This year, there are two contested races for Spokane Municipal Court. One for Position 2 and the other for Position 3, which is the seat on the Municipal Court bench I currently hold and was elected to serve in 2021.
As a sitting judge and a candidate for re-election, it is essential that I remain impartial, both in appearance and in practice. Aligning myself with any campaign that does not directly relate to my role on the bench could impact the public’s perception of my ability to serve all individuals fairly and without bias and it is for that reason that I want to make clear I am not endorsing, co-campaigning, or supporting any candidate or their platform other than my own.
Due to the fact that these races and related topics have come up in the Spokane community, I want to reaffirm my strong and long-standing support for Therapeutic Courts and Diversion Programs grounded in best practices, policies, and procedures that prioritize rehabilitation and restoration. These programs are most effective when focused on reducing recidivism and providing individuals the opportunity for lasting change.
As I focus on my own campaign for re-election, I remain committed to the promises I made when I was first elected: to serve with integrity, impartiality, and accountability.
Every four years, those of us who serve in elected office participate in what is essentially a community interview to give the voters an opportunity to assess our performance and reaffirm their trust, or to call for change. I welcome this process and the conversations it brings, and I encourage all voters to stay engaged, informed, and involved.
Since being elected, I have stayed true to that commitment and to a judicial philosophy rooted in community-centered justice that balances restorative justice and rehabilitation and community and public safety, with compassionate accountability. I stand firm in my belief that justice should be accessible, fair, and equitable for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance.
I extend my best wishes to all candidates running for office this season as I remain focused on continuing to serve Spokane with fairness, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
Judge Gloria Ochoa-Bruck
Spokane Municipal Court Pos. 3