Letters: Work ethic and compassion makes Jason Marks right for district judge

To the Voters of Mineral and Missoula Counties:

I served as a district court judge for Missoula and Mineral Counties for 26 years. I know how challenging the position can be and I know the time and energy it takes to see justice done in our communities. I was very pleased when Governor Steve Bullock appointed Judge Jason Marks to serve as one of our district court judges.

The appointment process is intended to ensure that the most qualified person is selected to serve as a judge. Judge Marks, along with eight other candidates, went through a thorough screening process with the Judicial Nomination Commission.

Judge Marks then was interviewed by Governor Bullock and his staff. Ultimately Governor Bullock appointed Judge Marks as a district court judge and with that appointment comes an obligation for him to stand for election this year to retain his seat in his home community.

Those of us close to the legal community are very impressed by the work ethic and job that Jason Marks has done as a sitting judge. He truly “hit the ground running.”

I have personally observed Judge Marks throughout his career and note what a dedicated and tireless servant of the law and justice he has been over the last 15 years since he graduated from law school and progressed as an accomplished trial lawyer. As chief deputy in the Missoula County Attorney’s Office, he exemplified fairness and concern for both the victims and the offenders.

I urge you to join me in voting to retain Judge Marks. He practiced in front of me as an attorney for nine years before my retirement and he displayed intelligence, a tireless work ethic, and compassion. We need the best possible person to serve our community as district judge and that person is Judge Jason Marks.

Ed McLean, District Judge (Ret.)