Superior Court Judge candidates speak at forum

PULLMAN - Superior Court candidates met at the Neill Public Library to answer the public's questions during a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters on Monday, July 22.

Candidates running in the August 6, Primary Election for Superior Court Judge are Jenna Brozik, Steve Martonick and Roger Sandberg.

Cards were left for attendees to write questions and then were asked by a moderator who allowed each candidate two minutes to speak.

Questions asked ranged from qualities of a Superior Court Judge, public defender service, pro-bono, and more.

In opening statements, candidates gave a synopsis of who they are and why they are running for the position of Superior Court Judge.

Martonick mentioned that this is the first time in 22 years that a judge candidate has been on the ballot. "This is a rare opportunity for all of you," he said.

"It doesn't come along very often that we have to make this decision," Sandberg agreed.

Qualities of a Judge

The first question asked referenced an elected official stating that the Superior Court Judge needs the qualities of knowledge, broad experience, common sense and good judgement asking if the candidates agreed or would add any qualities.

Sandberg answered first stating that he agrees with the qualities. "I would add empathy," Sandberg said, "I think having a good heart is very important for these cases."

Answering second, Brozik also agreed with the qualities stating that she would add integrity, honesty, compassion and accountability. "I also think you need an understanding of how serious your decision are going to be on the people that come before you," she said.

Martonick said that would agree and would also add independence. "A judge must be independent and make his own decision, or her decisions," Martonick said.

Public defender service

The second question asked was whether or not the candidates found public defender service important and if they had done it.

Martonick answered first, "You can't overstate the value of public defense. It's absolutely necessary for a functioning justice system."

Sandberg said answered, "That's what you're going to be dealing with as a judge," Sandberg said, adding that as a public defender you have to explain the law to people who might not know it. "As a judge you have to do the same thing," he said.

"I don't think you need to be a public defender to become a judge," Brozik said, "I think what you need to know is the kind of cases that are filed there."

The following question was if they have provided pro-bono.

"I have done a lot of pro bono," Brozik said, adding, "we don't have enough attorney's in this area that are doing pro-bono."

"I really don't want to get into pro-bono and free services for clients, because I think it lacks humility," Martonick said, adding that attorneys do those things because it is the right thing to do, not so you can campaign on them.

Sandberg said that according to the WSBA attorneys are supposed to do 50 hours of community service. "As Steve said there's so many things you do. I never kept track of pro-bono hours." Sandberg added that he also agreed there needs to be more people doing it.

Closing remarks

The candidates were given three minutes for closing remarks.

"What's important to keep in mind, as far as my practice, is I've got the broadest range of experience in both areas," Sandberg said.

"I'm committed to putting in the time to make sure I understand all of those cases," Sandberg said, adding that having experience with those that are at their lowest point in terms of drug addiction, mental health, crisis and family law is essential.

"I don't think experience is a close issue here," Martonick said, "My experience with appeals, I think, is important to a trial judge.

Martonick said he has done over 100 trials, "It's not a place to learn on the job. There's really no contest to the experience level here."

"We talked about experience here," Brozik said, "Roger has been licensed two years more here," adding that she took two years off to stay home with her kids which was a good experience.

"I'm going to bring that to the judge-ship if I am elected," she said, adding that the civil side of the court is huge and the judge makes decisions that will affect people the rest of their lives.

Full forum

Candidates discussed several other questions on topics concerning alternate and drug courts, their stance on no fault divorce, legal costs, the speed of courts, guidelines and more.

The full forum can be found at the League of Women Voters Youtube channel through their website https://lwvpullman.org.