Bias claims unfounded

Margaret Farris expressed concern about Carolyn Benzel coming from the Adams County Prosecutor’s Office to the position of District Court Judge. The Prosecutor’s Office has acted as a spring board for judges in Adams County for many, many years. Eleven previous prosecutors and/or deputy prosecutors have been elected to the bench, including: Richard W. Miller; Brian H. Miller; Richard B. Ott; Philip Borst; Gary L. Brueher; John Strohmaier; O.R. Holcomb; George H. Freese; Gordon Swyter; W.W. Zent; John Truax.

Two of these judges even went on to serve on the State Supreme Court.

To imply that Carolyn will be biased in some way in favor of the prosecutor’s office is unfounded. I would be more concerned that Judge Hille has heard cases where her personal attorney is the defense counsel. Any chance of bias there?

My vote is for Carolyn Benzel.

Peggy R. Crossler, Ritzville