Judge Chris Culp
OKANOGAN – This week Judge Chris Culp announced he will seek election for a full term this November in Okanogan County Superior Court.
Culp was appointed and assumed the duties of the newly-authorized second position as county Superior Court Judge in 2011 for a one-year term. Previously, county residents elected him as District Court judge in November of 1986 and voted to retain him in that position in six subsequent elections.
“Across the state, all Superior Court judicial terms are up at the end of this year; hence, my appointed term will also conclude. I am enthused about now seeking election, once again, by the citizens of Okanogan County,” said Culp.
“Among other things, being a judge is about being open minded, fair and decisive; it is about being a part of the community and appreciating its values and concerns. It will remain my goal to be a judge who listens and cares. I appreciate the confidence and trust placed in me and I will strive to remain the same judge people have come to know,” he adds.
Judge Culp pledged to continue the work of Judge Jack Burchard and others to maintain the county’s Drug Court for appropriate eligible felony offenders, be involved in the many aspects of juvenile court and work to maintain access for all to the Superior Court.
“It’s been an honor to meet and interact with the many professionals who help the court deal with difficult issues presented – whether substance-abuse related criminal matters, family law questions, and cases involving juveniles or any of the many other types of cases presented. We are fortunate to have so many caring people in the many parts of our justice system. I look forward to continuing working with them while serving as judge,” he said.
Culp is a member of the Okanogan-Omak Rotary Club and previously served as a board member on the Omak Performing Arts Center Foundation. He is married to Omak attorney Peg Callaway and they have two children: Jason (better known as JJ Harrison, rodeo clown, who lives in Walla Walla with his wife Melissa and their son, Huck) and daughter Ashley, who graduates in May from the WSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
