Island County Superior Court Judges Alan Hancock and Vickie Churchill are unopposed in the primary election, and as a result are sure to win re-election. But we can show our appreciation by giving them an resounding “yes” vote in Tuesday’s elections.
Both judges made time in their busy schedules to appear at League of Women Voters Candidates Night in Oak Harbor. That alone showed they care about their community. And they told some interesting tales about how their case load has grown over the years, while their budget has not. The judges are doing much more with less, which is what many voters like to see. Since 1989 their caseload has grown 69 percent, but each case is still handled with the utmost care. As Hancock said, “Every case, every person, every issue, is important to us.”
The judges work closely with the Juvenile Court, have implemented a juvenile family therapy program, and can order mandatory mediation in family law. Churchill drew a big laugh but also hearty applause when someone grumpily asked why they are not opposed in this election. “Because we’re very good!,” she shot back.