Spelling and grammar were not corrected. I am especially proud to have been designated a Michigan Super Lawyer, reserved for the top 5% of attorneys, selected by peers and opposing counsel. Slow justice can feel like no justice. padding-top: 80px; In disputes that come before the court, it will be my job to help parties find that common ground. The Defendant has the constitutional right to have a criminal matter decided by a Jury. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. 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. 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. 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. Richelew: Ill consider all factors needed to do justice while serving all of the people of Washtenaw. Consolidation of services is especially critical in this day of scarce governmental resources. State legislature | 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. 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. 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. Send the note to: editor@ballotpedia.org. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. I will make the courtroom process less stressful, knowing that the people who appear before me may be going through trauma. I am also admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States. I am a frequent guest lecturer from elementary through law school. Ballotpedia features 395,432 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. 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. I believe in rehabilitation, restoration, and protection, and that resolutions that incorporate these principles provide for better dispositions over time. letter-spacing: 1.24px; For instance, it is important for a court to start on time, keep waiting to a minimum and produce fair, impartial decisions. Armstrong: I believe that Judges have not just the responsibility, but the opportunity to reach out and help the people of their community. The current jury system disenfranchises low-income citizens, the elderly, and those who are not technologically savvy. You can unsubscribe at any time and we will never share your information. And Ill work to increase the availability and accessibility of these tools in Washtenaw. Prior to his appointment, Connors presided as a judge for the Fifteenth . Roumel: There is a science and art to deciding cases. I am the only candidate endorsed by the outgoing Judge, Kirk Tabbey, who knows the most about the 14A2 District Court and the needs of the community. 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. font-weight: 600; We need to ensure court services are accessible across all parts of the county, meaning access to services, legal counsel, broadband service expansion, and a balance between video and in-person court hearings. Expungement and Road to Restoration Volunteer. If elected, she will be the only woman of color on the Washtenaw County Circuit Court Bench. Each candidate was given a list of questions relevant to the office for which they are campaigning. Information will be available on Day 1. She was appointed by the Supreme Court to be the Chief Judge of the Washtenaw County Trial Court effective January 1, 2019. Corporate Crimes and Economic Justice Taskforce Member (Washtenaw). Thank you for using Ballotpedia's sample ballot tool. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Like 89.1WEMUonFacebookand follow us onTwitter, Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363or email us atstudio@wemu.org, Serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, MI, PublishedNovember 9, 2022 at 11:17 AM EST. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The note below discusses how we do that, and how you can help. Read more Washtenaw County election coverage here. 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. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor John Engler in March 1997, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. I would work to avoid bias and ensure equity in my sentencing. I believe that listening is critical to being fair and compassionate, which helps to ensure that justice is served. Vote the non-partisan ballot and elect Nick Roumel for Judge. I know from my experience, that coming to court can be an emotionally charged situation for many. } State executives | 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. Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. What factors do you bring to bear in deciding a case? Your justice will not be delayed. . Great judges work hard, inside and outside of the courtroom, driven by commitment and compassion. Ive rolled up my sleeves on expungement and road to restoration efforts. U.S. President | As to matters of law, I will maintain the highest standards of case and legislative review practices, as I have over my career. | One of my assignments in Appeals was also training, and I would advise my colleagues on new case law and also train local law enforcement agencies. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Shut down an environmental polluter in Washtenaw. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. display: none; Interns wanted: Get paid to help ensure that every voter has unbiased election information. A justice system in which individuals forfeit rights because they lack an attorneyrather than due to the lack of a factually or legally sound caseis unacceptable. By David Fair. 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. On the Aug. 4 ballot is Amy Reiser, Nick Roumel and Tracy E. Van den Bergh, who are seeking the seat being vacated by Judge David Swartz. My promise to you is that I will listen attentively, consider thoughtfully, and make ethical decisions for every case that comes into my courtroom. what is your general judicial philosophy? Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. All rights reserved (About Us). . Click here to contact our editorial staff, and click here to report an error. I will run my caseload effectively, and I will take the time to listen to the facts of every case. SBM Diversity Advisor. The Circuit Court is a court of equity and I know how important that is. (1) I will implement safeguards to ensure that all information relevant to a case is before the court so that litigants, whether represented by counsel, or in self-represented, are treated fairly to prevent erroneous outcomes. Ive learned that everyone is fighting some kind of battle, and they just want to be heard. 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. 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. I have handled divorces, felonies, business disputes, wrongful death, employment cases, and negligence. Primary Election Results 2022: Township Races in Washtenaw County. Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. People here are also concerned about gun violence and drugs, which needs to be taken seriously to ensure that people feel safe. Restoration and rehabilitation tools can bring critical help to people in need. In addition, my staff will be trauma informed and trained. 