Dear Friend: 

I am reaching out to you to ask you to support a leader in our community - Judge Edsonya Charles.  As someone who has supported me in the past, and as a community leader yourself, I ask that when you cast your ballot you remember to go to the end of the ballot and vote for Judge Charles.  

I appointed Judge Charles to the Seattle Municipal Court years ago, and since then she has worked hard and earned our trust – and our vote of confidence – proving that she’s clearly the best choice for the job.  Edsonya Charles has demonstrated the needed depth of experience along with a rare combination of intellect; sensibility; and compassion that, all combined, make her uniquely qualified to continue serving as our Municipal Court Judge.  

My friend and colleague, Edsonya won my complete confidence long ago.  But you don’t have to take my word for it; her resume says it all: 

• Judge Charles has served on the Seattle Municipal Court bench since 2004, where she’s been dedicated to ensuring open access and a fair hearing for all.  Presiding over countless criminal and civil cases, Judge Charles has made thoughtful, informed decisions, free from the influence of any special interests.

Judge Charles is working to make our Municipal Court more responsive, accountable and efficient, implementing needed reforms while not compromising justice.  As a leader on the Municipal Court – including her current tenure as Presiding Judge - Edsonya has demonstrated her commitment to making our court system work for us.   

• Prior to her service on the Municipal Court bench, Judge Charles had an impressive legal career, going from private practice to serving with distinction as a federal prosecutor, where her efforts to increase government responsiveness and efficiency would twice be recognized and honored by Vice-President Al Gore’s Partnership for Reinventing Government. While I was Mayor, I appointed Edsonya to serve as Deputy Legal Counsel where she advised me on public safety and human service issues. Her counsel was invaluable.

Judge Charles is up for re-election this November and she needs our help.  

This has been one of the nastiest political seasons in my memory. Unfortunately our local court races are not immune. Edsonya is facing an orchestrated and well-funded attack led by a small but well-funded special interest group of lawyers who practice in Muni Court.  They are calling themselves the “Citizens for Judicial Excellence” – but don’t let their name fool you.  This “independent expenditure” political committee exists simply to replace judges who aren’t to their liking.  

And they have Judge Charles in their sights.    

Click here to read the Stranger’s recent article about the Citizens for Judicial Excellence.  

When Judge Edsonya Charles made a commitment to openness and fairness, she meant it. Whether one is represented by a prosecutor, a public defender or high-priced private counsel, in Judge Charles’ courtroom, there are no special passes or entitlements.  

By going after Judge Charles they are not only attacking a respected member of the court – and someone with a long and distinguished record as a public servant and community leader – their actions set a dangerous precedent that threaten the integrity of our entire justice system.  

We cannot let that happen. 

Please join me and cast your vote for Edsonya Charles for Seattle’s Municipal Court. 

On Edsonya’s behalf, thank you. 

My best regards, 

Greg Nickels 

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