In support of Mistachkin

With the retirement of Judge Mark McCauley, there are big shoes to fill in the Grays Harbor Superior Court in Montesano. He was a longtime judge I admired for many years. He will be greatly missed.

That leads me to examine the issue of who to fill this coveted and extremely important position for the future of Grays Harbor.

Of the two competing candidates in November’s election, I believe attorney David Mistachkin is the right person for the job.

Let me give you some of my reasons.

I have had the opportunity to observe Mistachkin over several years as he has served as a private attorney, zealously defending his clients’ interests in Superior Court. I have also seen him as a Pro-Tem (temporary for the present) judge in District Court, as well as a commissioner in Superior Court. He brings to the bench 15 years of experience as a family and criminal law attorney. When Judge Stephen Brown was elevated to Superior Court from District Court, Mistachkin was appointed by the GHC commissioners to fill that position, which he held for two years.

During that time, I witnessed his leadership, his thoughtful examinations in many cases brought before him. Going to court can be a frightening event for those who have no experience. I saw him spend considerable time explaining the process to several litigants, so they could understand what his job was. He did not have to do this, but in his wisdom he knew the importance of calming and controlling his court room. Even though neither of the parties achieved their intended outcome, Judge Mistachkin went to great detail as to the law and his rationale of how he came to his decision. Everyone left the court room satisfied by his conclusion.

He has also served as pro tem judge for municipal courts in Hoquiam, Elma, Ocean Shores, Cosmopolis, Montesano, McCleary and Westport.

These are just some of the many reasons why I support David Mistachkin for Gray Harbor County Superior court judge. There is no substitute for experience.

Tom Siress

Hoquiam