Legal/Judicial Experience: Linda joined the Superior Court in 1997, serving as Presiding Judge, Chief Family Judge, Felony Drug Court Judge, Plea Judge, and presiding over civil, criminal, and juvenile trials. Statewide, she's chaired the Superior Court Civil Rules and Supreme Court Courthouse Facilitator Committees and served as Washington State Judicial College faculty.

Other Professional Experience: Linda practiced In Washington, Idaho and federal courts  while serving as President of the Central Valley School Board and Valley Chamber of Commerce and chairing the State Transportation Commission.

Education: Graduated with honors University of Idaho, Gonzaga Law School.

Community Service: Volunteer legal services, Habitat and Spokane Food Bank.

Statement: Although all areas of justice are vitally important, my broad judicial background, especially in therapeutic courts, has prepared me for the exciting challenges in criminal justice today. Right now there are too many dangerous folks on the outside, and too many folks behind bars, who could, with effective supervision and programs, work themselves back to their families, jobs, treatment, and positive lives. This has proven to increase public safety and decrease burgeoning jail and prison costs.

I've also experienced growing caseloads in family and juvenile law, housing law and health related matters. All these areas are gravely lacking counsel because people just can't afford even the filing fees to begin a case. I'm proud to say volunteer lawyers and trained practitioners are stepping up in great numbers. But even those efforts can't fully address the huge number of unmet civil legal needs. Judges must be part of the solution, too.

I was raised to value public service and have dedicated my years on the bench to that mission. More work needs to be done, and that remains my personal commitment as I ask you to retain me as your Superior Court judge. Thank you.