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Judicial candidates debate rising caseloads and sentencing at Germantown forum
Summary
In a Germantown candidate forum for Washington County Circuit Court Branch 2, incumbent Gordon Leech and prosecutor Grant ScaF focused on increasing caseloads, drug and fleeing cases, and the limits of judges27 authority on sentencing set by statute.
Two candidates for Washington County Circuit Court Branch 2 appeared at a Germantown Chamber forum to discuss trends in the county courts and what those trends mean for the community.
Gordon Leech, the incumbent judge, said the county is “seeing a trend of an increasing amount of cases,” citing both criminal and civil matters and a shortage of attorneys to handle them. Leech cautioned that sentencing levels are set by statute and that judges must work within legislative guidance while weighing punishment, deterrence and rehabilitation in individual cases.
Grant ScaF, a current prosecutor, agreed cases are up and highlighted a sharp increase in drug trafficking and “fleeing and eluding” incidents on I‑41 and elsewhere, calling for stronger deterrence and, where the legislature permits, tougher penalties for repeat offenders. On court vacancies, both candidates said appointments and elections carry political influence and are imperfect; Leech described the current mix of appointments followed by elections as an acceptable balance.
Both candidates said judicial independence and public confidence are key issues: ScaF warned the judiciary27s appearance of partisan influence undermines trust, and Leech urged voters to put partisan politics aside when evaluating judicial candidates.
The forum provided voters with direct answers on caseload trends, courtroom priorities and the limits of the judicial role ahead of the April election.
