LETTER: Term limits needed for judges
Notice: Undefined variable: article_ad_placement3 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/single.php on line 128
This letter is in response to Ricci Getty’s letter in the Oct. 10 edition, regarding The Washington County Bar Association (WCBA) retention process for incumbent judges Mike Lucas and Valarie Costanzo
Getty states that “WCBA members have practiced before these judges, and their perspective should be valuable to the public” when considering retention. The real perspective that matters should be taken from the taxpayers who use the court system, pay court costs and attorney fees, and live with judicial rulings.
The current retention policy does not hold judges accountable to the public or to the WCBA, whose members earn a living before the judges. As a result of this, term limits are needed. Term limits allow fresh ideas and usher in change for the greater good of the community as a whole. Unlike other elected officials whose activity is reported on by the media, judges are exempt from public scrutiny until unethical behavior is reported. We have seen examples of this in Washington and Greene conties and within the Supreme Court.
All elected officials, especially judges, should have term limits.
Joe Ford Sr.
Stuart, Fla.
Ford is a former Washington County commissioner.