A Plan to Seek the “Best Available Timber”
Greetings from Alaskans for Fair Courts:
When delegates first gathered in 1955 to draft Alaska’s constitution, they were determined to craft a system for selecting judges that prioritized ability, experience, and integrity over the partisan politics and backroom deals typical at the time. With Alaskan aplomb, one delegate described the goal as seeking “the best available timber.” Thanks to the foresight of the framers and those who have carried the torch for fair and impartial courts since, Alaska has a judicial system that is admired across the nation.
Our mission, simply stated, is to keep it that way!
To that end, we introduce this Alaskans for Fair Courts newsletter as an extension of our work to offer Alaskans key information about our integrity and competence-based judicial selection and retention system. Over the months to come, we’ll dive into the rigorous, non-partisan vetting process that we know generates high-quality candidates for judicial appointment to Alaska’s state courts. We’ll encourage Alaskans to exercise the great responsibility that comes with participating in the retention process. And we’ll call out attempts by special interest groups to manipulate our judicial system and who are trying to replace judges whose decisions are based on the law and the evidence.
Of course, we are not alone in our efforts to protect what all Alaskans want in their courts – that judges serve with integrity, follow the law, and treat everyone fairly and with respect. Others share our concern, including retired state Judge Elaine Andrews, Justice Not Politics Alaska, and the Fair and Impartial Courts Committee of the Alaska Bar Association, all long-time champions for judicial independence and our constitutionally embedded judicial selection and retention system.
As someone who values Alaska’s fair and independent courts, you, too, have played a critical role in reaching out to fellow citizens committed to preserving our impartial justice system. Our hope is this newsletter and communication initiative will be another tool you can use to spread the word about how crucial fair, independent judges are to our democracy. Consider these suggestions:
- Tell us what you think! We’d love your feedback on future issues of the newsletter, on topics you feel are important to this discussion, and on news impacting the integrity of Alaska’s judicial system. Just reply to this email.
- Forward this newsletter to colleagues, friends, and neighbors, and follow us on Facebook for breaking news and updates.
- Visit the Find My Judges page on the Alaskans for Fair Courts website and be informed about the performance of judges appearing on your election ballot in November. Then please vote!
We know that together, we can protect a proud tradition that for 60 years has selected “the best possible timber” and held off unwarranted attacks against our judges. Next Issue: More on the growing challenges facing the independence of Alaska’s judiciary.
Always for justice,
Alaskans for Fair Courts