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State Supreme Court, position 3« Go back
Michael J. Bond
Residence: Mercer Island
Contact: (206) 953-2972
E-mail: BondforJustice@gmail.com
Website: www.bondforjustice.com
Occupation: Attorney

Experience: No prior political office.

Education: JD, Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, 1978; LLM, University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, 2004

Why are you the best candidate for this position?
My 28 years of work in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout Washington, my service as arbitrator in dozens of cases where the parties chose me for my judgment and skill to hear the evidence, apply the law and make a fair and impartial decision, and my success in getting my written work published in scholarly journals throughout the world show I have the experience, temperament and scholarship that our court needs.

Describe your legal background.
I started as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps doing criminal law, and my wife and I moved in 1982 to Seattle, where I specialize in civil trial, appellate and arbitration work.

What would you draw on in your background -- professional or personal -- in order to be fair to all people in a legal matter?
In 28 years of helping real people from all walks of life with real problems, I've learned that it is crucial to keep an open mind until everybody has a chance to speak, that we need to consciously try to avoid the tendency to stereotype or judge people based on things like, race or gender or ethnicity or orientation, and that the legal process is foreign and intimidating to most people.

Personal Statement:
The most important role of the courts is to protect people from the power of government and vested interests. To do that a judge should have a broad range of experience in and outside the law, know the difference between serving as judge and as legislator, and possess the courage to speak truth to power. I believe I meet those criteria and ask for your vote.

Mary Fairhurst
Residence: Olympia
Contact: (206) 898-9841
E-mail: info@justicemaryfairhurst.com
Website: www.JusticeMaryFairhurst.com
Occupation: State Supreme Court Justice

Experience: Current (since date): Judicial Information System Committee, Chair (2008); Public Trust and Confidence Committee, Chair (2003); Gonzaga Law Alumni Association, President (2007); Gonzaga Law Board of Advisors (2000); Gonzaga University Board of Regents (2007); Council on Public Legal Education (2003); National Association of Women Judges (2003). Formerly: Washington State Bar Association, President (1997-98), Board of Governors (1993-96); Washington Women Lawyers, President (1989-90), American Judicature Society State Board (2003-06); Pacific Peaks Girl Scout Council Board (1995-97)

Education: Juris Doctor magna cum laude, Gonzaga University School of Law, 1984; Bachelor of Arts, Political Science cum laude, Gonzaga University, 1979

Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Since you elected me six years ago, I have worked to improve our justice system, to make our courts efficient and responsive, to ensure access to justice for all, and to protect the rights of every person in Washington State. Since joining the court I have decided over 600 cases, and to every case I have brought an open mind, fairness, common sense and a commitment to uphold our Constitution.

Describe your legal background.
Supreme Court Justice, 6 years; Washington Attorney General's Office, 16 years, specializing in revenue, transportation, criminal justice and personnel; Supreme Court judicial clerk, 2 years. Admitted to the Washington State Bar Association in 1984. Judicial Information System Committee, Chair; Board for Judicial Administration Public Trust and Confidence Committee, Chair; Council on Public Legal Education, member; Washington State Bar Association, President and Board of Governors; Washington Women Lawyers, President. Please see www.JusticeMaryFairhurst.com for complete history.

What would you draw on in your background -- professional or personal -- in order to be fair to all people in a legal matter?
I was raised to place great value on fairness, service and the dignity of every individual. I am aware every day that my decisions affect thousands of lives. As a Justice, I am not obligated to any group, but to respect the rule of law and uphold the Constitution. Living in Hawaii in high school, I experienced being a minority and committed myself then to treat people fairly and impartially, without bias.

Personal Statement:
Throughout my legal career, I have been a leader and worked to improve the justice system - to make it inclusive, accessible, responsive and safe. My commitment to you is to work hard every day to ensure our justice system in Washington treats people fairly, equally and protects the rights of everyone. I am proud to have earned the respect and endorsement of judges, leaders in law enforcement and the legal community throughout the state.