Promoting Responsible Government
JULY 8 MEETING
Speaker |
Ryan Swinburnson, Attorney at Law |
Program |
Whatcom County's Courts; Local Justice System Functions |
Date & Time |
Wednesday, July 8 - NOON to 1:30 pm Doors open at 11:30 am |
Lunch |
$10 Members, $15 Guests |
Location Map-Directions |
Squalicum Yacht Club, 2633 S Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham - free parking (LINK) |
For more than 26 years, Ryan Swinburnson has served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, county civil counsel, and a public law office supervisor. He was raised here (see his brief bio below) - he's "a local" - so he's very well acquainted with the courts here and the functions of the justice system that we rely on.
Many people aren't familiar with the differences between municipal, district, and superior courts or the very many special courts that now exist like "traffic court," "family court," "small claims court," "juvenile court," etc. While some judges are elected, many others "sit behind the bench" in other roles that aren't particularly well understood, like "commissioner." Swinburnson will give club members a general briefing about these courts and functions, including the role of County Prosecutor - an elected position that Swinburnson's running for this year. This should be a uniquely informative program, and he'll take questions during our customary Q&A session.
Brief bio: "Swinburnson was raised in Whatcom County. He is a graduate of Blaine High School, where he was part of the 1990 state championship baseball team. Throughout his career, he has handled complex criminal cases, advised public agencies, and built a reputation for fairness, sound judgment, and steady leadership. He served as civil counsel for multiple jurisdictions, giving him a deep understanding of how government operates and how legal decisions impact the community. His experience on both sides of the courtroom provides a balanced perspective that is critical to leading a modern prosecutor’s office—one that must protect public safety while ensuring justice is applied fairly and responsibly. In addition to his legal career, Ryan currently serves as President of the Blaine School District Board, where he has demonstrated a commitment to accountability, transparency, and putting the needs of the community first. Ryan lives locally with his wife and their five children, along with two dogs and two cats."
More info at: (LINK) or type in https://www.swinburnsonforprosecutor.com/
Club members' guests are always welcome - bring a friend, business associate, or neighbor. The doors will open officially at 11:30 am.
Many people aren't familiar with the differences between municipal, district, and superior courts or the very many special courts that now exist like "traffic court," "family court," "small claims court," "juvenile court," etc. While some judges are elected, many others "sit behind the bench" in other roles that aren't particularly well understood, like "commissioner." Swinburnson will give club members a general briefing about these courts and functions, including the role of County Prosecutor - an elected position that Swinburnson's running for this year. This should be a uniquely informative program, and he'll take questions during our customary Q&A session.
Brief bio: "Swinburnson was raised in Whatcom County. He is a graduate of Blaine High School, where he was part of the 1990 state championship baseball team. Throughout his career, he has handled complex criminal cases, advised public agencies, and built a reputation for fairness, sound judgment, and steady leadership. He served as civil counsel for multiple jurisdictions, giving him a deep understanding of how government operates and how legal decisions impact the community. His experience on both sides of the courtroom provides a balanced perspective that is critical to leading a modern prosecutor’s office—one that must protect public safety while ensuring justice is applied fairly and responsibly. In addition to his legal career, Ryan currently serves as President of the Blaine School District Board, where he has demonstrated a commitment to accountability, transparency, and putting the needs of the community first. Ryan lives locally with his wife and their five children, along with two dogs and two cats."
More info at: (LINK) or type in https://www.swinburnsonforprosecutor.com/
Club members' guests are always welcome - bring a friend, business associate, or neighbor. The doors will open officially at 11:30 am.