|Candidate_Dir: ca/hm/vote/wagner_e |Contest_Dir: ca/hm/race/101 |County_List: Humboldt |Residential_County: Humboldt |Office_Title: Superior Court Judge, Department Two |Preparer_Last_Name: Wagner |Preparer_First_Name: Eris |Preparer_Email: eris@tidepool.com |Preparer_Email_OK: Y |Preparer_Phone: 707-442-2500 Ext. 323 |Preparer_Fax: 707-839-2461 |Preparer_Address: P.O. Box 5046 |Preparer_City_State_Zip: Arcata, CA 95518 |Candidate_Last_Name: Wagner |Candidate_First_Name: Eris |Campaign_WWW_URL: http://www.tidepool.com/eris4judge |Campaign_Email: eris@tidepool.com |Campaign_Street_Address: P.O. Box 5046 |Campaign_City_State_Zip: Arcata, CA 95518 |Campaign_Phone: 707-442-2500x323 |Campaign_Fax: 707-839-2461 |Occupation: Attorney |Bio_Highlight_1: 15 Years Superior Court Experience in All Areas of Law |Bio_Highlight_2: Specialization in Family Law&Child Advocacy; Founded CASA |Bio_Highlight_3: Appointed by Courts to Represent Over 1,500 Children in Legal Proceedings |Bio_Highlight_4: Chaired Real Estate and Founded Paralegal Programs at College of the Redwoods |Bio_Highlight_5: UC Davis Law School; BA & MA at HSU; Honor Student |Bio_Highlight_6: Married to Physician Phillip Wagner; 5 Adult Children |Full_Biography: Eris Wagner was born in Eureka in 1948. She is a fourth-generation resident of Humboldt County. Her mother, Janice Peers Slack, grew up in Ferndale. Her father, Fred Slack, grew up in Eureka. Both attended Humboldt State College. Her parents raised five children in Eureka and continue to live there. All her brothers and sisters and their families live in Humboldt County. She graduated from St. Bernard's High School in 1966, and received a Bachelor's and a Master's degrees from Humboldt State University. Prior to attending law school, she taught English at HSU. In 1980, Eris enrolled at the University of California at Davis Law School. After graduation, she worked as an associate with the Eureka law firm of Corbett, Roberts and Hill practicing both civil and criminal law. In 1984, she opened her own general civil practice, specializing in real estate and family law. During the mid-1980s, she directed the Real Estate Program at College of the Redwoods and taught law classes. In 1985, Eris started the Paralegal Studies Program at CR. During the past ten years, Eris has combined child advocacy with a busy family law practice. For many years, she appeared in court each day. In addition to her substantial practice in the trial court, Eris has practiced appellate law, and has served as a Judge Pro Tem and a judicial arbitrator. Since 1986, she has been appointed by the courts to represent over 1,500 children in legal proceedings. In 1991, Eris founded a local chapter of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (C.A.S.A.). She also founded the Center for Child Advocacy, a nonprofit agency which provides legal advocacy services for children. As a result of her work in child advocacy, she was selected by Mirabella Magazine in June 1994 as one of 1000 outstanding women across America. Eris spends many hours each year attending workshops and conferences in order to maintain her expertise in the areas of family law including child development, sexual abuse, and issues relating to child abuse and neglect and divorce. Eris has served on the Humboldt County Grand Jury, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Commission, the Child Welfare League of America Task Force, and numerous boards, committees, and commissions. She belongs to many community groups and generously supports many local organizations. She is also an experienced business owner, and is the Chief Financial Officer for her husband's medical business, HOEM Medical Clinics. Eris is married to Phillip Wagner, a local physician. They have a combined family of five adult children, ages 24-34. Eris enjoys gardening and artistic pursuits including photography, writing and