Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Kitsap judge elected president of state judge’s association

Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Leonard Costello has been elected president of the state Superior Court Judges' Association, which works to enhance the delivery of justice in courts throughout the state.

Costello said he will focus his tenure on helping implement court funding reforms that are now being developed by the statewide Court Funding Task Force. The task force has found that court funding needs to be more stable and more balanced between state and local budgets in order to assure equal justice in courts throughout the state.

"It is my honor and privilege to serve as President Judge of the Association," Costello said. "The upcoming year will present a number of challenges around the issues of court funding, sentencing reforms, access to justice and others. I look forward to working with my fellow judges, legislators, the governor and other interested groups in addressing these important matters."

Costello, 57, is a native of Bremerton, graduating from West High. He studied economics at Stanford University, then earned his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law in 1972. He practiced law for eight years in Bremerton, then served as Kitsap County Superior Court Commissioner and Land Use Hearing Examiner from 1988 to 1992. He was elected to the superior court in 1992, and has been active in the Superior Court Judges' Association (SCJA), as well as many community organizations.

The SCJA represents the 175 superior court judges in Washington by providing ongoing judicial education, reviewing court rules for needed changes, and promoting changes that would improve the administration of justice.

Contact: Judge Leonard Costello, Kitsap County Superior Court, 360-337-7140, or email lcostello@co.kitsap.wa.us.