width: 150px; Article 6, 26 Circuit court commissioners and justices of the peace, abolition; courts of limited jurisdiction. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Genesee County voters will decide between judicial candidates - mlive In the nonpartisan primary, the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes advance to the general election. There is no substitute for the community and legal experience I bring to the courtroom. Lansing, MI 48933 color: white; The ruling comes less than a month after a Macomb County Circuit Court judge denied a motion from the Warren City Council and Councilman Ron Papandrea that challenged Fouts' eligibility. He received 31.42 percent of the vote.[5]. We should review these benchmarks quarterly and make adjustments. I created the City of Flints Blight Court and I have served as the Blight Court Judge. font-size: 1.2em; Box 20126, . This is more efficient, reduces costs, lessens court appearances and litigants do not have to miss as much work. Brighton, MI 48116 Marable Jr.: There are access issues for low-and moderate-income users to our courts. His community involvement includes membership in the State Bar of Michigan, Genesee County Bar Association, and Genesee County Democratic Party Executive Committee. 2.2.1 Primary election; 2.2.2 General election; 2.2.3 Ties; 2.3 Footnotes; Circuit Court. The Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ) endorses candidates that will fight to protect the right to a civil trial by jury, and promote a fair and effective justice system. @D=@ -. There are 14 judges currently sitting on the 17th Circuit. Kent County, Michigan. font-size: .9em; Such matters include: civil cases, landlord/tenant cases, misdemeanor criminal cases and felony criminal cases. Jeff Schroder, an attorney representing the City Council, said "we're very pleased with the court's decision because it upheld the will of the voters who approved a term limit amendment by over 67% of the vote in 2020. .widget-row.Democratic { .courts-header { font-size:150%;background-color:#334aab;color:white;} 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. width: 250px; font-weight: bold; She has practiced law for more than 15 years and served as a Genesee County public defender, representing indigent criminal defendants in felony cases for more than 14 years. He said the Court of Appeals chose to ignore past Supreme Court opinions and allow an unclear and clearly unconstitutional opinion to be given.. .widget-row.value-only { color: white; Ballotpedia does not currently cover this office or maintain this page. width: 43%; This judge is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. I am also a sharp and effective communicator with strong leadership and interpersonal skills. word-wrap: break-word; .widget-row.value-only.white { 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. Schroder said he believes the "real problem" is the city attorney, who he said "keeps writing bogus legal opinions and putting his thumb on the scale so the mayor gets the result he wants. 17th Circuit Court, Michigan - Ballotpedia Christenson: Transparency is the greatest challenge to justice and accountability. hbbd```b`` TD29`5O?`r-X}&Mo9OI_ vH/c];9D2H-`z R*lJ q g I hear cases on blight and enforce city ordinances designed to eliminate our citys blight problem. We need to have judges who will fight the status quo. The 17th Circuit Court is a circuit court in Michigan that encompasses Kent County. The candidate filing deadline for incumbents was March 21, and the deadline for non-incumbents was April 19. padding-left: 10px; Using tools such as Alternate Dispute Resolution and Mediation the courts can encourage participants to work to resolve their differences earlier in the process, saving them time, money and stress. . Weier: I believe the greatest challenge to justice/public accountability is moving court cases forward in a timely fashion. [3], Denenfeld holds a B.A. If you are interested in receiving MAJ's endorsement please email Executive Director Steve Pontoni at spontoni@michiganjustice.org. [5], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. width: 57%; Candidates are placed on the ballot via nonpartisan primaries or by nominating petitions. She is on the MIDC arraignment team and has represented defendants on misdemeanor and felony warrants and misdemeanor cases through trial. Many of the Courts are streamlining and lessening the amount of Court appearances. Endorsements for all offices are voted on by the Executive Board. 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. background-color: grey; 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. They are chosen in nonpartisan elections and must face re-election if they wish to continue serving. FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-INCUMBENT . If yes, how often should they be reviewed or shared with the public? Incumbent. 26. Lastly, we need to be proactive about how to address the generation that was poisoned by lead. Weier: I am dedicated and hard working. But the Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court's decision and ruled in favor of the City Council. Applicants may be interviewed by the MAJ Judicial Qualifications Committee. I would work to avoid bias and ensure equity in my sentencing. 