MOSES LAKE — Longtime Grant County District Court Commissioner Brian Barlow has decided to run for Grant County District Court Judge Position No. 1.

The position is currently held by Judge Richard C. Fitterer, who will be retiring when his term is up at the end of the year. Barlow was appointed commissioner in 2007 by Presiding Judge Janis Whitener-Moberg. Prior to that he operated a private legal practice in Moses Lake for 12 years. He says he has adjudicated thousands of hearings in criminal, civil, small claims, municipal and traffic matters and is a graduate of the Washington Judicial College and a member of the District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association.

“My time on the court has been very rewarding,” Barlow said. “I have enjoyed interacting with the many people who have come before me and look forward to providing a court experience that is respectful, fair and transparent.”

Barlow has already gained a full sweep of endorsements from all District and Superior Court judges in Grant County, as well as retired judges Evan Sperline and Kenneth Jorgensen, Grant County Superior Court Commissioner Tom Middleton and District Court Judge Pro-tem Mark A. Chmelewski.

Barlow has also received the endorsements of Prosecutor Garth Dano, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Alan White, Deputy Prosecutors Ed Owens and Anna Gigliotti, Sheriff Tom Jones, Director of Public Defense Brett Hill, County Clerk Kimberly Allen, Coroner Craig Morrison, Moses Lake Police Chief Kevin Fuhr and Mattawa Police Chief Joe Harris.

“I’m honored by the broad support I have received from people within the justice system and throughout the community,” Barlow said. “I hope to earn their trust each day in every case I hear.”

Barlow and his wife Esther have four adult children and one grandchild. He was a top-ranked finalist in 2013 for a newly created District Court judge position. The Board of County Commissioners selected Judge Tyson Hill. More more information on Barlow and his candidacy visit barlowforjudge.com.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.