Justice of the peace candidates square off

By CHERY SABOL

The Daily Inter Lake

Two candidates for Flathead County justice of the peace touted their qualifications Wednesday at a debate sponsored by the Northwest Montana Bar Association in Whitefish.

Whitefish attorney Mark Sullivan and Columbia Falls paralegal Jerry O'Neil are running for the judge position currently held by Dale Trigg, who is not seeking re-election.

About a dozen people went to the debate at the O'Shaughnessy Center to hear the men talk about the office and what they could bring to it. Members of the bar and the public posed questions to the candidates.

Both candidates believe that starting a night court is a good idea. Both support some kind of drug court.

Where they are divided most is their view on whether the job should require a law degree.

O'Neil said that lay judges served Flathead County well for years. He has practiced law in the Blackfeet Tribal Court, worked as a mediator for more than 20 years, and is familiar with the law because of his background as a paralegal.

Sullivan said judges need to have legal training. Using laymen in the 1960s and 1970s worked during "much sleepier times," for the valley. "Times have changed; it's 2006," Sullivan said. He has 17 years' experience as an attorney.

O'Neil, a state senator, said he has experience listening to information and making a fast, fair decision.

Sullivan said he is skilled at handling a large caseload.

An audience member asked what O'Neil would do if there was not an attorney representing either side of a dispute in Justice Court and therefore, no briefs.

"I'm not too conceited to ask for help," O'Neil said.

"Common sense tells you [that] you need someone experienced in the law," Sullivan said. He said he sees the office as an opportunity for public service.

O'Neil said he has seen judges make inappropriate facial expressions from the bench.

"I have a reputation for being fair and I intend to keep that," O'Neil said.

He and the other justice of the peace, David Ortley, have taught together at the community college.

"We were a great partnership there and it will be a great partnership in Justice Court," he said.