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. [1], Prior to joining the court, Denenfeld was an attorney with LaGrand & Denenefld. This begins by providing the public with the tools to confirm that fair and equal justice apply to everyone. In general, circuit courts handle all civil cases with claims of more than $25,000 and all felony criminal cases. Making fair decisions as a judge is truly a skill that takes years to develop. .widget-row.value-only.black { The courts have 10 elected judges, four appointed magistrates, nine probation officers and a staff of 50 employees. [4], The chief judges of the circuit courts are appointed by the state supreme court to two-year terms. Ballots will have to be finalized so they can be printed and sent to clerks by June 24, when clerks have to transmit or mail absent voter ballots to military or overseas voters who applied for one. margin-bottom:0px; All rights reserved. This is the reason that I suggested that judges attend community forums and events. 3rd (Wayne) - John C. Gillis* 3rd (Wayne) - Nicholas Hathaway* 6th (Oakland) - Amanda Shelton* 10th (Saginaw) - Megan Cottington-Heath. 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 . I believe that any studies, assessments or audits should always be available to the public. [4] Incumbent Paul Denenfeld and incumbent George Jay Quist were unopposed in the 17th Circuit general election (2 open seats). Statewide Governor; . Endorsements for all offices are voted on by the Executive Board. Jail overcrowding has long been an issue as many with felony warrants are not lodged at the Genesee County Jail. 2020 Election Season; 2022 Election Season; 2024 Election Season; Candidates; Contributors; Committees; Payees; Lobbying; Search. Michigan Court of Appeals Candidates have until Tuesday to file for office and until April 28 to withdraw. p. 517.321.3073 endstream endobj startxref } .clearfix { Candidates for three judicial races in Genesee County are pictured in these submitted photos. background-color: #003388; Access to justice for those who can not afford legal services or for those that have disabilities is equally important to ensure that the court system is fair to all that wish to use it. } There is also bias with regards to sentencing. Education. 738 W. Grand River Ave, Suite N Why? Marsh: I believe that social injustice is the greatest challenge to justice. [1], .courts-container { background-color:#fcfcfc; width:100%; border:1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align:center;clear:both; } The council has achieved a TKO in denying a competitive election in November. To be elected to either of these courts, a judge must:[3]. Updated: 09/09/2022@05:00 PM Candidates: 621 Remaining: 618 Races . Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Legislative candidate endorsements are based on voting records for incumbents and a comprehensive candidate questionnaire. The impact of COVID on the justice system will require new methods of operating for safety and efficiency. .widget-row.Independent, .widget-row.Nonpartisan, .widget-row.Constitution { 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. 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. GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Six candidates are vying for three judicial seats in contested races Nov. 3 in the county. What do you perceive as the greatest challenge(s) to justice/public accountability? Knowing a persons history sheds light on their environment, nurturing (or lack thereof), adequacies, inadequacies, gifts, talents, struggles, family, etc. 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. [1], .courts-container { background-color:#fcfcfc; width:100%; border:1px solid black;padding:5px;text-align:center;clear:both; } .widget-value { 17th Circuit Court, Michigan - Ballotpedia The Circuit Court ruled in favor of City Clerk Sonja Buffa and the Warren Election Commission, which . font-weight: bold; Jim Fouts ineligible to seek 5th term as Warren mayor, Michigan Court Please explain. display: inline-block; YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He worked as an intern at the Genesee County Prosecutors Office and worked as a judicial advisory assistant to Genesee Probate Judge Jennie Barkey. The 221 judges of the . [1][2] He took office on August 10, 2009. Christenson was raised in Flint and lives in Grand Blanc. 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 adhere to the proposition that judges should serve the public in a respectful manner and treat everyone that comes before the Court with respect. display: inline-block; vertical-align: top; } Christina Elmore. To be elected to either of these courts, a judge must:[3]. The unrest comes from hundreds of years of institutional racism that has plagued our history. Term-limit questions have appeared in ballot questions before Warren voters in 1998, 2016 and 2020. 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. A more consequential date, if the Michigan Supreme Court takes up the appeal, would come within the next few months. This decision, once again, corrects their unlawful actions." I am also highly organized, extremely detail-oriented, and able to work on multiple projects and transactions simultaneously. border:1px solid #FFB81F; Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. Better decisions are made when theres an understanding of the person you are making a decision regarding. They are chosen in nonpartisan elections and must face re-election if they wish to continue serving. 3116 0 obj <>stream Subscribeto the Free Press. My length of time as an attorney coupled with my experience in District Court qualifies me for this position. 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. 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. Heres a look at how the candidates responded to questions on some key issues. from the University of Cincinnati. } Back to Top . Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Michigan Probate Courts, Courts in Michigan Michigan judicial elections Judicial selection in Michigan. Southeast MI Office: I was recognized in 2019 by Legal Services of Eastern Michigan as well as the State Bar for contributing over 100 hours of pro bono work to clients in need and so will encourage our bar to donate time to those who need assistance. In the nonpartisan primary, the two candidates who receive the greatest number of votes advance to the general election. } Feaster: The current system demonstrates a lack of respect for the time of those participating in the legal process. margin-bottom: 0; I have been fully engaged in the community, and that connection has made me a better and more effective judge. clear: both; } color: white; } } width: 100%; She was formerly on the public defender list, representing hundreds of defendants in felony cases. [3], Qualifications Access to justice is a must to ensure accountability. She is a certified civil mediator and received the Genesee County Bar Associations Brian M. Barkey Community Service Award earlier this year. She is a former member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint Board of Directors. All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidates and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for a necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations. That experience, especially in the Circuit Court level, has shown me great, innovative ways to run a courtroom, and target areas that courts can improve to better serve residents in a more fair and equitable fashion. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should not be considered as an endorsement. 3066 0 obj <> endobj Previously, he was a director for the Institute for New Democracies for Uzbekistan and senior litigation counsel for the federal public defender office. District courts have jurisdiction in civil matters where the amount in controversy does not exceed $25,000. } Marsh: I ran for judge in 2018 and I received 53,381 votes in that race. %%EOF But City Attorney Ethan Vinson issued an opinion that the 2020 term limits did not bar Fouts from running for a fifth term. Each court typically publishes related data on a dashboard on court websites for public view as required and monitored by SCAO. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. This makes it extremely difficult for the Court to get through the volume of cases before it. ", He expressed doubt "that I can get a fair and objective legal opinion in this court and maybe beyond?". Lawrence Garcia, an attorney representing the city clerk and Warren Election Commission, had no comment on the ruling. The 17th Circuit Court is a circuit court in Michigan . The 17th Circuit Court is a circuit court in Michigan that encompasses Kent County. Explain your goals. The following background information was provided by each candidate. We as the judiciary must strive to make all things we do transparent to all. } Similar crimes should warrant similar sentences but this does not always occur. "We conclude that the relevant charter sections failure to specify that time in office before the 2020 amendment will be counted does not make them ambiguous. Such specialty courts are a great tool to help our citizens learn to better themselves and contribute to our society. [3], Denenfeld was re-elected (along with James Robert Redford and George Buth) in the general election on November 2, 2010. 0 .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 } Community forums are a way to help establish the benchmarks and gauge whether or not what is being done is effective. Further, the 67th District Court has a website where information about the Court is accessible to the public at any time. More:4 of Warren's longest serving councilmen knocked off ballot again. I believe a judge having compassion and understanding is essential. 17th Circuit Court - Kent County, Michigan from the University of Cincinnati. The courts need to stay relevant to the times. background-color: #f9f9f9; As a Flint District Judge for 20 years, and 9 years as a prosecutor, I have more experience than any other candidate. .widget-row.Libertarian { I am also of the opinion that, absent unusual circumstances, cases should progress through the legal system in a timely manner. [3], Qualifications Michigan is one of 43 states that hold elections for judicial positions. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). The 221 judges of the Michigan Circuit Courts are selected in an identical manner, each serving six-year terms. 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. A primary election occurred on August 2, 2016. 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. Michigan Probate Courts, Courts in Michigan Michigan judicial elections Judicial selection in Michigan.
width: 250px; .widget-img { The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. background-color: red; Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. .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 I have represented clients in every type of case litigated in District Court. $0 Total Expenditures. .courts-header { font-size:150%;background-color:#334aab;color:white;} 2023 www.freep.com. Paul Denenfeld - Ballotpedia In this case, it's an extra term. Paul Denenfeld is a judge of the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County, Michigan.He was appointed to this position by Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm on July 22, 2009, to succeed Steven Mitchell Pestka. I choose to return to Flint to pursue my legal career so that I could serve the city that raised me and gave me the opportunity to succeed. Justice must be carried out in a fair and equal manner. 