Judge Tim Connors raises more than $100K in quest to keep spot on 22nd Circuit Court bench
Editor's note: This story has been updated with information from Michael Woodyard's campaign finance report, which was filed Friday afternoon.
After filing a reporting waiver indicating he planned to raise and spend no more than $1,000 this election cycle, Judge Tim Connors has changed course.
Connors has raised more than $100,000 in his quest to keep his seat on Washtenaw County's 22nd Circuit Court bench, according to campaign finance reports due Friday.
His pre-election report filed with the state shows he raised more than $95,000 in cash contributions and more than $5,000 in additional in-kind contributions. He spent nearly $85,000, leaving him with a little more than $10,000 in cash on hand, but he still owed a debt of more than $4,000.
He also reported a separate late contribution of $3,400 from attorney Leo Januszewski that isn't included in the main pre-election report.
Judge Tim Connors, left, is facing off against challenger Michael Woodyard, right, in the Nov. 6 election in Washtenaw County.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"I'm very happy with the way this campaign has been run," Woodyard said. "The support I've gotten has been from people who know me and people who are interested in the things I stand for."
He said he doesn't feel outmatched in any way.
"At the end of the day, no one is going to take away my commitment to public service and my commitment to the cause of justice," he said.
Several local attorneys gave Connors the maximum allowed $3,400, including Adrienne Logeman-Cox, Robert Logeman, Don Ferris, Richard Soble, Heidi Salter-Ferris, Stephen Goethel, David Christensen, Deborah Labelle, James Iafrate, Lynn Marie Bredell and Andrew Muth.
Connors also received $3,400 contributions from the Garan Lucow Miller law firm PAC and Republican activist Peter Fletcher, who recently passed away.
Local attorney Jim Fink, a Republican who is running against Democrat Carol Kuhnke for another seat on the 22nd Circuit Court bench, also gave $250 to Connors' campaign. Connors received thousands of dollars in additional donations from a number of other attorneys.
Connors' treasurer is Karen Quinlan Valvo, a partner in Fink's law firm, Fink & Valvo, PLLC. Connors and Valvo originally filed paperwork with the state in January indicating they expected to raise and spend no more than $1,000, but that was before Woodyard emerged as an opponent.
Shortly after Woodyard announced his candidacy in May, Connors raised tens of thousands of dollars from local attorneys.
Despite having raised that money, he and his treasurer signed their names to paperwork filed with the state in late August that again indicated they didn't plan to raise or spend more than $1,000.
Valvo said the purpose of filing the paperwork in August was to indicate to the state that her mailing address had changed. She said not unchecking the "reporting waiver request" box was an oversight and she didn't intend to mislead anyone about Connors' fundraising intentions.
"I just didn't catch it," she said. "It was a clerical error."
County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum said Connors' campaign technically didn't do anything wrong since he didn't have to file campaign finance reports until Friday anyway.
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Questions were raised earlier this week about the fact that Connors recently ruled in favor of a lawyer who serves on his re-election committee. John Bredell was the lawyer representing Jenny's Market in the case. Bredell and his wife collectively gave $3,550 to Connors' campaign, new reports show.
Valvo said she believes the many attorneys supporting Connors are giving their money to make sure a fair and impartial judge remains on the bench.
"I think that it's pretty indicative of the fact that people in this community respect Judge Connors and appreciate the job he's doing to serve the community," she said of the more than $100,000 he's raised. "This outpouring of support was certainly humbling and overwhelming."
Connors spent more than $31,000 on ads with Comcast Spotlight, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable. He spent thousands more on mailings, signs and print and radio ads.
He reported holding four different fundraisers, including a meet and greet at Downtown Home & Garden in Ann Arbor where he raised more than $20,000 from 132 attendees.
He raised another $7,600 during a 69-person reception at the Paesano restaurant on Washtenaw Avenue and received a $1,000 in-kind contribution from business owner Michael Roddy.
He took in another $3,245 during a meet and greet with 32 people at the Sidetrack Bar and Grill in Ypsilanti and received a $490 in-kind contribution from business owner Linda French.
He also received nearly $2,000 in in-kind contributions from Chad Engelhardt, an attorney with the Moran Raimi Goethel & Karnani law firm in Ann Arbor.
Previous coverage: Connors vs. Woodyard: Judge looks to keep spot on Washtenaw County's 22nd Circuit Court bench
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Kristine Jahr
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
Judy, thanks for the positive reply. I'm disappointed that there does not seem to very many people on this site that share our view and based on Connors record, there are a lot more out there. I just PRAY they all take this opportunity to vote him out.
