To The Eagle:

Judge Jill Johanson is an excellent choice as candidate for the Court of Appeals. She has over 24 years' legal experience, as an attorney, a prosecuting attorney and for eight years as a County Superior Court Judge. She has had experience in felony criminal cases, dissolution of marriages, Juvenile Dependency and Offender matters. She has been the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge.

Judge Johanson has received the endorsement of over 20 Court of Appeals, Supreme Court and Trial Judges.

She is the past president of the Washington State Association of Drug Court Professionals, and received an "Excellence in Service" award for her work. She also chairs the local "National Adoption Day" celebration. Judge Johanson has a daughter and three adopted sons.

Judge Johanson is a loyal contributor to the local Ethnic Support Council and is a regular presenter for the Lower Columbia Leadership Academy and Court Appointed Special Advocates which represents children in abusive situations.

In her own words: "I am committed to maintaining the integrity of the judiciary and to improving access to the courts. I pledge to uphold the dignity of the office and to treat everyone with respect and fairness regardless of gender, race or religion."

Ruth Thompson

Longview