District court candidates appear at forum in Colfax

John Hart and Rob Rembert, the two candidates for district court judge, fielded questions last Wednesday night, Oct. 16, at a Pullman League of Women Voters session at The Center in Colfax. Rembert in his opening statement listed the variety of cases involved in his Pullman practice and said he believed he would be able to bring more overall experience to the bench.

Hart pointed out his service for six years as Colfax Municipal Court judge and his assignments as judge pro-tem on the district court and superior court benches. He also noted the endorsements he has received from Judge Doug Robinson who is stepping down as district court judge and the end of the year, and from retired Superior Court Judge David Frazier.

One campaign topic which surfaced during the session was Rembert's vow to make district court sessions start on time. Rembert commented that the court delays were caused by attorneys making last-minute decisions which hold up the start of court sessions. He noted later that federal courts begin exactly on the minute when they are scheduled to begin.

Hart said he has organized his court sessions to start with defendants who do not have attorneys and are ready to present their cases. He said he doesn't mind sitting on the bench and waiting for defendants to appear and make their case.

Both candidates said they plan to work on upgrading technology for the court.

The country's superior court is now on a statewide computer system, but the district court still uses paper.

Hart posted a strong win in the primary round which had three candidates on the ballot.