Speaker 0: Well, thank you so much. That takes us to the next item on the agenda, which is to consider making an appointment to fill a judicial vacancy in the Southeast District of King County District Court for the appointments in front of us today. The Council advertised the vacancy and accepted applications through October 4th, 2021. We think the application for one eligible candidate during the application period. Members should have received the application materials by email on Monday. These materials are sent again around this morning. We will begin today's proceedings with a brief staff report on the proposed motion marathon in the Council South Bay after the Americans report. The committee will interview the candidate and if there's interest among the council members during the executive session to evaluate the qualifications of the candidate. We would if we go into executive session, we would then resume this Zoom meeting to take up actual debate and consideration of the legislation. Are there any questions on how this will work of either members or candidates before we get started? Here in Mountain Monument. The land is yours.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Erika Neumann, Counsel. Central Staff. The item for Proposed Motion 2020 10417. Begin on page nine of your packet. The applicant the applicant packet includes a judicial ratings which start on page 14 as well. No district court is a county court of limited jurisdiction and is responsible for traffic infractions and misdemeanor criminal offenses. The court handles approximately 250,000 filings annually throughout the four divisions, which consist of the north, south, east and West Division. The proposed motion is to fill position of one and the Southeast elected district that was made vacant by the departure of Judge Jason Waitress. Under state law, the King County Council, as a legislative authority, is directed to fill district court vacancies. As you mentioned, there is one applicant to be interviewed and the selected candidate will fill the remainder of the reporter's term, which ends in January of 2023. In its current form, proposed motion 2020 10417 has a blank for the name of the person claiming a verbal meaning that will be needed to insert the name. Mr. Chair, that concludes my remarks.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much, investor, for the questions. But again, there are questions from staff of staff. We'll proceed with the interview. Seeing no questions. I expect the interview to take roughly 20 minutes and we'll ask Kennedy to provide opening and closing remarks is to be limited to 2 minutes. You'll hear a timer go off, not in the 2 minutes. And members should have received a preferred set of suggested interview questions by email yesterday and again this morning. I'd encourage members to open that email if you don't already have an opening preview in accordance with past practice, I'd ask members to volunteer to read this, to ask the prepared interview questions without. Mr. Gilbert, I want to welcome you and thank you for your interest in serving the people of King County as a member of the district court bench. And thank you so much for joining us today. Can you do the whole we look forward to this conversation. I appreciate the time. It's already taken to complete the application materials. I know that's no small task. I look forward to the chance to be able to visit and get to know you and how you might serve on the bench in this conversation. So with that, I would ask you to say your opening opening remarks.
Speaker 1: Good morning, everyone, and thank you so very much for this opportunity to be evaluated by this committee today. It is my hope that through this interview you'll get to know me as a person as well, see all the skills and the attributes I can bring to the bench if appointed. So a little bit about me. I am a product of chain migration and have longstanding roots here in America and in King County, Washington. My great grandfather immigrated from the Philippines and settled here in Seattle in 1924, and as an Asian man, he suffered discrimination and segregation. Yet he persevered. He remained hopeful that his family would still live a better life despite all that he had been through. And fast forward 50 years later, two generations as well. And I was graduating from federal high school. And after college and graduating law school, I returned home to South King County with my husband and son in 2004, where I have lived ever since. And I am forever grateful for my family and all their sacrifices that they have given me, as well as all the opportunities that I've received working at the King County Prosecutor's Office that have led me to sit before you all today. I am seeking a judicial appointment because I have demonstrated commitment to public service and the experiences I have acquired through the years that will benefit the bench. And I believe that the court has the ability to change lives. It can be a place where victim voices can be heard and offenders can be held accountable. It can also be a place where anyone can have equal access to the process in both the civil and criminal realm and be treated fairly and where needs are met. And simply put, I want to be a part of that. In being a King County prosecuting attorney for the last 15 years has been an invaluable preparation for me to do this work. I've been able to participate in the traditional criminal prosecution model, but I've also had the ability to have cases go through the therapeutic and alternative to traditional prosecution. For example, I've partnered with the Courts and Department of Public Defense in community courts and have developed diversion programs wave justice a criminal justice system altogether. These experiences have inspired me to seek an appointment to help grow these alternatives and therapeutic programs and to ensure that those that do come in contact with the courts are treated with compassion, patience and respect so that disproportionality does not result, but rather justice that reflects equity and fairness. Thank you again and I look forward to answering all your questions.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much, Howard. First question. Councilmember Bell, did you? Thank you.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you so much for being here and putting yourself out for this opportunity. It's really great to have strong candidates. We appreciate all the effort you put into it. The question is, would you please describe an ideal district court judge? Well, an ideal district court judge, I think, is one that is compassionate, one that listens and one that is able to incorporate all of the knowledge through the legal and the legal system, as well as concepts of equity and social justice to inform their decisions. I think it's important for that ideal candidate to have those things because it is only through that knowledge and that experience that just outcomes can be made and that equitable outcomes can be made. And frankly, all of the different types of people that come before the court, particularly in district court. Right. I mean, there are it's your everyday folks, your your cousins, your aunts, your pastors, all of those people that are seeking to have their needs fulfilled need to be heard and have to be in front of someone who is willing to listen, to be compassionate, and also willing to make decisions that are based on fairness and in equity. So that would be my hope if I were appointed that I would fulfill those those characteristics. And Q.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much, colleagues. Question to. Councilmember McDermott. Yes. Thank you so much. Please describe your efforts to implement anti-racist equity and social justice practices in the legal system. And a second part, if I might. What is one change do you think the district court can take to move the institution in this direction?
