 |
|
|
|
| Tom Chambers |
| |
| Candidate: State Supreme Court, Position 9 |
 |
| Tom Chambers |
|
| |
| Age: 56 |
| |
| Residence: Issaquah |
| |
| Occupation: |
| |
Attorney |
| |
| Education: |
| |
J.D., University of Washington |
| |
| Campaign Web site: www.tomchambers.com |
| |
| Campaign theme: |
| |
Level playing field. |
| |
| Rating: Exceptionally well-qualified |
| |
|
| |
| 1. |
Do you support the current system of electing judges? Why, or why not? |
|
| |
I would support a hybrid between appointment and election. Currently we run the risk of a completely unqualified person being elected to our state's highest court because that person has a "good name." Appointment provides more judicial independence. Elections force judges to deal with the concerns of people. |
| |
| 2. |
Name a state Supreme Court ruling that you would have joined the majority on and explain why. |
|
| |
A recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion barring states from disclosing personal information people must submit to obtain a driver's license. Our rights of privacy must be protected. |
| |
| 3. |
Name one where you would have dissented and explain why. |
|
| |
The King County stadium case in which the court ducked the question of whether an emergency existed. I believe that the genius of our government is based upon its checks and balances. The court should make an independent decision regarding the standards for emergency legislation. |
| |
| 4. |
Do you think judicial candidates should have more leeway in what they can say in a campaign, or do you support current restrictions? |
|
| |
I am content with the current standards. I do not believe that the court should be politicalized. I believe that judges should be selected based upon their passion for justice, fairness and intellectual honesty. |
| |
| 5. |
What is the biggest problem facing the state court system and how would you address it? |
|
| |
Under-funding, an antiquated system developed in the 1800s, and institutional inertia have caused a crisis in our courts. There are plenty of good proposals which have been studied. I offer my proven leadership to move proposals to implementation. I have led the State Bar and other lawyer associations. |
|