17th Circuit Court, Michigan - Ballotpedia He has more than 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney in Genesee County Circuit Court and was on the Family Courts child abuse and neglect panel for seven years. The Court's activities are divided into the following functions: I am proud that all of my court hearings, despite the current COVID pandemic, are continuing and are streamed live so that the public can see what occurs in my courtroom. I would plan to stagger the appearances in my courtroom so that all parties could more efficiently plan their days. color: white; In addition, we need bond reform to consistently address the issue of bond to ensure that people are not housed in the jail unnecessarily. 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. I will not have to learn how to be a judge. He said his clients want to appeal. Marable Jr.: The State Court Administrators Office (SCAO) uses a benchmark system for Michigan courts. In Genesee Circuit Court (7th Circuit Court), Genesee District Judge Harman Marable . hb```lw@(qour@x{/JM J?4X~@Q9HHt0p40t04p0h4p`5DXKEBY'3 3z0Md\4))1Sy8nIc(uK3 D8K_c` PDF FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-INCUMBENT JUDICIAL CANDIDATES - michigan.gov It would not be the first time the Michigan Supreme Court took up a case pertaining to term limits in Warren. He was appointed to this position by Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm on July 22, 2009, to succeed Steven Mitchell Pestka. Support local journalism. 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. He is a graduate of Roeper School in Oakland County. font-weight: bold; .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 background-color: #f9d334; In addition, the judicial system could work harder to reduce recidivism. 1 Circuit Court. 1.1 Judges; 1.2 Former judges; 1.3 See also; 1.4 External links; 2 Elections. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. .courts-header { font-size:150%;background-color:#334aab;color:white;} He has worked as a licensed attorney for 13 years and was a Flint Blight Court judge for two years. margin-bottom: 1px; I have a great deal of trial experience including civil and criminal trials. .top_disclaimer { 2.1 Selection method. The current jury system disenfranchises poor people, the elderly, and those who are not technologically savvy. He graduated from Flint Southwestern Academy and received a bachelors degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and juris doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. For the first time ever, there are no judges who live in Flint (our largest city) on the Court, the entire county should be represented at the table. Hammon: The 67th District Court, with the assistance of the State Court Administrators office conducts yearly audits that are available to the public. Each candidate was asked to outline their stances on a variety of public policy issues. 17th Circuit Court, Michigan. In establishing the Community Action Committee I have organized countless community activities. This is not necessarily what the State Court Administrators Office is paying attention to. He has been a member of the Genesee County Democratic Party, Genesee County Democratic Black Caucus, NAACP and Urban League of Flint. Michigan District Courts More:Warren Mayor Jim Fouts eligible to be on city ballot, judge rules, More:Warren Mayor Jim Fouts files to run for 5th term despite term limit amendment. 2.1.1 Selection of the chief judge; 2.2 Election rules. Judge Christina Elmore was elected to the 17th Circuit Court and began her term on January 1, 2019. Michigan District Courts 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. 67th District courts are limited jurisdiction courts, authorized under state statute, with jurisdiction over Genesee County, including the City of Flint. Denenfeld, Paul J. GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Six candidates are vying for three judicial seats in contested races Nov. 3 in the county. Sec. Christenson: The court system must be more efficient and respectful of the publics time. The longtime politician is seeking a fifth, four-year term as mayor of Michigan's third-populous city. Michigan Probate Courts, Courts in Michigan Michigan judicial elections Judicial selection in Michigan. [5], If two or more candidates in a race receive the same number of votes, the election is to be decided by lot. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Friday that Warren Mayor Jim Fouts is not eligible to run this year for another term. Feaster: The system has failed the community in many ways from jurors to sentencing. Judge Denenfeld is assigned to the Civil/Criminal Division of the Circuit Court. 17th Circuit Judge of Circuit Court Incumbent 6 Year Terms (4) Positions: Filed On: Method: INC. He took office on August 10, 2009.Denenfeld was re-elected in 2010 and 2016. text-align: center; 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. Michigan Court of Appeals } Fouts, Papandrea, City Council President Pat Green, state Rep. Lori Stone and Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard have filed to run for mayor. 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 am dedicated, diligent, and business minded. . This year, MLive Media Group partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers. 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 If not, should they be put in place and shared? Hammon: I have always valued justice, integrity, honesty, and contribution to my community. } 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. [4], The chief judges of the circuit courts are appointed by the state supreme court to two-year terms. To learn more about judicial selection in Michigan, click here. Denenfeld was re-elected in 2010 and 2016. The 2020 vote didnt affect Fouts fourth, four-year term, which began in 2019, but it did appear that he would be unable to seek a fifth term. 17th Circuit Court, 61st District Court, Probate Court 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 632-5220 Health.
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