Longer wait times for cases in Southeast Washington Counties

Recently the superior court judge Scott Galina for Garfield, Asotin and Columbia Counties has been suspended until investigation of possible sexual assault of women has been completed. His cases will be heard by Whitman County Superior Court judge Gary Libey who will also have to here his cases as well.  Depending on the investigation he may be removed and a new judge will be appointed by the members of the Washington State Supreme Court.  This is bad news for those wanting swift justice in these counties.  We need to make sure our judges are above the law.  If a judge is appointed a special election will occur in November or August 2019 if the candidate gets more than 65 percent of vote of all three counties due to a 2004 Initiative 872 law.