bookmaking. |Political_Priority_1: Fully Enforce Child Protection Laws to Ensure Stability and Safety for Children |Political_Priority_2: Strengthen our Family Court and Advocate for a Permanent (Nonrotating) Family Court Judge |Political_Priority_3: Promote and Expand Out-of-Court Dispute Resolution |Political_Philosophy: Folks have asked me why I want to be a judge. I want to be a judge because I want to live in a county where our children cannot buy amphetamines at school and where people feel safe. I want to have a court system that is responsive to the needs of families, where people are heard whether they are represented by a lawyer or not. I believe that good judge applies the law impartially, without regard to his or her own biases and prejudices. A good judge is a good listener, and is courteous and respectful of all who come before the court. A good judge is tough when necessary and fair always. While an attorney can only hope to make a difference for a single individual, a judge—with experience, ethical leadership and a commitment to the value and strength of our families—can make a difference for the whole community. That's the kind of judge I promise to be. |Featured_Endorsement_1: Times-Standard, North Coast Journal, HSU Lumberjack |Featured_Endorsement_2: Merv George, Jr., Hoopa Tribal Chairman |Featured_Endorsement_3: Dan Hauser, Mayor Nancy Flemming |Additional_Endorsements: St. Clair Adams Haider and Clare Ajina Chet & Gloria (Born) Albin Don & Bettie Albright Becky Alder Claire Allen Don Allen Marilyn Allen Rose Ambrosini Elizabeth Anderson Marjorie and Frank Anderson Mike & Jessie Anderson Sid & Judy Anderson Cam Appleton Richard M. Arimoto Rob & Cherie Arkley Robin & Lois Arkley Brian Arndt Chris & Susie Arndt Gina August Robert and Janine Averill Drs. Loren and Linda Azevedo Dr. Gene Babbitt Jorges & Gail Babot Wanda Baird Pete & Rose Baker Elva Banducci Maggie Banducci Mary Ann Bansen Bonnie Bareilles Paul Bareilles Bill and Vicki Barnum C. Robert Barnum Lori L. Bartley Bill & Ann Barton Drew & Carolyn Bass Judy Bates Grace Battjes Dr. Kim and Sile Bauriedel Bill & Jennifer Becker Gerry & Thelma Becker Louise Becking Bob & Marietta Bell Dr. Norman & Carolyn Bell Gary Bell Patricia A. Belli Sheila Belts Jan Benbow Geri Benedetto Elaine Benjamin Marilyn Bennett Gladys Bercharger Patty Berg Martin and Catherine Berger Bill Bertain Edeen Birckolz Valerie Bish, Director CASA Dr. John and Patricia Biteman Paula Blackshear Ira Blatt Stephanie Bode Frances Boettcher Aldo & Evelyn Bongio Sandra Bonham Bill and Heidi Bourne Dosie Bowling Tedee Boylan Robert & Kathryn Brambani Dr. Benny Brandvold Charlie and Phyllis Branstetter Dr. Robert Brant Al Braud Vera Poole-Braud John R. Braun Frances Bravo Rick Brazeau Darrin Breen Rosemary Bridenbaugh John Brimlow, PAC Jonathon Brooks Maria Brouillard Dennis & Pauline Brown Jill Brown Bob & Frances Bryan Amanda Buckland Herb & Evelyn Buerg Georgia Ann Buffington Phyllis Bugenig Ida Bullard Dallas and Betty Burgess Charles Burkhart Dr. Michael & Kathrin Burleson Arthur Burman Laura Burns Glenda Buskirk Marjorie Bussman Kathleen Butler Merle L. Cables Dennis & Pam Cahill Cynthia Campbell Earl & Anita Cannam Maggie Carey Harry & Linda Carlson Dr. William Carlson Pamela Carothers Tom Carr Dr. Joseph Carroll Dianne Dufala-Carroll Velma Childs Daryl & Phyllis Chinn Matt Chipps Hazel Christiansen Peter Christiansen Helen Christie Jeff & Michelle Clark Paul and Alana Clark Katie Claypool Dr. Luther Cobb Annette Cody John and Virginia Coleman Sherry Collins Nancy Collins Kirk Conzelmann Barbara Cook Randy Cook Melba Coombs Rogan Coombs Dr. Curt & Sarah Cooper Leslie Cooper Michael Cordary Myrna Corder Sharon Corippo Robert Cory, PAC Jacqueline Cory Fred and Joan Costa Dan and Dorothy Cox Ray and Charlotte Cox Dr. Brian and Nancy Craig Carol Craig Ruth Crane Lynn Creaghe-Hayhurst Issac Creighton Al