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City of Salem
Municipal Court Judge
LYNDA D. OLSON
OCCUPATION:
Attorney;
Arbitrator; Salem Municipal Judge pro-tem.
OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Attorney
since 1979; Arbitrator since 1997; Salem Municipal Judge pro-tem since
1982.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Willamette
University College of Law; J.D. 1979.
Linfield College; B.A. 1975
PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Judge pro-tem, Salem Municipal Court for 23 years.
During my 23 years of service in the Salem Municipal
Court, I have learned that there are those whose actions warrant suspension
of driving privileges, a jail sentence, significant fines, or all three.
But the overwhelming number of first-time offenders are young people. This
presents an opportunity for the municipal court to impact that young person
in a meaningful way.
One program that has been effective in partnership
with the Salem Municipal Court is the Salem Police Department driver
improvement program. This program places young offenders in direct contact
with police officers. When we refer juveniles from the court to the police
driver improvement class, the first- time offenders are offered the
opportunity to preserve their clean driving record while putting them in
direct contact with those who preserve our safety.
These types of programs are extremely cost effective
and require minimal tax dollars. Not only do they correct poor driving
habits and avoid further violations, they foster communication and trust
between the offender and the police. As municipal judge, I would emphasize
the continuation and expansion of these programs.
As a parent, I am acutely aware of the abundance of
illegal drugs in our community. If we are to halt the use and spread of
these drugs, we must build a strong relationship between our youth and our
police. The municipal court should be a leader in promoting that
relationship. We can and should do more. I would embrace that opportunity
if allowed to serve as your municipal judge.
This information was furnished by the Olson for
Municipal Judge Committee
(This information furnished by Lynda D. Olson
and is printed exactly as submitted.)
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