La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 30, 2024
Judge Williams' fealty is to the law, not to politics
As another former chair of the Union County Republican Party, I am happy to join my fellow conservative Allan Duffy in supporting Judge Wes Williams for reelection. America's justice system is founded upon a principle of innocence until proven guilty, and Judge Williams honors that conviction despite pressure from political opponents.
A fair circuit court guided by adherence to Oregon's judicial code requires fealty to the law rather than politics, and Judge Williams ensures that his courtroom is loyal to our Constitution and statutes. I look forward to casting my ballot for a fair and impartial jurist in May, and I urge my Northeast Oregon friends and neighbors to join me in supporting Judge Wes Williams for another term.
Alex McHaddad, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 29, 2024
Criticism of Judge Williams lacks context
With all due respect to retired Judge Valentine, my perspective on the candidate forum in Union was quite different. I thought Judge Williams handled himself calmly and with dignity. This is particularly true after Judge Powers described running to Judge Williams’ courtroom, interrupting what he was doing, to hear a juvenile dependency hearing Judge Williams was disqualified from. Powers implied it was just another one of many disqualifications of Judge Williams.
In fact, my understanding is that no one is removing Judge Williams from juvenile dependency cases except his opponent, who filed the disqualification motion at issue right before the juvenile dependency hearing. Judge Powers knew this and should have disclosed that. It would have changed the context of the disruption to the court: i.e., it was caused by Jared Boyd whose campaign platform is prefaced on Judge Williams’ alleged inability to hear a full caseload. He removed Judge Williams for no reason other than to make Judge Williams look bad.
In his closing, Judge Williams calmly but sternly corrected the record and rightly said that Judge Powers did not tell the whole truth. As noted above, the audience would have had an entirely different perspective had Powers prefaced his story on the fact that Mr. Boyd, Judge Williams’ opponent, issued the disqualification right before the juvenile dependency hearing.
Nod Palmer, Union
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 30, 2024
Boyd has no judicial experience, at all
I have spent over 42 years as a trial lawyer, mostly in Alaska. I am now semi-retired but think that I can offer a fair perspective and insight into what legal experience and qualities are important for a judicial candidate and elected judge to possess.
To begin with, I want to share that a judge should be well-rounded. He or she should be incredibly familiar with both criminal and civil cases and have practiced both types of law as an attorney.
A judge should make decisions that uphold the letter and spirit of the law and are not at risk of reversal. This means sometimes a judge may make unpopular decisions.
When reviewing the two candidates I see that Judge Williams has already established an excellent and almost flawless record of judicial decisions. He has vast experience in both criminal and civil cases. I have heard that individuals are concerned that he mostly hears the civil docket — well, for those of us who are law-abiding citizens that is the only way we will ever get into court, so thank goodness he does hear those types of cases!
The other candidate, Mr. Boyd, appears to lack even rudimentary experience in handling most civil matters. He also has no judicial experience, at all. The lack of ability, versus proven ability, is significant between these two candidates.
To close: I wouldn't take my car to be repaired by a person who has only worked on airplanes. So, why would I take my civil case to a judge who has very little experience with civil law?
Vote for the candidate who already knows what he is doing, not someone who will try to learn on the case and the job.
Allen Dayan, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 30, 2024
A vote for Judge Williams is a vote supporting the law
Most have heard the question “Would you rather have an attorney who knows the law or knows the judge?” With cases that are to be heard by Judge Wes Williams, the right answer is “knows the law.”
I do not know Judge Williams personally. My knowledge of him comes from his decision in responding to a motion filed by the Oregon Department of Energy and Idaho Power against me as a pro se party (one not represented by an attorney). People, including myself, believed that only when “pigs were flying” would a judge make a decision in my favor regardless of the law. Pigs must be flying, as his decision denied the motion of these well-funded groups and the five attorneys being paid to represent them.
I cannot say that I have a high opinion of the legal system in general. I believe that in the Union County Circuit Court when cases are heard by Judge Williams, decisions will be made based upon the law, not politics or relationships. I encourage voters to support Judge Williams in the upcoming election.
