Chris Cook – Forks Forum photo

Clallam County Superior Court Judge candidates Chris Melly and Erik Rohrer addressed the Forks Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 26 at JT’s Sweet Stuffs.

Each candidate was given 15 minutes to speak and later fielded questions from Chamber members.

In differentiating their experiences, Rohrer said he extensive private law practice experience and actual trial experience, which he said his opponent lacked, plus he serves as an elected judge, not in an appointed position.

Melly, who is a Port Angeles resident, said he was better versed in all areas of Washington State law having faced a variety of legal issues while serving Clallam County. As a long-time Clallam County Prosecutor he also knows well how the county court system in Port Angeles works, and the people on staff there. He said he was also admitted to the bar of the United States Supreme Court where a death penalty case was heard.

At the meeting, Rohrer had the advantage of being a Forks Chamber member and past president. He is a West End resident who bicycles a 20-mile commute to his courthouse in the Forks City Hall, where he is the Clallam County District 2 (Forks-West End) judge. He has held the post since 2001, and has been reelected to the position by West End voters. He wife Cari Rohrer is a teacher at Forks Middle School.

Both have served as Clallam County Court Commissioners. Both said they have the backing of Clallam County Republican and Democratic parties.

Rohrer’s campaign website is at www.electjudgerohrer.com and Melly’s is at www.mellyforjudge.org

An overview of Melly’s and Rohrer’s background is also online at www.votingforjudges.org.