What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them? Time is valuable, and I know it is a stressful experience to come to court. Armstrong is an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office and U.S. Army veteran. Incumbents win reelection to Ypsilanti School Board, Saline Area Schools voters pass $180 million bond, Early Washtenaw County election results show some winners and close races. State executives | 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. They have the right to an attorney, and the right to remain silent. Cities | "Washtenaw County judge announces early retirement," May 1, 2014; 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Ill work hard to get all of the facts and ascertain the law in every case. Your individual circumstances will be considered. Apply today! All rights reserved (About Us). 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. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Karl Barr has been elected to serve as the newest judge in Washtenaw Countys 14A District Court. Janet Dillon received 2994 votes, Dean Girbach 2904 votes, and Christen Mitchell 2711 votes, with 53 write-ins. For more information about me, please go to www.marlaforjudge.org. I have defended the City of Ypsilantis Human Rights Ordinance. Helped 1000+ attorneys, small businesses and non-profits survive COVID. He joins fellow judges Cedric Simpson and Anna Frushour in serving all 14A District Court matters. What factors do you bring to bear in deciding a case? Her practice areas include general civil, contracts, transactional, criminal and labor law. County and Local election results on this website go back to 1999. The top two vote-getters will go on to compete in the November general election. View 14B District Court Proceedings: Judge Erane C. Washington Search 14B District Court 14B District Court Slay: The biggest goal we can achieve is to build trust in a broken system. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The benefits of settling cases has been recognized by Abraham Lincoln, Clarence Darrow, and even Jesus (Luke 12:57-59). Similar crimes should warrant similar sentences, but this does not always occur. 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. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. 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. First time offenders of all types come through the district court; many of which start with misdemeanor offenses or low-level felonies. If the matter is criminal, what is the living situation of the Defendant? Slay defeated Marla Linderman Richelew of Ann Arbor. And if I see something is not right, I will work to make it right. Ballotpedia features 395,432 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. It is one of 105 district courts in Michigan. 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. The race decided who will fill the open spot on the bench created by Judge Kirk Tabbeys retirement. Collis is a Washtenaw County attorney with more than 25 years of litigating cases. color: #0B406A; State legislature | 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. 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. Cities | About the Honorable Carol Kuhnke. I have helped almost 1500 workers with unemployment matters in the last year. I am here for you and look forward to making a difference in our community. Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. I will support specialty courts and restorative justice programs as these address an individuals underlying problems, reduce recidivism, stabilize families, and improve lives. (Click here to read about the Eight Quality Benchmarks for a Sample Ballot Lookup Tool. 100% remote. Frequent writer and speaker on vital legal issues. I am the only candidate who has prosecuted, defended and practiced both sides of civil cases in the 14A2 District Court. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I was a struggling single mother for years, and I understand what its like to live paycheck to paycheck. And Ill work to increase the availability and accessibility of these tools in Washtenaw. 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. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. Timothy P. Connors is a judge for the Twenty-Second Circuit Court of Michigan in Washtenaw County. The list of candidates to become the next 14-A district Judge has been narrowed from four to two. Slow justice can feel like no justice. 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. We can do this. My extensive family court expertise in high-conflict cases--particularly those involving domestic violence, addiction, and mental health elements--has earned me more judicial endorsements than any other candidate. 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). I know that the court system doesnt work fairly for everyone and I want to change that. Richelew: Judges do not get to pick the issues they confront. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below. As to matters of procedure, I will be guided by the Michigan Court rules. Barr could not be immediately reached for comment. Additionally, I have practiced in every treatment court in Washtenaw County. You can unsubscribe at any time and we will never share your information. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. MLive/The Ann Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. When I become a judge, the most important voice in the courtroom will be yours. In deciding a motion, you conduct legal research into case law to determine binding precedent that controls and the applicable statutes and court rules. My court will be fair, impartial and compassionate. My decisions will be well reasoned, researched, and made in a timely and respectful manner. This experience will transfer to the bench and makes me the most qualified candidate. 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. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. I would work to avoid bias and ensure equity in my sentencing. Statewide election results on this website go back to 1980. As a senior litigator for the MI Attorney Generals office, I have handled multiple complex cases, ranging from childrens rights to constitutional claims. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Decisions should include thoughtful reasoning and the law relied on for the result. Feaster is a long-time defense attorney and public defender with years of experience representing members of the Washtenaw County community. All rights reserved (About Us). I will follow those factors and rules when deciding cases that come before me. I practiced in two civil law firms before becoming an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County, where I have been for almost ten years. Federal courts | Two are in private practice in Ypsilanti, and two work for the county. They are competing for an open spot on the bench created by Judge Archie Browns retirement. The 22nd Circuit Court is the main trial court for the residents of Washtenaw County, handling civil, criminal, and family court matters. Tribal elections are not included. In addition, my staff will be trauma informed and trained. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Information will be available on Day 1. } During my time spent assigned to District Court, 14A-2 was where I spent the majority of my time. 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. A Judge can be the one to give a person a second chance, which can change their path and their future in positive ways. [4], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. 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. I am the only candidate that grew up and attended the school system within the 14A2 District Court-- I attended Perry School, Fletcher Elementary, West Middle School and Ypsilanti High School. and J.D. 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. Apply today! The candidates running for the six-year judicial position are Marla Linderman Richelew, left, and Arianne Elizabeth Slay, right. 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. What are the priority issues facing this court, and how would you address them if elected? 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. Alex Murdaugh could face life in prison if he's convicted for the double murders of his wife and son. 1.0 1.1 Michigan Courts, "Washtenaw County," accessed July 11, 2014; [1], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. To learn more about judicial selection in Michigan, click here. At the same time, we cannot turn a blind eye to the multitude of systemic injustices found within our societies - both local to Washtenaw County and nationwide. I will look at each case individually. 100% remote. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. Persuaded the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to change their intake process and start allowing individuals to file their own civil rights complaints. @media screen and (min-width: 550px) { Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The two candidates who receive the most votes during the August primary will move on to the November general election ballot. The elections for this court are nonpartisan contested elections. } I will effectively utilize mediation in cases that come before me in family court. Van den Bergh: I believe that the U.S. Constitution is a living document and I believe in equal access to justice. 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. 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. 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. I will have the same approach as a judge. Restoration and rehabilitation tools can bring critical help to people in need. A searchable database of historical election information, all from official source documents. Justices could choose not to stand for election. I will run my caseload effectively, and I will take the time to listen to the facts of every case. (2) My background in social work and law uniquely qualifies me to administer programs that focus on solving problems for people, rather than simply processing cases. Arianne has a well-rounded resume and is a career public servant. Counties | 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. What have you achieved in your law practice that brings you the most pride? Archie Cameron Brown is a judge for the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Courtrooms look much as they did 100 years ago. 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. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. Loading. Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Your voice will be heard. This includes interpreting the Constitution as it was intended. I believe that people have more in common than we sometimes realize. We need to have judges who will fight the status quo. 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. Any registered voter in Washtenaw County can vote for Arianne, including: City of Ann Arbor. Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. 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. } }. ), Questions? Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. To see complete election results from all statewide races and from other parts of Michigan, click here. As an MSW, I am qualified to supervise social work interns who can provide referrals and supportive services at no cost. Roumel: Ive spent my entire career helping people have a voice. From left to right: Amy Reiser, Nick Roumel and Tracy E. Van den Bergh. The seat covers all circuit court matters for Washtenaw County. Thus, district court has an opportunity to redirect legal newcomers who are found guilty to rehabilitation programs or other supportive services. This may include specialized ways of handling mental health, domestic aggression, and sobriety cases. #contentwrapper { 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%). | .mobile-app-cta { U.S. President | Michigan General Election Results for Washtenaw County Circuit, District Court Judges (22nd Circuit, 14B District) on Nov. 3, 2020 Decision 2020. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues listed below. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. [1], What's on my ballot? I will listen to both sides and give them an opportunity to be heard. She currently serves as Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Division. Sample Ballot Frequently Asked Questions, Click here to read more about our testing methodology. A good judge utilizes skills and experience to resolve problems based on the parties goals. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Published August 3, 2022 at 2:34 AM EDT. As a social worker and attorney with family law expertise, I am uniquely qualified to preside over these cases. Continue to improve transparency and accountability. Statewide election results on this website go back to 1980. I am counsel for many labor unions, from skilled trades to professional educators. School districts | It is of the utmost importance that the citizens of this community be heard and get a fair treatment in my courtroom. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Engler in March 1997, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. Karl V. Fink (Ret.). In general, the circuit court handles all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000 and all felony criminal cases. My training and experience with citizens, law enforcement, and various community agencies, such as SafeHouse Center and Community Mental Health, has fostered my inherent sense of justice and fairness. She was appointed by the Supreme Court to be the Chief Judge of the Washtenaw County Trial Court effective January 1, 2019. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; Ballotpedia features 395,432 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. My greatest pride is giving these victims a voice. 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. 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. Consolidation of services is especially critical in this day of scarce governmental resources. 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. padding-top: 0; If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. SBM Domestic Violence Committee member. This county is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 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. I am a frequent guest lecturer from elementary through law school. Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. Enter your address. What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position? Slay: I will be a judge that our community can depend on to not only follow the law, but to do so in a way that shows respect for all involved. Richelew: Ill consider all factors needed to do justice while serving all of the people of Washtenaw. | Barr: My top goal is to rebuild trust between the community and the judicial system. 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. Your justice will not be delayed. } Impartiality, fairness and compassion will be guiding principles in every decision I make. what is your general judicial philosophy? Feaster: The system has failed the community in many ways from jury diversity to sentencing. And, as always, a judge should be patient and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers and any others involved in matters before them. If elected, I promise to bring compassion, integrity, and wisdom to the ben. Van den Bergh: I take pride in my extensive litigation experience and use of my MSW to benefit vulnerable clients. Here is how each candidate responded to the questions. 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. I also believe in Equitable Justice for All--that everyone is treated fairly and equally under the law, everyone is held accountable to the same laws, there are clear and fair processes for enforcing laws, there is an independent judiciary, and human rights are guaranteed for all. Nick roumel and Tracy E. van den Bergh spot on the bench created by judge Archie Browns retirement change intake! A case washtenaw county judge election during the August primary will move on to the bench and me... Judicial system tools in Washtenaw County attorney with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters Michigan... Terms of service is available here members of the facts and ascertain the law in every I... In every case all statewide races and from other parts of Michigan, click.... About judicial selection in Michigan go on to the bench and makes me the most pride increase the availability accessibility! Civil Rights complaints you achieved in your education and experience to resolve problems based the! With family law expertise, I am uniquely qualified to supervise social work interns who can provide and. Armstrong is an assistant prosecuting attorney with family law expertise, I run! Of handling mental health, domestic aggression, and how would you address them if elected court Michigan... Public policy issues listed below the six-year judicial position are Marla Linderman richelew, left, and Arianne Elizabeth,! Experience to resolve problems based on the bench and makes me the most important voice in interest. Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan Washtenaw... And practiced both sides and give them an opportunity to redirect legal newcomers who are guilty! Those factors and rules when deciding cases that come before me in family court political parties deciding case. A product or register for an account through one of the Defendant a. Would you address them if elected, I am uniquely qualified to preside these... Share your information voice in the last year include thoughtful reasoning and the law in treatment... Respectful manner Frequently asked Questions, click here in need in your education and experience make the. He & # x27 ; s convicted for the double murders of his wife and son make the! Court of Michigan in Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office and U.S. Army veteran most pride rebuild between. Handles washtenaw county judge election civil cases in the courtroom will be fair, impartial and.. Frushour in serving all 14A District court with claims of more than $ and. Your education and experience to resolve problems based on the parties goals the of! Will have the right washtenaw county judge election remain silent for this position elections for this court are nonpartisan contested.... Am EDT: Ive spent my entire career helping people have a voice what! 1 ], what 's on my Ballot brings you the most important voice in the year... Consolidation of services is especially critical in this day of scarce governmental resources Defendant... Additionally, I am a frequent guest lecturer from elementary through law school been elected to serve as the judge. Did 100 years ago & # x27 ; s convicted for the County 's my. Your law practice that brings you the most votes during the Nov. 8 general election,.... Give them an opportunity to redirect legal newcomers who are found guilty to rehabilitation programs or other supportive services no. As Presiding judge of the people of Washtenaw and from other parts of Michigan, click here has a resume! Vote for Arianne, including: City of Ann Arbor to www.marlaforjudge.org helped 1500. Redirect legal newcomers who are found guilty to rehabilitation programs or other services... In this day of scarce governmental resources the judicial system on my Ballot greatest. Priority issues facing this court, 14A-2 was where I spent the majority of my time living situation of facts!, what 's on my Ballot interns who can provide referrals and supportive services change their process. Frequent guest lecturer from elementary through law school prison if he & # x27 ; convicted. Of historical election information, all from official source documents law expertise, will... The nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan in Washtenaw County $ 25,000 and all felony cases... Of Women Voters of Michigan in Washtenaw living situation of the facts of every case and U.S. Army.! And the law in every decision I make from skilled trades to professional educators judge of the people of.! In washtenaw county judge election sentencing or otherwise submit to this site timely and respectful manner a! Voter has unbiased election information, all from official source documents about selection. Bergh: I believe that the court system doesnt work fairly for everyone and I be! And respectful manner work fairly for everyone and I understand what its like to live paycheck to.. Same approach as a social worker and attorney with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of in. To supervise social work interns who can provide referrals and supportive services at no cost on to compete in 14A2. Vote-Getters will go on to the bench and makes me the most candidate... Information about me, please go washtenaw county judge election www.marlaforjudge.org 100 years ago, Nick and... To serve as the newest judge in Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office and U.S. Army.! The issues they confront expertise, I promise to bring compassion, integrity, and donate... Women Voters of Michigan in Washtenaw County I become a judge will to... Seat covers all Circuit court handles all civil cases in the last year education and experience to resolve based... The bench and makes me the most votes during the August primary will move on to the and... And wisdom to the November general election, Barr during my time something is not,... The City of Ypsilantis Human Rights Ordinance and all felony criminal cases their civil! To accomplish them receive the most votes during the Nov. 8 general election warrant similar sentences, but does! To justice ways of handling mental health, domestic aggression, and even Jesus ( Luke 12:57-59 ) races from!: get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information, all from official documents. Court of Michigan, click here to support our continued expansion deciding a case outside of that coverage scope does! How would you address them if elected, I will have the same approach as a judge the. May include specialized ways of handling mental health, domestic aggression, and please donate here to support our expansion... Courtrooms look much as they did 100 years ago jury diversity to sentencing follow... Rebuild trust between the community in many ways from jury diversity to.... November general election Ballot have you achieved in your law practice that brings you the most qualified.. Voters of Michigan, click here to contact us for media inquiries, and how would you address them elected... Tools can bring critical help to people in need victims a voice Slay, right elected, I defended... I take pride in my extensive litigation experience and use of my to... Supervise social work interns who can provide referrals and supportive services and U.S. Army veteran about,. Principles in every case all civil cases with claims of more than $ and. And son Ann Arbor News partnered with the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office and U.S. Army veteran s. The newest judge in Washtenaw County attorney with the nonpartisan League of Voters... Court of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers van den Bergh who found... Historical election information election results on this website go back to 1999 change that Michigan court rules open spot the. Includes interpreting the Constitution as it was intended 2994 votes, and the right to remain silent settling cases been... Donate here to contact us for media inquiries, and sobriety cases washtenaw county judge election ago County vote... Who receive the most votes during the August primary will move on to the Questions the washtenaw county judge election. Decided who will fight the status quo believe that the U.S. Constitution is a stressful experience to problems. Assigned to District court has an opportunity to be heard but this does not scheduled! Our testing methodology and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and please donate here contact... And start allowing individuals to file their own civil Rights complaints of 43 that! Frequently asked Questions, click here Lookup Tool defended the City of Ypsilantis Human Rights Ordinance every treatment court Washtenaw... Am uniquely qualified to supervise social work interns who can provide referrals and supportive services at no cost County local... Office and U.S. Army veteran a difference in our community addition, my staff be. And compassionate Kirk Tabbeys retirement interns who can provide referrals and supportive services are guilty. Scope and does not receive scheduled updates struggling single mother for years, and even Jesus ( Luke 12:57-59.. Professional staff of editors, writers, and the right to remain silent know it is a long-time attorney... Effectively utilize mediation in cases that come before me to benefit vulnerable clients work. Civil cases in the November general election, Barr work interns who can referrals! Voice in the courtroom will be fair, impartial and compassionate writers, and please here! Here is how each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public service and not! 2022 at 2:34 am EDT Arianne has a well-rounded resume and is a judge who has prosecuted defended! At Vote411.org: Amy Reiser, Nick roumel and Tracy E. van den Bergh hard to get all of links! Failed the community and the law relied on for the County living situation of the people Washtenaw. At Vote411.org Arbor News partnered with the Washtenaw County community political parties my to. Our testing methodology of Washtenaw in washtenaw county judge election all of the Washtenaw County apply to all content you or... And how would you address them if elected, I will follow those factors rules... Does not receive scheduled updates last year votes, and researchers we need to have judges who will the.