In the next few weeks, Governor Jay Inslee will appoint a Spokane attorney to fill the position of judge left open with the unfortunate passing of the Honorable James Triplett. Spokane County’s Superior Court has lacked in diversity with the only minority still on the bench Judge Ellen Kalama Clarke retired. There is an opportunity for Governor Inslee to rectify this by appointing Ward Andrews as a judge.
Ward is a highly qualified, longtime Spokane attorney who is of Japanese ancestry. He has practiced primarily as a defense lawyer representing individuals who have been sued in civil litigation. His reputation amongst his peers is stellar. Even those on the other side of the lawsuits have recognized that despite being a vigorous advocate for his clients, Ward does so with the utmost integrity and compassion. He never loses sight of his ethical obligations to the legal system and considers his reputation for honesty and morality his greatest assets. These characteristics are invaluable for judges. They must preside with impartiality and objectivity over every individual who comes before the court. Ward has consistently demonstrated he has the ability to do so. Ward is also someone who has been devoted to his family. His daughters benefited from a father who understood the importance of being involved in their personal growth and development. He spent many hours involved in their academic and sporting activities. Throughout, no matter what occurred, he remained their greatest fan. He is also a dedicated husband and provider who understands how important comprise, respect and balance are to a relationship. These same characteristics are very important for judges in addition to the compassion and understanding necessary to deal with often times very difficult cases or individuals. Spokane County’s judiciary and the public it serves can benefit from Ward’s Japanese ancestry. Among other things., his understanding of issues such as racism or inequality will place him in a unique position to fully understand and appreciate these problems should they come before him as a judge. I hope you will give strong consideration to supporting Ward as he goes through the process of appointment by Governor Inslee. He will be an asset to the bench and our community. Thank you. Mark Kamitomo - Spokane Attorney Lisa Dickinson - Spokane Attorney The Spokane Chapter JACL has taken over renewing your membership!
All Spokane Chapter memberships will expire at the end of February. Look for your new membership card in the mail in February or pick it up at the Nikkei Luncheon. If you have any questions, you may submit them on our website at www.spokanejacl.org under the “Contact Us” tab, email spokanejacl@gmail.com, or talk with any board member. Spokane Chapter Membership Dues Schedule: Senior Memberships Seniors (70+) - Individual $30 Seniors (70+) - Couple $50 Non-Senior Memberships Individual $65 Student $30 Couple/Family $110 Please mail your membership renewal to P.O. Box 2772, Spokane, WA 99220-2772 and NOT to National JACL This is an event to honor the Issei and Nisei, first and second generations, of our community who paved the way for future generations of Sansei and Yonsei, third and fourth generations. We have the quality of life today and the opportunities to pursue career choices and post-secondary education that were not options for many family members during the first 50 years of the 20th century.
This year we will be having the event at River's Edge Buffet located at the north end of the casino. We are changing the room this year in order to provide you a better variety of food selections. It will be a brunch buffet and will offer both breakfast and lunch choices. The area that we've reserved is limited to 52 people. We will accept reservations on a first-come-first served basis. If we exceed this amount, an additional seating area close by has also been reserved. Park in the parking garage on the north side of the property and enter the building at the Pavilion entrance. You may also use valet parking at the main casino entrance. Meal prices are as follows:
To help ensure that you'll have seats by your family and friends, make your reservations as soon as possible. The reservation deadline is Wednesday, March 13th. To make your reservation online, please fill out the RSVP form on the home page at spokanejacl.org. |
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