|
Click here to download high resolution photo
Island County
judges get reprieve under bill signed by governor
Bailey
supports legislation providing for additional judge in San Juan County
Imagine being a judge and
having to split your time serving the superior courts in both Island and
San Juan counties. Travel between the two islands is often very
difficult.
Rep.
Barbara Bailey says all
that may change, however, under a bill signed into law this week by the
governor.
Senate Bill 5247 provides authority to create a new superior court
judge position in San Juan County. Bailey was co-sponsor of the House
version of the measure,
House Bill 1269.
"We have two superior
court judges in Island County and one is usually designated to serve the
San Juan County courts. The court dockets for both areas are very full.
The courts are located on two islands and the only way to get between
the two is by air or ferry. It's just become very difficult to service
both areas with one judge," said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. "Adding a new
judge to specifically service San Juan County seemed to be the best way
to solve this problem. It also allows our local judges to focus on
reducing the full court dockets in Island County."
The measure becomes
effective July 22.
# # #
Rep. Barbara Bailey
(far right) stands with other lawmakers and citizens as Gov. Christine
Gregoire signs Senate Bill 5247 into law. The measure will allow the
creation of a new superior court judge position in San Juan County,
relieving Island County superior court judges from servicing the San
Juan County courts.
For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
|