Retiring judge creates opening

EPHRATA - Grant County Prosecutor John D. Knodell plans to run for judge.

He seeks the position now held by retiring Grant County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Jorgensen, Knodell announced Thursday.

Knodell, 55, said he's reached the point in his career where he wants to be an umpire in the courtroom.

He described his platform as being a fair and impartial judge by applying the law in a fair and evenhanded way, he said.

"I think the law needs to apply equally to everyone and protect everyone," Knodell said.

He has worked as prosecutor since 1990, is president of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and chairman of the association's appellate committee.

"This is an opportunity to put the lessons I've learned as a prosecutor and trial attorney to work on the bench," he stated in part on Wednesday. "Fighting for victims' rights, running the prosecutor's office, and trying cases at all levels, including the Washington State Supreme and U.S. Courts, has given me a unique perspective and set of experiences to bring to the job."

He graduated from the University of Puget Sound's law school in 1980 and moved to Grant County the same year to accept his first job as a lawyer with attorneys Cliff Collins and Nels Hansen.

Knodell spoke of a breach of contract case he tried and lost after practicing law for about three years. The case progressed to the Washington Supreme Court and he won.

"It ended well, it was a great experience for me," he said. "I've had one opportunity after another."

As prosecutor, Knodell also tried high-profile cases involving Evan Savoie, Barry Loukaitis, and Maribel Gomez. He also supervises an office of 10 attorneys.

Knodell lives in Quincy with his wife Kathy. They have five children.

The filing period for public offices is June 2 through June 6.