ELECT A JUDGE WITH THE EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY, AND COMMUNITY INTEREST TO HANDLE ALL THE COURT'S BUSINESS

By Christopher G. Wilson

A superior court judge must possess the qualifications to perform a very difficult, pressure filled job. The judge you elect will be called on to decide enormous issues such as the termination of parental rights, civil disputes that could make or break the financial future of the litigants, and criminal cases where the court must wield the power of imprisonment and even death. The person you elect must not only have the fortitude to make these decisions and many more, but must possess the requisite experience, integrity, and interest in the community to insure that he is worthy of your trust. I believe I possess the qualities which merit your support in this election:

Experience

A Superior Court judge must have the qualifications to handle all of the court's business. As cited in the April edition of the North Coast Journal:

"‘The person isn't getting elected to be the family law judge. They're elected to a superior court seat.'" Hon. W. Bruce Watson, Next presiding judge, Humboldt County Consolidated Courts

As a trial attorney I have handled some of the most complex and serious cases this county has to offer. Trial experience is absolutely critical to a superior court judge. Without such experience, there is the potential for reversal on appeal with its attendant delay and cost to the County. I have been trying cases since 1983 when I was certified as a law student to appear before the United States District Court for the United States Attorneys office. I have been in court ever since.

As a pro-tem judge I have been sworn to decide cases in the Superior Court. I have presided over several cases in the court's family law division. I am one of a limited number of attorney's in this county certified to appear in dependancy (juvenile) proceedings. Certification means I have proven that I have the requisite training and experience necessary for those cases. I am an arbitrator in divorce proceedings and currently have a variety of cases pending in the family law court.

I own and manage a very busy, successful and diverse legal practice which includes civil, family and criminal cases. My business is my vocation, not an aside to other pursuits. This business experience will benefit the County in management aspects of the Superior Court. I am the only full-time practicing attorney in this race.

Integrity

Over the years I have earned a reputation of honesty, integrity and respect within the community. I approach each day with the attitude that I must justify that reputation. I hope you will scrutinize my reputation by making inquiry of those in and out of the legal community. I think you will find comments such as these:

"I have known Chris since he was in grade school. I have seen him grow into a talented and highly regarded attorney who has demonstrated an understanding and respect for our laws. He has a gift with people that would be invaluable on the bench. We should not miss the opportunity to elect him our Superior Court Judge."

Reverend James M. Brown (ret.)

"I have been in court with Mr. Wilson on countless occasions. He has always conducted himself with dignity, professionalism and intelligence. He is clearly the best qualified candidate for the Superior Court."

Rob Wade
Prosecuting Attorney

"Christopher Wilson is an outstanding attorney with significant trial experience, an exemplary record and a well deserved reputation for honesty and integrity."

James Steinberg Attorney at Law

Interest in the Community

I live in McKinleyville with my wife Linda and children, Bryan and Taylor. I was born in Eureka and grew up in an atmosphere where family was of great importance. My children are the sixth generation of my family to live in Humboldt County. I view service on the Superior Court bench as an opportunity to help you shape the community that shaped me. You can trust that I understand that the decisions I make as a superior court judge will affect me and my family just as they will affect you.

Experience, integrity, and a vested interest in the community. These are the qualifications that I believe are most important to a superior court judge. I hope you will elect me your superior court judge on November third.