With the recent resignation of Judge Peter Strow of Island County District Court, we commissioners were tasked with interviewing and picking his replacement this week.
I must admit, this was a duty I never anticipated performing while I was campaigning for office three years ago, and having the honor to be a part of this decision was somewhat astonishing.
This action precise illustrates the relevance of civic duty to the success of our self-governing formation. Just as with partisan political offices, these justices also have a ladder of hierarchy available to climb. The people you elected for a mere county commissioner position could have just launched a Supreme Court Judge.
There is no doubt in my mind that we commissioners made a great decision with sincere unity for the best interest of the county. But when you have politicians making decisions, there is always the chance that political motivations are present.
That's why I suggested to the candidates, on the first day of the process, that those not obtaining the position by our decision should go out and make their case to the public at the upcoming general election.
If for no other reason then for the sake of competition, which provides the best outcome for us all, no candidate should go unopposed. With the great batch of candidates that we had to consider, I feel the public could be well served by any one of them.
But the public must make an informed decision.
I reiterate, "we commissioners made a great decision with sincere unity for the best interest of the county." After confirming with the previous employer that this applicant would make a fine judge, and with no shortage of other qualifications, I'm pleased we arrived at the Honorable Bill Hawkins for the next Island County District Court Judge until the general election of 2014.
