Response to allegations, continued support for Benzel

I found the letter by Dennis Morgan, which appeared in the Sept. 19 issue of this publication to be a textbook example of the type of angry mud-slinging that has no place in any judicial campaign. While I agree the rules are as cited by Morgan, I disagree sharply regarding who is having difficulty following them. These rules not only apply to prosecutors, judges and judicial candidates, but to criminal defense lawyers as well

My endorsement of Carolyn Benzel appeared in the Aug. 28 issue of this publication. Perhaps Morgan did not read it.

My opinions in this race have been those which I reasonably believe to be true based upon the facts which I am aware and the circumstances I have observed. Morgan has never spoken with me about them. Prosecutors are free to endorse, support, campaign for and against judicial candidates and routinely do statewide. In light of Morgan’s accusations, I will clarify my position and set the record straight.

Judge Adalia Hille’s lack of legal practice experience is, in my opinion, a legitimate issue in this campaign. Hille was first appointed to the bench in 1991. At that time she was not an attorney, and had never attended law school. Years later, she did attend law school, eventually graduated and was eventually admitted in 2002. I am not aware, however, that Hille has maintained any substantial and regular practice of law since her admission. Instead, she has simply continued her role on the bench.

In my opinion, a sitting judge who hasn’t spent time in the trenches on the other side of the bench presents a potential for serious limitations. I am a firm believer that the best judges are those who have years of varied experience practicing law before ever taking the bench. Imagine a director of surgery in a hospital who never practiced medicine, who gets their degree while serving in their position, but never completes a residency; yet supervises a team of experienced surgeons. The same concept should apply to our judiciary.

I am not aware of Hille’s current health status; except to say that after nearly 24 years on the bench, at age 65, I believe the best interest of our justice system, and Adalia Hille too, will be served by her retirement. This is my opinion, and the negative nature of this campaign has only reinforced it.

Morgan’s letter also asserts that Benzel “doesn’t follow the rules,” is “unethical,” and “has never held judicial office.” I believe all three assertions are false and without foundation in fact. Carolyn came to Adams County with high recommendations of her supervisor of ten years, fellow attorneys, judges and prosecutors. I have always observed her to be conscientious and careful to insure her practice conforms to the rules. She has never been fired. She has always been in good standing with the bar and has never been disciplined for any misconduct. She also has previously served as a judicial officer, as an administrative law judge for the state of Washington. Perhaps Morgan failed to check these facts.

It is public fact, however, that Adalia Hille has previously been disciplined by the Washington Judicial Conduct Commission for violation of judicial ethics rules. In fact, she was represented in the disciplinary proceedings by Dennis Morgan. So, who is has a record of not following the rules?

I am supporting Carolyn Benzel because I firmly believe that she is the best choice for the future and will bring vast improvement to our justice system. Carolyn’s experience makes her uniquely qualified for the District Court bench. Spanning over 20 years, it includes private practice, general civil litigation. Extensive criminal litigation, family law, appeals and prior judicial experience too. In addition, Carolyn is committed to making many improvements to our justice system, such as the establishment of an adult probation office to hold offenders accountable, which was opposed by Hille in the past. I have every confidence that Carolyn will run a courtroom where cases are judged fairly and upon their merits, adjudicated in a timely manner; and where litigants, attorneys, and witnesses are treated with dignity and respect.

Adalia Hille has been our only choice since 1991, and may have done her best in years gone by. She should be honored for that. Today, however, we have a better choice in Carolyn Benzel. If elected, I have every confidence she will serve with great distinction. I also believe she will be a judge who will set a high standard and will never stoop to the politics of fear, smear and intimidation. I urge you to join with me in electing her to the bench.

Randy J. Flyckt, County Prosecutor, Ritzville