Judy
Fri, Nov 2, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
I pray that every Washtenaw County voter would take the time to sit in his courtroom from now to November 7th. Take to the lawyers outside Washtenaw County who have cases in front of him. Why is it if you want a DVD of what is going on in the courtroom you have to sign a paper it is "only" for personal us, you can not load it to U-tube or any other place on the net for people to really see what is going on in his court. It is beacuse this way he does not have to be accountable to most of the voters that is why!
Kristine Jahr
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 9:20 p.m.
I have sat in on numerous court hearing under Judge Connors. Judge Connors has no ethics or conscience. He bullies counsel for the client not represented by anyone in "good ole boys" club. Judge Connors blatantly shows bias in his courtroom by silencing, overuling, and not allowing evidence, testimony and/or adjournments. The Washtenaw County Court system needs to replace Connors 20 year reign of power with someone that is not intimidated by the toxic legal community that currently exists and put an honest and trustworthy face in front of the community that deserves it. Michael Woodyard should be everyones candidate, especially those (us)of who have experienced Connors court room antics. For you Connor's die-hards, check out a2politico.com for posts from Atty. Mark Koroi and some enlightning information regarding Connors past rulings and record.
Judy
Tue, Oct 30, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
Thanks Kristine Jahr What you wrote is what I have seen also but you put into words beautifully. He also bullies people who do not have counsel.
Judy
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.
One might ask themselves what is Judge Connor's afraid of to have to rasie and spend so much money on his relection? I agree with many of these post, but the best one is by Lisa. Go to his court room watch what goes on in it. He rubber stamps anything the FOC puts in front of him, he refuses to even let someone speak who does not have an Attorney and in one case he refuesed to make a dicided "not" to dicided on "anything" because the defendant did not show up for the hearing after be proper notice of the hearing. I am seating there and I can not believe my ears, He refueses to make a decision because the "defendant" does not show up in court! If you were the Plaintiff how would you feel about a Judge who can not judge. Judge Connor's and the "good old boys club" needs to Go.
Roadman
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
"He rubber stamps anything the FOC puts in front of him.........." Friend of Court director Judah Garber is a registered contributor to Timothy Connors' re-election campaign committee.
The Secret Team
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 6:39 p.m.
Judge Connors' treasurer, Karen Quinlan Valvo, also is one of the major donors to GOP interests from Washtenaw County. She gave $1,700 to the Clifford Taylor campaign in 2008 and $1,000 to the Bill Schuette for Attorney General campaign in 2010.
John Diggs
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 6:15 p.m.
It is interesting that Mark Koroi has now identified himself as Roadman. Mark is a key supporter of the dream nightclub owners as well as Mike woodyard for judge. Many of the dream nightclub supporters on aa.com such as "eyes of justice" and others have also taken to bashing Judge Connors. I'm not sure anyone cares what the dream night club owners and supporters have to say about the judicial race. Neither will any other residents in washtenaw cty.
eyesofjustice
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.
Mr Diggs is Stephan Postema ;)
bobslowson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
I found that interesting as well John....
eyesofjustice
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.
Dream Nite Club is closed and gone........lets see what the voters have to say...... Hopefully all the injustice Connors has done will be justified, his mood swings and his ethics should be taken into consideration by all! Time to do away with the "Good ole boys network"
Lisa
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633_8723_8751---,00.html
The Secret Team
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 8:11 p.m.
The Secret Team has recovered some more great stuff: The attorney compensation package that was approved by Timothy Connors as part of the settlement agreement in the Neal versus Michigan Dept. of Corrections amounted to over $28 million dollars - however the pla intiffs' attorneys only performed about 30,000 hours of legal work to that point - so Judge Connors approved attorney compensation at the approximate rate of close to $1,000.00 per hour. The most expensive law firms in Michigan usualy charge at a rate of less than $400.00 per hour and insurance defense firms at about $120-$150 per hour. So it appears that the plaintiffs' law firms in the Neal litigation got a real "generous" fee approval order from Judge Timothy Connors.
The Secret Team
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
You are welcome. I responded to your raising the issue of Connors' ties to the Conlin McKenney Philbrick law firm above. For further interesting stuff on Timothy Connors check out www.a2buzz.org and the recent Michael Woodyard interview article and comment thread on a2politico.com. It is the "most read" article on that site in the last three months.
Lisa
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
Thanks for all the info its true and let the skeletons out of the closet. I thought I was alone thanks for all your info and the truth
Roadman
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 6:49 p.m.
