By BOBBE BRIDGE

Retired judge

We all care deeply about our county’s system of justice. But, as a former presiding judge of the King County Superior Court, I understand the particular peril faced by the court system due to the current crisis in the King County budget. And, as an advocate for youth, I am chiefly concerned that this fiscal crisis will adversely impact the children and families who come to our court for protection against domestic violence, to resolve custody, visitation, and support of children, and to address life-altering problems of truancy, runaway youth, child abuse and neglect – issues of basic justice for children and families.

Contrary to the misperception of some, elected leaders in King County have made great efforts to reduce the expense-side of the budget and are continuing to do so in a responsible manner. Yet, in spite of these efforts, our county faces a projected budget deficit this year of $60 million. And because over 75 percent of the general fund dollars pay for public safety and criminal justice services, the budget cuts that are contemplated to fill this shortfall would result in catastrophic implications for our court system. In addition to losing dozens of prosecutors and public defenders, the court is considering nearly eliminating several programs that are fundamental to the just resolution of cases involving children and families: the court must terminate Family Court Services, a program that assists over 10,000 clients a year in low and middle-income families. Plans also include cutting our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, a nationally recognized program that provides advocates for abused and neglected children and youth – children and youth whose best interests otherwise go unheard. Other cuts in employees will reduce the number of probation counselors available to supervise juvenile offenders, limit court clerk hours, and increase an already significant burden on our court resources, almost certainly delaying the timely resolution of these matters so critical to the everyday lives of the children and families of our community.

But there is a way to save these important services. On your ballot this fall is Proposition 1, which would raise the sales and use tax by two-tenths of one percent to fund justice services. For the cost of only two pennies on a ten-dollar purchase, our citizens can choose to protect the programs that ensure justice for our county and protect vital services for our children. This is a small investment to ensure that we maintain a system that literally confronts life and death issues every day. Proposition 1 would also enable King County to replace the dilapidated and dangerous juvenile courthouse. I have worked in this building, and as anyone who has visited there can tell you, it is unhealthy and unsafe.

I have spent much of the last 40 years working in our legal system. As a judicial officer and now as an advocate for children and youth, I have seen the value of our courts in bringing justice and stability to families of King County. Cutting juvenile probation counselors, family court services, and CASA will only hurt those families in our community who are already in serious need. We face the most difficult financial challenges that I have ever seen. But in great challenges we can also find opportunity – the opportunity to state clearly what we value in our justice system. Our justice system, our public safety programs, and the protection of our children demands that we pass Proposition 1.

Please join me in voting to approve Proposition 1 so that we can ensure that our justice system is accessible and responsive to everyone.