I am currently working with local leaders to make this a reality now. When you come to my courtroom, youll feel welcome, knowing that I will listen attentively to all your concerns. 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. Tags: Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, Pittsfield Township, Ann Arbor Elections, Ann Arbor City Council, 12th Congressional District, Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Washtenaw County Sheriff, Washtenaw . MLive/The Ann Arbor News partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. MLive.com File Photo.MLive.com File Photo. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. My experience will ensure that no matter what type of case, no issue will be new to me. As to matters of fact, I will diligently hear and review all admissible information and reserve judgment according to the standards set forth in the law. Impartiality, fairness and compassion will be guiding principles in every decision I make. Judges must not only uphold and apply the law, they are also required to perform all judicial duties fairly and impartially. Click on your candidates to read their biography, view past election results, read their campaign themes and responses to our candidate survey, and more. 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. Slay defeated Marla Linderman Richelew of Ann Arbor. Work to ensure the Circuit Court has every problem-solving court available, including Mental Health Courts for Juveniles and Adults ASAP. From a personal and practical standpoint, I will strive to be fair with regards to sentencing as the punishment must fit the crime while being consistent and sentencing without bias. Here is how each candidate responded to the questions. Any registered voter in Washtenaw County can vote for Arianne, including: City of Ann Arbor. 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. Our courts must demonstrate this not only through our actions, but by a relentless focus on transparency so that the people we serve have confidence in what we do. Biography. Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. 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. 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. The law should not act in a vacuum without consideration for equity and compassion, even when the law requires punishment. State legislature | Two are in private practice in Ypsilanti, and two work for the county. It is of the utmost importance that the citizens of this community be heard and get a fair treatment in my courtroom. I will work with community leaders to increase transparency and accountability, create safe spaces for people to get the justice they need, and address mental health, substance dependency and poverty issues. width: 300px; In the nonpartisan primary, the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes advance to the general election. On a daily basis, I evaluate the facts of cases, apply the law, and make judgments on how to proceed. I have published numerous articles, on first offenders and expungement, immigrant rights, and seeking damages in family law cases. Cities | 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 note below discusses how we do that, and how you can help. As an MSW, I am qualified to supervise social work interns who can provide referrals and supportive services at no cost. My diverse educational background and my extensive professional experiences will provide that for all parties involved. However, I am most proud of my eight years at Legal Services where I was able to offer holistic support services to clients struggling with emergency legal issues. 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. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them? We must be vigilant against bias, and streamline cases to make them less cumbersome. Collis: Everyone who comes before this District Court deserves to have an experienced and well-versed judge presiding over their concerns. Armstrong: I believe that Judges have not just the responsibility, but the opportunity to reach out and help the people of their community. How to vote | County and Local . [1], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. } She also serves as the Presiding Judge of the Civil/Criminal Division. I am currently assigned to Circuit Court wherein I handle felony criminal docket. Van den Bergh: I take pride in my extensive litigation experience and use of my MSW to benefit vulnerable clients. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has jurisdiction in Washtenaw County. To learn more about judicial selection in Michigan, click here. In the nonpartisan primary, the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes advance to the general election. The top two vote-getters will go on to compete in the November general election. Apply today! Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Once a trial on a particular case begins, factors such as the elements of the crime, credibility of witnesses and evaluating bias come into play. color: white; I also have a decade of experience in psychology, crisis intervention, and education to better serve clients who have suffered trauma. When I become a judge, the most important voice in the courtroom will be yours. 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. | Van den Bergh: Depending on the legal issue, the law requires judges to consider certain factors before deciding a case. We also provide race overviews if you want additional background information. 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 is your general judicial philosophy? 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. I have been a practicing attorney for 26 years, 20 of them in Washtenaw County. 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. I served on the ACLU and NAACP Lawyers Committees, and was twice elected to the Ann Arbor School Board. SBM Diversity Advisor. The district court is in a unique position as it often serves as the first contact people have when they enter the criminal justice system. U.S. Congress | She currently serves as Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Division. I will make the courtroom process less stressful, knowing that the people who appear before me may be going through trauma. Criminal Justice Reform - As a leading criminal justice reformer, I understand how reforming the way individuals interact with law enforcement and the criminal justice system can and will change our community for the better. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Four Washtenaw County attorneys are vying for a chance to be the next 14A District Court Judge in the upcoming Aug. 2 primary. 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. About the Honorable Julia B. Owdziej. Your voice will be heard. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. padding-top: 0; Justices could choose not to stand for election. A searchable database of historical election information, all from official source documents. The candidates running for the six-year judicial position are Fawn Armstrong, Karl Barr, Stuart Collis and Torchio Feaster. From left to right: Amy Reiser, Nick Roumel and Tracy E. Van den Bergh. I will be ethical and honest. Once the root cause is addressed, the person is much less likely to reoffend. I am currently the senior partner at Collis, Griffor & Hendra, PC in Ypsilanti. It also wont be rushed. My dedication to justice, fairness and respect will be my guiding philosophy on the bench. Statewide election results on this website go back to 1980. You can contact your state or local election administrator for an official sample ballot. My entire career, both as a social worker and as a lawyer, has been dedicated to advocating for, and improving the lives, of vulnerable community members. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I will do that by trying to be a different kind of judge. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. I believe in rehabilitation, restoration, and protection, and that resolutions that incorporate these principles provide for better dispositions over time. If elected, I would be the only person of color on the Circuit Court Bench, an important perspective to help make our courts more representative of the communities they serve. My litigation background has also taught me that needlessly prolonged litigation is not an ideal way to solve problems. 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). Additional local ballot measures may also be included. 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. I had some impact on the cases assigned to me, but it was not enough to turn the tides. Primary Election Results 2022: Township Races in Washtenaw County. 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. Prior to joining the AGs office, though I specialized in high-conflict family law, I also tried cases involving defamation, employment, real estate, contract, probate, consumer, and landlord tenant matters. 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. Swartz plans to retire as his term expires in January 2021. Ballotpedia includes comprehensive election information for the largest 100 cities by population, as well as all state legislative, statewide, and congressional races across the nation. Incumbent Miriam Perry was unopposed in her bid for another six-year term on the 15th District Court Bench. If the matter is criminal, what is the living situation of the Defendant? Feaster: My judicial philosophy is shaped by being fair, consistent and respectful. Shut down an environmental polluter in Washtenaw. . Helped 1000+ attorneys, small businesses and non-profits survive COVID. Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. MLive Media Group has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information and other voting resources to readers ahead of 2020 elections. I have tried over 100 cases to verdict before juries, judges, and arbitrators. What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them? Continue to improve transparency and accountability. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Ballotpedia provides comprehensive coverage of the 100 largest cities in America by population as well as mayoral, city council, and district attorney election coverage in state capitals outside of the 100 largest cities. This sample ballot tool includes: All candidates in every upcoming election occurring within the 100 most-populated cities in the U.S., plus all federal and statewide elections, including ballot measures, nationwide. I will have the same approach as a judge. Every persons legal issue deserves its own unique consideration and outcome. I will support specialty courts and restorative justice programs as these address an individuals underlying problems, reduce recidivism, stabilize families, and improve lives. 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 know from my experience, that coming to court can be an emotionally charged situation for many. Great judges work hard, inside and outside of the courtroom, driven by commitment and compassion. 100 largest cities in America by population, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, Michigan Fifteenth Judicial District Court, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2023, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2022, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2021, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2020, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2019, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2018, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2017, Michigan local trial court judicial elections, 2016, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Washtenaw_County,_Michigan_(Judicial)&oldid=7674745, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. 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