Speaker 1: Sure.
Speaker 0: So this thread your efforts to implement an anti-racist equity and social justice practices in the legal system. And one change you think this report could make the institution in that direction.
Speaker 1: Thank you. Well, as a prosecutor and what I'm doing now is that I, I, I am the chair of the district court unit for the prosecutor's office. And so I am the introductory unit for all the newest and youngest attorneys that come through our doors. And so part of my function, and in fact, a very important part of my function is teaching them how to pursue justice and how to come to just resolutions, cases that they handle. And one of the things that is part of the training module and something that I take extremely seriously is encouraging and promoting and teaching each of them, you know, equity and social justice concept concepts. And that's through their training, that's through close, but also having one on one conversations about all of the cases that they are seeking to resolve and asking them about. Tell me more about who is coming before you and who is this individual that's in charge. Tell me about their background to the extent that you can. And in that way, when we're talking about a person as a whole, we're able to. Look at them, not just with the incident that has come before us, but also what may have brought them to this to the criminal justice system. And in doing so, we're also having to take into consideration the history of who we are as prosecutors, the authority that we have. And the we're making these decisions, particularly as it relates to communities of color and how disproportionality has, I guess. Resulted at times because of our lack of awareness. And so I think in for us and for prosecutors specifically, it is super important that we learn these concepts so that when we do make decisions that they are based in equity and knowledge and so that we can be proactively anti-racist in doing so, knowing that our decisions have such great impacts on individuals. So that's one thing. The other thing, Councilmember McDermott, is what can the courts do to do to change that? Well, I think just as prosecutors and I have made collective decisions and learning all of these concepts, so must each of the judges. Just because we are we put on a robe doesn't include somehow that that institutional knowledge or that historical knowledge. We all have to learn how our power and position has affected communities of color. And when we learn those things, I think we're able to make more compassionate and more reasonable and, frankly, more equitable decisions. And if each and every one of us are committed to learning these concepts and learning how our power and decisions can affect communities of color, particularly then I think we will we will over time become less, less, less racist. And, you know, and and we'll have results that are much more equitable and fair to all of those that come before us.
Speaker 0: Thank you very much. Question three. I have a volunteer question for somebody to be willing to ask. Question three.
Speaker 1: I can ask both of you like.
Speaker 0: Go ahead, please. Thank you, Councilmember Lambert.
Speaker 1: You're welcome. Okay. Are there any aspects of this role where you feel the need to grow in your knowledge or understanding in an area of the law, policies, procedures, courtroom management or otherwise? How do you approach mastering important and familiar issues like this? Thank you. And that's actually a great question. Obviously, as you've seen in my material, my focus and my experience has primarily been in the criminal realm. So I'm really looking forward to learning the civil parts and the civil practice in district court because it's a big one, you know, through small claims and even in infractions, which I have some experience in. But certainly all of the more civil aspects are the things that I'm interested in learning and excited to learn, actually. So for me, I think just as I have been as curious and voracious in learning the criminal aspect, I must do so for the civil part in order to be a well-balanced and effective judge, because you can't do one, just one end. And so in that regard, my hope is to reach out to my colleagues on a district court bench who have that experience, who understand the civil the civil practice, learn from them, seek out mentorship, and do my own homework. I think that's important because I had to do a lot of it as I was coming up through the ranks in the criminal and the criminal section. But beyond that, even now, as I have prepared for this for this process, I reached out to former and current district court judges who are doing the work to tell me , like, well, how do I do this? Or What is this all about? And it has really piqued my interest. And ultimately what it has done is it has helped me seek out my own education. So I would read the landlord tenant law, which I know I'll probably do a lot of, you know, I'm going to seek out information on more and attend more hearings between now and the time that, if I'm lucky enough to be appointed, to serve, to watch more anti-harassment hearings, name changes, weddings, all of those wonderful things that I think people seek out on a day to day basis and that I can be a part of. So that's my hope, and I hope that answers your question. Councilmember Lambert, thank you very much. I ask an excellent volume of cases facing the district court judge is significant, as you know. How do you approach managing multiple high priority matters in front of you at the same time? Well, you know, I think. Thinking about what is to come. And based on COVID, the backlog of the civil cases that are going to be our launching over us is a huge, huge obstacle and a big concern. And first of all, I just want to commend the Council for appropriating funds for the district court to hire commissioners . I think we need more, you know, and the more we have, I think the more we can do. But to specifically answer your questions, I think having to prioritize and manage all of these things at the same time is a huge, huge undertaking. And we have to obviously prioritize those who are in most need, you know, or where rights are being so infringed in the moment that we must we must act. So learning how to triage you, you prioritize those with the highest need is going to be learning how to do it, I think, will be a matter of what is the current court culture and what is the capacity. And learning those two things simultaneously will be the best way for me to manage. You know, constantly. I'm doing that with with all of the three locations that I that I manage currently in district court. And so, you know, not to be reactive, but certainly you got to go where the fire is at and you have to solve those problems. And then once you're able to to deal with those big issues or immediate issues, then you're able to strategically plan and be thoughtful and about how you're going to attack long term. And by doing those two things, I think we'll be able as a bench to tackle all of those massive priorities that are coming between civil and criminal. Thank you.