Irene Gilbert, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 30, 2024
Boyd’s campaign is based only on criticism of opponent
After moving here seven years ago, I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Judge Wes Williams. He is a man of great wisdom, fairness, professionalism and integrity. You can imagine, then, my surprise and shock at hearing Jared Boyd's reckless criticisms of him.
Boyd cannot compare to Judge Williams in any respect. He is one of approximately 26 lawyers in Union County, most of whom share his self-described small-town practice experience. Boyd has not provided convincing information about any outstanding legal expertise or remarkable professional qualities that would prepare him to be a circuit court judge.
Boyd’s campaign has focused on criticizing his opponent. As a lawyer and as a candidate, he has failed to present a convincing case for why he should replace Judge Wes Williams.
Linda Garcia, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 22, 2024
Williams displays intelligence, integrity
Going to court is an intimidating experience for anyone. Recently, I was able to observe Judge Wes Williams in the courtroom. The patience and compassion that others have written about is apparent. I was impressed with the deliberate care he took to explain every procedural step, and every objection he ruled on, in simple language, to all the people in the courtroom. His respect to all, equally, regardless of who you are and how many attorneys you have on your side, is what we expect of our judiciary.
The case I witnessed was a complex and technical civil case. I’m sure it took hours of research on the part of the judge, just reading and fact-checking the lengthy legal briefs and fact exhibits. Judge Williams’ ability to grasp what was legally substantive for the case and clearly summarizing, after sifting through all the “noise” that big-city attorneys were throwing his way, was skill and intelligence in action. He was not intimidated — rather he was fully prepared, well-researched, and in command of his courtroom where everyone was treated with dignity and respect. It was a fair hearing.
Therefore, I am puzzled and disappointed to read the negative letters from former Union County judges about Judge Williams. The more I thought about it, and read letters from ordinary people, and from judges and attorneys in other counties, I chalked it up to typical Union County “good-ole boy politics” and professional turf-ism.
Please visit weswilliamsforjudge.org to see the letters and testimonials — or, better yet, go to the circuit court and observe for yourself as I did. Once you do, you might want to reflect back on the sour grapes of the other judges, who have been unhappy since the outcome of the circuit court race in 2018. They support the local district attorneys' unsubstantiated attacks on Judge Williams and are promoting his opponent, who has a narrow scope of legal experience. I am not swayed. Judge Wes Williams has the intelligence and integrity we need on the bench.
Fuji Kreider, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 23, 2024
We can trust Judge Williams to be informed, attentive and respectful
I’m voting to re-elect Judge Williams. In my role as Executive Director for Shelter from the Storm, the domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking advocacy center for Union County, from 2019 – 2023, I had many good interactions with Judge Williams and I feel comfortable saying I trust his motivation and willingness to act as an impartial and trauma-informed judge when it comes to cases of that nature.
During my time at Shelter from the Storm, Judge Williams was proactive to reach out to our Advocacy Center to educate himself and to become more trauma-informed about what survivors of domestic and sexual violence experience. How trauma can affect behaviors in the courtroom, how trauma affects response to law enforcement, and what tactics abusers use through law enforcement and court systems in order control and manipulate survivors. Whenever I had access to training that was specific for judges, or for folks working within the court system, I sent that out to our local judges and court contacts. Judge Williams always welcomed the knowledge and maintained a dialogue after taking trainings, encouraging me to send more trainings as I came across them.
Judge Williams would on occasion visit the Advocacy Center to meet with the advocates and inquire about ways he could improve in the courtroom to specifically support survivors and their advocates better. He was attentive to advocates’ concerns and I would hear reports back that he would follow through on their advice and endeavor to cultivate a respectful courtroom.
I have a lot of respect for Judge Williams and the tough job he has, and I do feel that I know how seriously he takes his work because of the interactions we had with him. Did outcomes in the courts always go our way? No. But I understand our local judges have to utilize the information they are given in court, how attorneys and experts present information, and then apply the law unbiased. Outcomes were similarly balanced in the cases we were involved with regardless of the Union County judge who presided.
Jamie Landa, Cove
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 20, 2024
West’s column made false claims
Russ West’s “Other views” column of April 6, 2024, failed to provide a fact-based opinion as to why he endorses Jared Boyd for judge. He does not offer a single virtue of Mr. Boyd. Rather, he simply attacked Judge Wes Williams and based his claim that Williams cannot hear a full caseload on Judicial Department statistics he manipulated to fit his agenda.
Mr. West ignored thousands of cases Judge Williams handles – because, West said, “in my opinion” they require only a “brief hearing.” Judge Williams will address this and other matters in his own response.
I will address two issues. Mr. West falsely claimed the people who submitted letters to the editor in support of Judge Williams only did so because Williams is “friendly and a good politician.” But these people never characterized Judge Williams as a politician. Rather, they praised Williams for his judicial demeanor, love of the law and strong work ethic. Many wrote their letters because of their positive experiences with Judge Williams in court. In contrast, Mr. West, prior to disparaging Judge Williams, never observed Judge Williams holding court.
Second, I helped get Senate Bill 807 passed with support from Republicans and Democrats, including our representative Bobby Levy and Sen. Bill Hansell. Fifty-five retired judges from around the state and several retired district attorneys testified in support of the bill because of the misuse by some district attorneys of ORS 14.260, the statute allowing lawyers to remove judges. Mr. West gathered a handful of judges, including himself, to try to block the bill. Our local district attorneys opposed the bill. The Oregon Legislature rejected their efforts.
I can only conclude Mr. West’s opposition to this reasonable bill was to prevent Judge Williams from having the ability to challenge the local district attorney’s removal of him from criminal cases. I am confident that should Judge Williams need to challenge the removal after the election - after having been elected twice by the citizens of Union and Wallowa counties - he will prevail.
Jennifer Williams
Retired attorney and wife of Judge Wes Williams
La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 23, 2024
If you want justice for all, vote for Judge Williams
Judge Wes Williams is the candidate I enthusiastically support for Circuit Court Judge in Union and Wallowa counties.
I sought Mr. Williams' services as a local attorney when I was struggling with issues surrounding repeated cattle trespass on my property. I live within a livestock district and I wasn’t clear what exactly that meant. Mr. Williams explained the law, what my rights were, and possible options. Rather than simply advocating a course of action that would have taken a great deal of time and earned him quite a bit of money, he presented the most realistic outcomes of various alternatives, allowing me to make an informed decision.
Many years later, I served as a witness in a case over which Judge Williams presided. I had never participated in a legal proceeding before and was nervous. Judge Williams was very professional; he had clearly reviewed all of the material pertinent to the case and was ready to engage with the information presented. He made all parties feel respected and welcome. He was very patient with the witnesses; some were unsure of the legal process and others had difficulty articulating what they wanted to say.
Judge Williams understood he needed to hear what the witnesses wanted to convey to the court so that he could consider all relevant facts in the case. I had no doubt of his impartiality and desire to come to the best legal decision.
It has come to my attention that for a number of years our district attorney has taken steps to try cases only in front of the judges of her choice. This seems like the action of someone who is more interested in winning than in justice for the citizens of Union County. I believe our legal system should focus on the law and on justice for us all. Judge Williams will continue to do just that.
Catherine Dickson, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 23, 2024
Judge Williams is a hardworking, full-time judge
We support Judge Wes Williams for reelection. He is a hard working full-time judge, who earns his salary. Judge Williams has a full schedule, hearing cases on probate, adoption, juvenile cases, marital issues, small claims cases, and other civil matters. He hears the vast majority of cases in Union County.
These cases are important to those who come before Judge Williams; there is nothing “minor” about them as some have claimed. And, in many cases the petitioners, defendants, and witnesses know little or nothing about the law, and they are unfamiliar with court procedures. They may appear without attorneys. They are very fortunate to appear before Judge Williams, as he carefully explains legal concepts and procedures and makes them feel at ease in what can be a very scary situation.
