Our economies have been crushed

Dear Editor:

For 20 years the citizens of Gallatin County gave me the privilege to serve as a District Court Judge in Bozeman. Before I was elected to the bench I was Gallatin County Attorney for 14 years. In 1995 I met Kim Christopher, who at that time was Lake County Attorney. In 1997 I began serving as District Court Judge and my contact with Judge Christopher ceased until she was elected in 2000 to serve as a District Court Judge for the 20th Judicial District (Lake and Sanders Counties). I then resumed having contact with Judge Christopher, who is seeking reelection for her fourth term on the bench. At the end of 2016 I retired after serving 20 years as a District Court Judge.

For the 15 years that I served as a Judge during her term, I came to know Judge Christopher very well. I have had many conversations with her, have read some of her legal opinions and have served with her on the executive committee of the Montana Judges’ Association. When I was President of the Montana Judge’s Association she was Vice-President. We had many occasions to discuss the business of the Association. Judge Christopher was tremendously helpful to assist me with my duties as President.

Judge Christopher has proven that she is fair and impartial. She has shown that she is extremely experienced to preside over complex criminal and civil cases, among the hundreds of domestic, other criminal and civil and general cases. Judge Christopher believes in the rule of law. She has proven her ability to adhere to the fundamental principle that a judge shall not make decisions based on any political ideology, public persuasion or personal interests. She has served as an independent and dedicated judge and administrator of the operation of the Court. In addition, she has made tireless contributions to the welfare of the Montana judiciary by advocating for education for newly elected or appointed judges.

Judge Christopher has served the citizens of the 20th Judicial District with distinction, integrity, and hard work. In this election, EXPERIENCE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! And, Judge Christopher has the necessary experience to continue with the busy case load of the Court. Although I am not a resident of the 20th Judicial District, I know that your decision to re-elect Judge Christopher will be in your best interests.

Judge Mike Salvagni (Ret.)

Belgrade, Montana