Letter: Ballard the right choice for circuit judge

Published 8:00 am Tuesday, October 8, 2024

There are two candidates for circuit judge in Umatilla/Morrow counties: John Ballard and Joanna Marikos.

Ballard has been a practicing attorney in this area for more than 24 years. His record is an open book.

Marikos, not so much. There are inconsistencies in her background. It is very difficult to ascertain or confirm exactly what she has done in her professional career since she left this area 45 years ago. Any information regarding her legal career is sketchy. Was she in private practice, on her own or with a law firm, and what firm? Public defender or prosecutor? How long was she in any position she held?

What is known is that she was appointed to the bench by the very liberal Gov. Tina Kotek earlier this year. Marikos seems to have a considerable backlog of decisions pending on her caseload and some of the cases are domestic matters, leaving families in limbo awaiting her rulings. Judges shouldn’t leave litigants waiting months for decisions that impact their lives.

One thing is clear: most of her campaign funds come from the Portland area.

We need a judge who has lived in this area consistently and has the views and values of most Eastern Oregon residents. Marikos is not that person. Her rulings will most likely represents the liberal views and opinions consistent with the west side of Oregon.

Before casting your vote, please do a little research on both candidates. John Ballard is the best choice for circuit judge.

Patti Graham

Pendleton

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