VOTE411 Voter Guide

Over the past 30 years I have amassed experience as a police officer, prosecutor, and criminal defense attorney, which relate directly to the ability to quickly solve problems and help people. I began my career as a Michigan State Police Trooper and worked in that capacity for just under 10 years. While serving the Benton Harbor community, I was shot in the line of duty, which prompted a pivot in life. I went back to law school and thereafter served as an assistant prosecutor for 4.5 years. In this role, I fought for victim's rights and enforced the law of the State of Michigan while conducting felony and misdemeanor trials. Since 2015, I have worked as a criminal defense attorney while continuing to help people in the legal system.

The District Court is the entry level court in the legal system in which all criminal cases begin, whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony. I believe it is important for judges to be the neutral fact finder and fairly apply the law to the facts of the case. I do not believe judges should have a thumb on the scale of justice to influence a case for or against the police or an individual. I vow to follow the Constitution, which mandates that the law is applied fairly across the board and that the government bear the burden of proof in a criminal case. I further believe that regardless of a judge's personal or political beliefs, it is imperative to set aside those beliefs and follow the Constitution and the law and treat people fairly.

At the District Court level, I believe there should be a focus to provide education and services to people to encourage rehabilitation where appropriate. I have seen how the specialty courts--mental health treatment, sobriety treatment, and veteran's court--have changed defendant's lives for the better through the implementation of rigorous probationary programs. For those who qualify, these programs provide a basis by which to provide stability, education, and a support system for offenders, so as to make positive changes and provide an opportunity for future success and reducing recidivism. For more serious offenders and for those who do not want to make changes in their lives, the court has a duty to keep our communities safe.

Having lived in Allegan County my entire life, I understand the people, values, and communities that make up this county. That perspective is important because the decisions made in the courtroom affect our neighbors, families, businesses, and local institutions.

For 32 years I have handled thousands of criminal cases, landlord-tenant matters and civil litigation cases. This has strengthened my ability to analyze facts, apply the law fairly, and make sound decisions in a variety of legal settings.

I grew my practice from my parents' dining room into a successful firm. This requires leadership, sound judgment, financial responsibility, and the ability to manage and motivate staff, skills that directly apply to an efficient courtroom.

A court helps strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the community by providing transparency, accountability, and fairness. When community members see that cases are decided based on the facts and the law, and that every person is treated with dignity and respect, trust in the justice system grows. Likewise, law enforcement officers benefit from a court system that applies the law consistently and fairly.

As someone who has practiced in Allegan County for many years, I understand that public trust is earned. Courts must be accessible, respectful, and impartial. Judges must ensure that all parties are heard and treated fairly. By doing so, the court serves as a bridge between the community and the justice system.

The most effective improvements to court procedures are those that increase efficiency while preserving fairness and access to justice. During my 32 years practicing in Allegan County, I have seen how early case management, clear communication, electronic filing, and remote appearances can reduce delays and improve access. I also helped develop the Mental Health Treatment Court, which demonstrates how problem-solving courts can address underlying issues, reduce repeat involvement with the justice system, and improve outcomes.

As a judge, I would promote active case management, efficient scheduling, and continued collaboration among court staff, attorneys, law enforcement, and community partners. Efficiency should never come at the expense