Speaker 3: I'll ask the next one.
Speaker 0: Thank you. Council members. Hello.
Speaker 3: Thank you so much. What lessons from operating during the pandemic, if any, should the district court carry into the future? And how should they be addressed or implemented?
Speaker 1: Well, many of the concerns that have come up during COVID time has to do with access, access to justice, access to the courts safely, but also recognizing that, you know, the work doesn't stop and we have to come up with a plan. And so one of the things that I've been very excited about and again commend the Council for in the Technology with Eckhart and moving into the future with CMS for District Court has been a game changer allowing for for people to appear by Zoom for those who have the means to do it has been incredible to keep the work flowing. But I think one of the challenges to those things as these things advanced technologically is that we also have to, again, be mindful of the fact that those many of those who are seeking that access to justice are of the most marginalized communities and may not have the same kind of access to that technology as others who are more affluent. And so moving that forward and as I think we move into the future, I think that the district court and the King County Council should think of innovative ways we can provide more access to justice through the technology. Perhaps, you know, an example of that could be what if we had publicly access computer stations, even if it means being in public libraries or other community spaces where folks who don't have access to the technology but want to resolve their their cases or want to appear before the court to get a protection order, have the ability to have access for free. It wouldn't cost as much overall versus potentially people not coming to court, having to be booked into jail on a warrant and having to be assessed, you know, a public defender and prosecution. Like, these are ways that we can use the technology to our advantage, but also keep the cases flowing and folks not being potentially incarcerated for failing to appear for their hearings. So it's my hope that with all of the wonderful things that we've been able to accomplish during COVID, that we be mindful of the fact that we don't live in communities of color or marginalized people behind.
Speaker 3: Thank you so much. And I ask the final question as well, which is what about the district court? Interests you the most? This is an easy one.
Speaker 1: You know, actually, since I've been working in district court for five years, it has it has become more and more interesting to me. You'd think it would be the opposite. Like it'd be like, get me out of here. Like this is, you know. But in reality, no. You know, what I have come to find is that the district court is one of the common people. It's the everyday people that have basic, basic needs that need to be met. And for many of these is their first time being in contact with the criminal justice system, or for that or for that matter, in the civil realm, for infractions, for, you know, name changes, anti-harassment and those things. And these are the folks that I see every day. And because of that, it's caused me to be so much more interested in the outcomes. It causes me to be more interested in that in the process and looking towards ways in which we can improve that access to justice or that process so that their everyday person can feel like, I trust the system, I trust the people that I'm working. When I look to the bench, I know that my needs will be met and that the people who are helping me navigate through this, what could be the most important thing in their lives at the moment, that they are being taken care of and being there, being the thought of as human beings, because it's the felony courts and all of those things which are very important and frankly, with very serious crimes. The vast majority of the community that we serve come through district court. And I believe that it's my calling really, to serve those people and to make sure that their needs are met. So, you know, that's why I want to stay. That's why I have thrived in district court as as in the prosecutor's office and why I've applied.
Speaker 3: Thank you.
Speaker 1: You bet.
Speaker 0: Thank you so much. Are there any additional questions from colleagues before closing comments? See none. I've been very keen to share your closing remarks with us.
