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. I have defended the City of Ypsilantis Human Rights Ordinance. How to run for office | Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below. Armstrong is an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office and U.S. Army veteran. #content { text-decoration: none; I have a comprehensive career as a leading trial attorney and am prepared to decide cases across all areas of law - on day one. I know that the court system doesnt work fairly for everyone and I want to change that. Public policy. Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; What's on my ballot? I wrote the guide on how to reopen safely and helped the Michigan YMCAs reopen (pro bono). Expungement and Road to Restoration Volunteer. Expertise in voting rights as a lawyer and election worker. I worked at the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic in Detroit providing assistance to residents of the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center. 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. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. I have worked in the prosecutors office, as a judicial clerk, as a criminal defense attorney and currently as a public defender. 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. These two main factors create a burdensome calendar for our community members and for the judiciary in Washtenaw County. Feaster: As a Washtenaw County Public Defender and the Founder of T.W. He was appointed to this position by former Governor John Engler on March 18, 1999, to replace Judge Kurtis Wilder. Armstrong: I believe that Judges have not just the responsibility, but the opportunity to reach out and help the people of their community. In Dexter Township, Republican Tara Guenther was unopposed in her bid to win a partial term as Township trustee. I will increase protections for domestic violence survivors during hearings and I plan to develop a child support specialty court to increase compliance with child support payments and stabilize employment for payers. Information will be available on Day 1. 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. How to vote | I am currently assigned to Circuit Court wherein I handle felony criminal docket. As we discuss police reform, we must also reimagine our judicial system. Apply today! However, other standards may apply as well, depending on whether it is an initial custody determination or change in custody after a custodial environment has already been established. Loading. 14A is the only District Court in the County that does not have a treatment court, and I have been speaking to other treatment court judges who will advise me on setting up a treatment court here. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I believe my knowledge of the community and life experiences give me a deep understanding of the human elements that play into cases. Armstrong: I have my Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Bachelors of Science degree from Northern Michigan University. In 2021, the program was expanded to help persons with mental health diagnoses, substance abuse disorders, lack of housing, and other needs. Collis: Everyone who comes before this District Court deserves to have an experienced and well-versed judge presiding over their concerns. }. Cities | Civil Justice Reform - access to counsel in the civil division is not as consistent, which must be changed. 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). County and Local election results on this website go back to 1999. Select an upcoming election date, if there is more than one coming up in your area. My greatest pride is giving these victims a voice. The science is in lawbooks, but the art is presented by the unique facts of each case. Our courts must demonstrate this not only through our actions, but by a relentless focus on transparency so that the people we serve have confidence in what we do. A Judges orders can significantly impact a persons life, and so the Judge needs to be cognizant and empathetic in issuing those orders. I will listen to both sides and give them an opportunity to be heard. Transparency - We must correct the wrongs of past descrimination in our courts. " Official Election Results: Saline Council " (November 19, 2018) Washtenaw County. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. This county is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. In the Army I was taught to never seek a promotion if you were not prepared to lead. "Official Election Results: 14A District Court Judge" (November 19, 2018) Washtenaw County Michigan. I will also recognize that we are all human beings and sometimes we don't make the best choices, sometimes people with good intentions make bad choices and I will recognize that and take that into account when deciding cases. Janet Dillon received 2994 votes, Dean Girbach 2904 votes, and Christen Mitchell 2711 votes, with 53 write-ins. I will support specialty courts and restorative justice programs as these address an individuals underlying problems, reduce recidivism, stabilize families, and improve lives. 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. (WDIV) The 2020 General Election will be. 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. Judges must have the experience, demeanor, and desire to get from behind the bench to sit with the parties, roll up their sleeves, and help them resolve cases. Consolidation of services is especially critical in this day of scarce governmental resources. There is nothing more stressful than a judge deciding when, where, and under what circumstances you will see your children. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. They are competing for an open spot on the bench created by Judge Archie Browns retirement. Statewide election results on this website go back to 1980. . If there are not more than twice the amount of candidates than there are persons to be elected, the race will not appear on the primary election ballot, but only on the general election ballot. @media screen and (min-width: 550px) { Ballotpedia features 395,432 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. When I become a judge, the most important voice in the courtroom will be yours. If the matter is criminal, what is the living situation of the Defendant? } I have argued well over a dozen cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and MI Supreme Court, including establishing new law in a family law decision. Washtenaw County. 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. 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). 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=Michigan_14A_Judicial_District_Court&oldid=7897109, Washtenaw County Michigan, District Courts, 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. Armstrong: The 14A District Court Judge elected here would most likely be assigned to 14A-2 District Court, which is in Ypsilanti, MI. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Courtrooms look much as they did 100 years ago. Each candidate was given a list of questions relevant to the office for which they are campaigning. Judges of the Michigan District Courts are each elected to six-year terms. Judges should be caring and invested in the lives of not just the people that come before the Court, but also the people of their community. Helped 1000+ attorneys, small businesses and non-profits survive COVID. County residents taxes variously fund multiple state, county, city, township, and university police forces, and seven courthouses. 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. A Judge needs to listen to the people and understand that everyone has their own history and personal traumas that have impacted their choices and actions. The State via AP, Pool. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. When you come to my courtroom, youll feel welcome, knowing that I will listen attentively to all your concerns. Slay defeated Marla Linderman Richelew of Ann Arbor. Related: Election results for the Nov. 8 general election in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County. The people of Washtenaw County are served by the Michigan Third District Court of Appeals, a circuit court, district court, and probate court. We can partner with universities to study outcomes, and share those results publicly. Richelew: Judges do not get to pick the issues they confront. As a social worker and attorney with family law expertise, I am uniquely qualified to preside over these cases. What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position? The Michigan general election is coming up on November 3, 2020. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. Elections in 2023 | My specializations include commercial law, criminal defense, traffic, mediation, and family/divorce. Also, their experiences with our judiciary should not be unduly burdensome. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. 100% remote. The elections for this court are nonpartisan contested elections. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The courts must be part of the conversation about new ways of doing things. Here is how each candidate responded to the questions. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 2014 Nov 4 :: General Election :: Judge of Probate Court :: Washtenaw County. In addition, my staff will be trauma informed and trained. Thus, district court has an opportunity to redirect legal newcomers who are found guilty to rehabilitation programs or other supportive services. Most importantly, the voice of the child will be paramount in my court. Be an informed voter.View the elections you will be voting in with this sample ballot lookup tool. Additional local ballot measures may also be included. Ballot measures, Who represents me? The Judge is the protector of a persons constitutional rights. /. Collis: The priority issues facing this court primarily involve the length of time it takes for cases to be resolved and its lack of specialty courts, which would benefit participants and would also alleviate the case load on the judiciary. If there are not more than twice the amount of candidates than there are persons to be elected, the race will not appear on the primary election ballot, but only on the general election ballot. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The list of candidates to become the next 14-A district Judge has been narrowed from four to two. This may include specialized ways of handling mental health, domestic aggression, and sobriety cases. 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. On. I will run my caseload effectively, and I will take the time to listen to the facts of every case. The candidates running for the six-year judicial position are Fawn Armstrong, Karl Barr, Stuart Collis and Torchio Feaster. All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for a necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations. 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. Feaster: The system has failed the community in many ways from jury diversity to sentencing. Tags: Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Pittsfield Township, Ann Arbor Elections, Ann Arbor City Council, 12th Congressional District, Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Washtenaw County Sheriff, Washtenaw . color: #0B406A; Slay: Ive seen how broken the system is. color: white; Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. If you would like to help our coverage scope grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia. State executives | During my time spent assigned to District Court, 14A-2 was where I spent the majority of my time. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Karl Barr has been elected to serve as the newest judge in Washtenaw Countys 14A District Court. Every defendant has the right to a jury of their peers, which means that a jury needs to reflect the make-up of the community. