SBM Domestic Violence Committee member. People here are also concerned about gun violence and drugs, which needs to be taken seriously to ensure that people feel safe. We can make justice more timely for people who have been living in pain, denied medical care, in fear of losing their homes, kept from their children, trapped in a marriage they no longer want, or in fear of losing their freedom. We can work closer with attorneys involved; my 20 years of leadership in our legal community will drive this process forward. Select an upcoming election date, if there is more than one coming up in your area. In disputes that come before the court, it will be my job to help parties find that common ground. Initial considerations are whether the case is criminal or civil and what is the appropriate burden of proof. If the matter is criminal, what is the living situation of the Defendant? There is also bias with regards to sentencing. Enter your address. Courtrooms look much as they did 100 years ago. Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr defeated fellow Washtenaw County attorney Fawn Armstrong, who garnered 29,852 votes. Armstrong: I plan to enact criminal justice reform measures focusing on rehabilitation over incarceration and individualized treatment to reach the core issue or trauma in order to reduce recidivism. 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. As to matters of procedure, I will be guided by the Michigan Court rules. County and Local . You will never be a case or a number. I am dedicated to this community and I will be fair. I bring expertise in the diverse areas of law decided by the Circuit Court and understanding in how the civil, criminal, business, family, juvenile, and probate dockets are all intertwined. Darlene A. O'Brien is running for Probate Judge for Washtenaw County as a nonpartisan. 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. Where the office names are linked, you can click to learn more about the race in general. See the Blue Angels soar at Thunder Over Michigan in Ypsilanti, Boy to remain with adoptive parents over birth father based on Michigan Supreme Court ruling, The Saline Twirlettes are finally heading to the world championships. 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. 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). 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. .hide-mobile { My campaign slogan is A Voice for Justice. But Im not talking about myself. } | Download the mobile app to save your choices. Van den Bergh: Consistent with the Michigan Supreme Court initiative to develop family law expertise on the bench, the new Washtenaw County Circuit Court judge will handle a domestic docket. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 100% remote. How to vote | I created the City of Flints Blight Court and served as its Judge. margin: 10px auto; Roumel: Courts cannot decide cases in isolation. 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. As a judge, I will be respectful of all litigants that come before me. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. Reiser: My education provided several opportunities to gain experience both in the court system and providing for others. Barr: I believe addressing racial disparity in sentencing and reducing recidivism are priorities for the Court. If there are more than twice the number of candidates than there are judgeships up for election, the race will appear on the primary election ballot. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. However, I am most proud of my eight years at Legal Services where I was able to offer holistic support services to clients struggling with emergency legal issues. We need to ensure court services are accessible across all parts of the county, meaning access to services, legal counsel, broadband service expansion, and a balance between video and in-person court hearings. 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). | Feaster: The system has failed the community in many ways from jury diversity to sentencing. Collis: Everyone who comes before this District Court deserves to have an experienced and well-versed judge presiding over their concerns. Van den Bergh: I take pride in my extensive litigation experience and use of my MSW to benefit vulnerable clients. By utilizing my MSW to supervise social work interns, clients received additional support services which made it easier, particularly for those with mental health needs, to resolve their legal problems. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. 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. | Your voice will be heard. I am currently the senior partner at Collis, Griffor & Hendra, PC in Ypsilanti. 1.0 1.1 Michigan Courts, "Washtenaw County," accessed July 11, 2014; In my nearly two decades of public service, I have practiced criminal law, employment law, contract law, civil rights law, civil litigation, drafted legislation and governmental department policies, advised clients across Washtenaws government entities, and authored hundreds of legal briefs. There is nothing more stressful than a judge deciding when, where, and under what circumstances you will see your children. Whether the case is civil or criminal in nature, I am committed to understanding the facts and the law behind each decision. The Circuit Court is a court of equity and I know how important that is. I am the only candidate so named. I will do my utmost to conduct myself and the court in a manner that will create that trust and respect. Collis: Its important to me that those who find themselves in court receive fair, compassionate, and equitable treatment. Ballot measures, Who represents me? letter-spacing: 1.24px; 100% remote. 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. A searchable database of historical election information, all from official source documents. 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. Federal courts | If elected, I promise to bring compassion, integrity, and wisdom to the ben. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Karl Barr has been elected to serve as the newest judge in Washtenaw County's 14A District Court. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Convinced many Michigan Courts to create a dedicated breast-feeding area in their courthouses. Based on my experience working with domestic violence and sexual assault victims, I will also be able to recognize that some cases will not be appropriate for mediation due to underlying power and control issues. I was a struggling single mother for years, and I understand what its like to live paycheck to paycheck. Corporate Crimes and Economic Justice Taskforce Member (Washtenaw). Barr defeated Fawn Armstrong of Saline. Courts are too often a barrier to justice for people of color, those with mental health issues, and litigants without means. 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. #content { If you would like to help our coverage scope grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia. Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. Because when people have a problem, they need a voice. This county is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Two Washtenaw County attorneys are vying for a chance to be the next Washtenaw County Trial Court judge in the upcoming general election in November The. Use my expertise in civil rights to identify and eliminate unnecessary hurdles and inequities faced by so many, in civil and criminal cases alike, and work to build trust in the legal system. The Judge in this Court needs to have insight and understanding into these issues, because everything the Court orders has a huge impact on peoples daily lives: bonds, drug tests or tethers, court fees and fines. This sample ballot tool includes: All candidates in every upcoming election occurring within the 100 most-populated cities in the U.S., plus all federal and statewide elections, including ballot measures, nationwide. 