Anderson runs for election

Brings judicial experience

GRANT COUNTY - Attorney Douglas Anderson is running for Grant County Superior Court judge position two.

He said he's always wanted to be a judge since he was in law school.

Anderson has been serving as a juvenile judge in district court for the past couple years. The experience reinforced his desire.

"I feel I have the right temperament for it," Anderson said. "Now is the time to take the next step from being a part-time judge to being a full-time judge."

He said his goals are similar to what the current Grant County judges are already doing.

Anderson wants to make law more accessible to people and ensure people respect and understand the law so they will follow the law. He said if people understand why laws exist, they are more likely to follow them.

He said his experience as a part-time judge will help him if he is elected.

Anderson has handled both jury and non-jury trials, hearings and has mediated in district court. He said he looks at issues with a fair and open mind.

As a public defender for the past 11 years representing juveniles, he says he understands what causes people to commit crimes. He said he's experienced juveniles who commit crime just to break the law and others who made a mistake.

Anderson said people should vote for him because he has judicial experience and the knowledge it takes to make decisions. He said he won't let outside factors influence his decisions and will only consider facts and evidence.

"I am committed to being a fair and unbiased judge on the bench," he said. "Everyone should be treated with respect."

He said he will improve the judicial system by being an active part of it and doing his best to help people who appear before him.

Anderson said he will help people understand the legal system. Sometimes people get scared and feel they can't manage without an attorney, he added. If people understand the process, they won't be so scared of it, he said.

He said with juvenile sentencing, all guidelines are set by the Legislature and take into consideration criminal history and the nature of the crime. Judges are given a sentencing range they can work with. He said all juvenile cases are handled differently.

"Some of them just did something stupid and need to be held accountable," he said. "You need to do your best to strike a balance."

Anderson said the balance is considered using rehabilitation methods and community service options. He said when juveniles are helped through those methods, they are less likely to commit crimes again.

He said judges should be tough on felony cases concerning driving under the influence of alcohol. He said the impact of drunken driving affects more than the person driving and the driver must be held accountable.