Dembowski statement on Khandelwal’s nomination as Public Defender

October 3, 2018

Summary

"Her nomination puts into action in a very visible way the American Bar Association’s Ten Principles of Public Defense, including selection of the chief defender based on merit, independence and with special efforts to recruit diverse attorneys."

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski released this statement after the County Executive’s announcement that he will nominate Anita Khandelwal to become the director of the King County Department of Public Defense:

“Anita has demonstrated throughout her career and during her time as Interim Public Defender that she has the values and skills to lead one of the best public defense agencies in the nation. Her nomination puts into action in a very visible way the American Bar Association’s Ten Principles of Public Defense, including selection of the chief defender based on merit, independence and with special efforts to recruit diverse attorneys.

“I commend Executive Constantine for making this nomination; it shows he respects the independence of this office as set forth in our charter and knows that those advancing differing views on critical public policy issues, shared and debated, are essential in driving change and achieving the better justice system outcomes for King County residents we all desire.

“I will schedule her confirmation hearing before the Committee of the Whole as soon as possible after transmittal of the nomination in order to ensure stable leadership at the Department.”