroyed, which she was a few years later. There are no colorful graphic sexual illustrations in the Bible as there are in the disputed kids' books, and most children would not understand biblical language. Ironically, when parents read segments of these unsuitable school books, they are either told to leave or shut up, because what they are reading is "inappropriate." Oh, ye hypocrites. Too obscene to read to the school board but fine for children's minds.

I doubt the Bible would be allowed into school buildings to ban, Darrell, but perhaps the person counting 253 sexual references in the Bible, should instead count all the times love, forgiveness, patience, faith, hope, charity, miracles, joy and blessings are mentioned. If everyone on earth lived continually the teachings of Jesus Christ, there would be no wars, hunger or evil, but God, for our learning, gave us choice, and if there is God, there is Satan.

Katie Groves, Shelton

And justice for all

Editor, the Journal,

Elect Dave Stevens Mason County Superior Court judge. Not so many years ago, we saw billboards along the road that read "Use a gun, go to jail," and we are all familiar with the phrase, "If you do the crime, then you will do the time." How then has our criminal justice system devolved into the chaos that we experience every day across this country? From big cities to small towns like Shelton, the criminal element simply no longer believes there are consequences for its actions.As a peaceful, free, liberty-loving society, do we no longer believe that "justice for all" is for victims too? Do we not have enough "equity" in our justice system? Is the financial burden for maintaining an effective prison system too costly, such that our precious resources are better spent on safe spaces and free needles? Or is it possible that our criminal justice system has been soured by an ideology that blames our "American society" for life's inequities and persuades judges to ignore legal remedies at their disposal in favor of misguided leniency? Existing laws already provide significant consequences for those who disregard our laws, especially those who commit serious crimes and repeatedly offend, but until our court system finds the wisdom and courage to enforce these laws, it will continue to be ineffective, if not outright impotent. I support Dave Stevens for Mason County Superior Court judge, because I believe he will properly apply the law while being fair and just to all.

Michael Hill, Shelton

Strong advocate

Editor, the Journal,

Please support Keri Smith Davidson for re-election as our school board member. She has shown exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of educational issues and a strong commitment to our children's future. With two daughters in Shelton High School, Keri has a personal interest in the success of our schools. Her dedication to transparency, and the success of our schools has made a positive impact. I have full confidence that she will continue to be a strong advocate for quality education in Shelton.

Eric Onisko, Shelton

Facing complexity

Editor, the Journal,

I am writing in support of Mark Frazier for the Position 5 seat on the Shelton City Council.

I have met with Mark several times and am confident that he understands the complexity of the issues facing the city. He is willing to do the work and make the hard decisions to help the city move in a positive direction.

His choice of career, and advancement in that field, shows his commitment to public service, compassion, leadership qualities and decision-making skills. He is also committed to community service outside the workplace. His work with the Martha Reed Foundation is just one example of that lifelong commitment to our community.

Please thank him for his willingness to serve the City of Shelton in one more way and vote for Mark Frazier for Shelton City Council.

Lisa Perry, Shelton

Experience matters

Editor, the Journal,

We are living in a time when schools have been facing the challenges of educating our children during a pandemic. The public education system has also become a focal point for other social issues and political pressures from many directions. This situation requires capable people with sound judgment to lead our schools.

Keri Smith Davidson is that kind of leader and should be supported in her running for the Shelton School Board.

A school district is a large complex organization and experience matters. Keri is an incumbent. As such she has learned about budgets, evaluating the curriculum from kindergarten to high school graduation, and so much more.

Keri has demonstrated an intense focus on making the best decisions for the education of our children, which is after all what schools are to do. She has not been distracted by other choices that have smaller direct influences on learning.

I have known Keri Smith Davidson since she was a student in the Shelton schools. She was committed to her own education, was a positive influence in the classroom and willingly helped her fellow students.

When she returned to Shelton after pursuing her education, she became an active member of this community. As a parent of two daughters, she wants the best educational experience for them, as well as for all other children in the district.

I believe that we are fortunate to have such a capable, fair, and passionate advocate for all of our children as a candidate for the Shelton School Board. Please vote for Keri Smith Davidson to continue as a member of the Shelton School Board.

Joe Snyder, Shelton

Vote Dave Stevens

Editor, the Journal,

I am so tired of reading about Cadine Ferguson-Brown and how nice, warm and fuzzy Ferguson-Brown will be as a judge.

And how she is fair and impartial. Thank you Victoria Meadows, your bias comes right through. These are just words. I don't want nice, I want toughness with criminals. I want decisions based on law, not the color of their skin, position in society or which political party they belong to. And consequences that are the same for everybody. We can't have all these, released on good behavior, criminals still out there still raising havoc, killing, robbing, raping and destroying our property. All in the name of social justice. We all see what is going on out there in our country, state and city these days. You have to be blind or so brainwashed if you don't see it. And this has been under the liberal format for many years in our country. How's it working? So now we have a choice between a liberal judge appointed by a radical liberal governor running against Dave Stevens, a law-and-order person.

I don't want our area to be the next Seattle or Tacoma. And it is coming fast down I-5 if you keep electing liberals and Democrats. So folks, be aware, you get what you vote for. Good luck out there. I don't depend on luck, I depend on Smith and Wesson these days. At least as long as the liberals and Democrats don't try to take it.

Jerry Sparks, Shelton

Take back Mason County from whom?

Editor, the Journal,

After viewing the recent Mason County League of Women Voters candidate forum, I wanted to find out a bit more about the Position 4 race for Hood Canal School Board. To be clear, any candidate for school board anywhere is not completely defined by the endorsements they garner. On the other hand, this job is absolutely nonpartisan in the truest sense of the word and is best performed with an open mind toward optimal outcomes for all students. For this reason, two groups endorsing Rebecca Roadman gave me cause for concern for her ability – if elected – to be truly objective and inclusive in considering policies for our local school. The Family Policy Institute of WA promotes "Christ-Centered Policy" and wants its members "to knowledgeably speak out on authentic biblical values, public policy, and bills impacting individuals and families..." A brief review of the group Take Back Mason County can best be summed up by strongly wondering from whom? I'd urge any interested voter to exercise some due diligence of their choices in this race.

David Ellis, Union