Attorney gives Dixson nod in judge's race

For the first time in 42 years, a Placer County Superior Court judge, after having been appointed by the governor, is the subject of an electoral challenge, a challenge The Sacramento Bee editorial board characterizes as "ridiculous." The judge is Leon Dixson, appointed by the governor two years ago. The challenger is David Bass, a Rocklin politician and, by day, an attorney employed by the Sacramento County District Attorney. Judge Dixson prior to his appointment, was the subject of thorough screening by the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE). The commission contacted and received positive input from the many attorneys and judges who knew of Dixson's professionalism and ethics. Only after this rigorous screening was his name submitted to the governor for appointment. The challenger, David Bass, has not been screened by the commission. He has not been endorsed by any Placer County judge. He meets the minimum requirement for a judge under California law; 1. He has been a lawyer for 10 years, and 2. He has no official history of misconduct. In his two years as a judge, Dixson has presided over thousands of civil and criminal cases and has earned the respect and confidence of the current judges of the Placer Superior Court. Those judges have unanimously endorsed Dixson. I practiced law in Placer County for 44 years and I know most of those judges. Their endorsement says everything I need to know. Vote to retain Judge Leon Dixson as a Superior Court judge. Ed Koons, attorney Auburn