Supports Judge Estelle

To the editor:

Just when you think you have seen it all, along comes the Alaska Judicial Council taking first place in mismanagement and blunders in the misuse of power. Their recommendation not to retain Bill Estelle as our District Court Judge because of a bit of late paperwork is absurd.

When Judge Estelle realized his error, he brought it to the attention of his immediate supervisors who determined Bill had made an honest mistake and handed down a 45-day suspension. This was more than adequate discipline, which Bill accepted with honor and dignity.

My family has known the Estelle family since 1962. Bill was raised in Palmer, went to Palmer schools, got a higher education, and returned to Palmer where, with great effort, he worked himself up to the position of District Court Judge. Bill brings to the bench honesty, integrity, a full grasp of the law, and a large portion of common sense (something the Alaska Judicial Council appears to need a large portion of too).

Please join me and many others in voting to retain Judge Bill Estelle. We need a landslide effort on this vote to demonstrate to the Alaska Judicial Council we are not going to throw out one of our favorite sons just because they think it’s a good idea.

John Combs

Palmer