Candidate Profile: Whitman County Superior Court Judge

Roger Sandberg

Biography

Age: 44

Hometown: Pullman

Experience: 17 years in private legal practice in Whitman County; 14 years as District Court Judge Pro Tem; Current Superior Court Commissioner

Education: Whitworth College, Bachelor's Degree in Economics; University of Washington Law School

Family: Married, with three children, ages 16, 14, and 11.

Candidates have been given a 100 words to answer each question and answers have not been edited.

Question 1: What is your philosophy on balancing punishment with rehabilitation, particularly for first-time and non-violent offenders?

Punishment can motivate rehabilitation. I have participated in many sentencing alternatives as an attorney (e.g., Drug Court, Veteran's Court, Mental Health Court, Community Court). Sentencing alternatives are only available for certain crimes, and may not be an option if the victim is not in agreement. They are not 'get out of jail free' cards. The programming is stringent, and if a defendant does not comply, he will be revoked from the program and sentenced. As Judge, I will continue to approve therapeutic approaches for appropriate cases. Accountability is key. If a defendant does not enthusiastically pursue rehabilitation, punishment will follow.

Question 2: What initiatives would you champion to ensure that the court is responsive to the local community's needs, particularly in terms of access to justice, legal education, and support for vulnerable populations?

Justice should not be denied because a person cannot find a ride to Colfax. Although Court forms are available online, documents can be filed electronically, and parties can appear for court hearings by Zoom, people are not always aware of these possibilities. Simple solutions include, providing clear instructions on the court's website; partnering with local libraries to find court forms (Google: "Washington Courts Forms") and assist with printing, scanning, and filing documents online; publicizing and expanding the Courthouse Facilitator program; and revitalizing the volunteer lawyer program in Whitman County. In court, the proceedings should be explained in plain terms.

Question 3: Given new regulations on public defender caseloads, what initiatives would you bring to Superior Court to ensure compliance while maintaining justice, legal expediency, and holding the line on costs?

If the State Supreme Court drastically reduces current public defender caseloads, as proposed, Whitman County may have to dismiss cases if qualified attorneys are unavailable. If this proposal is adopted, I would encourage pre-charging diversion of appropriate cases, so that a case does not count against caseload limits. I will ensure thorough screening of Defendants to verify that they are truly eligible for court-appointed counsel, and require fee reimbursement when consistent with State guidelines. Finally, I would appoint newer attorneys to assist in jury trials so that they can obtain the two trials necessary to be appointed for felony defense.

Jenna Brozik

Biography

Age: 56

Hometown: Pullman

Experience: Presiding Judge Pro Tem Colfax Municipal Court; Small Business Owner/Managing Attorney (Prinz and Brozik PLLC.); practicing law since 2010, civil litigation and criminal law; Adjunct Professor at University of Idaho College of Law, Former Vice President of Whitman County Bar Association, extensive trial experience in Superior Court, substantial experience as Certified Mediator, and vast experience in very wide range of cases including but not limited to family and criminal law, estates, wills, will contests, guardianships, dependencies, land/lord tenant, etc.

Education: BFA, University of Colorado at Boulder; Juris Doctorate, University of Idaho College of Law.

Family: Jenna's husband, Jim, is a Chemistry Professor at WSU. Jim and Jenna raised their children (twins) in Whitman County, and they are now seniors at Pullman High School. Jim is a WSU grad.

Candidates have been given a 100 words to answer each question and answers have not been edited.

Question 1: What is your philosophy on balancing punishment with rehabilitation, particularly for first-time and non-violent offenders?

For first-time and non-violent offenders, my philosophy is to get them the help that they need, whether that be substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, or drug court.

Often there is an underlying mental health issue or substance abuse issue that results in a defendant committing a crime. I would advocate for a Felony Mental Health Court in Superior Court since there currently is not one.

If the defendant qualifies, there is a Felony Diversion program that ensures restitution for the victims and reduces recidivism.

For public safety, jail time may be appropriate instead or in addition to treatment.

Question 2: What initiatives would you champion to ensure that the court is responsive to the local community's needs, particularly in terms of access to justice, legal education, and support for vulnerable populations?

Family law cases require mediation before trial. Most mediators cost $250-$350 an hour. I will initiate volunteer mediation clinics providing free or low-cost mediators to parties who can't afford the cost.

In civil cases, I will implement status scheduling orders which show trial date(s) and dates when pleadings, discovery, witness/exhibit lists, and briefs are due. This will lower costs and bring quicker resolutions.

Question 3: Given new regulations on public defender caseloads, what initiatives would you bring to Superior Court to ensure compliance while maintaining justice, legal expediency, and holding the line on costs?

• Case management initiatives to ensure that cases are addressed efficiently to maximize the public defender's available time,

• Rigorously examining the plea deals set before me and insisting on minimum standards of advocacy from the attorneys in the court room,

• Authoring or sponsoring handout materials that would aid defendants in fully understanding their rights,

• Advocating for more funding for public defenders from the legislature in a concerted effort with the Prosecutor's Office, Public Defender's Office, and the Whitman County Sheriff's Office.