and Diane Crlenjak Norman Crockett Tom Crossman Sharon Crosswhite Bill & Nina Crowe Trina & Tom Cruey Norma Jean Cunningham Bob & Barbara Curry Art & Marguerite Dalianes Jack & Pat Daly William T. and Tini Daly Jack Daly, Sr. Steve Danielson JoAnn Davenport Dr. Joan and Jack Davies Carol Davis Charla Davis Dr. Jay Davis Jess Davis John C. Davis Mary Davis Morgan Davis Randall H. Davis Sherlynn Dancer Davis Dr. William & Doris Davis Dr. Patrick and Karen Dawson Rebecca Decker Virginia Del Grande Joy Dellas Jeannie Dellay Keith DeMello Dr. Paul Dennis Jennifer Dickinson Suzanne Dietz, PNP Charlotte Dillon Steve & Sally Dolfini Steven & Dianna Dow Beverly Dickinson Sue and John Dimmick John and Dana Dimmick Bette Dobkin Denise Doughterty Marie Eddleman Art Eddy Judy Edson Stanton & Ruth Elliott Dr. Mark Ellis David Elsebusch Bruce and Faye Emad Pat Emenhiser Dr. Kim Ervin DeeAna Everett Thora Faigle Sheila Fanucchi Roberta Farmer Dr. Daniel & Larona Farnum Sharon Ferrett Lee and Penny Figas Lorrena Filgas Carrie & Todd Flackus Denise Flaherty Brigitte & Ken Fleck Renee Fleek Mayor Nancy Flemming Roy & Elizabeth Forcier Lawrence A. Ford Larry and Jackee Ford Cardedrick Foreman Sheila & Kevin Foreman Bob & Judy Fox Pat Fox Dr. Susan J. Frances Larry & Pat Francesconi Leo & Ida Francesconi April Frederick Tammy Freeman Richard & Tracy Jordan French Elizabeth & Kevin Frey John & Debbie Friedenbach Kim & Dolly Frye Louise Fuller Jim and Keri Furtado John Gai Jolly Jacques Gale Joan Gallegos Dr. John P. Gambin Dr. David & Tara Gans Dr. Gary and Chris Garcia Dr. Bob and Nancy Gardner Vickie Gardner Sylvia Garlick Laura Garstka Thea Gast, Former Arcata Mayor Mary Gearheart Lesley and George Gentry Merv George, Jr., Hoopa Tribal Chairman Tony Ghera Nina Groth-Ghera Jim and Marie Giampaolo Carol Gibson Richard Gibson Pat Gilley Roy C. Gilmore Emilio Giori Ralph Goddi Armand Gonzales Anna Gloria Gonzalez Jonita Gosney A. J. "Tony" Gosselin, Jr. A. Elaine Gosselin Betsy Gosselin Wayne and Betty Graham Ralph and Cindy Graham Carol Green Kate & Sam Green Yvette L. Green Dave Grinsell Paul and Rosa Mae Grinsell Barbara Groom Peggy Grossman Mike & Carrie Grummert Lee & Jean Grushkin Dolores Guffey Phil and Amber Gundlach Jared Gundlach Jim Gupton, Eureka City Council Judy Gupton LaVerne and Dick Hackett Marilee Hadley Monica P. Hadley Ryan W. Hadley Hazel Hagne James & Sharon Hale John & June Hall Valerie S. Hall Glenn Hamanaka Jennifer Hanan Kim Hannah Tom & Eddie Hannah L. C. Hansen Rory A. & JoAnn L. Hanson Judy Hanson Don & Linda Harling Betty Harms Robin Harper Bob Hartman Judith Hartman Deborah Hartman Lynn Hartley Debbie Hartridge Edna M. Hauck Bill & Dottie Haukenberry Dan Hauser Richard & Jean Hayward Dr. Richard and Nancy Head Harry B. Heisler Dr. Linda Henderson Opie Hendricks John and Laura Hennings Irene Hensley Dr. Jim and Betty Hercher Jan Herdlick Arnold Herkovic Silas Rust Hess Dr. Deborah S. Heyer Fred Hibler Donald & Connie Hill Adeline Hindley Don Hindley Dr. Mike and Marion Hitchko Peggy L. Hobbs David Hodes Dr. Joan Hoffman Tom & Sheri Holloway Dr. Scott Holmes Rita Holz Carol A. Honeycutt Cindy Honeycutt Barb & Doug Hooper Jack Hopkins Dr. Leland & Christine House Jim Howard Pamela Watson Howard Bud Hruby, PAC Jim Hubbard Bobbi Hunt Dean & Dana Hunt Richard & Carolyn Hunt Brian and Cindy Hunt Gerald Hunter Donna Iverson Bill & Peggy Jackson Lisa Ann Jackson Sybil Jamison David & Martha Jansen Dr. Erik & Susan Jansson Dr. John & Jody Jarvis Kimberly Jelinek Becky Jensen Jim and Marie Johnson Helyn Johnston Mike & Linda Jonckheere Connie Jones David and Denise Jones Dr. George & Sylvia Jutila Betty Kane Liane Kaneshige Patti Kay Bob Kelly Hugh & Fern Kelly Dr. Neil Kelley Susan Kenyon Ron Kernberg Laura Kilduff Siddiq Kilkenny Alicia Kirby Kathy and Dennis Kirby Harry and Ellen Kirby Carol Kirk Bob and Peggy Kirkpatrick Robert Kleiman Cindy