Superior Court Judge

Age: 50

Hometown: Coeur d’Alene, ID

Family: Married for 27 years to Todd Iverson; daughter Alyssa Iverson (21), Medical Assistant living in Post Falls, Idaho; son Austin Iverson (20), student at Eastern Washington University

Elected Position: Odessa town council

Education: BS Criminal Justice (minor in psychology and sociology)-University of Idaho; Juris Doctorate-Gonzaga School of Law

Relevent or Volunteer Experience: Not only do I have experience working in criminal defense and prosecution, but I also worked nearly 12 years in corrections with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department. I have over 20 years’ experience advocating to protect children and families. My experience also includes many other facts of civil law including probate law, landlord/tenant disputes, estate planning, probates, real estate, and corporation/LLC formations.

Candidates have been given a 100 words to answer each question and answers have not been edited.

Question 1: What is your philosophy on balancing punishment with rehabilitation, particularly for first-time and non-violent offenders?

I believe the justice system should focus on mental health treatment and rehabilitation to help people become productive members of society. While punishment can hold people accountable and discourage future crime, it’s important to address the root causes—like substance abuse or mental health issues—especially for non-violent offenders.

Supportive programs that provide education and skills training can be more effective in reducing repeat offenses. By investing in rehabilitation, we not only help individuals grow and change but also make our communities safer. Each case should be looked at individually, considering the person’s situation and their ability to change.

Question 2: What initiatives would you champion to ensure that the court is responsive to the local community’s needs, particularly in terms of access to justice, legal education, and support for vulnerable populations?

1. Promote initiatives like legal aid clinics and partnerships with local organizations to provide free or low-cost legal services for those who can’t afford them. Simplifying legal processes and making information more accessible can help individuals navigate the system.

2. Hold workshops on topics like tenant rights, family law, and criminal justice can empower residents with valuable knowledge.

3. Create specialized programs for vulnerable individuals, including survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities, and the homeless. This could involve tailored legal support and resources to help them access necessary services.

Question 3: Given new regulations on public defender caseloads, what initiatives would you bring to Superior Court to ensure compliance while maintaining justice, legal expediency, and holding the line on costs?

1. Use improved case management systems to help public defenders keep track of their cases and prioritize cases. This will make it easier to handle their workload.

2. Build partnerships with local legal groups, law schools, and non-profits to create a support network for public defenders. This could include internships and volunteer help to lighten individual caseloads.

3. Push for more funding specifically for hiring additional public defenders and support staff, ensuring they can meet the new caseload limits.

4. Offer regular training for public defenders on how to manage their time better, handle cases efficiently, and resolve disputes.