To the Honorable Governor Bob Ferguson, Washington State Legislators, the Thurston County Superior Court Presiding Judge, and the Citizens of Washington State:

We, the undersigned citizens of Washington State, specifically residents of Thurston County and surrounding areas, are deeply concerned about the current state of public safety and the administration of justice within our community. We are specifically compelled to address a pattern of judicial decisions that, in our view, have contributed to increased risk for our citizens and law enforcement.

We express our profound concern regarding judicial decisions, particularly those made by Judge Allyson Zipp of the Thurston County Superior Court, which have, in numerous instances, resulted in what we perceive as undue leniency towards individuals charged with serious crimes. This leniency often manifests in the form of low bail amounts, relaxed release conditions, or other decisions that allow individuals with significant criminal histories to return to our communities, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Recent events highlight a critical disconnect between judicial rulings and public safety. We believe that such decisions undermine the efforts of law enforcement, erode public trust in the justice system, and endanger our communities. Specifically, we cite the following examples:

• Release of a "Career Criminal" Involved in a Shooting (May 2025): As reported by Future 42 and Brandi Kruse's show "[un]Divided" on May 14, 2025, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders publicly criticized Judge Zipp's decisions regarding a "career criminal." This individual, Damien Madison, a convict with 10 felonies (now 11), was reportedly released from custody by Judge Zipp and subsequently involved in an incident where he shot at deputies with an AR-15 as he sped down the road. Sheriff Sanders stated this was the third time they had pursued this criminal in six months, and he had previously warned that "if the judges don't start taking this seriously, someone's going to get hurt or killed." The article directly links Judge Zipp's decision to release the individual as the reason he was not behind bars at the time of the shooting.

• Release of Suspected Car Thief Without Bail (August 2024): According to Mason County News - Hood Canal Communications, on August 16, 2024, Judge Allyson Zipp released an 18-year-old suspected car thief who had led Thurston County Sheriff deputies on a dangerous high-speed pursuit in a stolen vehicle with five teenage passengers. The driver was booked on three felony charges, including eluding police, possession of a stolen vehicle, unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and a misdemeanor hit and run charge. Despite Judge Zipp noting at the initial appearance that "there exists a substantial danger that the defendant will commit a violent crime," and the prosecutor requesting $10,000 bail, the judge opted to release the suspect without requesting bail, solely on his promise to return to court. This decision drew strong criticism from Representatives Travis Couture and Dan Griffey, along with Sheriff Derek Sanders, for further eroding public safety and sending a message that "actions have no consequences."

Who is Impacted?
The impact of these decisions is far-reaching and deeply personal. When dangerous individuals are released with insufficient oversight, our communities are concretely affected. This means:

Victims of crime are re-victimized by a system that fails to protect them from repeat offenders.

Law enforcement officers face increased danger on the streets, as they encounter individuals who should be in custody but are instead free to commit further crimes, sometimes violently.

Everyday citizens live with heightened anxiety, fearing for their safety, their property, and the well-being of their families. Businesses suffer due to increased crime, and the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods diminishes.

What is at Stake?
If these patterns of judicial leniency continue, the fabric of our community safety will further unravel. What's at stake is nothing less than the fundamental promise of a safe and just society.

If things stay the same, we can expect a continued rise in crime rates, a further erosion of public trust in the justice system, and an increasing sense of vulnerability among our residents. Our police officers will remain on the front lines, risking their lives against offenders who repeatedly evade meaningful accountability.

If things change, and judicial accountability is prioritized, we can begin to rebuild safer communities. This means fewer repeat offenses, greater protection for our citizens and law enforcement, and a justice system that consistently delivers on its primary responsibility: upholding the law and protecting the public.

Why is Now the Time to Act?
The alarming incidents of repeat offenders committing new crimes after lenient judicial decisions make it clear: now is the critical moment to act. We cannot wait for more lives to be endangered or for further tragic events to unfold. Every day that passes with insufficient accountability puts our community at greater risk. By acting now, we can demand the necessary changes to ensure our justice system truly serves and protects the public.

We believe that a justice system that effectively holds criminals accountable is paramount to the safety and well-being of all Washington State residents. We urge our elected officials and judicial leadership to take these concerns seriously and to work towards a justice system that truly serves and protects our communities.

While we understand that Washington State law does not provide for the recall of judges of courts of record, we believe it is our civic duty to voice our concerns and demand greater accountability within our judicial system.

Therefore, we respectfully petition for the following:

1. Review of Judicial Sentencing and Bail Practices: We urge the appropriate legislative and judicial bodies to review current sentencing guidelines and bail practices, particularly concerning repeat offenders and violent crimes, to ensure that public safety is prioritized.
2. Enhanced Judicial Training and Guidelines: We call for comprehensive training for judges on the real-world impact of their decisions on community safety, and for the establishment of clearer guidelines that prioritize the protection of the public.
3. Increased Transparency and Data Collection: We request greater transparency regarding judicial decisions, including data on re-offense rates for individuals released on bond or with lenient sentences, to allow for informed public discourse and evaluation of judicial effectiveness.
   Public Awareness and Engagement: We aim to raise public awareness regarding the critical role of judicial decisions in community safety and encourage active engagement in understanding and advocating for a more robust justice system.
4. Consideration in Future Judicial Elections: We urge voters to carefully consider the judicial philosophies and past decisions of all judicial candidates, including Judge Allyson Zipp when she is next up for re-election, to ensure that those elected prioritize community safety and uphold the principles of justice.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned Concerned Citizens of Washington State