In reading my favorite paper, The Mirror, and my favorite writer in that paper, Bob Roegner, I was greeted with an exciting piece of news.
In covering the various upcoming races in Federal Way and our surrounding communities, he mentions the pending municipal court judge contest in Federal Way for the seat currently held by Judge Michael Morgan. After the unfortunate scandal erupted between our female judge and a public defender who had many cases before her, we came under even more embarrassing media scrutiny as a result of the glaring mishandling of that by Judge Morgan and his personnel problems. He has tied up the city, running up expenses while suing to prevent the release of an investigation of a hostile work environment. One can’t help but wonder what is being hidden.
Nonetheless, it’s time for a change, and Mr. Roegner hints that Federal Way City Council member Jim Ferrell, a rising star in our area, is considering the race.
And, what a great idea! Ferrell has been a prosecuting attorney for well over 10 years and is currently the senior deputy prosecutor and supervisor of the Domestic Violence Court at the Regional Justice Center. He has effected the passage of several laws protecting the victims of domestic violence. He is a people person in his job as a prosecutor and has a well-known track record working for the people of Federal Way as a council member.
Mr. Roegner, in his June 11 column, mentioned another one of my favorite people-oriented public servants, council member Linda Kochmar, reminding us that in The Mirror’s Best of Federal Way annual poll, Kochmar was voted the “Best Public Official.” Way to go, Linda!
Knowing a columnist can’t possibly print everything on a particular topic, I will point out that council member Jim Ferrell came in second, so the electorate has already shown its preference and know quality when they see it. What more could we want?
I know Jim Ferrell will run the court with integrity and fairness, as does Judge Dave Larson, whom I have known for years. The fabulous four, who hold all the power on the council, appointed the last court mess, so this time let’s be sure we get quality and take care of it for ourselves.
Please help me start a groundswell of support for the judicial election of Jim Ferrell. This eminently qualified individual who, as a Federal Way City Council member, has always endeavored to give us his best support.
Clara McArthur,
Federal Way
