Judge's decision a temporary victory

Over the years, there have been several occasions when a judge or the state Supreme Court has issued a ruling that was unpopular with many Washingtonians.

The recent ruling by the state Supreme Court overturning the initiative protecting natural gas comes to mind.

However, sometimes a court decision turns out well, at least from my perspective. Here is a case in point:

Last Friday, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller permanently blocked the most controversial parts of the new state law passed earlier this year by the Democrat-led Legislature that created new job standards for county sheriffs.

As the sheriffs standards law (Senate Bill 5974) was making its way through the Legislature this year, other Republicans and I argued that it would force some sheriffs out of office and would take away the ability of voters to choose their own sheriffs.

Fortunately, Judge Schaller apparently agreed. Unfortunately, this matter isn’t closed.

The spokesperson for the state Attorney General’s Office said that the state plans to appeal the judge’s ruling.

Sen. Mark Schoesler

R-Ritzville