Elections Database
Federal Way Municipal Court judge, position 1« Go back
Michael Morgan
Residence: Federal Way
Contact: 253-815-9121
E-mail: judgemichaelmorgan@yahoo.com
Website: www.judgemorgan.com
Occupation: Presiding Judge

Experience: Federal Way Symphony Board 2005-present; American Judges Association Comm. Chair 2008 to present. Washington State Olympic Comm.; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Regional Board; CWA Alumni Board; Lakewood Community Center Board; State Bar Comm. member; PNWTA Sportsmanship Chair; Rotary; Federal Way Chamber; supporter/past sponsor of: Federal Way Diversity celebration; FUSION; Friends of Hylebos; Franciscan Foundation; St. Francis Hospital; Boys and Girls Club; Bailey-Boushay House; Highline Community College; Centerstage; UW; Sinatra Childrens Center; MSC; Vanderbilt; St. Vincent's etc.

Education: Vanderbilt University (1981--double major/National Merit Scholar B.A.); Seattle University and Notre Dame Law Schools (Moot Court honors and Phi Delta Phi Honor Society Certificate of Achievement--J.D. in 1984); Capital Lawyers College (death penalty certification program 2002) Washington State Judicial College 2006; National Presiding Judges College 2007 National Judicial College 2008

What steps would you take to improve management of the Municipal Court?
I have eliminated case backlogs, improved efficiencies, partnered with community organizations and obtained grants, resulting in increased services, but saving taxpayer dollars. Under my leadership as Presiding Judge, Municipal Court retained revenues increased by 8 percent. If I am able to continue this record of efficiencies, government estimates show the Court will save Federal Way taxpayers one million dollars over the next four years. Not one of my court decisions has been overturned on appeal.

How would you manage the court's employees and improve morale and the court's image?
I inherited a difficult situation, but that was two years ago. Today the court is recognized as a great place to work. I work hard to boost employee morale and strengthen teamwork. I spend personal money to host employee luncheons and employee outings to sporting and other events. I teach in the schools and reach out to community organizations (for domestic violence victims and at-risk youth) to ensure the court partners with the community.

Why do you want to be a judge in the Federal Way Municipal Court?
I have instituted thoughtful programs for domestic violence victims and juveniles. I hope to continue this work by establishing through grants a truancy court and DUI court. My family and I live in Federal Way, we are devoted to the civic and cultural life of our community. A vote for me on August 18 is a vote for an efficient Municipal Court run by someone with a proven track record to get the job done.

Personal Statement:
The Federal Way Municipal Court touches the lives of many citizens, from happy events like weddings to enforcing laws against drunk driving and domestic violence. Our city deserves a fair, efficient and compassionate judge. As judge I worked to earn your trust by discovering and correcting 410 cases in which defendants had been wrongfully convicted of crimes, providing thoughtful programs for domestic violence victims and at-risk youth, and cutting expenses while improving customer service.

Rebecca Robertson
Residence: Seattle
Contact: 206-334-8298
E-mail: rebeccacrobertsonforjudge@gmail.com
Website: www.rebeccacrobertsonforjudge.com
Occupation: Judge Pro Tempore and Prosecuting Attorney

Experience: Annual March for Babies. Volunteers in Action May - Treehouse, July - Nature Consortium

Education: Seattle University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2000. University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, 1996.

What steps would you take to improve management of the Municipal Court?
First, I would treat all members of the court staff with respect. Second, I would make sure they were appreciated as a valued and integral part of Federal Way Municipal Court. Third, I would ascertain what problems still existed within the court and work to build a safe and functional work place with other members of the court. A strong, empathetic, and respectful administrator is essential.

How would you manage the court's employees and improve morale and the court's image?
I would determine what issues needed to be resolved by the judge and what could be handled by an administrator. If employees feel safe, respected, and appreciated, morale improves. I would use my experience as a Judge Pro-Tempore, Prosecuting Attorney, and active member of the Washington State Bar Association to create a "best practices" court. I would be active in the District and Municipal Court Judges' Association and restore the state's faith in Federal Way.

Why do you want to be a judge in the Federal Way Municipal Court?
I am passionate about justice. I understand how significantly the decisions of a judge can affect people's lives, from protecting the public's safety to saving someone's life by getting them treatment. I want to improve the court and improve access to justice in Federal Way. I want to restore the reputation of Federal Way Municipal Court, and create a court the citizens and the state can be proud of.

Personal Statement:
As Judge, I would make the court one of the state's best. I am the only challenger with over two years of judicial experience. I have focused on criminal municipal law for 9 years, giving me the most relevant experience in this race. I'm rated "Well Qualified," am endorsed by the FW Mirror, the TNT, the Women's Political Caucus, and numerous judges, attorneys, and police. I will be a judge you can be proud of.