Speaker 1: Okay. Well, I want to thank this committee again and would like to leave the committee with these last thoughts. I believe I'd be a positive addition to the King County District Court bench. I say that not only because I've been a prosecutor in the courts for many years, but for the last five I have solely practiced in district court. I'm consistently supervising and managing up to 30 attorneys and students and a dozen staff in our three main courts in the area, making sure that all the calendars are covered. The newest of attorneys are learning how to seek justice and do the right thing in each and every case. My understanding of equity and social justice is infused into the work that I do and what I teach. I know how the courts work. I know the clerks. I know the attorneys. I know the workload issues. And I know how to work with the stakeholders in order to manage a smooth running court. These years in District Court have prepared me to do the work. And yes, to be honest, becoming a judge I know will be a transition and with many things to learn. But that transition would not be such a departure that I know I could not do it successfully. I am passionate about serving this court and being the kind of judge this committee would want to see on the bench. I would strive to serve with the highest level of ethics and seek to treat all that come before me with compassion and dignity. I promise to always remain curious and be willing to admit what I don't know and seek advice and help from others to ensure that it sound, equitable and reasonable decisions. All of these things that I aspire to do will hopefully result in the community's trust. And like I mentioned in my opening, a place that can change lives in a positive way. Thank you again for all of your time and your consideration for my appointment.
Speaker 0: Thank you and thank you again for sharing your vision, your intent and serving on the council we on the bench and what you would bring to the people of King County if you were to serve on the court. We want to thank you for spending time with us today. And colleagues, would you like a few minutes in executive session?
Speaker 2: No.
Speaker 1: I'd be prepared to move.
Speaker 0: Wonderful. Then I would be. I would entertain a motion regarding motion 2021 for 17.
Speaker 3: So move, Mr. Chair.
Speaker 0: In motion. I believe what Councilmember Ismail I just did was motion 2021 for 17 before us and we would need an amendment. A verbal amendment to the motion.
Speaker 3: Mr. Chair, I would like to add a verbal amendment, including Leah Taguba's name, into into the motion.
Speaker 0: The motion before it is too late to give a name to motion 2021 for 17. Any discussion? All those in favor of the verbal learning. Councilmember Balaji.
Speaker 1: I'm sorry. It's the amendment. I'll hold off.
Speaker 0: But others in favor of the amendment please signify by saying i. I. I. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. Motion 2021 417 as amended. Final passage, Councilmember Balaji.
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I didn't mean to jump to the front of the line. I just wanted to make sure somebody said something. This has been obviously a very important opportunity to get to meet you and hear from you virtually, at least about the your your qualifications to sort of see your passion and your heart. But based on the application materials, to borrow a phrase from our friends at the Bar Association, we obviously have an an applicant here who is exceptionally well qualified for this position. And I'm happy to not waste any time and get her started as soon as we can because we know they need help their district court. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Speaker 0: Councilmember Dombroski.
Speaker 2: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I wanted to thank Mr. Gruber for her willingness to serve. Your application materials were outstanding. I think I've sat in on about 50 of these views on my time on the council from building she has as well. Thank you for the table of contents on the materials. It was very helpful and I wanted to say that Judge Casey, for we just Casey's letter was particularly helpful to me, particularly where he remarked about your treatment of court staff and the clerks and those that really make the courtroom work. I always think that that is a terrific indicator of the quality of a lawyer, but also the humanity of a person when the court staff recognizes you and appreciate you for how you treat them. And also, I don't think hurts to get a good decision from a judge when you're good to the bailiff and clerk. But that tells me a lot about you. And the interview today was one of the very best I've seen. I don't think you're going to stay on the district court bench for very long, and we look forward to watching you grow in your service and appreciate your willingness to do this part of it. Happy to support it. And I.
Speaker 0: So the discussion. Madam, could you please call the roll?
Speaker 1: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Councilmember Buttigieg, I. Councilmember DEMBOSKY.
Speaker 2: I.
Speaker 1: Councilmember Dunn. Councilmember Cole once. I'm Councilmember Lambert. I council of the girl I. Councilmember one regular.
Speaker 3: I.
Speaker 1: Council members online.
Speaker 3: I.
Speaker 1: Mr. Chair.
Speaker 3: I.
Speaker 1: Mr. Chair, the vote is 18 seven as Councilmember Dunning excused.
Speaker 0: Thank you. By our vote we have voted to a point. We are on to the district court bench. We will move the motion 2021 for 17 to full council. With without objection, we will put it on consent and perhaps expedite as well. An update to Tuesday's full council meeting will be on the consent agenda. Mr. Gupta, thank you so much and congratulations.
Speaker 1: Thank you also very much. I am overwhelmed. Thank you.
Speaker 3: Congratulations. One more step to becoming an official judge.
Speaker 1: Thank you so very much.
Speaker 0: And our next four items are appointments to the county's gender identity and Sexual Orientation Inclusion Task Force. Sam Porter of Council Staff is here to provide a staff report. Then we'll hear from potential appointees whose partner you please provide a boost.
A MOTION making an appointment to fill a judicial vacancy in the south division, southeast electoral district, judge position number one of the King County district court.