As a former member of the Judicial Fitness and Disability Commission that oversees the ethical conduct of judges, I want to correct a misconception created by Jared Boyd. Contrary to his claim, Judge Wes Williams’ campaign committee correctly interpreted and followed the judicial code.

Rule 5.1 of the code prohibits a judicial candidate from “personally soliciting or accepting campaign contributions other than through a lawfully established campaign committee.” While this rule does not explicitly prohibit informing a candidate about who contributed to his campaign, the Judicial Conduct Committee has advised that doing so “would certainly violate the spirit” of Rule 5.1.

Only the candidate’s committee is permitted to solicit and accept contributions, and the committee is expected to shield the candidate from specific knowledge about the source of donations to his campaign.

Mr. Boyd’s actions — jumping to conclusions and making public accusations without adequately researching and understanding the law — suggest to me that he lacks judicial temperament.

Lois Barry

La Grande

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