Knight Roger & Nancy Koehn Tamme and Kevin Koehn Bob & Dee Dee Kornman John Kovacovich Maria Krenek Steven and Carol Krupp Eleanor Kruse Mary Kyle Jeff Lamoree W.F. (Bill) Landis Shereen LaPlantz Grant and Vera Larsen Kathy Larsen Phil LaRue Dawn Lawrence Nancy Lawrence Dr. Christopher and Kathleen Lee Carolyn Lehman Lowell & Lorie Lende Lindy and Mary Lentz Annette Lesher Teresa & Marc Levin Laura Coleman and Jeff Lewis Dr. Eric & Kathy Lieberman Kevin Liss Michelle Lock John G. LoMiglio Dr. Thomas & Katie Loncar Judy Longshore Roger Lorenzetti Judith Lourenco Carolyn and Roger Low Travis Low Ron Lundblade Manual Luis Angela Lundeen Anthony and Deanna Machado Dr. John and Lynn Machen Wendy Madsen Jesse and Tokiko Madison Cindy Magnuson David & Dr. Marcelle Mahan Jill Manfredi Deborah Mangold Dr. Floyd and Mitzi Marchi Nicholas R. Marchi Cena Marino Richard and Peggy Marrs Larry and Helen E. Marshall Bristol Martin Francis B. Mathews Dr. Jack & Joan Maurer Lillian Mavey Libby Maynard Jack and Donell McCanless Eris McCarthy Ralph McCarthy Susan Diehl McCarthy Bill McClendon Natalie McClurg Jeff & Tammy McConnell Kathleen A. McCormick Della McDaniel Shelly McGraw Melody McGuire Greg Mellon, DDS Linda Mellon Dr. Veena Menda Sam Merryman Robert and Pearl Micheli Dorothy Mielke Lisa & John Mielke Marsha Mielke Dick and Joan Miller Donald & Marleen Miller Roger Miller, DDS Connie Miller, Eureka City Council Lorraine B. Miller-Wolf Alice Millington Dr. Tate and Barbara Minckler Chuck & Elizabeth Ryan Minor Jane & Mike Minor Corky Mitchell Jeff Moody Daniel K. Moore Dr. James and Sandra Moore Jonathon and Rosie Moore Joanne Moore Violet Moore Joice Moore Lynda Moore Dr. Rick & Patty Moore Tom Moore Carol Moorehead Virgil Moorehead Dr. Ken and Betty Mooslin Marina Moots Mary Moriarity Peter & Gale Mosgofian Brenda Janky Mott Dr. Robert Mott Rosalie Mott Nathan Mott Fran Mullin Diana Munzer Marcella G. Murphy Pam and Woody Murphy Ken & Marita Musante Dr. Vimal Nanavati Herb and Edythe Neely Denise Neill Elvi Niemi Brooke Nelson Byron Nelson, Jr., Hoopa Tribal Council Jeanette Nelson Dr. Denver and Judy Nelson Dr. John Nelson Linda Nelson Debra Newby Laura J. Newman Jeannette Nichols Edward L. Nilsen Brian & Cheryl Nunn Karen Nutter Julie Oakes Tom & Anne Odom Evelyn Ogle Eric & Joann Olson Julie Olsen Steinmetz Jan Ostridge, FNP Dr. Michael and Keta Palmer Dr. Timothy & Marilyn Paik-Nicely Elisabeth Pajara Dr. Russel and Sylvija Pardoe Marcie A. Parker Ed and Robin Paul Michael and Jan Paulus George and Helen Peck Elva Peers Darlene Penfold Sam Pennisi Leo Perrone Bob and Beverly Petersen Janice and Jerry Peterson Kim Petrusha Charlie Petty Fred & Marnie Phillis Richard Phillis Hank & Cathy Rae Pierson Keith Plant Dr. David Ploss Charlene Cutler-Ploss Noel B. Ponniah Ken Poole James D. Poovey John Porter Rosean Potter Lucinda Poulsen Lynda Pozel Kathleen Prewett Dr. Karen McCarthy Price Dr. O.L. Puttler, Jr. Pamela Prudhomme Ron Queen Joe Ramos Genevieve Ransom Pastor H.K. Ranta Wesley Reinhardt Laura Reneau Mike & Mari Lou Renner Robin Renshaw Matthew Richards Dr. Richard and Elsie Ricklefs Howard and Dixie Rien Jeff & Sue Ringwald Mary Risling, Calif. Indian Legal Services Jane Roberts Dick and Margaret Rodrigue Wayne and Claudia Rogers Judi Rose Tony and Gail Rossi Lisken Rossi Elsa M. Rubio Virginia Rumble Bruce & Marilyn Rupp Phil & Diane Ryan Tracy L. Saban Kathy & Buddy Salazzoni Mindy Sallis Cedric Sampson, President CR Judy Sampson Phil & Lani Sams Janice & David Sams Jerry & Carrie Sams Patrick Sams Jim Sanders Peter & Shirley Santino Domingo and Mary Lou Santos Dr. David and Kathleen Salter Dr. Scott Sattler Kathryn Sattler, FNP Glenn & Janis Saunders Victor Schaub, Former Mayor Arcata Jean Scobie Dr. Melvin & Raquel Selinger Leslie Selvage Greg & Lynn Shanahan Dr. Jim and Mary Jane Schilz Anita Sibley Marino Sichi Patrice Siegfried Lee Simmons