Current Endorsements and Testimonials
Dennis Yule
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I am pleased to endorse Shelley Ajax for Benton-Franklin Counties Superior Court Judge, Position 1. As a former Benton-Franklin Superior Court judge, I had the opportunity to regularly observe and work with Shelley over a period of many years. When Shelley appeared before me I knew she would be an effective, informed and thoughtful advocate and officer of the court who would assist the court in reaching a fair and just decision.
As a judge, Shelley Ajax will bring to the court those attributes that are so essential to the court and her position on it: her academic excellence, as an undergraduate at WSU and as a law student at Gonzaga, reflect her strong intellect and scholarship; her academic accomplishments , achieved while she was raising young children as a single parent, attest to her remarkable work ethic; the thoroughness, thoughtfulness and empathy with which she has always addressed the circumstances and issues involving her clients demonstrate her wisdom and careful consideration. Those qualities will serve her, the court and our communities particularly well as she considers the myriad issues that will come before her. I encourage everyone to join me in voting for Shelley Ajax for superior court judge. |
Troy Glasgow
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As a member of the criminal justice community I have interacted with a great number of attorneys over the years. Shelley Ajax stands out as one of the finest. Shelley has a vast knowledge of the law and her sense of fairness is paramount. Shelley provides the absolute best representation for her clients and she is firmly committed to the rule of law. Shelley's reputation as a hard working and honest attorney is well known. As a friend, I can attest that her character and integrity are unsurpassed. In conclusion, Shelley Ajax is a brilliant lawyer and she is the best candidate for Benton Franklin Superior Court Judge.
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Susan Arthur
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I have known Shelley Ajax for 8 years in my position as the legal assistant/receptionist for the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's office. I am lucky to also know Shelley on a personal basis as we share a great love of dogs. Shelley Ajax is genuine, caring, hard working, and deeply committed to justice. I believe she will be a bright spot on the bench and I endorse her for the position of Superior Court Judge for Benton Franklin County.
••••• VOTE FOR SHELLEY AJAX ••••• |
Joshua Gosney
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I’ve have known Shelly for nearly 16 years. In my years knowing her she has been one of the kindest, most honest, and hardest working people I know. I can’t endorse her enough for Superior Court Judge.
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Martha Burgess
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It is a great pleasure to endorse Shelley Ajax for the position in the Superior Court. I know Shelley for many years, and she has always display a high degree of integrity, responsibility. She is definitely a person that has what is needed to be an extraordinary judge. Besides her great qualities as an honest lawyer, she is active part of the community, open to give the extra step to help the needy. Shelley would be an asset to the court, I am happy to give her my wholehearted endorsement.
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James Callahan
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I've known Shelley for at least 8 years, and during that time I have found her to be very fair, straightworthy, knowledgeable, and trustable. All positive attributes to have as a judge, and most importantly of all, as a friend.
On a personal note, she loves her pups, and often shares funny anecdotes about them. She enjoys the outdoors; running, swimming, hiking, canoeing. I am happy and honored to call her my friend. |
Jim Egan
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I have practiced law in Washington since 1975 when I graduated with Honors from Gonzaga Law School where I was the Editor-in-chief of the Law Review. I practiced in both federal and state courts and litigated several appeals in the Washington Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit.
I have known Ms. Ajax as opposing counsel, co-counsel, and as a judicial officer since 2005. She has the intelligence as well as the character and fortitude to rule fairly and honestly in litigation and not treat her position as if she was elected to be an empress. |
Eman Rodrick
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This is the time of year where candidates are making themselves known for upcoming elections. In this case, I wanted to take a minute to highlight Shelley Ann Ajax who will be running for Superior Court Judge. I had the pleasure of working with Shelley from 2016 to 2019 while I was a court officer for Benton County Jail. A couple things really stood out to me about her as an attorney.
