November election Q&A: Whatcom County district court judge position 2

The Northern Light asked candidates for Whatcom County’s district court judge position 2  about their qualifications ahead of the November 8 general election. The elected judge will serve four years in the non-partisan position. The candidates provided written responses to the questions. 

Gordon M. Jenkins

Gordon M. Jenkins is a deputy prosecuting attorney for Whatcom County, prosecuting serious felonies, and previously worked as a criminal defense attorney. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a law degree from Washington and Lee University. 

How do you believe diversion and rehabilitation programs should be used in Whatcom County? 

Diversion and rehabilitative programs have an important role to play in our local court system. Addiction and mental illness are significant contributing factors in many cases, and these programs can be very effective at addressing these issues while also holding people accountable. Solving these problems reduces the incidence of repeated offenses and makes our community safer. Courts need to use every possible tool to help our community, while recognizing that these programs are not always appropriate. As judge, I will expand the rehabilitative program options available in district court for those cases where they will be appropriate and effective. 

What makes you the best candidate for the position? 

I am the only candidate in this race with the broad experience necessary to address all of the issues faced by the district court. As a deputy prosecutor, I seek justice for our community, dealing regularly with matters involving assault, domestic violence, property crime, driving offenses, mental illness and addiction. I have also worked as a defense attorney, providing indigent clients with access to justice, addressing these issues from the other side. District court is not about one thing. It needs a judge experienced in all the issues, who will make unbiased decisions based on an understanding of both sides of the court.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign? 

I am proud to have the support of the people who are most familiar with my work. That includes Democrats, Republicans and members of the legal community: County executive Satpal Sidhu, sheriff Bill Elfo, elected prosecutors Eric Richey and Dave McEachran, as well as numerous public defenders and local attorneys. I am also the only candidate endorsed by sitting members of the Whatcom County Superior Court. 

My career has been devoted to public service and balanced justice for the community. As your district court judge, I will make sure everyone’s day in court is a just one. 

Jonathan Rands

Jonathan Rands is a trial lawyer with 20 years’ experience in district and municipal courts, having tried over 250 cases to verdict. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser University and a law degree from Seattle University. 

How do you believe diversion and rehabilitation programs should be used in Whatcom County?

I have a concrete plan to develop a community court and resource center for Whatcom County. In order to stop the “revolving door” from continually spinning, we need to provide those involved in the criminal justice system with the tools and resources they need to exit the system better than when they entered. Therapeutic courts are the wave of the future in this regard. These kinds of courts will also protect our first responders because they are proven to reduce recidivism for non-violent crimes, and as such, our first responders will be working in a community with less “community decay” and where first responders are at risk.

What makes you the best candidate for the position?

First, while my opponent spent about 24 months working in the Whatcom County District Court, I have spent 20 years there, as well as in the district courts of our neighboring counties. Second, I have four-plus years of judicial experience, having served as a judge pro tem in various courts. My opponent has no judicial experience. I am endorsed by district court judges and several superior court judges who previously served as district court judges. These are the judges who have seen my work, know what the job entails and have put their names forward in recommending me for the job they do every day. Their endorsements set me apart from my opponent. My opponent is not endorsed by any district court judges.

What else do you want people to know about your campaign? 

I have been endorsed by Cascadia Daily News and am the “recommended candidate” in this race by FUSE, which publishes the Progressive Voters Guide. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by both the 42nd district Democrats and the Whatcom County Republicans. The judiciary should not be “weaponized” by partisan politics. As a judge, I will be fair to all. See all endorsements at randsforjudge.org.