Helen Simon Fred & Janice Slack John Slack Kris Slack Lisa Slack Rick & Kim Slack Terri Smiley Chuck & Sue C. Smith Richard A. Smith Dr. Martin & Orleen Smukler Susan Snider Jim Snow Tina Sundell Dr. Robert E. Soper Dr. Marseille Speitz Mary Ann Spencer Lisa St. John Sonja Stammer John Stanberry Arlene Staton LeRoy and Marion Starkey Dr. Rebecca Stauffer, Public Health Fred & Lorene Steele Brenda Steinberg Dorothy Swendeman Dr. Angus & Joan Stewart Beverly Stewart Dale & Cindy Stockly Judy Stoffer Dr. D.K. Stokes Dr. Kusum Stokes Laurie Watson-Stone Eric Strawn Francis O. Stebbins Anne Stromberg Dave Suchar Russ Sullivan Jim Summers Dorothy Swendeman Bruce Taylor Janis Taylor Vic and Althea Taylor Jarmila Temelova Tiffany Tennyson Tammy Terrell Bob & Bonnie Thomas Lynn Thompson Dr. John Tilstra Harry & Ilene Tonini Teri Torgeson Anna G. Toste Gordon & Janice Tosten Natalie Treat Betty & Ray Treder Denver Trimble Marjorie Trott Randy & Annette Troxel Dr. Brad Tucker Dr. Garrison Tucker Jan Turner Sara M. Turner Brenda Tuxford Martin & Rebecca Urkofsky Alice Valdi Edward Vaccaro Jim and Edie Vaissade Debra Mark & Gabe Vallee Nancy Vallee Pat Venne Heather Verville Dr. John and Debbie Vallandigham Kate Vogelsang Dr. Phil Vogelsang Jillian Wadsworth Dr. Phil Wagner Mock Wahlund Cecil and Janet Wainwright Glenn Wallace Dr. Jack and Mary Walsh Dr. Joseph & Janie Walsh Casey Waltrip Craig & Debra Wanek Kim and Paula Watson Buzz & Judy Webb Dr. William Weiderman Dave Wells Lynne Wells Mike & Cheryl Wells Paul & Rosemary Welty Carmela Wenger Joe & Nancy Wheeler John Wheeler Les and Mid Westfall Raymond & Pauline Wickel Dr. Lawrence and Ann Wieland Marla Wilburn Cindy Wilcox Ethel Wilkins Christine & Edward Wilkinson Ray Williams Wendy A. Williams Winnie Williams Paul M. Wilson Terry Wilson John R. Winzler John E. Wise Mary Catherine Wise Stephanie Witzel Emma Wolfe Nancy Woodward David Wrinkle Nancy Yagi John Yamas Connie Young Mary C. Young Tony Zanone Dr. George & Marilyn Zibilich Dr. Robert R. Ziemer Marian West Ziemer Brenda Zwiefelhofer |Position_Paper_1_Title: Retiring Family Court Judge Endorses Wagner |Position_Paper_1_Summary: Judge Buffington Casts His Vote for Eris |Position_Paper_1_Full_Text: "The candidate elected to the Superior Court will serve as our Family Court Judge." "I worked to establish and elevate the Humboldt County Family Court because the most recent studies by the United States Commission on Child and Family Welfare, the National Center for State Courts, the American Bar Association, and the California Administrative Office of the Courts indicate that families and children deserve to be served by courts staffed by bench officers and support staff with long experience and specialized training in the law surrounding the issues litigated in divorce and juvenile cases." "If our family court is to be a family friendly place it is crucial that the judge of this court be a person who has long experience and training in the law surrounding family law issues." "The Family Court is the court where the largest numbers of the public come into contact with our legal system; increasingly the parties to such cases are attempting to litigate many issues without attorneys. It is extremely important to see that all cases are handled by a judge who is familiar with the facts and the law; that need is more crucial when the litigants have no attorney." "If Humboldt County is to maintain its position as a leader and innovator in the area of Family Court processes and procedures; if Humboldt County is to continue to deliver the most efficient and careful decisions in family law cases it is imperative that the judge in Department Two have long and broad experience in the area of family law." "Eris Wagner is the candidate with this experience." The Honorable John E. Buffington, Judge of the Humboldt County Superior Court |Position_Paper_2_Title: Family