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. Skyline PTSO President. She holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and a Juris . MLive.com File Photo.MLive.com File Photo. My litigation background has also taught me that needlessly prolonged litigation is not an ideal way to solve problems. County residents taxes variously fund multiple state, county, city, township, and university police forces, and seven courthouses. Work to ensure the Circuit Court has every problem-solving court available, including Mental Health Courts for Juveniles and Adults ASAP. .sample-ballot-mobile-promo, .sample-ballot-mobile-promo a, .sample-ballot-mobile-promo a:hover { To do this, I would utilize my experience leading community organizations to forge partnerships with local and state stakeholders to help develop a plan of action to make offenders in my court less likely to return to crime and more likely to evolve into productive members of society. Being a Judge is an amazing opportunity to make a difference in peoples lives, and sometimes it just takes one person to believe in you for you to believe in yourself. Armstrong is an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office and U.S. Army veteran. They are competing for an open spot on the bench created by Judge Kirk Tabbys retirement. Barr is an assistant city attorney for Ypsilanti and private attorney for more than 22 years. 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I have helped almost 1500 workers with unemployment matters in the last year. The voter guide can be accessed at vote411.org. She advances to the November ballot and there is no Democratic opposition. Van den Bergh: Consistent with the Michigan Supreme Court initiative to develop family law expertise on the bench, the new Washtenaw County Circuit Court judge will handle a domestic docket. 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. Ballotpedia features 395,432 encyclopedic articles written and curated by our professional staff of editors, writers, and researchers. They have the right to an attorney, and the right to remain silent. Janet Dillon received 2994 votes, Dean Girbach 2904 votes, and Christen Mitchell 2711 votes, with 53 write-ins. 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. What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position? I will have the same approach as a judge. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. In the Army I was taught to never seek a promotion if you were not prepared to lead. 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. I am currently working with local leaders to make this a reality now. 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. But first, make sure your voice is heard on election day! Additional local ballot measures may also be included. 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. I will expand the use of Specialty Court programs that focus on rehabilitation, community support and reduction of recidivism. This opens communication about procedural and community issues so everyone involved in these important roles can work together in a collaborative way, the community is best protected and their concerns be heard. My greatest pride is giving these victims a voice. I have tried hundreds of cases including drunk driving, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and homicide. They must partner with other government agencies, universities, and non-profits to bring holistic, wrap-around services. 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. Armstrong: I have my Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Bachelors of Science degree from Northern Michigan University. Click here to contact us for media inquiries, and please donate here to support our continued expansion. Van den Bergh: Depending on the legal issue, the law requires judges to consider certain factors before deciding a case. While African Americans only make up 13% of the county population, we made up over 70% of criminal defendants. Ive heard cases on blight and enforced city ordinances designed to eliminate blight problems while simultaneously working with residents to make the city a cleaner, brighter and better place. Alex Murdaugh could face life in prison if he's convicted for the double murders of his wife and son. 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. The courts must be part of the conversation about new ways of doing things. Impartiality, fairness and compassion will be guiding principles in every decision I make. 2. Slay: Ive seen how broken the system is. Judges should be caring and invested in the lives of not just the people that come before the Court, but also the people of their community. The rule of law is a set of principles and ideals, for ensuring an orderly and just society and that no one is above the law. You will never be a case or a number. Slay is currently a Deputy Ann Arbor City Attorney. Both Richelew and Slay were seeking election this November following Judge Archie Brown's retirement. In deciding a motion, you conduct legal research into case law to determine binding precedent that controls and the applicable statutes and court rules. Arianne has a well-rounded resume and is a career public servant. Justices could choose not to stand for election. (3) I will bring social work interns into the courthouse, and train staff in de-escalation and trauma-informed engagement techniques. Frequent writer and speaker on vital legal issues. This includes interpreting the Constitution as it was intended. 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. We can work closer with attorneys involved; my 20 years of leadership in our legal community will drive this process forward. I am currently assigned to Circuit Court wherein I handle felony criminal docket. 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. How to run for office | In the family court, mediation is an important settlement process as it helps parties resolve their case in an environment better suited toward resolution for all. What are the priority issues facing this court, and how would you address them if elected? 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. 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. We need to have judges who will fight the status quo. The race decided who will fill the open spot on the bench created by Judge Kirk Tabbeys retirement. 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. 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. It should also include every candidate running in those elections, except write-ins. Ballot measures, Who represents me? As we discuss police reform, we must also reimagine our judicial system. I am in court nearly every day and I see the flaws and areas for improvement. Feaster: As a Washtenaw County Public Defender and the Founder of T.W. State elections officials recommend. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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