FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Commissioners appoint Paul Nielsen for vacant Skagit County District Court Judge, Position 2

Today the Skagit Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution to appoint Paul Nielsen as the District Court Judge for Position 2, replacing District Court Judge Dianne Goddard after she retires on February 29, 2024. The Skagit Board of County Commissioners is grateful for Judge Goddards? time spent in service to the Skagit County community and wishes her the best in retirement. Per Washington State law, the County Commissioners have the authority and responsibility to appoint a replacement District Court judge to serve out the remainder of Judge Goddard?s term.

The Board of County Commissioners accepted applications from qualified members of the Washington State Bar Association to fill the vacated position from January 5, 2024, until 4:30 p.m. on January 19, 2024. Applicants were required to be registered voters in Skagit County.

Paul Nielsen has served as a Court Commissioner with the Skagit County District Court since January 2021. Prior to his appointment, Commissioner Nielsen served as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the criminal felony unit for Skagit County from 2007-2020. Commissioner Nielsen received a double major in marketing and management from Mankato State University in 1998 before graduating from Seattle University of Law in 2001.

The County Commissioners are thankful for all the interested candidates for the open District Court Judge position. Commissioner Nielsen?s local background and experience with the Skagit County community justice system will make for an excellent addition to the District Court bench.

Commissioner Nielsen?s term will be effective on March 1, 2024.

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