Spokane7
62°Quick links: 2012 graduating seniors • Summer camp guide • Jobs: The Road Ahead • Prep sports • News quiz
Spokane Municipal Court races are non partisan, but the County Republican Party is weighing in on one of the races and criticizing Judge Tracy Staab.
The GOP’s problem with Staab is not judicial activism or any decision she’s made. Instead, it’s residence.
As in, Staab doesn’t live in the city. The county executive board concluded at a recent meeting that “a municipal court jduge, like any other elected office, should be required to live within the position’s respective jurisdiction.”
This issue came up when Mayor Mary Verner nominated Staab for the newly created seat on the bench. Councilman Bob Apple voted against her, saying he thought the judges should live in the city, but all the other councilmembers voted for her and she got the appointment.
Staab is the only appointed municipal judge to draw a challenger in the election. She faces Bryan Whitaker.
GOP didn’t say whether it’s endorsing Whitaker…just that it’s opposing Staab.
Jim Camden is a veteran political reporter for The Spokesman-Review.
Jonathan Brunt covers Spokane City Hall for The Spokesman-Review.
999 W. Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201
P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210
Main switchboard: (509) 459-5000 • (800) 338-8801
Newsroom: (509) 459-5400 • (800) 789-0029
Customer service: (800) 338-8801
© Copyright 2012, The Spokesman-Review
Terms of use • Privacy policy • Copyright policy
Lulubelle on August 11 at 8:42 p.m.
I guess if all you are concerned with is residence, Whitaker is your guy. If qualifications have anything to do with your decision, then its obvious Tracy Staab gets your vote.
Bone on August 12 at 1:38 p.m.
It is interesting that this group would take a position contrary to state law. The party, apparently, didn’t have concerns prior to this election. Judges in district court, who live outside the city limits, made decisions for years on municipal or “city” cases. Why the sudden concern then? A position like this suggests putting political interests over the interests of “what is best for the City of Spokane”.
If our goal truly lies in doing what is best for the City of Spokane, then a judge’s QUALIFICATIONS should be a far higher concern than simply residency. Judge Staab has more judicial experience. She has more experience as a lawyer and has a broader range of experience. Judge Staab is highly endorsed by other Judges, Law Enforcement, lawyers, and community leaders. A recent poll of the Spokane County Bar Association tells us she’s more qualified than her opponent. Would you truly sacrifice having a more qualified person on the bench for the sake of a few miles of residency?
Judge Staab’s passion and dedication to the City of Spokane is clear and she is a clear choice for those who want what is best for the city.