As a director of a Snoqualmie Valley nonprofit that works on the Eastside, as well as across Washington state conducting cleanups on public lands and waterways for 10 years now, I have learned the value of a good working relationship with the different judicial systems statewide to supply a steady stream of community service labor to help carry out our mission.

The Issaquah Court, under Judge Mary Ann Ottinger, has since our early days been a leader in helping us be able to fulfill our duties and keep the environment clean. This is but one of the many reasons I believe she not only helps in giving folks direction in their lives when they need it most, but brings many other important things to the post that may go unobserved.

She has served tirelessly for 15 years as judge; developed SAFERIDES, a teen safety program; is active in community service organizations; has received two Judge of the Year awards; and she’s expanded traffic court in four Eastside high schools. Her courtroom has been a model of efficiency since 2005, according to the state judicial commission.

As we go to the polls, let’s not be swayed by stories we’ve heard that were blown out of proportion, but instead consider the records of the candidates and the intentions and qualifications of candidates who filed to run at the last minute. I say go with someone who is already doing a great job. Let’s re-elect Judge Mary Ann Ottinger.

Wade S. Holden

Executive director of

Friends of the Trail

North Bend