In the race for a six-year term in 14-A District Court, Karl Barr of Ann Arbor garnered nearly 58-percent voter support to win a seat on the bench. Ballot measures, Who represents me? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I have published numerous articles, on first offenders and expungement, immigrant rights, and seeking damages in family law cases. " Official Election Results: Saline Council " (November 19, 2018) Washtenaw County. Ballotpedia features 395,432 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. They are competing for an open spot on the bench created by Judge Kirk Tabbys retirement. Not only should our Constitution be interpreted in a manner that adapts to cultural changes, but judges are instrumental in ensuring equal access to our justice system. As a judge, I believe it is important to treat litigants who appear before you with respect. State legislature | Alex Murdaugh could face life in prison if he's convicted for the double murders of his wife and son. @media only screen and (max-width: 500px) { This means listening to the parties and making sure they have an opportunity to share their side of the story; including ensuring that self-represented litigants are heard by the Court. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Apply today! What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position? | Courtrooms look much as they did 100 years ago. MLive/The Ann Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. If you are a user of our Sample Ballot, and you are experiencing problems using it or notice any accuracy issue of any kind at all, it would be a huge help to our future readers and users if you would send us a note telling us about the problem. DOWNLOAD THE APP A judge should rely on precedence for consistency and reliability, but they should also consider that, as our understanding of our history and social issues improves, it may become necessary to overturn laws that no longer comport with the intents of the Michigan Constitution and/or the US Constitution. display: none; WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Four Washtenaw County attorneys are vying for a chance to be the next 14A District Court Judge in the upcoming Aug. 2 primary. padding-top: 0; She was appointed by the Supreme Court to be the Chief Judge of the Washtenaw County Trial Court effective January 1, 2019. It is one of 105 district courts in Michigan. This experience will transfer to the bench and makes me the most qualified candidate. Counties | Judge Carol Kuhnke was elected by the voters of Washtenaw County in 2012 and took the bench on January 1, 2013. I will look at each case individually. The candidates running for the six-year judicial position are Marla Linderman Richelew and Arianne Elizabeth Slay. 100 largest cities in America by population, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, Michigan Fifteenth Judicial District Court, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2023, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2022, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2021, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2020, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2019, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2018, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2017, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2016, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Washtenaw_County,_Michigan_(Judicial)&oldid=7674745, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. I started our Countys first ever Criminal Diversion Program, moving people out of the system by helping them address the root causes of justice involvement. Arianne Elizabeth Slay was elected to become the Ann Arbor Circuit Court Judge, receiving 70.6% of the vote, with Marla Linderman Richelew receiving 28.91% of the vote. From a personal and practical standpoint, I will strive to be fair with regards to sentencing as the punishment must fit the crime while being consistent and sentencing without bias. What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them? First time offenders of all types come through the district court; many of which start with misdemeanor offenses or low-level felonies. They must partner with other government agencies, universities, and non-profits to bring holistic, wrap-around services. Armstrong took the most votes followed by Barr. The rule of law is a set of principles and ideals, for ensuring an orderly and just society and that no one is above the law. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. Appeals from the Eastern District go to the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. During my time at the Prosecutors Office I have practiced in every court in the County, with the majority of my time spent in 14A District Courts. U.S. Congress | I was a struggling single mother for years, and I understand what its like to live paycheck to paycheck. Do they reside with the victim, and if so, what changes (if any) need to be made to keep the victim safe? Karl V. Fink (Ret.). As to matters of law, I will maintain the highest standards of case and legislative review practices, as I have over my career. As a senior litigator for the MI Attorney Generals office, I have handled multiple complex cases, ranging from childrens rights to constitutional claims. County residents taxes variously fund multiple state, county, city, township, and university police forces, and seven courthouses. Great judges work hard, inside and outside of the courtroom, driven by commitment and compassion. Elections in 2023 | I am the only candidate that has worked in and served the 14A2 Community for more than 20 years--I have cleaned up over a dozen nuisance properties in the City of Ypsilanti. .hide-mobile { The courts must be part of the conversation about new ways of doing things. The Judge is the protector of a persons constitutional rights. The seat covers all district court matters for Washtenaw County except for the city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. I am especially proud to have been designated a Michigan Super Lawyer, reserved for the top 5% of attorneys, selected by peers and opposing counsel. width: 300px; Cities | Also, their experiences with our judiciary should not be unduly burdensome. Barr: I believe addressing racial disparity in sentencing and reducing recidivism are priorities for the Court. Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr. A judge needs to have insight into the struggles facing people in our community and to have compassion and understanding for those struggles, especially when ordering bond or probation conditions. Judges should not make the process harder. I will support specialty courts and restorative justice programs as these address an individuals underlying problems, reduce recidivism, stabilize families, and improve lives. The following is a little nonpartisan voter guide that I compiled, based on the ballot for Ann Arbor. As a judge, I will be respectful of all litigants that come before me. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. We should question our methods, and if they dont make sense, work together for reform. My litigation background has also taught me that needlessly prolonged litigation is not an ideal way to solve problems. Barr is an assistant city attorney for Ypsilanti and private attorney for more than 22 years. Similar crimes should warrant similar sentences, but this does not always occur. Paid for by Arianne Slay for Judge. While African Americans only make up 13% of the county population, we made up over 70% of criminal defendants. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Work with the legal community to reduce the COVID backlog of court cases expeditiously. I have tried over 100 cases to verdict before juries, judges, and arbitrators. If elected, I would be the only person of color on the Circuit Court Bench, an important perspective to help make our courts more representative of the communities they serve. We strive for our sample ballot tool to be 100% accurate. Prior to that role, she prosecuted domestic violence cases in the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office. In the nonpartisan primary, the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes advance to the general election. To serve on this court, a judge must be a qualified elector of the district, licensed to practice law in the state, under the age of 70, and have five years of experience practicing law. The breadth and depth of my legal education and law career, as well as my decades of litigating in Washtenaw County, make me the best qualified candidate. We also provide race overviews if you want additional background information. All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except if a reply exceeded character limitations. Armstrong is an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office and U.S. Army veteran. With nearly two decades of vast experience in practiced criminal, landlord-tenant, and civil law Im well versed and capable of handling the various laws a District Court Judge would preside over. 100% remote. Chief judge Kirk Tabbey of Washtenaw County Court 14A is retiring at the end of the year, and four candidates are vying for his seat in the August primary. Jeff Blake. When we acknowledge that the Constitution includes broad themes that were meant to grow with an evolving society, we provide the judicial branch an opportunity to effect real change and better protect the weakest members of society. Building trust in our justice system is a priority. This county is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. My priorities are to work within the court system to (1) reduce a persons financial stressors by establishing task forces to assist with self-representation in civil cases; (2) return small claims cases to their roots by resolving them in as little as a day; (3) provide the use of technology to increase a persons access to their case by reducing common practical burdens such as transportation, child care, work issues, and more; and (4) ensure that the voices of victims are able to be heard without fear of reprisal, especially for our societys most vulnerable. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Feaster: There are numerous factors I consider before deciding case such as: Relative circumstances of the defendant, Damage to the victim or plaintiff Best interest of community. U.S. President | Van den Bergh: Many family law cases involve mental health, addiction, and domestic violence issues. Organizing this system so that it creates better outcomes and more convenient processes for litigants will also create a more streamlined and efficient process for all. The seat covers all district court matters for Washtenaw County except for the city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. Michigan General Election Results for Washtenaw County Circuit, District Court Judges (22nd Circuit, 14B District) on Nov. 3, 2020 Decision 2020. Each candidate was given a list of questions relevant to the office for which they are campaigning. Ballotpedia provides comprehensive coverage of the 100 largest cities in America by population as well as mayoral, city council, and district attorney election coverage in state capitals outside of the 100 largest cities. font-size: 12px; }. The current jury system disenfranchises low-income citizens, the elderly, and those who are not technologically savvy. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I am most thankful for helping thousands, throughout my career, to put their legal problems behind them with some measure of justice. They have the right to an attorney, and the right to remain silent. If elected, she will be the only woman of color on the Washtenaw County Circuit Court Bench. "Washtenaw County judge announces early retirement," May 1, 2014; It should also include every candidate running in those elections, except write-ins. What factors do you bring to bear in deciding a case? In addition, my staff will be trauma informed and trained. I will listen to both sides and give them an opportunity to be heard. I will be ethical and honest. Federal courts | I am here for you and look forward to making a difference in our community. I also have a significant federal court practice - critical because Michigan this year adopted the federal court rules. View the list of candidates that will be on your ballot. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has jurisdiction in Washtenaw County. Past President of Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and Washtenaw (WLAM). By increasing restorative practices in both the criminal and civil justice systems, I hope to shift the courts in Washtenaw County from a punitive focus to one of community healing and accountability. Her practice areas include general civil, contracts, transactional, criminal and labor law. Additionally, I have quasi-judicial experience. I have defended the City of Ypsilantis Human Rights Ordinance. Loading. Apply today! I created the City of Flints Blight Court and served as its Judge. Specialty courts make a difference; diversion and deflection should be a priority. } I know that the court system doesnt work fairly for everyone and I want to change that. Finally, it should not contain errors such as misspelled names, inaccurate incumbency labels, or incorrect political party affiliations. I will work with community leaders to increase transparency and accountability, create safe spaces for people to get the justice they need, and address mental health, substance dependency and poverty issues. I will make the courtroom process less stressful, knowing that the people who appear before me may be going through trauma. As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, I have an ethical obligation to seek justice, not just for the victim but also to ensure that the case is handled appropriately and within the limits provided by law. letter-spacing: 1.24px; Judge Julia B. Owdziej was appointed Probate Judge on June 3, 2014 and was elected by the Washtenaw County voters in November of 2014 and 2020. For instance, it is important for a court to start on time, keep waiting to a minimum and produce fair, impartial decisions. Ann Arbors new design for State Street scraps plan for protected bikeway, 2 vying for new Michigan House seat from Ann Arbor to Plymouth, 5th Ward Ann Arbor council candidates discuss density, taxes, 5 things to know about Ann Arbors climate-action tax proposal. Time is valuable, and I know it is a stressful experience to come to court. /. I wrote the guide on how to reopen safely and helped the Michigan YMCAs reopen (pro bono). Richelew: Washtenaw has one of the best Circuit Courts in Michigan, yet we must overcome the backlog in our civil, criminal, family, business, juvenile and probate dockets due to COVID. Slay defeated Marla Linderman Richelew of Ann Arbor. [1], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. I will run my caseload effectively, and I will take the time to listen to the facts of every case. I have assisted victims of domestic violence; people facing foreclosures, evictions, and utility shutoffs; first offenders seeking a second chance; and victims of discrimination at school and work. I know from my experience, that coming to court can be an emotionally charged situation for many. My unique background has trained me to navigate the unique familial and interpersonal issues involved in family law cases, and will be critical in allowing me to reach the most just legal decision possible. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Engler in March 1997, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. My promise to you is that I will listen attentively, consider thoughtfully, and make ethical decisions for every case that comes into my courtroom. What have you achieved in your law practice that brings you the most pride? Counties | Roumel: Having practiced 36 years, I am the only candidate with extensive experience in family, civil, and criminal law, and the only one to have conducted civil and criminal jury trials. Restoration and rehabilitation tools can bring critical help to people in need. School districts | Richelew: Courts are here to serve the people. Armstrong: If there is a bench trial and the judge is the finder of fact, you must determine whether or not the prosecution or the plaintiff has proven its case by the appropriate burden of proof, following the applicable jury instructions, court rules, and statutes. I worked at the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic in Detroit providing assistance to residents of the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center. Judge Washington is the Chief Judge of the 14B District Court and presides over Landlord-Tenant, Criminal, and General Civil matters, while managing the Recovery and Human Trafficking Court and a Domestic Violence specialty docket. Some examples are: Analyzed, advised and/or wrote briefs in the most important civil rights, employment, and constitutional issues before the Michigan Supreme Court for the last 15 years. WEMU offered the opportunity for any candidate appearing on a ballot in Washtenaw County in the 2018 general election to submit a campaign message directly to our audience. Richelew: Ill consider all factors needed to do justice while serving all of the people of Washtenaw. Judge Profiles Trial Court judges are elected for terms of six years in non-partisan elections. My entire career, both as a social worker and as a lawyer, has been dedicated to advocating for, and improving the lives, of vulnerable community members. What have you achieved in your law practice that brings you the most pride? Hon. These two main factors create a burdensome calendar for our community members and for the judiciary in Washtenaw County. You can contact your state or local election administrator for an official sample ballot. Richelew is a Representative Assembly Member for Washtenaw Countys 22nd Circuit of the State Bar of Michigan, a Washtenaw County Prosecutors Corporate Crimes Taskforce member and member of multiple other state court committees. What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position? Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). We can work closer with attorneys involved; my 20 years of leadership in our legal community will drive this process forward. Your individual circumstances will be considered. Swartz plans to retire as his term expires in January 2021. Transparency - We must correct the wrongs of past descrimination in our courts. Served my community, with now-Justice Welch, helping 1000+ workers with their COVID and unemployment rights. I will have the same approach as a judge. . Barr: My top goal is to rebuild trust between the community and the judicial system. margin: 10px auto; } Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. Slay: The hallmark of a good judge is the ability to decide every case which comes before them with the individualized attention each community member deserves. [1] He was re-elected in 2000, 2004, 2010, and 2016. Ive heard cases on blight and enforced city ordinances designed to eliminate blight problems while simultaneously working with residents to make the city a cleaner, brighter and better place. Reiser: My career as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney has involved representing victims of some very horrific crimes, many of these victims are children who have been abused and adults who have been marginalized by society. Election Results | Washtenaw County, MI Home Your Government Departments A-H Clerk / Register of Deeds Elections Election Results Archive Every election at your fingertips. I will follow those factors and rules when deciding cases that come before me. Candidates in this contest and votes received: Julia B. Owdziej (54.0%), Tracy Van den Bergh (45.4%), All Other Votes (0.6%), Total Votes Cast (0.0%), and Total Ballots Cast (0.0%). [4], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. Tags: Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Pittsfield Township, Ann Arbor Elections, Ann Arbor City Council, 12th Congressional District, Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Washtenaw County Sheriff, Washtenaw . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Real people with real issues come to court and I will listen to you and hear your voices. Work to ensure the Circuit Court has every problem-solving court available, including Mental Health Courts for Juveniles and Adults ASAP. The race decided who will fill the open spot on the bench created by Judge Kirk Tabbeys retirement. Collis: Judges are required to rule based upon the law, but it is important that these laws are fair and equitable to all parties. Every persons legal issue deserves its own unique consideration and outcome. Darlene A. O'Brien is running for Probate Judge for Washtenaw County as a nonpartisan. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I will use restorative and rehabilitative processes and offer them to all who enter my courtroom. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, and residents can vote early via absentee ballot at local clerks' offices until 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. MLive Media Group has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information and other voting resources to readers ahead of 2020 elections. I will use my experience as a seasoned litigator and certified mediator to help good people make their own peace, and move on with new resolve and even hope. Given the criminal focus of the open seat on the Circuit Court, my experience as a leader in criminal justice reform will make me best-equipped to hit the ground running. As judge, I would have more compassion for people struggling to pay fines and seek to waive fines or order community service in lieu of fines. It is important to determine credibility of witnesses and evidence, to determine if any evidence presented has been corroborated, and to determine how that evidence fits the facts of the case and the elements by your common sense. A candidate must be a qualified elector, a resident of the judicial circuit, a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law for at least five years, and under 70 years of age. Criminal Justice Reform - As a leading criminal justice reformer, I understand how reforming the way individuals interact with law enforcement and the criminal justice system can and will change our community for the better. To see complete election results from all statewide races and from other parts of Michigan, click here. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. This includes interpreting the Constitution as it was intended. In a process run by a county clerk, the candidates choose slips of paper from a box that say either "elected" or "not elected".[5]. How to vote | I will tailor sentences to each persons needs, be an active participate in probation review hearings (listen, foster hope), finding new programs within the community for probationers, and establishing a mentorship program for young adult probationers. By David Fair. I also have a decade of experience in psychology, crisis intervention, and education to better serve clients who have suffered trauma. As an MSW, I am qualified to supervise social work interns who can provide referrals and supportive services at no cost. I also clerked for a federal judge and interned for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. I am a frequent guest lecturer from elementary through law school. When I become a judge, the most important voice in the courtroom will be yours. } In Dexter Township, Republican Tara Guenther was unopposed in her bid to win a partial term as Township trustee. I am licensed in Michigan, New York and Illinois, as well as the US District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the US Tax Court. I am incredibly proud that we have diverted over 250 people from the justice system (roughly 80% of my cases), and our Expungement Program has assisted over 100 people. Here are 8 big revelations from the Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Two are in private practice in Ypsilanti, and two work for the county. The Washtenaw County Democratic Party is hosting an online panel for candidates for the non-partisan and currently vacant District Court position in District 14A, which includes the Manchester area and will appear on Manchester area general election ballots in November. partnered with the League of Women Voters. The law should not act in a vacuum without consideration for equity and compassion, even when the law requires punishment. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. This is why my extensive legal experiences, deep local knowledge, and commitment to judicial equity are crucial to this judgeship. U.S. Congress | I resigned in 2017 to try to make a change. I am not afraid of hard work. Additionally, I have practiced in every treatment court in Washtenaw County. For example, when determining a custody case, there are 12 factors that a judge must consider to make sure that the finding is in the childs best interest. Slow justice can feel like no justice. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.
Pentair 60 Sq Ft De Filter Parts,
Tim Hortons Cookies Recipe,
Bill Hybels Private Jet,
Can A Divorced Catholic Receive Holy Communion?,
Warriors Baseball Tournament,
Articles W