Appoint judges

Re “Judgment call,” editorial, July 24

Your editorial correctly notes the need for reform in the judicial election process. The best reform would be to abolish judicial elections altogether.

Members of the legal profession with personal knowledge of the candidates’ aptitudes, temperaments and competence are far more able to recommend candidates for appointment to the bench than voters who lack this knowledge.

The requirement to raise funds for judicial campaigns (particularly from attorneys who may appear before the candidates soliciting funds) creates a potential conflict of interest that compromises the integrity of the judiciary.

Legislation should be enacted to abolish judicial elections. Gubernatorial appointments should be made on a nonpartisan basis, to candidates with demonstrated competence and integrity.

Bill Crosby

Santa Ana