One aspect of the Jefferson County criminal justice system District Court judge candidates Mindy Walker and Noah Harrison can agree upon is the value of its therapeutic courts.

Walker and Harrison, both of Port Townsend, are vying to replace retiring District Court Judge Jill Landes. As they answered questions during a July 9 candidate forum at the Brinnon Booster Club, they responded to the audience's expressed frustrations about what those citizens considered ineffectual “revolving door” justice.

“Each case is unique, and there are no easy answers,” Harrison said. “With the question of restorative justice, we consider what course of action will help the community in the long run. We try to figure out what might be going on, whether it's drug or alcohol issues. Of course, if they don't want help, we can't force them to adopt positive changes.”

Walker agreed, touting the value of the county's therapeutic courts in addressing underlying mental health issues and advocating for the county courts to broaden those services because, in her words, “I've seen the people who have graduated from those therapeutic courts, and I've seen their transformations.”

When asked about the possibility of Jefferson County declaring itself a “Sanctuary County,” in much the same way Port Townsend declared itself a “Welcoming City” last year, Walker and Harrison both said one of the best parts of the office they are running for is that it is, by definition, nonpartisan.

Walker has two children who are immigrants, and she said, “It's important for the community to discuss this issue.” At the same time, she asserted the District Court's involvement in such issues should be limited to ensuring attorneys have reviewed immigrant rights with their clients, if pertinent.

“We, as judges, should not be inquiring about the immigration documentation of those who come before us in court,” Walker said.

Harrison commented approvingly on King County, which avoids enforcing immigration status in its courthouse.

“If you have a domestic violence (victim) who's not a U.S. citizen, she shouldn't be afraid of being arrested if she enters the courthouse to testify about what was done to her,” Harrison said. “Does that happen often in Jefferson County? No. But we do have illegal immigrants in our county.”

One Brinnon resident lamented the prevalence of drug and alcohol issues in her area and chided the county for its lag time in responding to those who need help with such issues, saying, “It's like you have to break the law to get any help.”

Neither Harrison nor Walker explicitly disagreed.

“The courts system can only do so much,” Harrison said. “It's not a problem that can be solved by any one agency.”

Harrison noted the county courts collaborate with local organizations including Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Port Townsend and touted the preventive programs offered by community groups such as the YMCA, but he also conceded it often takes someone getting arrested and processed through the system before their underlying issues are able to be addressed.

“The whole state is struggling with this issue,” Walker said. “The courts have some ability to assist, with measures like therapeutic courts, which is why I hope to see more services on the table, possibly even reaching outside the county, so we can respond to people in a more timely manner.”

A question about how the courts might become more cost-conscious led Walker to note, “The District Court is not designed to produce revenues,” which is one reason its potential fines and fees are restricted from being applied to those with indigent status.

Harrison even proposed random audits of those claiming indigent status, to ensure they are not taking financial advantage of the system.

He also suggested modernizing the courts through technological upgrades, reducing their carbon footprint by reducing the amount of paper and ink they use.