Thank you Whatcom County for your strong support in the primary election victory. I have been privileged to serve as your District Court Judge for the past eight years. With your continued support, I hope to bring my broad base of experience in criminal and civil law to the Whatcom County Superior Court to better serve you.

My professional career has been devoted to serving the public as a judge, criminal and civil prosecutor, and a police officer. As an elected, full-time District Court Judge, I have presided over hundreds of criminal and civil trials. During my tenure, District Court has implemented new programs to enhance access and outcomes for citizens including courtroom mediators, sentencing alternatives, internet dispositions, domestic violence court, and specialized supervision of offenders with domestic violence and mental health issues. These innovations were all implemented within budget.

Criminal trials, where individual liberty and community safety are at stake, are the bulk of a Superior Court judge's workload. I am experienced and well-versed in criminal law. Prior to my appointment as a judge, I spent 12 years as a deputy criminal prosecutor here in Whatcom County and three years as a police officer in Nebraska. I earned a master's degree in criminal justice. As a prosecutor, I appeared daily in Superior Court and tried many jury trials each year. I successfully argued numerous appeals to our Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. My combined experience as a judge and prosecutor of criminal cases gives me a foundation to make sound rulings that can be upheld on appeal.

Criminal defendants and civil litigants who appear before me are provided a respectful, balanced, fair and efficient forum. Those convicted of crimes must be held accountable for their actions, yet sentences must be fair, follow the law, and encourage law-abiding behavior. In sentencing, I always consider the circumstances and needs of the community, the victim, and the offender in hopes of reaching an outcome that is just and appropriate. I have the experience and skills to bring this philosophy to Superior Court from day one.

Superior Court judges are also called upon to review local administrative land use and permitting decisions, which can affect the entire community. My years as a civil deputy prosecutor allowed me to gain expertise in land use and environmental regulations -- the very regulations that affect Whatcom County property owners and businesses.

I have a broad and balanced base of community support. I am truly honored to have earned the endorsement of Judge Steven Mura. Judge Mura has served Whatcom County as our distinguished Superior Court judge for 20 years. He has made a positive and indelible imprint, including many innovative changes, on our Superior Court. Judge Mura has decided to retire at the end of his current term and I am seeking his seat on the bench. Judge Mura has been an inspiration and example to me. I am humbled to have Judge Mura's support.

I am honored that my endorsements also include both sides of the criminal justice system -- our elected prosecutor and appointed public defender, along with many local attorneys who practice both civil and criminal law. Local judges, such as Judge Elich, Judge Lewis and Judge Bobbink, endorse me, as well as retired Superior Court judges Moynihan and Swedberg, and over 80 other judges across the state. I am endorsed by Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo, all police chiefs in the county, and the mayors of Ferndale, Blaine, Lynden, Everson, Nooksack and Sumas. You can learn more at GrantforSuperiorCourt.com.

I am also fortunate to have the strong support of my wonderful family. Linda, my wife of 35 years, is a social worker at the St. Joseph's Employee Assistance Program. Together we raised two fine sons in Bellingham.

I value and protect our rights and liberties and I am committed to upholding our laws and Constitution. Every day I bring to court an open mind, common sense and respect for the rule of law and for all people. With my background and experience I believe I am uniquely qualified to do the job well from day one. I would be honored to receive your vote for Superior Court judge.

David Grant is a candidate for the non-partisan Whatcom County Superior Court Judge, Position 2. Three Whatcom County Superior Court judges are elected every four years to handle criminal and civil cases in the county. Judges are paid $148,832 annually. There is no incumbant for this non-partisan seat as Judge Steven Mura, who was first elected in 1992, announced he would retire this year. One candidate will win election in the Nov. 6 general election.