Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Kittitas Superior Court Judge Elected President of Association

         APRIL 26, 2006---Kittitas County Superior Court Judge Michael Cooper is the new president of the State Superior Court Judges’ Association (SCJA).  After serving a year as the association’s president-elect, Cooper took over the new position at the 2006 spring conference, held this week near Blaine, Washington. 

       During his tenure, Cooper will focus on adequate state funding for the trial courts; review of the state’s Sentencing Reform Act (SRA); improving services in dependency cases; and cost recovery for courts handling state matters.

“I am truly honored to be elected to this position, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the association to improve the operations and accessibility of our courts statewide,” said Judge Cooper.  Seen as a voice in public policy, the association also advises of the cost and consequences of various public policy initiatives that impact the work of superior courts throughout the state.

Cooper has served on the superior court bench since 1989.  Prior to election to the bench, he served in private practice in Ellensburg from 1978-1989 and as a special assistant to the Montana Attorney General 1971-73.  He also served as city attorney for the cities of Pasco, Ellensburg and Roslyn and as an assistant city attorney in Tacoma.

          The SCJA president and board of trustees represent the 181 judges of Washington’s county-level superior courts. Created by state statute, the association provides its members with continuing judicial education, recommends changes to civil and criminal court rules, and promotes improvement in judicial administration.

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