Letters to the Editor

Letter: Support judges

Alaskans need both women and men judges on the bench. Extremist groups are targeting nine Alaska judges – seven of whom are women. The groups are targeting these candidates because the groups' political views are not aligned with the judges' decisions. But judges must interpret the constitution and law, not impose their personal views, or surrender to political pressure. We urge you to vote “yes” to retain all judges on Nov. 3.

The women judges on the ballot are exemplary and received high ratings from Alaskans with diverse views and backgrounds, including attorneys, court employees, police officers, jurors, and social service professionals. They earned the necessary credentials, gained accomplishments, and were appointed by Republican, Democratic and independent governors after a rigorous merit-based selection process. They devotedly serve Alaska communities through their leadership, including presiding over the mental health court, chairing the Anti-Sexual Harassment Working Group, and by serving on the Early Resolution Program for family law cases, Child in Need of Aid Court Improvement Project Committee, and the Trauma-Informed Courts Committee.

Women judges strengthen the public’s trust in the courts. They provide an inclusive, accessible, and representative judiciary for the lives they impact. Vote “yes” to retain them.

Jessica R. Dillon

Meg Simonian

Molly C. Brown

Anchorage

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