Keeping your judge in the spotlight

It’s tough to accurately gauge the public’s interest in this current legal battle between Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Michael Morgan and the city.

But that’s not the point. Morgan’s ongoing effort to block the public release of a report on the court’s work environment is still a waste of time and money, which is why the media cares in the first place. That’s what we’re paid to do: Keep an eye on public officials, especially ones who work the legal system to their benefit.

Lots of lawyers love to argue and nit-pick details to death. Morgan is no exception, as evidenced when he (or his attorney) contacts The Mirror every time we publish news or commentary on the case. That workplace investigation in question is likely all about Morgan and pointless office politics — nothing that will cause the Earth to spin off its axis nor disrupt daily life in Federal Way.

If an employee thinks the court is a bad place to work under Morgan’s leadership, then that employee can work somewhere else. The true concern for the public should stem from the battles Morgan willingly picks. No one seems to question his competence as a judge, yet Morgan possesses a polarizing personality that propels people to slam him silly or defend him vigorously.

Regardless, we all should wish for Morgan to complete a successful term as judge and make this city proud. The latter is actually a realistic goal, attainable as soon as Morgan stops stroking his own pride at taxpayer expense.

As long as this case continues, The Mirror will keep it in the public spotlight.

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