Jorgensen running for fourth term

Judge cites listening, experience

Grant County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Jorgensen has announced to seek a fourth term on the bench.

"Judges often speak of being committed to justice. In my nearly 12 years on the bench, I am convinced that for justice to be served, the true facts of each matter must be ascertained," he said in a news release.

"I do not move on until I am satisfied that I have an accurate picture of the situation and what took place. This involves more than careful listening. My 20 years of trial experience before coming to the bench helps me in this effort to discern the true facts of each case," he said.

Jorgensen listed three qualities of a good judge and said the electorate will decide whether he has them.

"They need to be experienced. They need to be honest. They need to be conversant with the law," he said.

Jorgensen's family came to the Columbia Basin with the advent of the irrigation project in 1952, and he said is "continually impressed" with the citizens who serve as jurors.

Jorgensen said the county has a constitutional mandate to provide adequate criminal defense, which means attorneys must receive "fair compensation" for providing public defense.

As a judge, Jorgensen said he enjoys being able to get into a case.

"In some instances, we (judges) feel like we're understanding the issue and its particulars, as well as the facts, and being able (enact) justice," he said.

Jorgensen currently serves on the Criminal Law and Rules Committee of the Washington State Superior Court Judges Association. He has previously served on the association's Law and Justice Committee and Rural Court Committee.

In addition to a juris doctorate degree and degrees in English and economics, Jorgensen has been trained at the National Judicial College, including courses in General Jurisdiction, Advanced Evidence, DecisionmMaking and Judicial Writing.

Jorgensen is active in his church, Rotary International and scouting. He has served on the Moses Lake School Board and the Grant County Community Action Council.