September 11, 2009

Two file in circuit judge elections


    John A. Wolf pursues Position 4

     John A. Wolf declared his candidacy today for circuit court judge for the 7th Judicial District of Oregon.
     Wolf practices law in The Dalles and is a partner in the firm of Somers & Wolf. He serves as municipal court judge pro tem for the City of The Dalles, presiding over jury trials and bench trials since 1993.
     Wolf represents clients in a wide variety of legal matters in all five counties of the 7th Judicial District.
     “I have gotten to know the people of Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties over the course of my life and my career and it would be a privilege to serve as their judge,” Wolf said.
     Wolf is the son of Joan Wolf, deceased, and Wally Wolf, a local veterinarian. He was born, raised and educated in The Dalles. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and earned his law degree from Willamette University College of Law 1995.
     Wolf returned to The Dalles after law school. He and his wife, Leslie, are now raising their two daughters in The Dalles.
     The 7th Judicial District encompasses Wasco, Hood River, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties. There are four judicial positions in the 7th district and Wolf is running for the position currently held by Judge Bernard Smith. Judge Smith is not running for re-election.
     “I have been very fortunate to have practiced law before judges that I greatly admire and respect,” said Wolf, speaking of the judges currently serving the 7th Judicial District. Wolf believes maintaining access to the justice system and continuing programs, such as drug court and family dependency court will be important as the court system deals with difficult budget issues and moves toward electronic filing.
     Dixie Parker serves as Wolf’s campaign treasurer. Her campaign experience includes prior judicial campaigns. Parker has worked for several local lawyers over the last 28 years.
     Wolf has served on several committees and boards, including St. Peter’s Catholic Church’s finance council, the Civic Auditorium Historic Preservation Committee and the Seventh Judicial District’s Family Law Advisory Committee. He currently serves on the Port of The Dalles Budget Committee and the Seventh Judicial District’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission. He also served as a volunteer judge for the Wasco County Youth Court, is an AYSO soccer coach and a member of the Fort Dalles Rodeo Association.
     Wolf provides pro bono legal counsel to several non-profit organizations in the area. “The opportunity to serve the community in a judicial role would be another chance to give back to a community that has given me so much,” Wolf said.

     For more information, you can reach John Wolf and the campaign committee at (541) 980-3472 or info@JohnWolfForJudge.com.

Tom Peachey seeks Position 2

     Longtime The Dalles attorney Tom Peachey filed Sept. 10 as a candidate for circuit court judge of the 7th Judicial District, which serves Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Wheeler counties.
     Peachey, who has practiced in The Dalles for more than 30 years, filed for position 2, the seat currently held by Judge John V. Kelly.
     With his filing, Peachey announced a list of more than 60 community leaders and members who have endorsed his candidacy.
     “The support has been truly overwhelming,” Peachey said, “and more is coming in every day.”
     Peachey has prosecuted and defended serious criminal cases, including homicides. He has represented hundreds of families and individuals involved with the domestic relations and juvenile justice system. He has represented individuals, businesses and government bodies in almost every aspect of civil litigation. He has tried scores of jury trials in all counties of the 7th Judicial District. He has also argued and briefed many cases to the Oregon appellate courts.
     Since 2001, he has served as a court-appointed arbitrator in the 7th Judicial District, assisting individuals and businesses in the resolution of legal disputes.
“To be a good judge, you really need to have the right combination of courtroom experience and an understanding of how the law touches people in their day-to-day lives,” Peachey said. “I’ve worked in just about every area of law, and have served every corner of our community.”
     Peachey became an associate with Lewis & Foster in The Dalles in 1978. He became a partner in the firm in 1980 and still practices law at Foster, Peachey & Young.
     He has served in leadership positions in a variety of law-related organizations including the Mid-Columbia Bar Association, Oregon State Bar House of Delegates and the Oregon State Bar Disciplinary Board — trial panel.