Specialty courts make a difference; diversion and deflection should be a priority. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I am currently working with local leaders to make this a reality now. It is of the utmost importance that the citizens of this community be heard and get a fair treatment in my courtroom. Federal courts | I am currently assigned to Circuit Court wherein I handle felony criminal docket. Judges must have the experience, demeanor, and desire to get from behind the bench to sit with the parties, roll up their sleeves, and help them resolve cases. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. It also wont be rushed. Roumel: There is a science and art to deciding cases. In addition, my staff will be trauma informed and trained. Michigan's 14A District Court is located in Washtenaw County and serves all cities within county limits except for Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. I believe it is vital that we connect individuals with social safety net services, address the root causes of interactions with the court systems and support the rights of our victims of crime. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. He was appointed to this position by former Governor John Engler on March 18, 1999, to replace Judge Kurtis Wilder. Whether the case is civil or criminal in nature, I am committed to understanding the facts and the law behind each decision. ), Questions? She also serves as the Presiding Judge of the Civil/Criminal Division. display: block; 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. What factors would you bring to bear in deciding a case? This includes interpreting the Constitution as it was intended. A searchable database of historical election information, all from official source documents. Primary Election Results 2022: Township Races in Washtenaw County. As your Circuit Judge I will: Devote the time and effort to ensure every person coming into my courtroom knows their individual circumstances count. They must partner with other government agencies, universities, and non-profits to bring holistic, wrap-around services. Richelew: I help people every day. .hide-mobile { Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving. I will be ethical and honest. What factors do you bring to bear in deciding a case? The seat covers all district court matters for Washtenaw County except for the city of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Township. What have you achieved in your law practice that brings you the most pride? Courtrooms look much as they did 100 years ago. School districts | 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. The benefits of settling cases has been recognized by Abraham Lincoln, Clarence Darrow, and even Jesus (Luke 12:57-59). Karl V. Fink (Ret.). The elections for this court are nonpartisan contested elections. 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. . background: grey; We can work closer with attorneys involved; my 20 years of leadership in our legal community will drive this process forward. But first, make sure your voice is heard on election day! As judge, I would have more compassion for people struggling to pay fines and seek to waive fines or order community service in lieu of fines. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. if(document.getElementsByClassName("reference").length==0) if(document.getElementById('Footnotes')!==null) document.getElementById('Footnotes').parentNode.style.display = 'none'; What's on my ballot? Feaster is a long-time defense attorney and public defender with years of experience representing members of the Washtenaw County community. I also clerked for a federal judge and interned for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Cities | MLive/The Ann Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. Often the victims of crime are poor, suffer from drug addiction, have some type of mental illness, suffer from past trauma or have a disability. Expertise in voting rights as a lawyer and election worker. Richelew: Ill consider all factors needed to do justice while serving all of the people of Washtenaw. Learn more Explore the Data 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Michigan General Election Results for Washtenaw County Circuit, District Court Judges (22nd Circuit, 14B District) on Nov. 3, 2020 Decision 2020. 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. I graduated from Northern Michigan University and MSU College of Law. We should question our methods, and if they dont make sense, work together for reform. . We must ensure that judges, staff, attorneys, and juries treat people fairly. 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. Time is valuable, and I know it is a stressful experience to come to court. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. He's seen here being escorted into the the Colleton County . I will effectively utilize mediation in cases that come before me in family court. This county is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. 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. Collis: A judge must be independent and honorable when dispensing justice. 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. Judge Julia B. Owdziej was appointed Probate Judge on June 3, 2014 and was elected by the Washtenaw County voters in November of 2014 and 2020. 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. } The Judge in this Court needs to have insight and understanding into these issues, because everything the Court orders has a huge impact on peoples daily lives: bonds, drug tests or tethers, court fees and fines. The people of Washtenaw County are served by the Michigan Third District Court of Appeals, a circuit court, district court, and probate court. Barr is an assistant city attorney for Ypsilanti and private attorney for more than 22 years. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Two Washtenaw County attorneys are vying for a chance to be the next Washtenaw County Trial Court judge in the upcoming general election in November The. partnered with the League of Women Voters. This means listening to the parties and making sure they have an opportunity to share their side of the story; including ensuring that self-represented litigants are heard by the Court. My greatest pride is giving these victims a voice. I am a frequent guest lecturer from elementary through law school. 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. 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. [1], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. 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. ANN ARBOR, MI Three legal minds are on the August primary ballot vying to be Washtenaw Countys next new trial court judge, but only two can progress to the November general election. 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). It will take hard work, on and off the bench. How to run for office | Richelew: Our courts should work effectively for every single one of us. In deciding a motion, you conduct legal research into case law to determine binding precedent that controls and the applicable statutes and court rules. Armstrong took the most votes followed by Barr. 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. What follows are the audio and remarks the candidate wanted to share with you. This means taking an active, though impartial role in leveling imbalances of power. My unique background has trained me to navigate the unique familial and interpersonal issues involved in family law cases, and will be critical in allowing me to reach the most just legal decision possible. I helped organize a national housing conference, fought against school vouchers, and anti-LGBTQ discrimination. I know that the court system doesnt work fairly for everyone and I want to change that. padding-top: 0; I will do that by trying to be a different kind of judge. As a judge, I will work hard to level the playing field for all litigants. Having directly treated individuals facing these issues as a social worker, and having represented numerous families facing these difficulties as a lawyer, I understand the support required to stabilize families. 2. I believe my knowledge of the community and life experiences give me a deep understanding of the human elements that play into cases. About the Honorable Julia B. Owdziej. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. Download the mobile app to save your choices. My dedication to justice, fairness and respect will be my guiding philosophy on the bench. I would like to reestablish the bench bar--a regular meeting between the court, police, municipal officials, prosecutor and defense bar. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. This county is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. State legislature | Washtenaw County. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has jurisdiction in Washtenaw County. 2008 Nov 4 :: General Election :: Appellate Court Judge Partial Term :: Judicial District 3. . } While African Americans only make up 13% of the county population, we made up over 70% of criminal defendants. Courts are too often a barrier to justice for people of color, those with mental health issues, and litigants without means. You can unsubscribe at any time and we will never share your information. 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. font-weight: 600; 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. 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. State and local courts | In disputes that come before the court, it will be my job to help parties find that common ground. A Judge can be the one to give a person a second chance, which can change their path and their future in positive ways. I am counsel for many labor unions, from skilled trades to professional educators. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered an endorsement. Ballot measures, Who represents me? 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. As a judge, I believe it is important to treat litigants who appear before you with respect. and J.D. Skyline PTSO President. Biography. If elected, I promise to bring compassion, integrity, and wisdom to the ben. What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them? By David Fair. Judge Carol Kuhnke was elected by the voters of Washtenaw County in 2012 and took the bench on January 1, 2013. How to vote | Van den Bergh: Many family law cases involve mental health, addiction, and domestic violence issues. Public policy. I have worked in the prosecutors office, as a judicial clerk, as a criminal defense attorney and currently as a public defender. How to vote | Building trust in our justice system is a priority. In my prior career as a clinical social worker, I supported 100s of struggling families; at Legal Services, I assisted over 1,000 vulnerable, under-resourced Washtenaw County residents, specializing in family law issues. What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them? Co-Chair of JFS Washtenaw Integrated Senior Experience (WISE). 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. Counties | Feaster: As a Washtenaw County Public Defender and the Founder of T.W. Apply today! I will lend my voice and experience to these innovation efforts. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. Tags: Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Pittsfield Township, Ann Arbor Elections, Ann Arbor City Council, 12th Congressional District, Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Washtenaw County Sheriff, Washtenaw . I practiced in two civil law firms before becoming an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Washtenaw County, where I have been for almost ten years. Continue to improve transparency and accountability. State executives | Roumel: We cannot ignore what is happening nationally. 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. 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. I believe in rehabilitation, restoration, and protection, and that resolutions that incorporate these principles provide for better dispositions over time. And if I see something is not right, I will work to make it right. border-radius: 6px; My record of community service is second to none. Barr: My top goal is to rebuild trust between the community and the judicial system. As an MSW, I am qualified to supervise social work interns who can provide referrals and supportive services at no cost. Represent a group of Bipartisan Legislators protecting the right to home health care for the traumatically injured. State and local courts | 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). 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. Feaster Attorney at Law, PLLC, Ive dedicated my career to serving citizens in need with integrity, civility, and equity. Reiser: Often times the law provides specific factors to consider or rules of evidence to follow when deciding a case. State elections officials recommend. ANN ARBOR, MI - Three legal minds are on the August primary ballot vying to be Washtenaw County's next new trial court judge, but only two can progress to the November general election. [4], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. border: none !important; Securing 40,729 votes during the Nov. 8 general election, Barr defeated fellow Washtenaw County attorney Fawn Armstrong, who garnered 29,852 votes. Timothy P. Connors is a judge for the Twenty-Second Circuit Court of Michigan in Washtenaw County. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Given the criminal focus of the open seat on the Circuit Court, my experience as a leader in criminal justice reform will make me best-equipped to hit the ground running. 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