3094 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<7F570A21EA581B439EAD5FE7DF210981>]/Index[3066 51]/Info 3065 0 R/Length 126/Prev 344584/Root 3067 0 R/Size 3117/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream That term-limit situation was a seesaw battle through the courts with expedited appeals. Warren Mayor Jim Fouts eligible to be on city ballot, judge rules, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts files to run for 5th term despite term limit amendment, 4 of Warren's longest serving councilmen knocked off ballot again, Making Marrocco's home a prison: No TV, no parties, no golf, Trans male fencer Bobbie Hirsch is making history at Wayne State University, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. As the immediate past president of the Genesee County Bar Association, and member of the board for over 10 years, I have not only helped to ensure that our legal community is educated in the most up-to-date law but also assists our fellow citizens. If elected, I would continue this practice as it benefits all involved. .courts-header { font-size:150%;background-color:#334aab;color:white;} In addition, the judicial system could work harder to reduce recidivism. Weier is a Bentley Senior High School honors graduate and received her bachelors degree with honors from the University of Michigan-Flint and her juris doctorate from the University of Detroit-Mercy Law School. The judicial system exists to help with order and it is difficult for the public/community to have confidence in the judicial system without some measurable accountability. He received 31.42 percent of the vote.[5]. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. The 221 judges of the Michigan Circuit Courts are selected in an identical manner, each serving six-year terms. .widget-row.value-only.white { } [4], The chief judges of the circuit courts are appointed by the state supreme court to two-year terms. Brighton, MI 48116 color: white; 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Many of the Courts are streamlining and lessening the amount of Court appearances. 0 I would plan to stagger the appearances in my courtroom so that all parties could more efficiently plan their days. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. [5], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. His community involvement includes membership in the State Bar of Michigan, Genesee County Bar Association, and Genesee County Democratic Party Executive Committee. She has been an attorney for nearly 19 years and has handled all types of cases litigated in Genesee District Court. If not, should they be put in place and shared? Justice must be carried out in a fair and equal manner. Fouts said Warren residents should be able to decide who will be mayor. .widget-value { from the University of Cincinnati. margin-bottom: 0; District courts have jurisdiction in civil matters where the amount in controversy does not exceed $25,000. 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 following background information was provided by each candidate. Candidates are placed on the ballot via nonpartisan primaries or by nominating petitions. Further, the 67th District Court has a website where information about the Court is accessible to the public at any time. word-wrap: break-word; Marable Jr.: I will bring experience, fairness, commitment, integrity, and diligence to the Circuit Court bench. Christenson: The court system must be more efficient and respectful of the publics time. background-color: #003388; Her community involvement includes State Bar of Michigan, Genesee County Bar Association, Mallory VanDyne Scott Bar Association Executive Board, Embassy Covenant Church International Presbytery Board and Ministerial Team, Flint Childrens Museum Executive Board, Flint Institute of Arts Gala Committee, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Michigan Branch of the NAACP. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. I hear cases on blight and enforce city ordinances designed to eliminate our citys blight problem. Macomb County Circuit Judge Joseph Toia wrote that "the evidence presented demonstrates that the ballot language and Charter are not clear on whether previous terms served are counted towards the current term limits." $0 Total Expenditures. Information on all state and federal races and many of Michigans county and local races is available at Vote411.org, an online voter guide created by the League of Women Voters. Additionally, Denenfeld has been an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, Michigan State University/Detroit College of Law, Wayne State University, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Voters in 2020 approved a city charter amendment that a mayor may serve only three four-year terms, or 12 years, like other elected officials in the city. from Western Michigan University and a J.D. [1][2] He took office on August 10, 2009. We as the judiciary must strive to make all things we do transparent to all. The supreme court may authorize persons who have been elected and served as judges to perform judicial duties for limited periods or specific assignments. Weier: One issue that I have experienced as an attorney representing clients, is the client misses work and as a result, loses income. 2.1 Selection method. Heres a look at how the candidates responded to questions on some key issues. Nevertheless, I think this is something the courts should establish. 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=17th_Circuit_Court,_Michigan&oldid=9037092, 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. font-size: .9em; font-weight: bold; Now, as our court system faces the new reality of operating during a pandemic and recession; with backlogged dockets; a reduced capacity to operate; and almost certain budget cuts to come, it is critical we have battle tested judges who have experience in serving the public under less than ideal circumstances. What attributes/qualifications do you possess that make you the best choice for this court? Lawrence Garcia, an attorney representing the city clerk and Warren Election Commission, had no comment on the ruling. Community forums are a way to help establish the benchmarks and gauge whether or not what is being done is effective. ", More:Making Marrocco's home a prison: No TV, no parties, no golf, More:Trans male fencer Bobbie Hirsch is making history at Wayne State University. I created the City of Flints Blight Court and I have served as the Blight Court Judge. color: white; He said his clients want to appeal. I believe in treating people fairly and with respect. clear: both; margin-bottom: 1px; } float: right; margin-top: 1px; Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. He has worked as a licensed attorney for 13 years and was a Flint Blight Court judge for two years. .widget-row.value-only.black {

background-color: #f9f9f9; [1], Prior to joining the court, Denenfeld was an attorney with LaGrand & Denenefld. Thus, my conclusion is that the Court of Appeals has chosen to deny the voters of Warren the right to have a choice in November. However, I think this critical to allow for continuous quality improvement and to ensure that the judicial system is helping to meet the goals of the community. He has been involved in the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Whaley Childrens Center, Hurley breast cancer events, Hurley Childrens Hospital events and is a director on the Friends of Berston Field House. background-color: grey; All candidates for Michigan House and Senate, regardless of party, are invited to return a questionnaire and apply for an endorsement. 17th Circuit Court, 61st District Court, Probate Court 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 632-5220 Health. } 16th (Macomb) - Judge Teri Lynn Dennings. 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. 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. They can make an application to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court, which could happen as early as next week. .widget-img { The impact of COVID on the justice system will require new methods of operating for safety and efficiency. She received a bachelors degree, graduating Cum Laude, from the University of Michigan and received her juris doctorate from Michigan State University. 1.1 Judges; 1.2 Former judges; 1.3 See also; 1.4 External links; 2 Elections. Phone Directory . Incumbent. be a qualified elector of his or her district; be licensed to practice law in the state; have at least five years of law practice experience; and. Christenson: Transparency is the greatest challenge to justice and accountability. She was formerly on the public defender list, representing hundreds of defendants in felony cases. Making fair decisions as a judge is truly a skill that takes years to develop. Applicants may be interviewed by the MAJ Judicial Qualifications Committee. Stage. } background-color: green; Marsh: The courts are monitored by the State Court Administrators Office; however, I am not aware of the courts establishing any benchmarks to determine if they are effectively meeting the needs of their jurisdiction. I am also a sharp and effective communicator with strong leadership and interpersonal skills. endstream endobj startxref These metrics should be selected in conjunction with the community, reviewed on a biannual basis and shared with the public. I am also of the opinion that, absent unusual circumstances, cases should progress through the legal system in a timely manner. Access to the court system and monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the court should be available to everyone. Michigan Court of Appeals All rights reserved. Candidates for three judicial races in Genesee County are pictured in these submitted photos. .widget-row.Republican { We can do a better job of keeping the public informed by making information about the process of the courts readily available. Term-limit questions have appeared in ballot questions before Warren voters in 1998, 2016 and 2020. This begins by providing the public with the tools to confirm that fair and equal justice apply to everyone. Feaster has a bachelors degree from Eastern Michigan University and received his juris doctorate from the University of Dayton School of Law. 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=17th_Circuit_Court,_Michigan&oldid=9037092, 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. 17th Circuit Court, Michigan. 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. Michigan District Courts Michigan District Courts %%EOF We should review these benchmarks quarterly and make adjustments. Feaster: The current system demonstrates a lack of respect for the time of those participating in the legal process. He is a graduate of Roeper School in Oakland County. It did so in 2019, making a ruling in June of that year that four veteran councilmen's names were to be off the primary ballot, reversing a Court of Appeals ruling that would have allowed the four names to be on the ballot. Michigan Probate Courts, Courts in Michigan Michigan judicial elections Judicial selection in Michigan. border:1px solid #FFB81F; The candidate filing deadline for incumbents was March 21, and the deadline for non-incumbents was April 19. Fouts has not been named a party in any of the lawsuits, but the decisions by the courts directly affect him. Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. .infobox p { display: inline-block; I have served both the legal and greater community in many roles throughout my years of practice. Overview; Michigan; Races; Michigan 17th District Court; Data through 12/31/2022 Michigan 17th District Court 2022 Election Season $0 Total Contributions. The district courts are responsible for parking citations, traffic violations, criminal misdemeanors, preliminary examinations in felony cases, landlord-tenant, small claims, and general civil cases. But the Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court's decision and ruled in favor of the City Council. The Circuit Court ruled in favor of City Clerk Sonja Buffa and the Warren Election Commission, which said Fouts was eligible for reelection this year. font-size: 1.2em; Marable received his juris doctorate degree from the Ohio State University College of Law and bachelors degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University. I would utilize my experience from leading community organizations and volunteering to forge partnerships with groups that would help make offenders in my court less likely to return to crime and more likely to evolve into productive members of society. The judges in the 67th District Court meet frequently to discuss issues concerning the Court and its procedures. font-weight: bold; .courts-header { font-size:150%;background-color:#334aab;color:white;} In addition, I am the only candidate who has quasi-judicial experience. Support local journalism. The current jury system disenfranchises poor people, the elderly, and those who are not technologically savvy. I will not have to learn how to be a judge. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. Weier: I believe the greatest challenge to justice/public accountability is moving court cases forward in a timely fashion. As a Flint District Judge for 20 years, and 9 years as a prosecutor, I have more experience than any other candidate. Southeast MI Office: Nor do we find dispositive the fact that the 'terms served prior' language was not in the ballot proposal question itself, where the language actually was on the ballot within the proposal section," according to the ruling. All rights reserved (About Us). Marsh: I believe that social injustice is the greatest challenge to justice. 67th District courts are limited jurisdiction courts, authorized under state statute, with jurisdiction over Genesee County, including the City of Flint. } [4], The chief judges of the circuit courts are appointed by the state supreme court to two-year terms. In Genesee Circuit Court (7th Circuit Court), Genesee District Judge Harman Marable Jr. is running against attorney Chris Christensen while in Genesee District Court (67th District) races, Judge Jessica Hammon faces attorney Dawn Weier in the 2nd Division, and attorneys Torchio Feaster and Tabitha Marsh are seeking the open seat in the 5th Division. I have served as a volunteer mediator and contributed countless hours of pro bono work. display: inline-block; He said the Court of Appeals chose to ignore past Supreme Court opinions and allow an unclear and clearly unconstitutional opinion to be given.. .top_disclaimer { font-weight: bold; Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. ", He said the administration "has been playing games with term limits for over a decade. Hammon is a graduate of Atherton High School, the University of Michigan Flint and Ann Arbor campuses and Ave Maria School of Law. She is on the MIDC arraignment team and has represented defendants on misdemeanor and felony warrants and misdemeanor cases through trial.

