Balducci issues statement on Public Defense Director Khandelwal’s departure

September 19, 2024

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci issued the following statement after the announcement of Department of Public Defense (DPD) Director Anita Khandelwal’s departure from DPD:

"Public Defense is an always critical, at times quite challenging function of our County's criminal justice system. As Director Khandelwal’s transitions into a new challenge, I want to express my respect and gratitude for the way she led the Department of Public Defense with diligence and creativity through a historically difficult time, during and after the COVID pandemic. Through it all, Director Khandelwal always led with her values, stepping up time and again to advocate for a criminal justice system that is truly just for all. I wish her all the best in her new role, but doubt that we have seen the last of Director Khandelwal in public advocacy or service.”