Letter of Support and Endorsement for Commissioner Jason LaChance

January 24, 2024


Hon. Jane York Punnea (Ret.)

Post Office Box 289

Sierra City, California 96125

Dear Voters of Sierra County:

I am writing to provide my support and endorsement for Commissioner Jason LaChance's election as Judge of the Sierra County Superior Court.

I served as a Fresno County superior court judge for more than 20 years. Upon my retirement I moved to northern California where I had been raised. I have continued to serve as a trial court judge in the state Judicial Council's assigned judge program wherein I replace a judge who is ill or away or during a vacancy. Thus, I have worked as a judge in many counties and with many judicial officers. I am currently serving in a long term assignment in the Sierra County Superior Court during this vacancy. I have known Commissioner Jason LaChance from several long term assignments in Nevada County.

I find his professional work in the courts to be outstanding. He has great intellect and judicial demeanor. We both work in similar types of legal proceedings and I have had occasion to read and utilize his past orders in many, many cases. I have found that his orders are legally correct and considered after listening carefully to the parties before him in court proceedings. I know that litigants come away feeling that they have been heard, their case considered, and most fairly decided. His work inspires confidence in our legal system.

His court assignments take him to various courthouses where in he appears always to be prepared, timely, and decisive. I know that he works very well with other judicial officers in the courts and has earned a reputation as a productive team player.

Additionally, not many persons have the opportunity to see the private office of a judicial officer. but as a colleague I often go to his chambers to discuss legal issues. His walls are decorated not with professional achievements but with photos from his personal life: a wedding photo, plaques with the infant footprints of his children, family activities and his own endeavors. He is a devoted family person and very involved in his children's education and activities. He is an outdoorsman, choosing to follow his legal career in our Sierras. He enjoys hiking, snow sports, fishing and hunting. He is at home in rural California and knows the importance of being part of a small community. He is active in many ways to support community based organizations.

I believe he would bring and provide great legal knowledge, judicial wisdom, and personal energy for family and community to the position of Sierra County Superior Court Judge. He has outstanding professional experience and would be committed to serving Sierra County as judge for many years, as he desires to stay in this position until retirement, and doesn't deem this position as a stepping stone to a judgeship elsewhere.

My Highest Regards,

/s/ Jane York Punneo

Judge Jane York Punneo

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