I am Mark Koroi. My name appeared in a prior article regarding an opinion on the ethics of Judge Timothy Connors relative to the Jenny's Market case. An annarbor.com reporter indicated to me that no lawyer wanted to go "on the record" with their view on the matter so I complied as I felt it was an important matter of public interest. I am an area attorney practicing locally in downtown Plymouth as I have for over 20 years. I am also one of many in the legal community supporting the candidacy of Michael Woodyard, an Ann Arbor resident;this was correctly disclosed in that article. Since that time there have been several posts in this and the Jenny's Market thread questioning my objectivity or, in the alternative, disseminating outright false statements about me. I am a Warren homeowner and have been a Warren resident for many years and have held public office in my community. I have also practiced law in the federal, state circuit, probate and district courts in Washtenaw County. I have strong ties to and public involvement in three separate counties. I both dispute the veracity of and disapprove these personal attacks on me.
The Secret Team
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
"I think it's pretty indicative of the fact that people in this community respect Judge Connors...." says Ms. Valvo, his campaign manager. I think it is pretty indicative that the personal injury bar wants "their man" in office and want to keep him happy with donations. Are personal injury attorneys apprehensive that if they do not pay these contributions they will lose an "edge" over their opponent. Rich Robinson of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a University of Michigan graduate, has criticicized the practice of having attorneys donate to judges they practice before and cites a public survey indicating over 80% of those polled feels the practice should end. How would you feel if you were an attorney or litigant going against Dick Soble, Robert Logeman, Garan Lucow Miller PC law firm? Do you believe that an appearance of impropriety would exist given these lavish donations. John Bredell has a relationship going back over 20 years with Connors in addition to the lavish donations and campaign volunteer work. Neither Connors nor his wife appear to have given anything to his own campaign per the disclosures. It would be reasonable to suspect that these donations could be interpreted as a form of "tribute" to keep Connors satisfied as opposed a genuine admiration of his abilities. People like Soble, Logeman , Garan Lucow Miller PC and Bredell all have high-dollar cases before Timothy Connors. Is there a public perception that these attorneys have an inside track with Connors due to these generous donations?
The Secret Team
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 4:46 p.m.
Adrienne Logeman-Cox, Robert Logeman, and James Iafrate are personal injury attorneys from the same law firm. Their aggregate donations total over $10,000.00 to the Timothy Connors re-election campaign. One law firm's attorneys gave more to one judge than all combined contributions of the challenger. It shows how our court systems are manipulated by moneyed personal injury attorneys. Disgusting!
Lisa
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.
I smell A change!Post the contributors of these election officials please! Then they should not be able to prance around Connor's court room at all. For the fairness in it.I watch Sheldon one day whom I admire say to a lawyer no I am not lifting this domestic violence order at all go read the file . Then he aid see you at Golfing Saturday What a remarkable man ! That's a Judge
The Secret Team
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 4:50 p.m.
There needs to be a change in the circuit court. The electorate should vote for Mike Woodyard on Election Day.
Lisa
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 10:22 a.m.
I have personally gone to the court rooms of all candidates and watch their behaviors rulings etc not on one occasions but several Woodyard takes calls personally on questions or with meet with you or your organizations . if you have questions .I am not real keen on the fact lawyers have contributed to this election and pre election parties. When I have gone to the different court rooms A Judge should be in control of their courtrooms not the lawyers . I have always admired Judge Connors but your courtroom was overmanned by these attorneys . I watch Judge Collins and even visiting Judge run his courtroom whoa were the attorneys and prosecutors on edge He stated this is my Court room.Attorneys were he is gonna blow but instead he took a 20 minute break .Excellent I want all of you to go to the court rooms and sit in and see who runs what and how the court room works in order to make a proper decision.For the first time you have competition and Woodyard is a strong candidate . I realize Judge Connors you once were a lawyer but hold your attorneys accountable for their antics , hold them accountable for their disruptive behaviors and the court room is the court room where justice is done and attorneys are your friends outside and your rulings I along with many voters and organizations will continue our adventure and continue visiting the next week all the courtrooms and courthouses this time around to see if anything has changed this election before I make we make our final decisions . I suggest every one else do the same. Ask yourselves if you were unfortunately somehow in front of one these judges hands how would you want justice to be done and heard or watch a bunch of lawyers act like if they are in their own homes and have full run of the court rooms as if favors are being done! we have constantly elected these candidates and it is time for change. Ann Arbor.com I wish you to supply the list of contribution to each and every candidate !