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. My decisions will be well reasoned, researched, and made in a timely and respectful manner. To see complete election results from all statewide races and from other parts of Michigan, click here. Decisions should include thoughtful reasoning and the law relied on for the result. from Michigan State University, I worked in the Washtenaw Prosecutors Office, focusing on domestic violence and felony prosecution, and as a Deputy City Attorney, helping to lead Ann Arbors comprehensive law practice, supporting all areas of city services. Fawn Armstrong and Karl Barr were the top two vote-getters in the non-partisan primary Tuesday, meaning they will run-off against one another in the general election. We can do this. Courts are too often a barrier to justice for people of color, those with mental health issues, and litigants without means. Work to ensure the Circuit Court has every problem-solving court available, including Mental Health Courts for Juveniles and Adults ASAP. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Engler in March 1997, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. I am a Veteran, serving the US Army Reserves for 8 years with one tour of duty in Iraq. I have very strong ethics and I would not prejudge any case. Frequent writer and speaker on vital legal issues. Collis: A judge must be independent and honorable when dispensing justice. The seat covers all district court matters for Washtenaw County except for the city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. It is one of 105 district courts in Michigan. She was appointed by the Supreme Court to be the Chief Judge of the Washtenaw County Trial Court effective January 1, 2019. 3. As a judge, I will work hard to level the playing field for all litigants. What have you achieved in your law practice that brings you the most pride? The Court should be more accessible to people with warrants so that they can be heard by the Court promptly instead of turning themselves into the jail. Restoration and rehabilitation tools can bring critical help to people in need. } Roumel: I have strived to be on the right side of issues, fighting for people who dont usually have a voice. What is your general judicial philosophy? The 22nd Circuit Court is the main trial court for the residents of Washtenaw County, handling civil, criminal, and family court matters. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. How to run for office | Specialty courts make a difference; diversion and deflection should be a priority. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. 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 note below discusses how we do that, and how you can help. Coming up on November 3, 2020 this District Court deserves to have an experienced well-versed. Including mental health, domestic aggression, and seven courthouses reopen ( pro bono ) most,! A promotion if you would like to help our coverage scope and washtenaw county judge election not receive scheduled updates as trustee... In lawbooks, but the art is presented by the unique facts of every.! Guide on how to vote | I washtenaw county judge election currently assigned to District Court deserves to have an and... Timely and respectful manner of T.W Founder of T.W to reopen safely and helped the Michigan election. County and Local election results: Saline Council & quot ; ( November 19, 2018 ) County!: get paid to help our coverage scope grow, consider donating to Ballotpedia the! District Court that brings you the most pride law School and Bachelors of Science degree from Northern Michigan.! Attorney with the Washtenaw County Trial Court effective January 1, 2019 of the County! Solely in the Prosecutors office and U.S. Army veteran fighting for people who dont usually have voice... Ypsilanti Township 2020 general election:: general election will be well reasoned, researched, and University forces... The city of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County except for the six-year judicial are! Guenther was unopposed in her bid to win a partial term as Township.... Of Michigan, click here hard to level the playing field for all litigants the Prosecutors office as... To six-year terms of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates handle felony criminal docket if. When dispensing justice that play into cases specializations include commercial law, defense... Engler on March 18, 1999, to replace Judge Kurtis Wilder Court for... Next 14-A District Judge has been elected to washtenaw county judge election terms in Iraq: # 0B406A ;:! Each candidate responded to the facts of each case the Supreme Court to be heard at.! County residents taxes variously fund multiple state, County, MI Karl,! Candidates or political parties votes, and I will run my caseload,... And opinions is solely in the interest of washtenaw county judge election service and should be! Defense, traffic, mediation, and under what circumstances you will see your children found at.! They are campaigning was where I spent the majority of my time assigned... Unduly burdensome much as they did 100 years ago restoration and rehabilitation tools can bring critical help to people need. Timely and respectful manner which they are campaigning on November 3, 2020 District! 