In addition, for years Judge Williams has heard criminal cases in Baker, Grant, Harney, and Malheur counties. The district attorneys in these counties do not disqualify Judge Williams, and believe he is knowledgeable and fair, without bias. Surely these DAs know their judge and rely on him to conduct fair and unbiased trials. For a DA to routinely or automatically disqualify Judge Williams from cases speaks to the motivation of the DA, not to Judge Williams’ qualifications or conduct.
We have known Judge Williams for many years and know him to be friendly, thoughtful, considerate and kind. We have never heard him speak ill of any person. Kindness is a quality missing from much of our public life, and Judge Williams demonstrates its value every day. Please re-elect Wes Williams for another term as circuit court judge.
Theodore Taylor and Denise Stone, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 23, 2024
I will be voting for Wes Williams
One of many reasons I will vote for Wes Williams as judge is that he would not write a blasphemous, negative, mean-spirited column like the diatribe written by Russ West in the April 6 issue of The Observer.
Wes Williams is an upbeat, positive gentleman and judge who does not hold grudges. The support I’ve heard and read for Judge Williams has been (until the aforementioned letter from Russ West) all positive, just like the man himself.
Wes Williams would not hold a grudge for the eternity Russ West has — two election cycles (and even years before that). Judge Williams will give anyone who appears before him in his court, as the law requires, a fair, unbiased and carefully considered judgment, without an iota of the bias and bitterness so evident in Russ West’s letter.
Emelie Montgomery-Jones, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 23, 2024
Williams has earned another term as Circuit Court judge
My wife and I have known and been neighbors with Wes Willams for nearly 25 years. Through the years we have gotten to know Wes and his wife, Jennifer, and found them to be a warm and friendly couple. As their family grew, Wes showed he was a devoted father; we could see that his children reflected his values as they grew to be responsible adults.
We believe that Wes has earned another term as Circuit Court Judge for Union/Wallowa County. He has a great understanding of the law and uses this knowledge to apply rulings that are fair and just, without bias. He is kind and compassionate and is always fully prepared. Whether presiding over trials locally or in neighboring counties, Wes Williams brings the highest principles to his court so that all who come before him receive a fair hearing allowed by law.
For these reasons, we firmly believe that Wes is the right person for the job.
Jim and Bonnie Godfrey, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: April 23, 2024
Being in a courtroom is less frightening with Judge Williams
Wes Williams is truly a model judge: knowledgeable, fair, patient and committed to protecting constitutional rights for all. I have especially appreciated his ability to explain court procedures clearly and respectfully to all parties so that everyone in his courtroom understands their rights and the legal basis on which decisions are made.
As a former domestic violence shelter manager, I know court can be a terrifying experience, especially for young people and victims of abuse. Sharing knowledge of the law in language everyone can access and understand serves us all well.
Union County is a better place for having Wes Williams as a judge.
Cori Brewster, La Grande
La Grande Observer
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: , April 23, 2024
No court case is insignificant
Jared Boyd, candidate for circuit court judge, has characterized Judge Williams’ cases as “insignificant” and “mostly traffic cases.” Not only is that completely inaccurate, but it is also an alarming statement from a prospective judge. No court case is insignificant, as I can testify from my own experience.
Not long after my wife and I moved to La Grande, I heard that she had been admitted to the hospital, suddenly unable to breathe. I was 50 miles away, speeding toward La Grande. I was cited for far exceeding the speed limit and found myself in danger of losing my driver’s license. Not only did Wes Williams prepare my case with efficiency and compassion, but he even researched the calibration of the speed gun that clocked my speed and discovered that the registered speed was inaccurate. I paid the fine and was able to keep my license.
It's likely that Mr. Boyd would have considered my case “insignificant.” Judge Wes Williams would certainly disagree. He was elected by the residents of Union and Wallowa counties who appreciate his belief that whatever the issue of the charge, each person who appears before him in court deserves the full measure of his attention and experience.
Brock Evans, La Grande