Legal competence counts

The ballots for the August primary have been mailed. There is a very important race that will be decided in this election and not in the general. Many of us pay little attention to judicial races, probably because they are typically low profile and often modestly financed. I encourage you to pay close attention to this judicial race.

Judge Laurel Siddoway is running to retain her seat on the Washington state Court of Appeals. As the mayor of Spokane, I had the opportunity to hire Lauri and her firm to represent the city of Spokane as special counsel in complex, high-profile litigation. She was bright, analytical and strategic. Professional at all times, she represented the city very well.

As a trial lawyer, I have experienced what it takes to be an effective appellate court judge. You must be intelligent, be well schooled in the law and have strong communication skills. Lauri exemplifies them all.

Please know that your vote in this race matters. I invite you to look carefully at the experience and competencies of each candidate. When you do, I am confident you will select Laurel Siddoway for the Washington state Court of Appeals.

Dennis P. Hession

Spokane