We are the current and past presidents of the Kitsap County Bar Association, which has approximately 250 attorneys practicing law in Kitsap County. We are writing in our individual capacities to enthusiastically endorse Justice Charlie Wiggins for re-election to the state Supreme Court.

Justice Wiggins practiced law in Kitsap County for many years. For more than 30 years, he was one of the pre-eminent appellate attorneys in the State of Washington. He has served the people of Washington admirably as a Superior Court judge pro tem, Court of Appeals judge and Supreme Court justice. During that time, he has written hundreds of appellate opinions and is regarded throughout the state as one of its best legal authorities. He has established a reputation for integrity, hard work and the rule of law. He has given back to the legal and local community through his volunteer work for the Washington State Bar Association Ethics Board and Habitat for Humanity.

In addition, Charlie is just a great guy.

For these reasons, the Kitsap County Bar Association Bar Poll overwhelmingly favored Justice Wiggins over his opponent. Justice Wiggins has been endorsed by more than 200 current and retired judges, 25 members of the state Legislature, and the elected prosecutors of five counties, among other prominent leaders like Attorney General Bob Ferguson and former Gov. Christine Gregoire. He received the highest possible rating by the King County Bar Association, the Latino/a Bar Association, and the Joint Asian Judicial Committee.

We urge all voters to vote to re-elect Justice Charlie Wiggins to the state Supreme Court.

Tom Weaver, president

Ryan Vancil, immediate past president

Judge Melissa Hemstreet

Kati Lappi

Matt Clucas

Judge Jennifer Forbes

Eric Fong

Steve Olsen

Ed Wolfe