Why I'm running for another term
My current term expires in 2019 but I am choosing to run for election to a different seat against the incumbent Suzanne Geddis. I have no other choice. If I wait until my current term expires, I will be not be allowed to run again because the state elections board thinks that, at age 70, I will be too old to be a judge.
I am protesting ageism in judicial policy in Michigan. I believe the voters have the right to decide who they want on the bench. That's why it is an elected position and not appointed. In 1995, the director of elections interpreted the state Constitution in such a way that no state judge can run for election after the age of 70. I'm 69 (the average age of the Supreme Court justices) and I feel I have a lot more to give to my district. After all, 70 is the new 50! Reagan became president days before he turned 70. Hillary is 68 and Donald just turned 70. Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa at 74. Surely if they can run countries, I can serve another term on the bench.
I'm not the only one having to run early. Michigan Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Peter D. O'Connell is also being forced to run before his term expires in 2019. According to Matt Mencarini at the Lansing State Journal, "In the 2014 election, 24 Michigan judges were unable to seek re-election due to the age restriction, according to information from the state Supreme Court. Those judges made up 4 percent of the state's sitting judges." [see full article]
There will be a proposal on the ballot in November back by Representatives Lana Theis and Hank Vaupel to move that barrier to 75, however, it may not pass. Just like Judge O'Connell (age 67), I am left with no choice but to run against a fellow judge who happens to be up for election this year. My opponent, Suzanne Geddis, has called this "greedy". I don't think that wanting to serve society is greedy. I think the voters can decide who is best for the bench in our county.
I bring more to the bench now and have more to offer in the coming term than my opponent. I have a broader background and more experience in various aspects of the law. I have also been more successful with new initiatives in the court.
I began the mental health intensive treatment court and divorce mediation in 2009 and the veteran's court in 2013. All three programs are thriving. I am active at learning state-of-the-art techniques and applying them in my courtroom. I am a member of the Mental Health Advisory Committee for the State of Michigan and attend yearly training on substance abuse and veteran's issues in the courts. Through these initiatives we are trying to reduce costly time in jail and recidivism for non-violent offenders by solving problems not symptoms.
I am protesting ageism in judicial policy in Michigan. I believe the voters have the right to decide who they want on the bench. That's why it is an elected position and not appointed. In 1995, the director of elections interpreted the state Constitution in such a way that no state judge can run for election after the age of 70. I'm 69 (the average age of the Supreme Court justices) and I feel I have a lot more to give to my district. After all, 70 is the new 50! Reagan became president days before he turned 70. Hillary is 68 and Donald just turned 70. Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa at 74. Surely if they can run countries, I can serve another term on the bench.
I'm not the only one having to run early. Michigan Fourth District Court of Appeals Judge Peter D. O'Connell is also being forced to run before his term expires in 2019. According to Matt Mencarini at the Lansing State Journal, "In the 2014 election, 24 Michigan judges were unable to seek re-election due to the age restriction, according to information from the state Supreme Court. Those judges made up 4 percent of the state's sitting judges." [see full article]
There will be a proposal on the ballot in November back by Representatives Lana Theis and Hank Vaupel to move that barrier to 75, however, it may not pass. Just like Judge O'Connell (age 67), I am left with no choice but to run against a fellow judge who happens to be up for election this year. My opponent, Suzanne Geddis, has called this "greedy". I don't think that wanting to serve society is greedy. I think the voters can decide who is best for the bench in our county.
I bring more to the bench now and have more to offer in the coming term than my opponent. I have a broader background and more experience in various aspects of the law. I have also been more successful with new initiatives in the court.
I began the mental health intensive treatment court and divorce mediation in 2009 and the veteran's court in 2013. All three programs are thriving. I am active at learning state-of-the-art techniques and applying them in my courtroom. I am a member of the Mental Health Advisory Committee for the State of Michigan and attend yearly training on substance abuse and veteran's issues in the courts. Through these initiatives we are trying to reduce costly time in jail and recidivism for non-violent offenders by solving problems not symptoms.