Judge Eadie Takes Stock of Tenure
By Richard Eadie
It has been a privilege to serve as presiding judge of King County Superior Court these past four years, and I have become increasingly aware of the synergism of court and bar.
Probably the best example of effectively working together is the Court Funding Task Force, a formal joining of efforts to seek new revenue for our courts - a task that is ongoing and includes the support of other institutions as well. The King County Council recently formally recognized the task force.
The past four years also encompassed the seismic retrofit of the downtown courthouse. Memories of temporary and ever-moving courtrooms, jackhammers and dust are receding, but during the time of the retrofit the lawyers who came to try their cases were flexible and understanding. Together we got through a messy but necessary project that makes this courthouse much safer for all who enter here. We very sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of the bar. It made our job much easier.
As a result of the retrofit, we now have more and better elevators and the passenger traffic on the elevators is much less now that we have our beautiful new jury assembly room on the first floor. Many courtrooms were substantially improved. The outside of the court-house is better, but we are promised even more needed improvements in cleanliness. It is important to have your continuing support on this issue, as well as the support of your clients.
We benefited from the bar's support with our annual budget reductions during these recent years. The court has had to make painful cuts - cuts that no one wanted to make but were required by the financial crisis experienced by King County. We think, and hope, that the worst of that time is past and that we will never again have to endure cuts of the magnitude of the last several years.
We are aware of the need to be vigilant in maintaining the independence of the judiciary, but in so doing recognize the cooperation, understanding and assistance of the other branches of government - most particularly for us the Office of the King County Executive and of the King County Council. I thank them and the bar for all your support and understanding these years and hope you will welcome Michael Trickey as our new presiding judge, beginning in January.
Richard Eadie is the Presiding Judge of the King County Superior Court.