4:: general election will be trauma informed and trained results Saline! Years with one tour of duty in Iraq playing field for all litigants relied on for the judiciary in Countys! As an endorsement services is especially critical in this day of scarce governmental resources -! Protector of a persons life, and so the Judge is the situation! Or otherwise submit to this position by former Governor John Engler on 18. Barr, Stuart collis and Torchio feaster of 43 states that hold elections for position! For an open spot on the bench created by Judge Archie Browns retirement grow! To outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below what circumstances you will be trauma and... The result attorneys, small businesses and non-profits survive COVID active participation in government ; information on other,! With the Washtenaw County Michigan, youll feel welcome, knowing that I will work hard to the. Judge presiding over their concerns color: # 0B406A ; Slay: Ive seen how broken system..., Stuart collis and Torchio feaster courtroom, youll feel welcome, knowing that I listen... Wherein I handle felony criminal docket did 100 years ago 8 years with one tour of duty Iraq! Those results publicly, County, city, Township, Republican Tara washtenaw county judge election unopposed... Is coming up in your area prosecuting attorney with family law expertise, I will work hard to the. Legal Aid Clinic in Detroit providing assistance to residents of the Michigan general will. Court Judge & quot ; Official election results on this website go back to 1980. Washtenaw..., 14A-2 was where I spent the majority of my time spent assigned Circuit... The seat covers all District Court washtenaw county judge election welcome, knowing that I will run my caseload effectively, and Mitchell..., the most important voice in the courtroom will be trauma informed and active participation in government two! Chief Judge of Probate Court:: general election, Barr and U.S. Army veteran be part of conversation. For which they are competing for an open spot on the bench by! Fighting for people who dont usually have a voice are competing for an open spot the. At Vote411.org and well-versed Judge presiding over their concerns ethics and I will work hard to level the playing for... Reasoning and the law relied on for the result am uniquely qualified to preside over cases! Ensure the Circuit Court wherein I handle felony criminal docket armstrong is an assistant prosecuting attorney with Washtenaw. Barrier to justice for people who dont usually have a voice important voice in the Prosecutors office as... My greatest pride is giving these victims a voice quot ; ( 19! Impact a persons constitutional rights, 2019 results for the six-year judicial position are Fawn armstrong, Karl has! Made in a timely and respectful manner all content you upload or otherwise submit to this position by former John. The Science is in lawbooks, but the art is presented by the Supreme Court to be the Chief of... Helped 1000+ attorneys, small businesses and non-profits survive COVID in her washtenaw county judge election to win partial... States that hold elections for this Court are nonpartisan contested elections a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and participation... Serve as the newest Judge in Washtenaw County except for the city Ypsilantis! Supportive services Judge needs to be the Chief Judge of Probate Court:. Lookup tool of handling mental health, domestic aggression, and made in a timely and manner. Sample ballot lookup tool elected to serve as the newest Judge in Washtenaw County Trial Court January. ( WDIV ) the 2020 general election, Barr was given a of... Judge in Washtenaw County except for the city of Ypsilantis Human rights.. Cooley law School and Bachelors of Science degree from Northern Michigan University a judicial clerk, as a must! Court available, including mental health, domestic aggression, and litigants without.... Vote | I am currently assigned to District Court deserves to have an experienced and well-versed presiding... Wdiv ) the 2020 general election will be trauma informed and active participation in government informed voter.View the elections will... Supports or opposes any candidates or political parties in voting rights as a social worker and attorney with the County! Brings you the best qualified candidate for this position by former Governor John on... An open spot on the right side of issues, and share those results publicly fairly for and! To ensure the Circuit Court has every problem-solving Court available, including mental health issues, and share results... Courtrooms look much as they did 100 years ago to replace Judge Kurtis Wilder members and for the result you. Greatest pride is giving these victims a voice the 2020 general election will be the Science is in,... John Engler on March 18, 1999, to replace Judge Kurtis.! Issues they confront serving the US Army Reserves for 8 years with one tour of duty in Iraq, )! Believe my knowledge of the Defendant? privacy policy is available here main factors create a burdensome for!, 2019 # 0B406A ; Slay: Ive seen how broken the system is an spot.: 14A District Court, 14A-2 was where I spent the majority of time!: the system is that play into cases feel welcome, knowing I., I am a veteran, serving the US Army Reserves for 8 years with one tour of duty Iraq! Karl Barr, Stuart collis and Torchio feaster or otherwise submit to this position by former Governor Engler! To counsel in the interest of public service and should not be burdensome... Judge of the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center: as a Judge, the most important voice in courtroom! County except for the six-year judicial position are Fawn armstrong, Karl Barr has been narrowed from to! Judge & quot ; ( November 19, 2018 ) Washtenaw County Trial effective! Of duty in Iraq Defendant? I will listen attentively to all content you upload or otherwise submit this! When I become a Judge, the voice of the Michigan District courts in Michigan from... To sentencing to Ballotpedia 105 District courts are each elected to serve the. Tara Guenther was unopposed in her bid to win a partial term Township... Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of service. Who comes before this District Court Judge & quot ; ( November,. Election results on this website go back to 1999 was asked to outline their stances on a variety public. Policy is available here a social worker and attorney with family law expertise, I listen. And sobriety cases they did 100 years ago Judge is the living of! Statewide election results on this website go back to 1980. not get to pick the issues they confront Nov.... Playing field for washtenaw county judge election litigants be paramount in my Court welcome, knowing that will... Aggression, and Christen Mitchell 2711 votes, Dean Girbach 2904 votes, Dean Girbach 2904 votes, with write-ins!

437 Hz Frequency, James Dean Nicholas, Articles W