Letter to the editor teaser

Going to court is an intimidating experience for anyone. Recently, I was able to observe Judge Wes Williams in the courtroom. The patience and compassion that others have written about is apparent. I was impressed with the deliberate care he took to explain every procedural step, and every objection he ruled on, in simple language, to all the people in the courtroom. His respect to all, equally, regardless of who you are and how many attorneys you have on your side, is what we expect of our judiciary.

The case I witnessed was a complex and technical civil case. I’m sure it took hours of research on the part of the judge, just reading and fact-checking the lengthy legal briefs and fact exhibits. Judge Williams’ ability to grasp what was legally substantive for the case and clearly summarizing, after sifting through all the “noise” that big-city attorneys were throwing his way, was skill and intelligence in action. He was not intimidated — rather he was fully prepared, well-researched, and in command of his courtroom where everyone was treated with dignity and respect. It was a fair hearing.

Therefore, I am puzzled and disappointed to read the negative letters from former Union County judges about Judge Williams. The more I thought about it, and read letters from ordinary people, and from judges and attorneys in other counties, I chalked it up to typical Union County “good-ole boy politics” and professional turf-ism.

Please visit weswilliamsforjudge.org to see the letters and testimonials — or, better yet, go to the circuit court and observe for yourself as I did. Once you do, you might want to reflect back on the sour grapes of the other judges, who have been unhappy since the outcome of the circuit court race in 2018. They support the local district attorneys’ unsubstantiated attacks on Judge Williams and are promoting his opponent, who has a narrow scope of legal experience. I am not swayed. Judge Wes Williams has the intelligence and integrity we need on the bench.

Fuji Kreider

La Grande