Letter: Burrowes criticism by former judge is off base

I take issue with Phil Raekes’ Oct. 16 letter to the editor. I believe that his suggestion that Joe Burrowes does not have “the requisite experience” is simply wrong.

Joe has served for nine years in the Benton County District Court. His decision to move up to Superior Court is no different than similar moves made by others such as Craig Matheson and Jackie Shea Brown, both of whom served as District Court judges/commissioners before moving to the Superior Court.

I also wonder how someone who has been retired since 2001 would have any idea about either candidate’s experience. I was very disappointed at Mr. Raekes’ suggestion that Joe Burrowes is a “minor leaguer.” In addition to being mean-spirited, it ignores the fact that we all have to start somewhere. By the way, have you forgotten that you had no prior judicial experience prior to being appointed?

Finally, would you suggest that Russell Wilson, who until a couple of years ago was a minor leaguer, was not up to being a star NFL quarterback? I plan to vote for Joe Burrowes.

This story was originally published October 30, 2016 at 4:18 AM with the headline "Letter: Burrowes criticism by former judge is off base."