float:right; To your knowledge, have the courts established any benchmarks to determine if they are effectively meeting the needs of their jurisdiction? There are 14 judges currently sitting on the 17th Circuit. The 17th Circuit Court is a circuit court in Michigan that encompasses Kent County. They are chosen in nonpartisan elections and must face re-election if they wish to continue serving. To be elected to either of these courts, a judge must:[3]. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. To learn more about judicial selection in Michigan, click here.  I believe that any studies, assessments or audits should always be available to the public. He served as chairman of legal redress for the Michigan NAACP.  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. Marable Jr.: The State Court Administrators Office (SCAO) uses a benchmark system for Michigan courts. The Michigan Court of Appeals decision is at best an unlikely and implausible conclusion clearly contradicting the ruling of the Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Toia, Fouts said in a lengthy response. election law stipulates that in instances where a candidate for Court of Appeals Judge, Circuit Court Judge, District Court Judge, or Probate Court Judge seeks election in a district where . Five of nine Genesee County Board of Commissioner seats contested in Nov. 3 election, Genesee County clerk-register race pits incumbent John Gleason against Republican Jesse Couch, State Rep. Mueller faces challenger May in race for 51st District state House of Representatives. Endorsements for all offices are voted on by the Executive Board. } The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. [5], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. This was a targeted proposal in which I was the only one affected by the vote without acknowledging it was aimed at only Mayor Fouts. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; Ballotpedia features 408,485 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers.  .widget-row.Libertarian { 	padding-left: 10px; Candidates have until Tuesday to file for office and until April 28 to withdraw. [3], Qualifications  Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2017; Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2016; Michigan judicial elections, 2014; Michigan judicial elections, 2012; Michigan judicial elections, 2010; Selection method See also: Nonpartisan election of judges. If you are interested in receiving MAJ's endorsement please email Executive Director Steve Pontoni at spontoni@michiganjustice.org. Back to Top . The longtime politician is seeking a fifth, four-year term as mayor of Michigan's third-populous city. 	width: 250px; Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should not be considered as an endorsement. In Genesee Circuit Court (7th Circuit Court), Genesee District Judge Harman Marable . Fouts, Papandrea, City Council President Pat Green, state Rep. Lori Stone and Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard have filed to run for mayor. 	padding-left: 10px; Working with state court officials, we must use virtual technology, specialty dockets, and other tools to serve the public. Lastly, we need to be proactive about how to address the generation that was poisoned by lead. This will help eliminate issues with implicit bias, racism, and sexism. This is not necessarily what the State Court Administrators Office is paying attention to. } I am also highly organized, extremely detail-oriented, and able to work on multiple projects and transactions simultaneously. Vinsons opinion, which was accepted by the Warren Election Commission during an Election Day meeting in November, stated it was not clear that the ballot proposal approved by voters in 2020 should apply to Fouts. This is the reason that I suggested that judges attend community forums and events. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Marable Jr.: As a Flint District Judge, we faced 2 financial emergencies for our funding source, (City of Flint) many mid-year budget cuts, staff layoffs and the elimination of Probation services. The unrest comes from hundreds of years of institutional racism that has plagued our history. Access to justice is a must to ensure accountability. 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.  Michigan District Courts I am comfortable leading in a variety of settings. Feaster: As far as I know there are not established benchmarks to evaluate the effectiveness of meeting the needs of the jurisdiction. .courts-container hr {background-color:#f0a236;padding-bottom:2px;}, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals  U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan  U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Michigan Supreme Court  ", He expressed doubt "that I can get a fair and objective legal opinion in this court and maybe beyond?". The term runs from November 2023 until November 2027. How could the judicial system better serve the public - in cost, in service, and/or in outcomes? 	width: 100%; } I will continue to support rehabilitation programs that teach defendants in my court how to break the cycle that brought them in front of me. 	font-weight: bold; The candidates are (from top left) Chris Christenson, Herman Marable Jr., Jessica Hammon, Dawn Weier, Torchio Feaster, and Tabitha Marsh.  2023 www.freep.com. [3], Denenfeld was re-elected (along with James Robert Redford and George Buth) in the general election on November 2, 2010. The Court's activities are divided into the following functions: Judges make decisions about peoples lives daily. 	background-color: #f9f9f9; Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Circuit courts are the trial courts with the broadest powers in Michigan. [3], Denenfeld holds a B.A. 	width: 43%; Such matters include: civil cases, landlord/tenant cases, misdemeanor criminal cases and felony criminal cases. 1 Circuit Court. Kent County, Michigan. 


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