In the election for Fresno’s next judge, Douglas Treisman offers the best experience

One of the most important races in the March 3 primary in Fresno County is the contest for Superior Court judge. Choosing a judge has major implications, including the longevity of judges once they are elected to the bench. They can easily outlast politicians in the public sphere.

Fortunately, the judicial race features a strong candidate: Douglas Treisman, a senior deputy district attorney. He is being opposed by Elizabeth Egan, the former Fresno County district attorney who was once Treisman’s boss.

Both love the law and believe a judge’s duty is to apply the law, not make it. Both have roots in Fresno and know most of the key players in the local legal arena.

But Treisman’s knowledge of the law has been honed by more years of prosecuting cases than what Egan has accomplished. He has been successful at all levels of court in California, including the state Supreme Court. The Bee recommends voters support Treisman.

Making appeals

A 30-year veteran of the DA’s office, Treisman is currently the lead attorney for the writs and appeals unit. In that capacity, Treisman reviews judicial decisions for possible challenges over errors in applying the law or abuses of discretion. Such work requires solid understanding of what the law means, and is a great training ground for becoming a judge.

During his interview with The Bee’s editorial board, Treisman was asked to describe an ethical dilemma he faced in his career. He recalled a sexual assault case involving a young female victim and a male relative. Treisman was going to call the victim’s mother as a witness. On the day she was to appear, the mother came to court under the influence of a drug. Treisman pulled her aside to determine if she had taken a substance; she admitted she had. Treisman knew that, under the law, he had to disclose the woman’s condition to the defense. He did so, and ultimately the jury could not reach a verdict. Despite jeopardizing his case, Treisman followed the rules.

DA experience

Egan was district attorney for 12 years before she lost the 2014 election to Lisa Smittcamp, who had been a deputy in the prosecutors’ office. Egan emphasizes her experience in running the office — a major agency in county government — as a key reason she is well prepared to be a judge.

In her interview with The Bee’s Editorial Board, Egan also offered creative ideas for expanding judicial services, such as starting a night court for juvenile cases so parents can more easily attend hearings and restoring traveling judges on a “circuit” so residents of rural towns like Mendota and Coalinga can have legal services in their hometowns. (As one of more than 40 Superior Court judges, Egan could not start such programs herself. She would need the backing of the court’s presiding judge and executive board).

What endorsements reveal

Both candidates have key endorsements:

Treisman is endorsed by Smittcamp, the Fresno Prosecutors’ Association, the District Attorney Investigators’ Association, Chief Deputy District Attorney/Clovis Councilmember Bob Whalen and Fresno City Councilmembers Garry Bredefeld, Mike Karbassi and Miguel Arias.

Egan is being backed by Sheriff Margaret Mims, a longtime supporter, former mayor Alan Autry, former county supervisor Henry R. Perea and retired state Supreme Court Justice Marvin Baxter.

Recommendation

Treisman’s broad experience and notable endorsements from key members in the legal community — like his fellow prosecutors — make him the best choice for judge.