Sam Meyer for Thurston County District Court Judge

Long ago I wrote about why district court is important. Not long thereafter, Sam Meyer was endorsed by The Olympian. Here I said I agree with them. Now that ballots are delivered, and given that the discussion about the race is heating up (see Emmett at Olympia Time), here are the reasons that Sam Meyer is getting my vote.

There are the basic things, I think he has more of the desirable experience than any other candidate out there. He has served as Judge Pro tem in municipal and district courts in Thurston and Mason counties. During Sam’s career, he has taken on every role in district court, (prosecutor, judge, and defense counsel) and he therefore understands what works and does not work to accomplish the objective of district court. Sam is extremely intelligent, (as are most of the 12 candidates) but more importantly than intelligence, Sam will be able to use that intelligence to get the massive district court case volume processed effectively. Sam’s courtroom will dispense justice fairly, constitutionally, and at the same time, will save the county money.

One of the most meaningful aspects for me personally, is that Sam has spent the last 10 years primarily in the Office of Assigned Counsel, representing defendants in criminal actions. Sam knows what it is like to have a client break down and cry during sentencing and knows what happens to families when one member, be it the income provider or the child is sent to prison. Sam does not defend those clients who can afford him; he represents those who have no other options. (He doesn’t do this for lack of other career options as he comes from a family of brothers who also practice law, not to mention their father who was a long time member of the Olympia bar.) Because of this relatively unique position, Sam will be able to make the legal system bring out the best in people which is ultimately what the court system (especially district court) should do.

Sam has spent the last four months knocking on doors in Thurston County. He does it almost every night, which as many of you know is not the most pleasant thing to do. While I think the last 10 years with the Office of Assigned Counsel gives him sufficient exposure to the problems of Thurston County citizens, Sam has made it a point to visit with people so he will better understand the concerns of the people he hopes to serve. I believe that demonstrates a humility that judges far too often forget once on the bench. Sam’s doorbelling makes believe that he will carry that humility every day as a public servant.

As I said, the Olympian also endorsed Sam. However, he won the local bar poll overwhelmingly and was the only candidate rated “exceptionally well qualified” by the Washington Women’s Lawyers. Keep in mind, Sam was the only candidate to receive this highest rating in a race with four female candidates.

I am proud to have cast my vote for Sam Meyer for Thurston County district court judge.

See votingforjudges.org for more information.