County Bar Assn. Gives Three Judicial Hopefuls High Marks

Though not offering endorsements, the Orange County Bar Assn. has rated three candidates in Tuesday’s judicial contests as “highly qualified.”

They are Orange County Superior Court Judge Gail A. Andler, who is running to keep her seat for Superior Court Office No. 1; Municipal Judge Stephen Sundvold for Superior Court Office No. 9; and incumbent Judge Ronald Kreber for South County Municipal Court Office No. 1. Each faces one challenger.

Association president Edmond M. Connor said his group’s judiciary committee, which is made up of trial lawyers, determined that only Andler, Sundvold and Kreber deserved the top rating. In addition to the committee’s determination, the local Bar association Thursday released the results of a recent poll rating area hopefuls on experience, fairness, intellect, legal knowledge, industriousness, diligence, temperament and demeanor.

The results:

For Superior Court Office No. 1: Andler, a 4.32 average rating; private attorney P. Arnsen “Arnie” Blakely, 2.71; for Superior Court Office No. 9: Sundvold, 4.20; Municipal Judge Caryl Ann Lee, 3.40; for Superior Court Office No. 21: Hawkins, 3.04; Watson, 2.97; for South County Municipal Court Office No. 1: Kreber, 4.36; trial attorney Kevin Brian Jones, 2.47.