Polson Commission hears from four judicial candidates
The Polson City Commission interviewed four candidates for city judge Monday night and plan to consummate the selection process at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25.
The appointee will serve July 1 through Dec. 31, 2027, with the next judge selected by voters during the municipal election in November 2027.
Candidates for the two-and-a-half-year post are sitting Judge Michael Larson, retired Lake County chief juvenile probation officer Barbara Monaco, former deputy police chief with Simi Valley, Calif., Joseph May, and the head of Lake County Maintenance and a former probation and parole officer, Dale Ramesar.
The four were interviewed separately and answered nine questions prepared by attorney Jordan Crosby, who was hired this spring to guide the commission through the process of appointing a judge.
Candidates were asked about their qualifications and work history, ability to handle stress and work cooperatively with city staff, their understanding of relevant state laws and Polson ordinances, experience supervising others, the role of the court in contributing to the well-being of the City of Polson, and what made them the most qualified candidate for the job.
Ramesar addressed the commission first via Zoom, and emphasized that the 18 years he spent in law enforcement has taught him to communicate with people in stressful situations and “make sound decisions using the facts at hand.”
As a parole officer he wrote pre-sentence reports for District Court and helped individuals on parole seek employment, counseling and housing. Judges, he told the commission, must be “honest, very ethical and fair and have the ability to listen” – all qualities he said he would bring to the job.
May also emphasized his lengthy experience in law enforcement, beginning in 1981 as a corrections officer and continuing through his retirement from the Simi Valley Police Department in 2019 as the deputy chief of police, overseeing a force 121 sworn officers and 20 civilians.
“I’ve been looking for the opportunity to work and use my training and expertise serving the area where I live,” he said.
He listed integrity and humility as the two most important qualities in a judge, and told the commissioners that “after 37 years in law enforcement I’ve had my share of stress and pressure and I’ve learned not to take it personally.”
If the commission appoints him, “you’re going to get a fair person who brings integrity to the job, is not afraid to admit he’s wrong and strives to be a continual learner.”
Judge Larson, who was first appointed to the seat in July 2021, said he’s had extensive training during his four years on the bench which have given him an in-depth understanding of Montana law. “I live every day with the codes,” he said, adding that Polson city attorney Dave Michie has also been “an extremely good resource” and praising the work of local law enforcement.
He listed fairness and the ability to listen as two important judicial qualities. “There are two sides to everything, and you’re the referee,” he said. His four years on the job make him “the most skilled, experienced candidate you’ll find for the position,” he told the commission.
Monaco also brings a lengthy resume to the table, having served more than 38 years in law enforcement. Her role as chief juvenile probation officer in Lake and Sanders counties included hearing cases and handing down sentences. She’s completed more than 75 hours a year in training, and has a wide range of certifications, from domestic violence and conflict mediation to courtroom decision-making and critical incident stress management.
She cited her long working relationship with city and county law enforcement and her understanding of the separation between the judicial and executive branches of government. She also emphasized her in-depth knowledge of Montana law, the importance of running an efficient courtroom, and her understanding of community resources.
She stressed impartiality. “You have to treat the person in front of you with respect, make sure the person is held accountable” and consider tools that might help perpetrators “start making good choices.”
Public comments will be accepted through noon Monday, June 23, via email, and in person during next Wednesday’s meeting.
Also on Monday, the commission unanimously passed the first reading of an ordinance that will amend the municipal code so that future judges will be elected instead of appointed.
Errant golf balls
Commissioners heard from residents on Bayshore Drive, complaining that errant golf balls from “The Old Nine” on the Polson Bay Golf Course are posing a public safety hazard. One resident said he was assailed by a ball May 10, which struck him in the abdomen, causing a bruise that lasted two weeks. And on June 6, he discovered the windshield on his boat had been shattered by a golf ball.
He noted that older golfers and those less experienced typically play the course, and “are going to slice to the right statistically,” which can send a ball hurtling into the neighborhood on the east side of the course.
Michelle Lee suggested planting trees as a barrier, and until the trees are tall enough to intercept balls, to place netting along the edge of the course, or move the tee to a less hazardous location.
“It comes down to being a good neighbor,” said her husband, Jeremy Lee. He said they’ve attended meetings of the Polson Golf Board, but so far nothing’s been done.
“We don’t think people are purposefully sending golf balls our way,” he noted, adding that the couple has started parking cars around the corner of their house “and we still had a window put out.”
Dog park upgrade?
Eve Dixon and Dennis DeVries encouraged the commission to support a fundraising campaign aimed at improving the Travis Dolphin Dog Park on Kerr Dam Road.
Dixon told commissioners that a group hopes to raise enough money through a GoFundMe campaign to replenish the gravel and groundcover at the park and add some four-by-four timbers and terracing to improve access to the dock. While the group plans to raise the funds, Dixon noted that they would need help from city employees to install the improvements.
DeVries said that they had broached the project with Polson Parks and Recreation and the Public Works Department before coming to the commission.
“We’re open to collaborating closely with the council to make sure it aligns with community standards and makes the park a better space for residents and our furry companions,” Dixon said.
She asked that their proposal be added to the agenda for the July 7 meeting.