Court at Stake in this Election |Position_Paper_2_Summary: Local Lawyers Speak Out |Position_Paper_2_Full_Text: Two qualified individuals, a family law attorney and a criminal defense attorney, are vying for the vacancy in Department Two of the Humboldt County Superior Court which will be created when Judge John Buffington retires at the end of the year. Judge Buffington presides over Humboldt County's Family Court, a critical and innovative feature of our court system, which he initiated in 1996. The candidate elected on November 3rd will take Judge Buffington's place as Judge of our Family Court. Family law is a complex area of the law, encompassing not only divorce, but also guardianship, adoption, domestic violence, paternity, child support, child abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency. Because of the wide diversity of matters coming before the family court, many years of practice is necessary to develop a high level of skill and competence. Nearly 25% of the filings in Superior Court are family law cases. There has never been a shortage of judges in Humboldt County with extensive experience in criminal law, either as prosecutors or defense attorneys, prior to assuming the bench. On the other hand, we cannot recall any judge—including those currently in office—who had extensive experience in family law before becoming a judge. Such practical experience is invaluable to bring to our local bench, even if there were no Family Court. Those of us who have practiced law in this county for many years know that Eris is a highly skilled attorney and an expert in family law. She is extremely hard working, dedicated and intelligent. She is well-known as a child advocate and has represented over 1,500 abused and neglected children. In addition, Eris has practiced criminal and civil law, and has considerable expertise in estate planning, property law, appellate law and divorce law, including child custody, support, and property division. She is a skilled mediator, and understands real estate and business. Eris Wagner's community work, teaching, and business background, combined with her legal expertise, make her a unique candidate for the Superior Court. She is 50 years old, and is a fourth generation Humboldt native. With her husband Dr. Phil Wagner, she has raised five children while conducting a law practice. Eris taught at HSU and CR where she founded the Paralegal Program. She participates in the financial management of a large medical business and has donated thousands of hours to community service, serving on the Grand Jury, the Juvenile Justice Commission, the Child Welfare League of America Task Force, the State Bar Child Support Committee, and scores of local boards and commissions. Her dedication to abused and neglected child inspired her to found the Center for Child Advocacy and establish a local chapter of CASA. Eris translates her beliefs into community action. Along with other local attorneys, Eris participated in the formation of our Family Court. There are features unique to family law often overlooked by those not familiar with the practice. Sadly, a number of cases return to court again and again over many years. Each time a new judge is assigned the case, they must start from scratch, trying to learn the history of an often complex situation. Conflicting orders and rulings may result. To compound these difficulties, the same family may be involved in a number of separate but intertwined family law cases—a domestic violence case one year, a divorce, an abuse case, a delinquency case. Although each case involves the same family and the same problems, different judges may assess or treat the family differently, creating confusion and wasting valuable resources. For this reason, national legal organizations such as the American Bar Association urge the development of family law courts with a permanent family court