1) Her passion to do the right thing regardless of what the person she was defending was accused of/ or her personal feelings on the matter. This should come as no surprise, but there were defendants who definitely did not deserve her best but they got it without question and I was right there to see it (and in some cases got to remove them from the courtroom ). I was always impressed by that. 2) Her steadfast work ethic. I saw nothing but diligence in her duties as a defense attorney and if you know anything about their workloads, they are much like teachers- they put in countless hours that they will never be paid for and ask for nothing in return. Many times as we would chat while she waited for her turn to address the judge on behalf of her client/case, she would nonchalantly mention how little sleep she got preparing for the days hearings. Again- some of the last people on earth I could see fit to defend in that manner, and she did it with conviction and professionalism. I will vote for her in a heartbeat and trust that I am getting a sound, fair and committed candidate. Good luck, Shelley. |
Peyman Younesi
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I strongly endorse Ms. Ajax for Superior Court Judge for Benton-Franklin Counties. I have known Ms. Ajax for more than ten years - when I first met her, she dominated the civil and domestic dockets and was highly respected by her peers and clients.
As a single mother - she fully impressed me making all her court appearances, attended to all her clients and argued her cases with commitment, confidence and integrity. About a year after my arrival to the Tri-Cities, Ms. Ajax transitioned to criminal docket as a panel member for indigent defense. A little known fact, not known by many, as a criminal defense lawyer myself, I witnessed her being shunned, ostracized and fully rejected by almost all who practiced in criminal court. It was very clear to see, as a newcomer myself, the defense community did not welcome new attorneys - they all made it clear she was not welcomed. I personally witnessed individuals who flat out refused to appear on the same docket as hers. To this day I recall - when I consulted with her about the situation we were both facing, her simple comment to me was “ .. I will not let individual comments or the actions of others interfere with the job I was hired to do…” As time went on, not only did she prove her place in criminal court, but dominated criminal defense and was notoriously liked by clients and judges. She proved her diligence and respect to all her colleagues - who untimely not only befriended her but stood by her during dockets and trials. Therefore, needless to say, not only is she a fighter and an advocate of the highest order - but also well disciplined and well versed in all areas of legal practice- civil, criminal and domestic. In my opinion, it is extremely important for any presiding judge in Benton and Franklin counties to be well versed in all practice areas and have had hands on experience in those areas in order to preside over such complex matters as a Superior Court judge. There is no question she is facing some fierce competition, however, her vast legal practice and exemplary knowledge of all areas of law make her the only choice for the position. |
Lanaya Gosney
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"Driven for Justice", is the phrase that comes to mind when I think of Shelley Ajax. I have had the privilege of knowing Shelley for over 13 yrs. First meeting her when she was doing family law. She represented me in a very nasty divorce. During at which time I saw her many character traits that have made her successful in all areas in her life. Her ability to communicate with counsel, clients, juries and witnesses, calmly and courteously, as well as her ability to listen to and consider what is said on all sides of a debatable proposition is one of her greatest assets. Shelley got my children and I out of a bad situation and my children and I were back together. We have never forgotten what she did for my family and we will always be very thankful. My children still talk about her in the most loving way. Another gift she has, is the gift of discernment, the gift to judge well, and I believe this gift is something that we are needing more and more in today's time. Shelley has courage, tact, firmness, understanding, compassion, humility, intelligence, and ethics. Oh, and lets not forget about her sense of humor.... She even has that going for her. Shelley Ajax has mine and my family's vote. She is a great asset to our community and a judge that will make us proud.
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Harold Street
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I am Endorsing Shelley Ajax. She has consistently proven herself to be a loyal and dedicated individual in both her personal and professional life.
Having know her for 15+ years. I can honestly say that she is a person who leads by example. Both her friends and her loved ones look up to Shelley and are inspired by her work ethic and dedication. In both professional and personal realms Shelley Ajax is a Leader. She is able to communicate with people both younger and older than her and be positive and friendly. This adaptability makes her an ideal Judge. There is no project or task that she cannot complete. Shelley Ajax is the definition of a go-getter. Endorsing Shelley Ajax is a wise decision. She is always professional,kind and generous. She is a dynamic worker who will go the extra mile. My family endorses Shelley Ajax for Superior Court Judge. |
Conner Davis
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I only know Shelley as a neighbor and lawn care client. I can't speak on her as an attorney, but I do know that she is morally sound, and caring individual through the interactions I've had with her. I can tell by the topics of conversations I've had with her, that she cares far more for others and the local community in general, than herself.
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Belinda Brightwater
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Shelley is very honest and fair intelligent woman and would make a great judge
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Roxanne Kaelin
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My husband and I Robert Kaelin have known Shelly Ajax for a number of years. She is Dedicated, Hard-Working, Trustworthy and determined to get things done right. Couldn't be a better candidate for Superior Court judge.
