.mobile-app-cta:hover { Reiser: My education provided several opportunities to gain experience both in the court system and providing for others. Richelew: Courts are here to serve the people. Real people with real issues come to court and I will listen to you and hear your voices. Additionally, I have practiced in every treatment court in Washtenaw County. I have tried over 100 cases to verdict before juries, judges, and arbitrators. What factors do you bring to bear in deciding a case? Judge Carol Kuhnke was elected by the voters of Washtenaw County in 2012 and took the bench on January 1, 2013. border: none !important; if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; What's on my ballot? Ballotpedia features 395,432 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. 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. Enter your address. . [1], What's on my ballot? Slay is currently a Deputy Ann Arbor City Attorney. "Washtenaw County judge announces early retirement," May 1, 2014; He was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Engler in March 1997, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. Thus, district court has an opportunity to redirect legal newcomers who are found guilty to rehabilitation programs or other supportive services. The note below discusses how we do that, and how you can help. 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. By Bill Chappell , Victoria Hansen. To learn more about judicial selection in Michigan, click here. 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. Shut down an environmental polluter in Washtenaw. 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. What in your education and experience makes you the best qualified candidate for this position? 2022 Election Results: Washtenaw County Judicial Races By David Fair Published November 9, 2022 at 11:17 AM EST Arianne Elizabeth Slay of Ypsilanti won election to a six-year term in 22 nd District Circuit Court with nearly 71-percent of the vote. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. Transparency - We must correct the wrongs of past descrimination in our courts. Washtenaw County. Roumel: Courts cannot decide cases in isolation. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. I also have a decade of experience in psychology, crisis intervention, and education to better serve clients who have suffered trauma. Arianne has a well-rounded resume and is a career public servant. Janet Dillon received 2994 votes, Dean Girbach 2904 votes, and Christen Mitchell 2711 votes, with 53 write-ins. For instance, it is important for a court to start on time, keep waiting to a minimum and produce fair, impartial decisions. margin: 10px auto; | Apply today! The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. All rights reserved (About Us). Richelew: Our courts should work effectively for every single one of us. I also clerked for a federal judge and interned for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Helped 1000+ attorneys, small businesses and non-profits survive COVID. I will lend my voice and experience to these innovation efforts. State and local courts | I want people to feel served, not simply judged. 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. The race decided who will fill the open spot on the bench created by Judge Kirk Tabbeys retirement. (1) I will implement safeguards to ensure that all information relevant to a case is before the court so that litigants, whether represented by counsel, or in self-represented, are treated fairly to prevent erroneous outcomes. And, as always, a judge should be patient and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers and any others involved in matters before them. 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 United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has jurisdiction in Washtenaw County. [1] He was re-elected in 2000, 2004, 2010, and 2016. In addition, my staff will be trauma informed and trained. 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. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. I am currently working with local leaders to make this a reality now. 3. 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. (Click here to read about the Eight Quality Benchmarks for a Sample Ballot Lookup Tool. These two main factors create a burdensome calendar for our community members and for the judiciary in Washtenaw County. Learn more Explore the Data As a senior litigator for the MI Attorney Generals office, I have handled multiple complex cases, ranging from childrens rights to constitutional claims. When I become a judge, the most important voice in the courtroom will be yours. display: none; I am dedicated to this community and I will be fair. 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. Sample Ballot Frequently Asked Questions, Click here to read more about our testing methodology. 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. 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. Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr defeated fellow Washtenaw County attorney Fawn Armstrong, who garnered 29,852 votes. Ballotpedia regularly tests our sample ballot's accuracy by looking up addresses on both it and the official sample ballot and comparing the lookup results from both tools. display: none; text-decoration: none; Jeff Blake. Richelew: Ill consider all factors needed to do justice while serving all of the people of Washtenaw. I was a struggling single mother for years, and I understand what its like to live paycheck to paycheck. 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. I am currently assigned to Circuit Court wherein I handle felony criminal docket. The district court is in a unique position as it often serves as the first contact people have when they enter the criminal justice system. Cities | The candidates running for the six-year judicial position are Marla Linderman Richelew, left, and Arianne Elizabeth Slay, right. Slay: Ive seen how broken the system is. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I am a frequent guest lecturer from elementary through law school. Building trust in our justice system is a priority. } background: grey; Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below. 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. What have you achieved in your law practice that brings you the most pride? 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. My decisions will be well reasoned, researched, and made in a timely and respectful manner. 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. } Peacekeeping, restorative justice, and other forms of alternative dispute can also be valuable tools to help parties find their own justice. Civil Justice Reform - access to counsel in the civil division is not as consistent, which must be changed. I have won appeals in pregnancy and disability discrimination, employment retaliation, unemployment compensation, landlord-tenant, criminal defense, and police misconduct. Van den Bergh: I believe that the U.S. Constitution is a living document and I believe in equal access to justice. 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. Barr: I believe addressing racial disparity in sentencing and reducing recidivism are priorities for the Court. 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. A few of the experiences which prepared me for this role: 25 years representing people in civil rights, employment and business cases. 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. Skip to Main Content. They must partner with other government agencies, universities, and non-profits to bring holistic, wrap-around services. Information will be available on Day 1. As a trial attorney, I understand how courtrooms operate, and how best to identify disparities therein. 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. 100% remote. | } Two are in private practice in Ypsilanti, and two work for the county. 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. In general, the circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000 and all felony criminal cases. County and Local . I wrote the guide on how to reopen safely and helped the Michigan YMCAs reopen (pro bono). .sample-ballot-mobile-promo, .mobile-app-cta { 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. The Defendant has the constitutional right to have a criminal matter decided by a Jury. 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. I will do that by trying to be a different kind of judge. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. I am not afraid of hard work. Slay: 1. It is vitally important that the public have trust and respect for the judicial system and that the law is applied equally. Richelew: Judges do not get to pick the issues they confront. We strive for our sample ballot tool to be 100% accurate. 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. Roumel: Ive spent my entire career helping people have a voice. Continue to improve transparency and accountability. As your Circuit Judge I will: Devote the time and effort to ensure every person coming into my courtroom knows their individual circumstances count. 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%). My record of community service is second to none. Co-Chair of JFS Washtenaw Integrated Senior Experience (WISE). Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Judges must not only uphold and apply the law, they are also required to perform all judicial duties fairly and impartially. The State via AP, Pool. She is licensed in Michigan and the Eastern District of Michigan. Prior to joining the AGs office, though I specialized in high-conflict family law, I also tried cases involving defamation, employment, real estate, contract, probate, consumer, and landlord tenant matters. } I will be ethical and honest. 100% remote. What is your general judicial philosophy? 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. partnered with the League of Women Voters. U.S. Congress | The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. 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. View the list of candidates that will be on your ballot. This will not happen overnight, it will not be easy, and it will certainly take multiple changes to our laws and practices to allow it to take place. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. Barr: My roots and ties to this community run deep and is one of many reasons why I am best candidate to represent this community. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. 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. As to matters of procedure, I will be guided by the Michigan Court rules. Courtrooms look much as they did 100 years ago. Slow justice can feel like no justice. 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. The following is a little nonpartisan voter guide that I compiled, based on the ballot for Ann Arbor. County and Local election results on this website go back to 1999. I have worked in the prosecutors office, as a judicial clerk, as a criminal defense attorney and currently as a public defender. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. I will use restorative and rehabilitative processes and offer them to all who enter my courtroom. font-size: 12px; .hide-mobile { We can partner with universities to study outcomes, and share those results publicly. The purpose of this guide is to give general, nonpartisan information about what will be on the ballot and who the candidates are in nonpartisan races (judges and school boards). 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