Knodell runs for judge

Wants to implement his experience

GRANT COUNTY - Grant County Superior Court Prosecuting Attorney John Knodell is running for election to be a Grant County Superior Court judge.

Knodell said if elected as a judge, he plans to ensure he is fair to everyone who comes before the bench.

"I want to be a fair, neutral umpire," he said.

Knodell said he is running for election because during the past 18 years of his service as the prosecuting attorney he's gained a lot of experience and enjoys the opportunity to serve.

He has several goals he hopes to achieve if elected.

Knodell wants to work on the cost of litigation by reducing court delays. He's experienced murder and rape cases taking an excess of up to three years before they are settled. He said the delays are difficult on everyone involved, including the victims and witnesses.

Knodell has 28 years of experience as a lawyer.

"There is not another trial attorney in Grant County with the experience I have," he said. "I've got an awful lot of trial experience."

He said he argued before the Washington State Supreme Court at least twice per year and has experience arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I've personally worked with victims and I've seen the impact the system has on them," Knodell said. "I think that's kind of a unique experience I've got to bring to the bench."

He said people should vote for him because of his experience and because he is fair and uses reasoned-judgment.

"I've got a proven track record in court," he said. "I have a history of serving the people of Grant County."

He said he is endorsed by the Department of Corrections, various crime-victim groups, Sheriff Frank DeTrolio and police chiefs from Moses Lake, Quincy, Warden and Ephrata.

Knodell said he plans to improve the court system by using good judgment on court rulings and hearings.

With regard to juvenile sentencing, Knodell says it's important to send a message that crimes equate to consequences. He said all juvenile crimes should be judged on a case by case basis but they need to know if they commit a crime, they will be punished. Knodell said sentencing can help prevent juveniles from committing crimes as adults.

Oftentimes when prosecuting juveniles in court, they are surprised they face jail time. Knodell said they shouldn't.

He said driving under the influence felony cases should be treated the same way. Knodell said no favors are done to the driver by not treating it as a serious matter.

"I feel like I've learned an awful lot of lessons," Knodell said. "It's really been a pleasure to serve and I hope (voters) give me another opportunity to serve them in the future."