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Deborah Ruegsegger
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In a pool of candidates Shelley Ajax rises to the top. She has the experience, passion and integrity that makes her the right choice for Superior Court Judge of Benton and Franklin Counties.
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Lisa Lang
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As a court stenographer for many years in Benton and Franklin Counties, I have had the opportunity to see Shelley in action as a defense attorney. I have always been impressed with her preparedness and calm demeanor in the courtroom while passionately representing her clients. I believe these attributes will carry over to the bench.
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Eric Scott
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Shelley Ajax is among the most intelligent and hardest-working attorneys in the state, with the necessary moral compass to guide each of her decisions to the legally correct and just result.
As an attorney, she has employed her work ethic and intellect to masterfully represent her clients in some of the most complicated and highest-stakes cases in the history of the Tri-Cities. I am thrilled that she is running for superior court judge, because her rare legal talent and experience will no longer be limited to benefiting her clients. Instead, her abilities will be appreciated by the entire Tri-Cities area every day she presides over a case or a docket. But Ms. Ajax is more than a smart and skilled attorney. She is a good person. As a younger attorney, I could always call on her for advice on a client, a case, or a question of law. And without exception, she has been instantly available to help me with her incredibly insightful responses. She is one of the most genuine and helpful people I have met in my professional career, and she will make an excellent judge. I enthusiastically endorse Ms. Ajax for superior court judge. |
Patricia Klukkert
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I have known and worked with Counselor Shelly Ajax for many years up to my retirement in 2011 at the Franklin County Correctional Facility as a Corporal in corrections working with inmates on trials and court proceedings. Shelly always represented herself and her clients with professionalism and fairness. I think she would make an excellent choice for Superior Court Judge. I endorse Shelly Ajax!
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Jesse Taylor
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I have had the privilege to know Shelley Ajax for several years now. She is caring, committed, and is extremely community minded. These are the perfect qualities, including being an excellent lawyer, that make her the best individual to become the next Benton Franklin County Superior Court Judge.
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Jay West
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As an individual with high character, integrity, intelligence and passion for serving Shelley is the exact person this community needs. She will continue to excel and we will be proud and honored to have her as our Superior Court Judge!
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Jason Celski
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I have worked with Shelley since 2006. She has been very professional in all the work she does. I highly recommend Shelley for Judge.
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Mark Almquist
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Columbia Private Investigation has worked with Shelley Ajax for over 11 years! Shelley is a thoughtful attorney and well versed in the law, She will be a terrific Superior Court Judge for our community.
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Jack Huber
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I had the pleasure of working along side Shelley in a law office before she attended law school. Even back then she had impeccable character and steadfast ethics. I always felt she would make a great judge someday, and it looks like someday has finally arrived for her.
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Danielle Purcell
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Our local bench needs someone like Shelley: honest, intelligent, diligent, knowledgeable, & fair. She will bring integrity & experience to the bench! Vote for Shelley!
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Dennis Hanson
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I have known Shelley for several years. Recently we tried a murder case together. Shelley was extremely well prepared for the trial and had a commanding knowledge of court rules, procedures and the law. She will be a huge asset to the Benton-Franklin County Judicial Bench.
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Michael Vander Sys
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Having known Shelley over the last eight years, I've had the opportunity to witness first-hand her work ethic, her passion for justice, and her commitment to serving her clients and the broader legal community. She's done a commendable job as an advocate and would make an excellent judge.
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Kristine Glasgow
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Shelley Ajax astounds me with her wide range of knowledge and understanding of the law. Her work ethic and integrity are beyond reproach and she would be a welcome addition to the bench. I wholeheartedly support Shelley Ajax for Benton-Franklin County Superior Court Judge.
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Trinity Orosco
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I have had the opportunity to work with Shelley and have witnessed firsthand her work ethic, commitment to public service and her love of our community. Shelley is experienced in both civil and criminal cases, as well as, volunteering as an arbitrator. Shelley will be an excellent addition to the bench.
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Shawnna Morris
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Shelley Ajax's integrity is what we the citizens need from the bench. I have personally watch Shelley serve member's of our community. Thank you Shelley for always being available to help and serve Benton and Franklin County.
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Endorsement: National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington