Cities | Here is how each candidate responded to the questions. State legislature | The law should not act in a vacuum without consideration for equity and compassion, even when the law requires punishment. Building trust in our justice system is a priority. My campaign slogan is A Voice for Justice. But Im not talking about myself. I am the only candidate who has prosecuted, defended and practiced both sides of civil cases in the 14A2 District Court. Barr: I believe addressing racial disparity in sentencing and reducing recidivism are priorities for the Court. The top two vote-getters will go on to compete in the November general election. I will expand the use of Specialty Court programs that focus on rehabilitation, community support and reduction of recidivism. Washtenaw County. But first, make sure your voice is heard on election day! They must partner with other government agencies, universities, and non-profits to bring holistic, wrap-around services. She advances to the November ballot and there is no Democratic opposition. Convinced many Michigan Courts to create a dedicated breast-feeding area in their courthouses. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Collis: Judges are required to rule based upon the law, but it is important that these laws are fair and equitable to all parties. Once the root cause is addressed, the person is much less likely to reoffend. #contentwrapper { 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. Slow justice can feel like no justice. Collis: A judge must be independent and honorable when dispensing justice. Skip to Main Content. (WDIV) The 2020 General Election will be. 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. Like 89.1WEMUonFacebookand follow us onTwitter, Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363or email us atstudio@wemu.org, Serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, MI, PublishedNovember 9, 2022 at 11:17 AM EST. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. One of my assignments in Appeals was also training, and I would advise my colleagues on new case law and also train local law enforcement agencies. In the Army I was taught to never seek a promotion if you were not prepared to lead. All rights reserved (About Us). What in your education and experience makes you the best qualified candidate for this position? " Official Election Results: Saline Council " (November 19, 2018) Washtenaw County. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. What follows are the audio and remarks the candidate wanted to share with you. I will hold this position in the utmost respect and regard as it is a privilege to be able to serve the community in this capacity. 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. Judge Profiles Trial Court judges are elected for terms of six years in non-partisan elections. Furthermore, diversity in representation of lawyers, judges, and other officials helps to build trust. Restoration and rehabilitation tools can bring critical help to people in need. padding-top: 0; 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. Decisions should include thoughtful reasoning and the law relied on for the result. Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr. I am statewide leader in attorney training, I have centered my approach around restorative justice and trauma-informed proceedings in order to build trust in a historically discriminatory court system. Ive learned that everyone is fighting some kind of battle, and they just want to be heard. Her practice areas include general civil, contracts, transactional, criminal and labor law. } As a social worker and attorney with family law expertise, I am uniquely qualified to preside over these cases. 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. 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. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Engler in March 1997, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. If elected, I promise to bring compassion, integrity, and wisdom to the ben. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. 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. The common thread in these cases is that they require a judge who can compassionately manage families and individuals in crisis while still remaining objective and impartial. For instance, it is important for a court to start on time, keep waiting to a minimum and produce fair, impartial decisions. 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. MLive/The Ann Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. Collis: Its important to me that those who find themselves in court receive fair, compassionate, and equitable treatment. .sample-ballot-mobile-promo, .sample-ballot-mobile-promo a, .sample-ballot-mobile-promo a:hover { color: white; The note below discusses how we do that, and how you can help. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. 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. 20 years of elected leadership roles in the Washtenaw and Michigan Legal Community. 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. County residents taxes variously fund multiple state, county, city, township, and university police forces, and seven courthouses. Federal courts | 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. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. 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. I obtained my Bachelors Degree in history and political science from the University of Michigan, and my law degree from Cooley Law School. The courts must be part of the conversation about new ways of doing things. Co-Chair of JFS Washtenaw Integrated Senior Experience (WISE). Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered an endorsement. font-weight: 600; I served on the ACLU and NAACP Lawyers Committees, and was twice elected to the Ann Arbor School Board. color: white; The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. and J.D. 2. The new judge will be assigned the family court docket during the six-year term in office. You can contact your state or local election administrator for an official sample ballot. She also serves as the Presiding Judge of the Civil/Criminal Division. Roumel: Courts cannot decide cases in isolation. 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. We should question our methods, and if they dont make sense, work together for reform. I am a Veteran, serving the US Army Reserves for 8 years with one tour of duty in Iraq. The 22nd Circuit Court is the main trial court for the residents of Washtenaw County, handling civil, criminal, and family court matters. I wrote the guide on how to reopen safely and helped the Michigan YMCAs reopen (pro bono). What are the priority issues facing this court, and how would you address them if elected? I am the only candidate so named. 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. "Official Election Results: 14A District Court Judge" (November 19, 2018) Washtenaw County Michigan. 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. Cities | This may include specialized ways of handling mental health, domestic aggression, and sobriety cases. I will endeavor to make sure the courtroom is a place that each person feels respected, regardless of what issue brought them into 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. 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. We must be vigilant against bias, and streamline cases to make them less cumbersome. 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%). What have you achieved in your law practice that brings you the most pride? U.S. President | YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Slay: After receiving my B.A. U.S. President | display: none; | Barr is an assistant city attorney for Ypsilanti and private attorney for more than 22 years. Courtrooms are not welcoming - the forms can be confusing, and it requires the use of an entire book to explain the rules on how to appear before the court. Prior to that role, she prosecuted domestic violence cases in the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office. Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. Tags: Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Pittsfield Township, Ann Arbor Elections, Ann Arbor City Council, 12th Congressional District, Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Washtenaw County Sheriff, Washtenaw . 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. 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. 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. ), Questions? State elections officials recommend. Shut down an environmental polluter in Washtenaw. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. The people of Washtenaw County are served by the Michigan Third District Court of Appeals, a circuit court, district court, and probate court. In deciding a motion, you conduct legal research into case law to determine binding precedent that controls and the applicable statutes and court rules. 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. It also wont be rushed. County and Local election results on this website go back to 1999. Counties | Where the office names are linked, you can click to learn more about the race in general. 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. Darlene A. O'Brien is running for Probate Judge for Washtenaw County as a nonpartisan. Ypsilanti faces issues of a lack of good-paying jobs, a lack of affordable, safe, and quality housing, a lack of affordable and quality daycares, and a lack of reliable transportation. We must ensure that judges, staff, attorneys, and juries treat people fairly. In general, the circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000 and all felony criminal cases. Arianne has a well-rounded resume and is a career public servant. The elections for this court are nonpartisan contested elections. Roumel: We cannot ignore what is happening nationally. .mobile-app-cta:hover { Your individual circumstances will be considered. U.S. Congress | The two candidates who receive the most votes during the August primary will move on to the November general election ballot. Whether the case is civil or criminal in nature, I am committed to understanding the facts and the law behind each decision. My commitment to public service is a strong asset that I will bring to the bench. Richelew: Judges do not get to pick the issues they confront. Finally, it should not contain errors such as misspelled names, inaccurate incumbency labels, or incorrect political party affiliations. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. But we sometimes forget to hear each other, especially today when people seem more divided than ever. Barr: My top goal is to rebuild trust between the community and the judicial system. 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. Represent a group of Bipartisan Legislators protecting the right to home health care for the traumatically injured. Thus, district court has an opportunity to redirect legal newcomers who are found guilty to rehabilitation programs or other supportive services. Collis: Everyone who comes before this District Court deserves to have an experienced and well-versed judge presiding over their concerns. Working as a line-prosecutor, I had little chance to make changes to address this issue. How to run for office | I will do that by trying to be a different kind of judge. 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. Apply today! Most importantly, I will listen, with kindness, respect, and patience. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Karl V. Fink (Ret.). What are the priority issues facing this court, and how would you address them if elected? Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. I believe that people have more in common than we sometimes realize. Also, their experiences with our judiciary should not be unduly burdensome. I am in court nearly every day and I see the flaws and areas for improvement. 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. My diverse educational background and my extensive professional experiences will provide that for all parties involved. People here are also concerned about gun violence and drugs, which needs to be taken seriously to ensure that people feel safe. 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. Apply today! 100% remote. One who gets down from the bench, sits at the table with you, and gets to work. 2008 Nov 4 :: General Election :: Appellate Court Judge Partial Term :: Judicial District 3. . 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. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. To learn more about judicial selection in Michigan, click here. What factors do you bring to bear in deciding a case? Judges of the Michigan District Courts are each elected to six-year terms. Barr is an assistant city attorney for Ypsilanti and private attorney for more than 22 years. I have tried hundreds of cases including drunk driving, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and homicide. 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. My experience will ensure that no matter what type of case, no issue will be new to me. [1] He was re-elected in 2000, 2004, 2010, and 2016.