I write this letter in my personal capacity in support of the Circuit Court candidate, Daniel J. Hill.

I am a senior trial attorney for City County Insurance Services, and defend cities, counties and community colleges all over the state of Oregon in both federal and state courts. My practice extends to all corners of the state. I have had an opportunity to practice before and understand the value of a well-qualified judiciary throughout this state.

I am also a colonel in the Oregon Army National Guard and the State Judge Advocate for the State of Oregon. I was appointed to this position by Governor Kitzahaber in August 2001. My experience with Dan Hill goes back to 1987 when he joined our Staff Judge Advocate section as a military lawyer.

Dan and I have worked together for the past 17 years, often taking opposite sides in various military justice proceedings. I have found Dan to be fair minded and extremely hardworking, with a keen ability to develop systems and procedures to improve the justice system. Justice only wins when litigants feel they have been given a fair chance to present their case, and Dan has always sought justice.

Dan has recently worked on a complete overhaul to the Oregon Code of Military Justice that has been submitted to the Legislative Counsel for action by the 2005 Oregon Legislature. His devotion to soldiers and airmen through many hours of personal sacrifice for their benefit has gained him the respect of all.

It is not my practice to write letters to the editor, but judicial candidates are often unknown to voters. Your readers should know that they will not be unhappy in selecting Dan Hill as their next Circuit Court Judge.

Gerald L. Warren

Salem