As a semi-retired attorney with no actions pending before any court, I write in support of retaining Mesa County’s Chief District Judge David Bottger (“Flier campaign targets judge”, Oct. 23).

Because most divorce cases are fraught with emotion and disappointment (regardless of the judge), Mr. Moore’s bitterly unpleasant experience is not unique and – even if attributable to Judge Bottger’s rulings – is no justification for voting against retaining one of the finest judges on the Western Slope.

In my limited experience, Judge Bottger is the fairest and most legally knowledgeable jurist with whom I have had contact – whether here in western Colorado or in federal courts. Mesa County is truly fortunate to have such a chief judge on its bench.

Few realize that Judge Bottger’s initiative to consolidate civil cases in his court could save litigants thousands of dollars in legal expenses – by both assuring continuity and avoiding delays caused by the constitutional higher priority afforded criminal cases.

Based on my personal experience with him, I know that Judge Bottger thoroughly enjoys “the law”, such that – even when (in my opinion) he gets it wrong — he has proved to be open-minded, intellectually curious, and willing to promptly reconsider his own errors.

Therefore, while I empathize with Mr. Moore’s personal predicament, I urge citizens – most of whom have no occasion to appear before him – to vote to retain Judge Bottger. As Mike Saccone incisively reported, “Lawyers and non-lawyers alike recommended Bottger’s retention at rates higher than his statewide peers” – and deservedly so!

BILL HUGENBERG
Grand Junction

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