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Judge candidates voice views at League debate By DANI DODGE Asked at a debate Thursday night whether they believe judges should be appointed or elected, neither of the two attorneys running for Jackson County Circuit Court judge position 8 was enthusiastic about the judicial election process. "I've never been a candidate before, although I know Joe (Charter) has run for other offices; but I think as a result of my experiences I believe judges should be appointed," Bill Purdy said at the debate held by the League of Women Voters of the Rogue Valley. "We will end up spending $40,000 or $50,000 each for the position and that takes good people out of the running ... the best for our community and our state would be appointment." Charter said he really didn't know whether appointment or election is better because there's a chance for politics to be involved either way. But he pointed out the people who wrote the Oregon Constitution chose judicial election for a reason. "They looked at the federal model where federal judges are appointed for life, and they were unhappy with some of their decisions," Charter said. "The idea of election every six years is to hold the judges accountable to the people." Charter and Purdy are running for a new Circuit Court position that opened in Jackson County because the courts are overburdened. One will be elected to the position in the May 21 primary. An Ashland resident, Charter, 44, is a trial attorney and the current Jackson County Bar Association president. He served on several Medford and Ashland city committees and commissions, including the Medford Planning Commission, and once ran unsuccessfully for county commissioner. Charter told league members he wants to be a judge to help people. "What I've enjoyed about the legal profession is basically helping people," Charter said. "I view it as a service industry. They have a problem and I have a certain amount of expertise and knowledge and can help them. "I think that's also possible to do from the bench." A Medford resident, Purdy, 68, worked as an attorney in private practice as well as corporate counsel for Asante. A past president of the local bar, he's been active on many volunteer boards including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Southern Oregon Drug Awareness. Purdy said his legal work, as well as work as a mediator and an arbitrator has given him broad experience. "I'm an enthusiastic supporter of the Oregon Judicial Department and its courts, and I'd really like to be a part of it," Purdy said. "And I think my experience will serve me well in that capacity." Thursday was the second night in a row the judicial candidates debated. On Wednesday, Purdy and Charter participated in a televised debate hosted by Ruth Walsh, the voter service chairwoman for the League of Women Voters of Ashland. In the televised debate, candidates were asked how they would deal with the influx of mentally ill into courtrooms. Purdy said it was important to make sure they had adequate legal representation. "All you can do as a judge is follow the law," Purdy said. "There is some suggestion that the law should be changed but that is a question for legislators." Charter said it is important for judges to accommodate the mentally ill just as they would any person who is "differently abled." "One thing that is needed is training and understanding by police officers and court personnel," Charter said. "Training and understanding is the key in many areas." One caller asked about the judicial candidates' positions on the new drug court program. It allows drug users to get lighter sentences or dismissal of charges if they participate in a year-long program of intense supervision by a judge and social service agencies. Charter said the program seems to be a positive step because the judges know more about the people before them. "It's a little early to say whether it is working," Charter said. "But it has worked in other areas." Purdy said he's observed about 95 percent of the drug court sessions and he's been impressed. "There are some families that have made remarkable changes," he said. "Quite a few family members get into drug and alcohol treatment. I think it's a great success already in terms of families." Purdy and Charter were asked if they see the judicial position as the culmination of a long career, or a stepping stone. "I can guarantee you I don't intend to use it as stepping stone to any other office," Purdy said, adding he sees it as a position from which he will retire. Currently judicial candidates must retire at age 75. Purdy said if that law isn't changed, he expects to continue to work as a senior judge after retirement. "I've always felt (practicing) the law, whether as an attorney or a judge, is not limited by age," he said. Charter said he doesn't see the position as a reward for a long career, or a "retirement program." "I certainly don't see it as stepping stone," he said noting he has "absolutely no desire to obtain a new address" in Salem or elsewhere. "I could do the job for 30 years , the voters willing," he said. Reach reporter Dani Dodge at 776-4471, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.