I am supporting Deborra Garrett to be Whatcom County's next Superior Court judge.

Deborra and I served on the Bellingham Planning Commission together in the 1980s. I immediately recognized that she was a person who did her homework and had the skills to listen carefully to all sides in order to make fair decisions. I respected her for her knowledge and her contribution to our thorough discussions of the issues.

Since then I have appreciated her work as a lawyer representing a broad spectrum of people and cases. I have also appreciated that she is an active volunteer in the community and has done pro bono legal work for organizations such as the YWCA and Womencare Shelter.

Deborra is well qualified to be our next Superior Court judge. She brings to this position her skills and experiences both from her legal and community work.

Join me in voting for Deborra Garrett on Nov. 6.

Harriet Spanel

Bellingham