Alameda County Superior Court judge race

Commentary by Clinton Killian

The June election is the second California election this year. The February election took the presidential marquee race off the ballot; however, there are still interesting races. In a way, they benefit because they are no longer considered bottom-of-the-ballot races. They are now center stage, with full attention from June 3 voters, not to be overlooked.
   Take the election for an open Alameda County Superior Court judge seat. Normally, the governor appoints someone to fill a judge vacancy. However, retiring Judge Kenneth Kingsbury withheld his decision past the appointment deadline so that the seat would be an elected position. Alameda County is in the unique position of electing a brand new judge for the open seat.
    Over 25 people took out nominating papers for the open judge seat; however, only four returned their documents. Curiously though, no African American attorneys took out nomination papers or returned them. This was a gloriously wasted opportunity to elevate an African American attorney to a judgeship. We have to develop a group of attorneys willing to run for open seats.
    The four contenders are diverse candidates in there own rights, each bringing a unique skill set to the position. They are: Dennis Hayashi, a Castro Valley resident and civil rights attorney; Phil Daly, a San Leandro resident and Alameda County assistant district attorney; Vicki Kolakowski, a Berkeley resident and CA Public Utilities administrative law judge; and Dennis Reid, a San Leandro resident and criminal defense attorney.
    Each of the candidates brings a unique perspective to the bench and vast experience. Hayashi served as director of the Office of Civil Rights under President Bill Clinton. He was also the director of the CA Department of Fair Employment and Housing and worked for the Asian Law Caucus. He is a former AC Transit director.
    Hayashi is married to Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi (D-Fremont), and has the endorsement of many political organizations including several unions, Democratic Party clubs and state, county and local elected officials.
    Daly is a lifelong Alameda County resident and attended local Bay Area schools. For over 22 years, he has worked as a deputy district attorney for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Daly is well versed in county politics. Prior, he was chief of staff for former Assemblyman Johan Klehs and worked closely with neighbor state Senator Ellen Corbett.
    While in the district attorney’s office, Daly prosecuted felony cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, murder, consumer fraud and environmental protection. He has been active throughout Alameda County, volunteering on various boards and commissions. Daly has been endorsed by numerous Alameda County judges and state, county and local elected officials.
    Kolakowski is currently an administrative law judge for the CAPublic Utilities Commission. Prior to that, she was an administrative law judge for the CA Department of Insurance.
    She also worked for the CA Electricity Oversight Board and as general counsel of Telegen Corporation. Her legal experience is in the areas of patent and intellectual property. She is endorsed by many administrative law judges, several Berkeley politicians and numerous LGBTgroups.
    The other candidate, Reid, has thus far not produced any information regarding his campaign.
    Each of these candidates would bring a vibrant perspective to the Superior Court bench. Hayashi has a long history of civil rights advocacy. Daly is a career prosecutor who has dealt with all aspects of the criminal justice system. Kolakowski is an administrative law judge who brings an extensive civil background.
    Each also represents a unique slice of Alameda County and its politics. Hayashi’s support comes mostly from the southern part of the county; Daly, from the central; and Kolakowski from the northern county area.
    This open election has provided an opportunity for the diversity of Alameda County to be on display. We are fortunate that we have a well qualified group of candidates. Each would serve our county and legal system well and help to diversify the current bench.
    Once again, missing is a strong Oakland candidate. It is simply amazing that there is not an attorney from the county’s largest city who wants to be a judge. With the political judicial appointments in Republican governors’ hands for 20 of the last 24 years, there have been few Democratic or minority judges appointed to the bench. So come on all you Oakland would-be judges, get involved in the political process and do not waste this opportunity again.
    This again demonstrates why it is so important for you to vote on June 3. We have a unique opportunity to elect a judge to the bench. This election provides an chance to have input in choosing the people who run our judicial system.
   So, on June 3, make your voice heard. Show that the largest city in Alameda County wants to have input in our judges. Vote June 3 because this unique judicial election does not happen very often. Take full advantage of it and vote your choice for Alameda County judge on June 3. YES, VOTE JUNE 3!

Clinton Killian is an Oakland attorney, resident, former planning commissioner and current candidate for City Council. He can be reached at (510) 625-8823 or clintonkillian@yahoo.com. Visit his website at www.clintonkillian.com.