Dear Joe Hagedorn,

I’m writing this because you took a chance on me, and I’ll never forget that. Before you, everyone just saw me as a screw up, a lost cause. When you let me out of juvenile lock up, I knew I couldn’t mess it up. Seeing you believe in me enough to give me another shot made me want to be better. You don’t just see people for their mistakes; you see what they could be. You changed my life, and I know you (would) do the same for even more people.

“I have worked with Joe over the years in his role as a public defender, including his representation of people in our Mental Health specialty court.

He is unfailingly professional, diligent and compassionate. He will bring strong skills and even-handed fairness to his work as a Circuit Court Judge on the family law bench.“

“Joe is intelligent, dedicated, and hardworking. In addition to possessing the professional experience that our courts require, he has demonstrated great kindness toward people facing difficult situations within the legal system. Joe is the kind of judge our community deserves.”

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“Joe es inteligente, dedicado y trabajador. Además de poseer la experiencia profesional que nuestros tribunales requieren, ha demostrado mucha bondad hacia las personas que enfrentan situaciones difíciles dentro del sistema legal. Joe es el tipo de juez que nuestra comunidad merece.”

Adopting our children from foster care was a long and emotional journey. Judge Hagedorn’s calmness and obvious commitment to our children during the process made us feel seen and safe. On adoption day, he let our children sit up on his bench for photos making the day even more wonderful and special.

“Joe was one of my first supervisors when I was a baby public defender 20+ years ago.

When he became a pro tem judge, I appeared in front of him hundreds of times. Joe was always a model of compassion and respect, making my juvenile clients or struggling dependency parent clients feel seen and heard.

I never worried about whether Joe’s ruling would be fair or appropriate (even when he ruled against me).“

“I’ve known Joe for over 20 years. I’ve also watched him coach Holy Redeemer boys basketball teams for nearly a decade. He’s someone you can trust to get things done and cares deeply about our community. He is and should be your only choice for this very important position. Please vote for Joe Hagedorn in May.”

“I'm grateful to be able to vote for a person like Joe Hagedorn. He is a man of integrity and fairness.”

“Joe Hagedorn is exactly the type of ethical, smart, kind, fair, and restorative-justice minded leader we need as a Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge in the Family Law Court. His thoughtful approach, informed by many years as a public defender and as a Judge Pro Tem make him the best choice for Multnomah County Judge. Joe’s integrity and strength of character are unwavering and he will ensure we maintain impartiality and judicial integrity in all matters before him.”

“As a PTA/PTSA parent and the Harriet Tubman Bike Bus captain, I have known Joe and his family for 10+ years. Joe has 6 years on the bench in a full-time Pro Tem position, simply put, Joe already has the experience to do the job he is running for. I endorse Joe Hagedorn for Judge of the Circuit Court, Multnomah County, Position 14.”

“The courts are essential to protecting our constitutional rights. If you are feeling discouraged about the world. There’s hope. We can make a difference at the local level today by electing Joe for Judge. He will uphold the law with compassion.”

“Always fair. Always respectful. Always professional.“

“Joe is measured, thoughtful and hard-working. Perfect judicial temperament.”

I went to the Ladds 500 bike event on Saturday with my Developmental Disability Services support worker (crowded events are very difficult for me with my disabilities and I try my best to continue to engage in community activities with my DDS services).

I had the opportunity to speak briefly with Judge Hagedorn. I do not believe it was an easy conversation to field in such a loud, chaotic setting, but he answered my challenging question about the unique complexities for non-partisan candidates in a judicial election (versus political/partisan candidates) and treated me with the dignity and compassion I have found so rare on a difficult journey these past few years.

As I shared with my support worker when we got home, it really matters when someone who understands all aspects of what you are discussing is willing to hear you and see you, especially when you have significant disability impairments, and mirrors back your humanity.

He earned my vote in that conversation.

“Joe Hagedorn possesses the best attributes of a judge: intelligence, compassion, and humility. He will do a great job for the people of Multnomah County and those who appear in his courtroom.”