Judge Stilz will be missed

• Published May 27, 2008

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The South Sound community will lose a stellar judge and an outspoken advocate for open public records and open courtrooms when Thurston County District Court Judge C.L. "Kip" Stilz retires effective Aug. 1.

Stilz, 63, who had bypass surgery last October and has diabetes, has been out of office in recent months on medical leave. He has 24 years of outstanding service on the bench.

Stilz first was elected in 1984 after a successful career as an attorney in private practice in Olympia. He made a run for the Superior Court bench, but after losing that race, settled in at District Court and made it his own.

While he has been an exemplary judge, his real legacy will be his work away from the courthouse to ensure that government records are open and accessible to the public.

Stilz has an abiding love of the First Amendment and the freedoms it guarantees. While in private practice, he was The Olympian's attorney and fought multiple battles on the newspaper's behalf to pry records out of the hands of government officials. He carried that passion for the First Amendment to the bench where, among other things, he served on the statewide Bench-Bar-Press Committee, a statewide organization formed to foster better relationships among judges, lawyers and journalists. He has served as the statewide District Court liaison for the Fire Brigade subcommittee. That committee was formed to mediate conflicts that arise when judges attempt to close courtrooms or limit photographs and media organizations object. Fire Brigade leaders listen to both sides and suggest compromises. Stilz's work on those statewide groups has been pivotally important in maintaining open courtrooms.

Equally important has been his behind-the-scenes work as a long time member of the statewide Judicial Information Services Committee, which, among other things, advises the state Supreme Court on procedures and court rules. Stilz was instrumental in helping guide the state's highest court to make legal records available to the public online.

Presiding District Court Judge Susan Dubuisson, is right when she says Stilz "has served the citizens with distinction, and many of the things that he has done have benefitted the citizens of the entire state. Many of the contributions he made to the judiciary will be felt in a positive way for years to come."

Closer to home, Thurston County Commissioner Diane Oberquell credits Stilz for his work creating the Mental Health Court, where he serves as the presiding judge. By specializing and giving extra attention to criminal defendants with mental health issues, Stilz has been able to steer countless individuals away from the criminal justice system and into social service programs where they can get the help they need. Oberquell is right when she says Stilz is "a very kind and generous man."

In the community, Stilz has been active with Kiwanis Club, the Lakefair parade committee and St. Benedicts Episcopal Church and he raised a guide dog puppy for later use as a service animal.

While his health has forced him from the bench, his early retirement will allow him more time with his daughter, Kathleen, and grandson, Zachary.

But the residents of this community and state are losing a strong voice for the First Amendment.