Benton-Franklin Superior Court race gets heated. Here’s The Herald’s choice for judge
In the nonpartisan election for Benton-Franklin Superior Court, voters have a choice between a highly respected judge and a challenger who says his expertise in complex civil law would be beneficial to the bench.
George Cicotte, a Kennewick attorney who has practiced law in the Tri-Cities for 20 years, has focused on corporate, government, labor and tax laws.
He is an experienced litigator who has the backing of the Benton and Franklin county Republican Parties, as well as other Republican elected officials, including Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick, and Kennewick Mayor Bill McKay.
He said he has seen “notable shortcomings on our Superior Court” because all the judges have similar backgrounds, focused primarily on criminal law and tort law.
Cicotte told the Herald Editorial Board that he is known as a strong legal mind in the community. He believes there is a need for his talents involving complicated civil matters, and that he brings a “diversity of experience” that is not currently represented.
But as a judge he is untested, and incumbent Superior Court Judge Norma Rodriguez has one of the most impressive endorsement lists we have ever seen.
It is incredibly lengthy, and reads like a Who’s Who of the Tri-Cities’ most notable names in the criminal justice arena and in the community.
Supporters for Rodriguez include Patrick McBurney, attorney and former chair of the Benton County Republican Party from 2007-2013; Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond, also a Republican, and a slew of law enforcement officers, attorneys, elected officials and community leaders.
In her corner are George Fearing, presiding judge for Division III Court of Appeals, as well as all of the District Court judges in Benton and Franklin counties and numerous judges from around Washington state.
Retired Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judges Cameron Mitchell, Dennis Yule and Carrie Runge also have publicly backed her.
And retired Kennewick Police Chief Ken Hohenberg, who is now a Port of Kennewick Commissioner, wrote that Rodriguez is “clearly the most qualified and experienced” Superior Court judge candidate.
Rodriguez was appointed to the bench by Gov. Jay Inslee to replace Judge Cameron Mitchell, who retired last March. Now, she’s running to serve the remaining two years of Mitchell’s term.
This particular candidate interview was contentious, and we encourage readers to watch the video — or even just listen to it — in order to get a fuller picture of our discussion.
Of note, Cicotte is dismissive of Rodriguez because she was appointed by Inslee. He said many people asked him to run, and that he is a candidate of the people, and not a candidate of the governor.
But when there is a judicial vacancy in Superior Court, it’s the governor’s job to fill it. That’s how it works.
In June, Inslee appointed Judge Diana Ruff to replace bicounty Superior Court Judge Alex Ekstrom, who left to begin a term as a federal magistrate judge for the Eastern District of Washington.
Last year, Judge Jacqueline Stam was appointed by Inslee to replace Judge Carrie Runge, who retired in 2021.
Stam is running unopposed this year while Rodriguez ended up a target. But many civic leaders have stepped up to defend her.
Rodriguez has endorsements from citizens with varied backgrounds and political views — including Republicans, which speak well for someone running for a nonpartisan post.
Born to migrant farm workers, Rodriguez grew up in Pasco and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Gonzaga University. She was the first in her family to graduate from college.
After returning to the Tri-Cities, she opened her own private law practice in 1994 and then in 2015 founded her own general practice firm, Rodriguez Interiano Hanson and Rodgers.
As an attorney, her focus was on criminal cases, personal injury, workers compensation, probate, bankruptcy, and civil law. She said she has appeared thousands of times in Superior Court.
Now that she is on the bench, she has the notable distinction of being the first and only Latina Superior Court judge in the Tri-Cities.
With the significant Hispanic population in Benton and Franklin counties, the community needs the representation Rodriguez brings to this important elected office.
Her trial experience is extensive. Her professional demeanor, her exceptional qualifications and the admiration from people across the political spectrum make Rodriguez the clear choice in this nonpartisan race.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Norma Rodriguez to Benton-Franklin County Superior Court.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
Members of The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2022 election, the board includes: Cecilia Rexus, Herald editorial writer; Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald executive director; Matt Taylor, retired Herald editorial writer; Mike Paoli and Martin Valadez, community representatives.
This story was originally published October 25, 2022 at 5:30 AM.