Elections Database
Federal Way Municipal Court judge, position 2« Go back
Dave Larson
Residence: Federal Way
Contact: 253-838-1397
E-mail: judgedave@retainjudgelarson.com
Website: www.retainjudgelarson.com
Occupation: Judge

Experience: Highlights of my extensive involvement with our community include: First chair of the City of Federal Way Board of Ethics (1991-94); Numerous activities in Federal Way Schools (1996-present) including School Board President from 2007-08; Kiwanis Club of Federal Way (1998-present); City of Federal Way Human Services Commission (1999-04); Pacific Ballroom Dance Board (2007-present); Civil Air Patrol (2002-08); Cub Scouts, Junior Football, Little League, and much more.

Education: Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law (1984). BA in Public Administration from the University of Puget Sound (1980). Graduated from Federal Way High School in 1976. Honored as "Notable Graduate" of Federal Way Public Schools (2009). Attended and taught numerous continuing education courses for lawyers and judges. Taught alternative dispute resolution at Highline Community College in 2000 and taught political science at the University of Phoenix in 2001.

What steps would you take to improve management of the Municipal Court?
Because I am not the presiding judge, I do not have authority over the ongoing management of the court. If I were presiding judge, I would bring together a group of stakeholders from our local justice system to improve communication, trust, and transparency. I would include community leaders from the chamber, social services, schools, and other groups to instill a sense of "ownership" in the success of the court by the community as a whole.

How would you manage the court's employees and improve morale and the court's image?
Judges should not be involved in day-to-day personnel management issues. The court administrator and supervisor should be primary managers of employees. Clerks deserve to be recognized for their hard work. The clerks want to move onward and upward, but litigation between the city and Judge Morgan has prolonged recovery from past bad times. It is imperative that the court involve all stakeholders for the court's image to improve.

Why do you want to be a judge in the Federal Way Municipal Court?
As a judge, I have found the opportunity to continue my contributions to our community. I do not shy away from difficult work. Our court is worth every effort we can put into it. Community courts are needed. I want to make our court a model for others. I have a proven track record of bringing people together and with time we will succeed in turning this situation around for the betterment of our community.

Personal Statement:
I presented a plan to our council for how our court can become a model for engaging the community in the success of its court. Communication, trust and transparency are the means by which we will become successful. We can get this court to its rightful place if we work together. I am endorsed by numerous local public officials and judges from all over this state; they know that I am ready for the challenge.

Renee Walls
Residence: Seattle
E-mail: ReneeWalls4Judge@yahoo.com
Website: ReneeWalls4Judge.com
Occupation: Attorney

Experience: Taught English as a Second Language - 1994 CASA Volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate) - 1994 Participated in conducting moot court for junior high students - 1996 and 2009. Children's Hospital Volunteer - 1999 Volunteer academic tutor for Kid Reach Program through Federal Way Chamber of Commerce - 2002 Volunteered at domestic violence fundraiser sponsored by Pierce County Coalition against Domestic Violence - 2008 and 2009

Education: Bachelor's Degree with Distinction in Religious Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1995; Juris Doctor, Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College, 1999

What steps would you take to improve management of the Municipal Court?
Whether or not I am presiding judge, I will not stand by while court employees are demeaned. I will stand up for what is right and foster mutual respect and teamwork in order to create a healthy and efficient court. Communication within the court and between the court and other city departments is critical. My past experience successfully working with this court's staff establishes that I have the skills necessary to create a quality court.

How would you manage the court's employees and improve morale and the court's image?
I will assure the court staff that their experience and knowledge is needed, valued, and that as professionals they are an integral part of a team tasked with providing quality service to the community. As such I will listen to and address their concerns and suggestions respectfully and responsibly. I will focus on conducting the fundamental business of the court in an open and professional manner.

Why do you want to be a judge in the Federal Way Municipal Court?
I believe that a municipal court is best able to serve the needs of the local community, and having previously served Federal Way as a prosecutor I have a unique understanding of the challenges that have plagued this court since its inception. I have served Federal Way with pride and look forward to doing so again as your Municipal Court Judge.

Personal Statement:
As a city prosecutor for nearly a decade, I handle the identical cases that come before this court. My experience proves that I possess the required knowledge, skill and perspective to make this court truly outstanding. Born in Seoul, South Korea I became a naturalized citizen and understand diversity. I began my career as a prosecutor in Federal Way where I met my husband. We now have two beautiful daughters and two happy dogs.