Jon Zimmerman, an attorney running for a judicial seat in Seattle, has built his knock out reputation on the basis of helping those in need. In his long standing private practice, Zimmerman has represented clients from 28 counties in Washington State, many of whom are immigrants, single mothers, and people below the poverty, as well as the elderly, tribal members, and some of the most vulnerable in our state.
A standout among his professional credits, Zimmerman’s three years as a pro tem judge allowed him the opportunity to closely observe the positive impact that the court system can have on peoples’ lives. “What I enjoyed most about that experience is that I could look at both sides of a case and come up with a reasoned decision, rather than advocate for a single side, and I had an opportunity to serve a wide variety of individuals who are all seeking access to justice,” said Zimmerman.
And while a passion for justice and a dedication to help people in need are extremely important, Seattle residents need to elect a judge who can create positive change. Perhaps the most important quality that Jon Zimmerman possesses is the ability to see where change is needed, and to take swift action that brings results. It’s this quality that allows Zimmerman to see vulnerabilities within the Seattle court system. For years, numerous judges have received low approval ratings based on legal decision making, integrity and temperament. Zimmerman believes that “Seattle deserves judges who are capable of administering justice,” as well as judges who “capably identify legal and factual issues, who base rulings on the facts and the law, who clearly identify their rulings, and judges who use the court’s time and resources efficiently.”
A lack of transparency is another issue that Zimmerman has observed. “With a budget of nearly $30 million and over 200 employees, there are numerous complaints about the court being bureaucratic and inaccessible,” Zimmerman said, adding that there is “little information to the public about who is accountable.” If elected, Zimmerman will also fight for greater transparency within the court system. “As a judge I would seek to change both these processes. I would make closed-door hearings open to the public and have more transparent judicial appointments in the magistrates department so that these appointments don’t become the subject of ethics inquiries.”
And finally, if elected, Zimmerman will take an active role in moving the Seattle Municipal Court into a modern and efficient direction-a path that Zimmerman feels should have been paved long ago. New technology and a streamlined filing process are perhaps less pressing matters, but valuable pieces of the Seattle court system nonetheless. “As a judge, I would seek to work with stakeholders to move the court into the 21st Century.” A modern and efficient approach will benefit not only court room officials, but the general public, too. “In Seattle, defendants in simple civil infraction cases usually have to wait at the end of the hearing while one of the clerks fills out paperwork. Then the defendant has to take that paperwork to another floor, wait in another line, and meet another clerk to sign more paperwork. This is the only court in the state that does this. This process is inefficient, and yet it is a process that affects the vast majority of cases.”
With experience in Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the White House, Jon Zimmerman is a clear choice. His love of people and the justice system, and his dedication to the new and improved are just icing on the cake.