Goofus
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 5 a.m.
I never realized that being a trial judge allowed so much time for backscratching....
Hot Sam
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.
It is apparent that this thread is over represented by someone with kind of axe to grind about Judge Connors... Judge Connors has proven himself to be an extraordinary jurist, and he certainly has my vote...
Hot Sam
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 2:11 a.m.
That would be "some" kind of axe...
The Secret Team
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 1:21 a.m.
Before The Secret Team retires for the evening, a couple more gems from the Timothy Connors campaign contribution disclosures: Judge Timothy Connors in 2007 upheld a $ 3-million award and awarded attorney fees in interest in favor of one Theresa Karwoski, a registered nurse, following a trial. Google her name and you will see local press eports of that case. On 7/23/08 the Committee to Elect Margaret Connors accepted a $250.00 campaign contribution from Ms. Karwoski in connection with her failed 2008 run for the Ann Arbor District Court. She finished a distant 3rd place. On 10/13/12 the Judge Timothy Connors re-election committee accepted a $1,000.00 campaign contribution from Ms. Karwoski. The Connors re-election campaign has been heavily promoting the Democratic Party state supreme court nominee Bridget Mc Cormick endorsement as an example of a prominent Democrat supporting Timothy Connors. What the Connors campaign does not want to promote is a $400.00 donation the Judge Connors campaign committee received from the Auto Club PAC - which is largely financed by AAA Michigan executives and is giving heavy donations to all three GOP state supreme court nominees as well as ultraconservative Michigan Senate Insurance committee chair Joe Hune and other GOP interests. Seems like the AAA Insurance people may like Connors almost as much as ultraconservative state supreme court justice Steve Markman.
The Secret Team
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 5:21 p.m.
Timothy Connors was previously employed by the Conlin McKenney Philbrick law firm, which specializes in insurance defense litigation.
Lisa
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
Look at Phillbrick and Phillips Colin law firm check that out why do they have there wives or significant others contribute still shady . Lawyers are shady they feel they can lie, manipulate sell your information and there unaccountable ! http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1633_8723_8751---,00.html
Lisa
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
Thank you those are the attorneys we saw prancing around getting whatever they wanted from the judge while the poor defendant from an automobile accident was left without no fault benefits lost her home , her life and deciding what body parts are worth. Not how do we help get the benefits going not what she may have needed or her children to make her PT, medication etc.Prancing as if they were at home and Judge allowed it?????????Looks badddddddddddd
golfer
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.
brings up a point true or not. the word team means to me more than one. i just hope that if this is true. it is sad. i am sorry but the secret team has just made me wounder what is going on. yes i have been posting a lot. i just do not TRUST what the secret team says. i want a fair election. i do not care whom wins. just make it fair. enough mud slinging.
Leah
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
Judge Connors is not fair NOR is he impartial. And I am NOT someone who has ever been in trouble with the law but has seen Judge Connors act very unethically. I was very disappointed.
jcj
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 1:47 a.m.
Leah Would you care to elaborate? I find Judge Connors to be VERY ethical and you to be the unethical one!
Leah Gunn
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 2:39 a.m.
I want to clarify that whover this "Leah" is, it is not me. I am a County Commissioner, and Judge Connors never asked for my endorsement. He is perfectly able to run on his own merits, and does not need endorsements from elected officials. Had he asked, however, I certainly would have said yes. He is a fine judge and very cooperative with county government.
The Secret Team
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 12:53 a.m.
Thank you for your perspective, Leah.
Goofus
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
I appreciate the list of contributors to this nearly-corrupt judge's campaign so I can be sure to also not vote for them for anything they are running for too.
The Secret Team
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 11:46 p.m.
Good for you, Goofus!
golfer
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.
he is another one. so why are we doing $3,400 limit when you get this to pick on. "Protect Our Jobs Proposal 2 draws record-shattering $47 million in contributions"
Andrew Sugerman
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 10:05 p.m.
