Dear Editor: Vote YES for CI-132

Dear Editor,

The passage of the ballot initiative CI-132 is so important. CI-132 simply puts into the Montana Constitution that judges will remain non-partisan, as they have been for the last 90 years. It's that simple. Judges should not declare support for one political affiliation over the other, whether they are a candidate for Montana Supreme Court or a District Judge who will preside over civil cases, felonies, and probate. As our judges deal with everyday Montanans, we need to know they will set aside their political affiliation when they enter the Courtroom.

Judges do not represent individuals, groups, nor vow to protect particular laws passed by the legislature or by voters. Judges are limited to considering the specific case and how the constitution and law apply to that matter. The public cannot freely appear before the court and testify as to why the plaintiff should win or lose. The Court cannot pick sides because it likes the politics of one party over the other party.

Judges should simply follow the law and the Constitution to fairly determine facts of the case and keep the other two branches of Government in check.

If voters want to know whether a judicial candidate will have good temperament and judicial philosophy do a bit of research to find out whether they apply the Constitution and law. Pendulums swing - if you like partisanship now when the political climate may be in your favor, sooner or later the political climate will flip against you. We must elect judges who will leave their politics at the door.

Every person in Montana has a right to have a judge who is independent of party affiliation and influence, and who will do his or her best to be fair and impartial free of partisan bias. No one should have to enter the Courtroom with one strike against them which has nothing to do with their case.

Vote YES for CI 132.

CINDY YOUNKIN

McAllister, Montana