Reappointed as municipal court judge for Snoqualmie and North Bend, Judge Scott Stewart will take his seat for the fourth year in 2010.

“I get satisfaction out of the impact I make on people’s lives,” said Stewart, who works as an attorney in Kent.

Serving the citizens of both cities, Stewart said his philosophy for preventing crime is to protect the community but also help those who are convicted seek help, treatment and ultimately, success.

“My job as a judge is to protect the rights of a person in front of me. But when someone is convicted of a crime, my job is to hold them accountable,” he said.

Stewart started his career as a judge in the mid-1990s. He presided over a few jury trials in the Tukwila municipal court until the court administrator there asked if he’d be interested in becoming a court commissioner.

Jumping at the chance, Stewart said he enjoyed it. He started judging on a pro-tem basis around the county, becoming a regular on the circuit. At that point, Stewart was contacted by Judge Peter Jarvis, then-judge for Snoqualmie and North Bend and out of retirement as judge for the new Issaquah Municipal Court. Jarvis was looking for someone who showed good work and could be available on a regular basis to take over as the Upper Valley’s municipal court judge. Stewart was his man.

Four years later, Stewart still enjoys the role he plays as judge in the Valley. His reappointment by the community appears to prove his dedication to the area.

Municipal court sessions are held Mondays and Tuesdays.

Stewart guiding role doesn’t end once he’s out of the court.

Raising four children ranging from ages 6 to 17, Stewart often finds himself driving his children to Tae Kwon Do or band practice.

“Other than law, I’m a dad,” he said.