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. 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. The seat covers all district court matters for Washtenaw County except for the city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. She advances to the November ballot and there is no Democratic opposition. display: block; 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. Send the note to: editor@ballotpedia.org. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. This means that, for offices within our coverage scope, a person's sample ballot results should include every election that will appear on their actual ballot. I know that the court system doesnt work fairly for everyone and I want to change that. You can contact your state or local election administrator for an official sample ballot. I believe that listening is critical to being fair and compassionate, which helps to ensure that justice is served. 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. Arianne Elizabeth Slay of Ypsilanti won election to a six-year term in 22nd District Circuit Court with nearly 71-percent of the vote. padding-top: 0; County residents taxes variously fund multiple state, county, city, township, and university police forces, and seven courthouses. All rights reserved (About Us). Shut down an environmental polluter in Washtenaw. Judges must not only uphold and apply the law, they are also required to perform all judicial duties fairly and impartially. Michigan General Election Results for Washtenaw County Circuit, District Court Judges (22nd Circuit, 14B District) on Nov. 3, 2020 Decision 2020. How to run for office | padding-top: 80px; From left to right: Amy Reiser, Nick Roumel and Tracy E. Van den Bergh. Statewide election results on this website go back to 1980. 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 have tried hundreds of cases including drunk driving, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and homicide. In the Army I was taught to never seek a promotion if you were not prepared to lead. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Elections in 2023 | I will listen to both sides and give them an opportunity to be heard. Time is valuable, and I know it is a stressful experience to come to court. Armstrong: The 14A District Court Judge elected here would most likely be assigned to 14A-2 District Court, which is in Ypsilanti, MI. All rights reserved (About Us). (WDIV) The 2020 General Election will be. We can do this. I will lend my voice and experience to these innovation efforts. Karl Barr was elected to be the next 14A District Court Judge, Nov. 8, 2022. Richelew: Courts are here to serve the people. If elected, I would work with my colleagues on the circuit court bench to implement specialty courts and expand services available to those involved in the court system. To learn more about judicial selection in Michigan, click here. Often the victims of crime are poor, suffer from drug addiction, have some type of mental illness, suffer from past trauma or have a disability. We must make the courts accessible to all, not only literally (including technological and virtual means) but by removing barriers to justice that make too many feel their voices wont be heard. padding: 5px 10px 5px 10px; Additional local ballot measures may also be included. "Washtenaw County judge announces early retirement," May 1, 2014; Specialty courts make a difference; diversion and deflection should be a priority. I am a Veteran, serving the US Army Reserves for 8 years with one tour of duty in Iraq. You can unsubscribe at any time and we will never share your information. Honorable Patrick J. Conlin They are competing for an open spot on the bench created by Judge Archie Browns retirement. In order to do so, we need data on what goes on in the system, and transparency and accountability about this data to the public. There are big picture disparities across our county that should, at the very least, be understood and potentially considered when overseeing cases because the judicial system is intended to benefit both the litigant and the public fairly. With regards to the racial disparity in sentencing, as your Judge in 14A2, I would conduct a yearly equity audit to give transparency to the fact that I will be a trusted and fair Judge for all. Tags: Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Pittsfield Township, Ann Arbor Elections, Ann Arbor City Council, 12th Congressional District, Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Washtenaw County Sheriff, Washtenaw . Spelling and grammar were not corrected. This may include specialized ways of handling mental health, domestic aggression, and sobriety cases. (3) I will bring social work interns into the courthouse, and train staff in de-escalation and trauma-informed engagement techniques. @media screen and (min-width: 550px) { The seat covers all circuit court matters for Washtenaw County. Hon. We also provide race overviews if you want additional background information. Impartiality, fairness and compassion will be guiding principles in every decision I make. Judge Carol Kuhnke was elected by the voters of Washtenaw County in 2012 and took the bench on January 1, 2013. Elections in 2023 | 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. Washtenaw County, Michigan (Judicial) 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. Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving. It is of the utmost importance that the citizens of this community be heard and get a fair treatment in my courtroom. 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. A Judge can be the one to give a person a second chance, which can change their path and their future in positive ways. 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. I will support specialty courts and restorative justice programs as these address an individuals underlying problems, reduce recidivism, stabilize families, and improve lives. What in your education and experience makes you the best qualified candidate for this position? Counties | The Defendant has the constitutional right to have a criminal matter decided by a Jury. Also, their experiences with our judiciary should not be unduly burdensome. In the nonpartisan primary, the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes advance to the general election. I will aim to foster justice and healing within the purview of the law, and build trust in our justice system from all members of our community, no matter their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. I have very strong ethics and I would not prejudge any case. As to matters of law, I will maintain the highest standards of case and legislative review practices, as I have over my career. Using these elements as guides, I would administer sentences and rulings that provide relief to all parties and contribute to the betterment of our communities. | Reiser: While I respect precedent and will look to statutes and case law for guidance, I am not a strict constructionist. We must be vigilant against bias, and streamline cases to make them less cumbersome. State elections officials recommend. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. As an MSW, I am qualified to supervise social work interns who can provide referrals and supportive services at no cost. Incumbent Miriam Perry was unopposed in her bid for another six-year term on the 15th District Court Bench. width: 300px; 3. I will endeavor to make sure the courtroom is a place that each person feels respected, regardless of what issue brought them into court. The Michigan general election is coming up on November 3, 2020. 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. He joins fellow judges Cedric Simpson and Anna Frushour in serving all 14A District Court matters. Additionally, I have practiced in every treatment court in Washtenaw County. 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