Submitted by Jon Cain
Jon Cain of Friday Harbor submitted his application for the position of San Juan County Superior Court Judge on Thursday, June 29. Gov. Jay Inslee will appoint someone later this year to fill the opening that will result from Judge Donald Eaton’s retirement.
“Every day, judges make tough decisions that affect real people and fundamental rights,” said Mr. Cain. “I would be honored to serve this community as superior court judge and I will strive to ensure our courts are fair and impartial.”
Cain currently is the chief civil deputy prosecuting attorney for San Juan County; he has worked in the prosecutor’s office for over 10 years. He previously worked for the City of Bellingham and the Town of Hunts Point. His experience includes a wide variety of cases, ranging from criminal trial to election challenges, family law, land use disputes, construction arbitration, truancy court and more.
“It is important to me that the courtroom be available so that people can be heard,” said Cain.
To improve accessibility, Cain worked with the superior court, court clerk, juvenile court services, and others. Together, they established video conference hearings for truancy matters. These remote hearings have helped families on Orcas Island to attend court without missing a day of work or school. The program is also available on Lopez Island.
Cain is active in the community; he currently is president of San Juan Soccer (also known as Friday Harbor FC) and has often coached youth sports and high school mock trial teams.
“I am always looking for ways to draw people from diverse backgrounds together, and youth sports is a great way to do that,” said Cain.
Cain obtained his law degree magna cum laude from Seattle University; he has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego. He has lived on San Juan Island with his wife and children since 2006.
“I am excited about the prospect of serving as judge in this amazing community of islands,” he said.
For more information, contact Jon Cain at (360) 317-4683.
