ReElect Judge Chuck Snyder

A Message from Judge Chuck Snyder

As you compare candidates for the Whatcom County Superior Court you want to know which person to choose.  I think the best way to think about it is to consider what each candidate would bring to the office.   My proven leadership on the bench, innovation and a commitment to improving the justice system speak directly to that question.

Because judges cannot, and should not, promise to make any ruling other than one based on the law and facts of the cases before them, judicial elections are not about political issues, they are about choosing the best person for the job.  With over 18 years as a full-time Court Commissioner and elected Judge, I believe that my experience is the best fit. Since you elected me in 2004 I have continued to work to improve how our court works for you.  Let me give you some examples.

I currently serve as the Presiding Judge of the Whatcom County Superior Court, chosen for that position by my fellow judges.  I teach new judges at the Washington State Judicial College and will serve this year as the Assistant Dean. 

I have worked throughout my career on the bench to improve the quality and access to justice in Whatcom County.  That includes:

• Helping create a system that allows people to resolve their marriage dissolutions without trials
• Bringing Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for abused and neglected children to our community using state funds instead of local taxes
• Bringing all of the various courts in Whatcom County together in the Trial Court Coordinating Council
• Continuing the award-winning Teen Court program
• Facilitating YMCA Mock Trial Competitions for high school students
• Chairing a community group to write policies for cases involving abused and neglected children who suffer from domestic violence in their homes

I believe that such a commitment is what you, as voters, expect from your judges.  I will continue to work to maintain a proper demeanor, a commitment to fairness, and to be well-prepared for cases before me.  I take pride in those areas of my judicial practice, as well as in what I consider to be the great honor of serving as a judge.

I again make that commitment to you as I did four years ago when you chose me to be a Superior Court Judge.  I believe that I have demonstrated that I will honor that commitment in the future by the work I have done in the past 18 years.

Thank you for your support and your vote.