judge. A family law judge needs specialized skills in dealing with people who come before the court, a majority of whom are not represented by attorneys. Eris Wagner is a mature, compassionate, but also firm, woman with the life experience and legal expertise to fill the unique requirements a family law judge. She is committed to fairness and justice and will be able to treat everyone in her courtroom with respect. Eris Wagner is dedicated to maintaining the family court at it was envisioned and implemented by Judge Buffington. In last week's Arcata Eye, Mr. Wilson's supporter Marion Miller proclaimed that "now that Judge Buffington has elected not to run for re-election, the plan for a permanent ‘family' court is no longer in effect." Nothing could be further from the truth. But if Ms. Miller's prediction is realized, the families and children of our county will lose a critical asset and the goal of protecting and serving families and children will suffer a severe setback. Join us and vote for Eris Wagner. Judith L.Edson has practiced law in Humboldt County since 1975. She has been certified by the State Bar as a Family Law Specialist for over 15 years, and is also certified to practice in the Humboldt County Juvenile Court. Victor Schaub has practiced law in Humboldt County since 1974 specializing in family law and education. He is a former Mayor of the City of Arcata. |Position_Paper_3_Title: Local Papers Strongly Endorse Wagner |Position_Paper_3_Summary: Editorials Address Issues |Position_Paper_3_Full_Text: Eris Wagner has the endorsement of retiring Superior Court Judge John E. Buffington, whose seat is up for grabs in this election, but also both the Times-Standard, noted for its conservatism, and the North Coast Journal, with its more liberal philosophy. Both newspapers endorse Eris Wagner for Superior Court Judge. In addition, the HSU Lumberjack, as well as campus groups, endorse Wagner. The Times-Standard points out that "The family law court is a vital part in the county's galaxy of interests. Presiding Judge Bruce Watson wants it to continue dealing with the rising number of family-law disputes. Watson recognizes that children, husbands, and wives continue to require a full-fledged jurist to help sort out the tangles they get themselves into." "Watson's decision is a strong step toward bolstering the 'family values' ethic that other poeple just talk about." "...It's a job for someone who can make the right decisions that change lives forever...the judge will not just consider not just crime and criminals, but also the fate of innocents, the children swept into such cases..." "It's a job for someone who can make the right decisions under the toughest of circumstances. It's a job for a person with a firm grasp of the court's routine legal levers, but who also has a special capacity for understanding the dynamics of family affairs." "We believe Eris Wagner will do it best...[Presiding Judge] Watson was wise to recognize the need for a family law specialist. Voters should do the same and elect Wagner to the job." The North Coast Journal agrees: "...Wagner gets our endorsement. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Superior Court Judge John Buffington. Buffington serves as the judge of the family court of Humboldt County, mandated by law as a court distinct from thiose that handle criminal and civil cases." "The establishment of the family court was one the solutions to Humboldt County's persistent problem of not adequately protecting children as documented by grand jury reports from the mid-'80s and early '90s. We should not allow the momentum for positive change to lag." "Wagner has a superior background and knowledge in this field (none of the current six judges have that expertise). She will serve families and children well over the next three years of the current assignment and we hope the assignment will bw renewed."