Wayne County, MI – Understanding the Battle for the Bench
As we head into the upcoming election this fall, Wayne County is buzzing with excitement over the local judicial races. Voters might not think about it much, but judicial candidates often land at the bottom of the ballot in Michigan. That means when casting a ballot, many people may just skip over those all-important nonpartisan races after voting for their preferred party. In fact, about a third of Michigan voters tend to avoid those judicial positions altogether, thinking, “I don’t know these folks, so why bother?”
The Name Game
Interestingly, when it comes to voting for judges, many people take a more lighthearted approach and go for the name game. In Wayne County, you can bet that the name Hathaway comes with a lot of familiarity and respect. Following their lead are the names O’Brien in Oakland and Servitto in Macomb. Let’s dive a little deeper into what’s happening in these districts.
The Judge Parade in Wayne County
In Wayne County, residents will recognize familiar faces as there’s no opposition this year for Circuit judges Bridget Mary Hathaway and Dana Margaret Hathaway—both are certainties to be re-elected, joining a group of 18 incumbents all vying to keep their positions. It seems some names just carry a certain weight with voters!
A Real Contest in Oakland and Macomb
However, things may get spicy in the neighboring counties. In Oakland County, Judge Daniel A. O’Brien faces a worthy opponent. Although he’s not exactly running for re-election, as his term lasts another two years, he’s still making waves by going for a “non-incumbent” open seat that’s set to be vacated by retiring Chief Probate Judge Linda Hallmark.
It may seem a bit odd to see O’Brien, who has already held the position for 12 years, categorizing himself as a non-incumbent. His campaign slogan hilariously proclaims, “Elect Judge O’Brien,” while his opponent’s camp sees this as misleading. Traci Richards, his challenger, has lodged complaints in hopes of restricting O’Brien from using terminology that hints at incumbency.
Familiar Faces vs. New Ideas
Like O’Brien, Richards also possesses strong qualifications but faces the challenge of her competitor’s well-known surname. Advocating for a fresh take on probate law, Richards is implementing a progressive approach, focusing on the regulation of professional guardianship and emphasizing family rights. She aims for an open discussion amidst the traditional views held by long-time judges like O’Brien.
Macomb County’s Heavyweight Matchup
Meanwhile, over in Macomb County, Judge Anthony R. Servitto sees competition from Saima Rehman Khalil, a fresh face in the ring. Khalil isn’t fazed by the Servitto name, which comes from a proud lineage of judges. Although she jokes about it, she’s passionate about promoting changes within the judicial framework, particularly addressing the criminalization surrounding mental health issues.
Servitto, the son of judge Deborah Servitto, is not just riding on his family’s name. He emphasizes his extensive experience in the prosecutor’s office, where he deeply handled criminal cases. Khalil may not have the same level of inclusive political endorsement, but she’s committed to reaching across community lines, even if she’s navigating the old boys’ network that remains prevalent in Macomb County.
The Choice Ahead
As the election approaches, these judicial contests offer a fascinating look at how names, experiences, and fresh ideas collide in the race for the bench. Voters will have to decide whether to continue the trend of familiar names—who have proven their worth—or take a chance on newcomers with innovative ideas that might shake up the status quo.
The Road to Better Awareness
It’s important that voters don’t skip that tricky nonpartisan section of the ballot. By doing a little research on candidates like O’Brien, Richards, Servitto, and Khalil, folks can make informed choices about their judges to ensure they put capable individuals in the crucial positions of the judiciary. After all, justice affects all our lives!