I write in violation of my vow to never partake in these forums, but consider it necessary to express my support for Judge Connors and condemnation of the suggestion that his rulings are in any way influenced by campaign contributions. I am a defense attorney who regularly practices in front of Judge Connors and have contributed to his campaign because he has proven to be open minded and impartial in his rulings. The implication that his recent ruling in the Jenny's Farm Market case was influenced by favoritism towards Attorney John Bredell gives short shrift to his extraordinary diligence in visiting the market to examine the subject of the dispute and thereafter applying the law governing injunctions in an appropriate fashion. I have had, and continue to have many cases in front of Judge Connors with Mr. Bredell as my adversary. Judge Connors rulings in those cases have been well rooted in the law and without suggestion of being influenced by anything other than the desire to render an appropriate legal opinion. In one such recent matter, Judge Connors denied a motion brought by Mr. Bredell which would have resulted in his winning the case. That experience is proof of, and in opposite to, the "cronyism" which is intimated in the recent articles. Judge Connors enjoys wide support within the legal community from both the Plaintiff's and Defense bar members who regularly appear before him. The money he has raised is testament to this broad support and the desire to keep a thoughtful and impartial Judge on the Bench. To suggest bias, favoritism or partiality by Judge Connors ignores the years he has spent establishing the reputation and high regard with which he is held as a Judge, and is a disservice to the voters of Washtenaw County on the eve of a judicial election. Andrew Sugerman
Goofus
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 11:24 p.m.
I'll be sure to not vote for you too when you run Andrew.
The Secret Team
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
Andy Sugerman: You are a registered contributor to his campaign. Timothy Connors has received loads and loads from contributions from attorneys and litigants that regularly appear before him - especially those like yourself who appear in high-dollar cases. Some have paid the statutory maximum of $3,400 which I find to be ludicrous for a local judicial race. Is it worth $3,400.00 to see Connors rather than Woodyard hearing your case? He has very little support from elected county or Ann Arbor city officials. I am not aware of any County Prosecutor or assistant prosecutor that has endorsed him. The Sheriff of Washtenaw County is not endorsing him. I know of no County Board of Commissioners member who is endorsing him. No Ann Arbor City Council member I am aware of is endorsing him - except campaign committeeman Tony Derezinski - who was voted out of office in a landslide. He was denied in a bid to obtain the endorsement of the Ann Arbor Democratic Party by a 47-8 vote on 9/15/12. It seems that nobody important outside of heavy hitters in the local bar care to see him re-elected -am I wrong? Do bar members feel like they are buying influence when they lavish a big check on a judicial campaign committee? Should prospective clients research this issue in deciding which attorney to hire? Do you have any comment on the Judicial Tenure Commission citation against Judge Connors for deploying court resources for campaign purposes that Mike Woodyard references in his campaign website? What about a2buzz.org? Please respond to these matters, Andy.
Barry
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 9:33 p.m.
As an attorney I believe that I have only had one case before Judge Connors. Following the law as set out by the Michigan appellate courts, Judge Connors dismissed that case. j Yet I am supporting Judge Connors as I have always found him to be an extraordinarily patient, even-handed and scholarly judge. We in Washtenaw County are lucky to have him. My understanding is that Judge Connors' opponent has been promised a job in the local prosecutor's office as a reward for taking on Judge Connors. AnnArbor.com ought to look into that angle. It is a sad commentary that a highly respected judge has to raise and spend a huge amount of money to return to office just because the local prosecutor has a grudge. Barry Gates, Attorney at Law
Roadman
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
@Brian Mackie: Thank you, Brian, for your input.
Brian Mackie
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
President Obama is not a Muslim. The United Nations is not planning to seize guns from citizens in Washtenaw County. - Nor is there any truth to the allegation dreamed up or passed on by Mr. Gates. I have not ordered, encouraged, or even spoken with Michael Woodyard about running against an incumbent judge. I have met Mr. Woodyard, but do not know him. I have never had a substantive conversation with him. I most certainly do not control him. I have no grudge against Judge Connors, though he may have a grudge against me. Barry Gates is a good lawyer and a smart man. These are not compliments. He is too smart to believe the absurd story he peddled. Unfortunately, many people, especially lawyers, feel a need to pander to judges. People of honor do not do that. And, fortunately, our best judges are not impressed by it.
Lisa
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 11:55 a.m.
Interesting because Mackie is up for re-election may not be there either Its time for change and the shadiness to go away . We need honest , outside people to run our city not the same old same old . Mackie do your job I had the pleasure of meeting your interns LOL . I had the pleasure of watching you show up to bully a single mother and her daughter during your pop in visit to support a lawyer buddy at a public school , threaten to sue the school system where is his bully daughter now ????????? not good thats not your job and you need to go too!
justcurious
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.
If you have only had one case before him, how can you tell he is "extraordinarily patient, even-handed and scholarly"? And do you also think it is fine for him to have his attorney wife in tow to help him decide a case before him, as he did in the Hoey case?
The Secret Team
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 9:38 p.m.
Any proof of that "understanding"?
golfer
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 9:26 p.m.
does that amount include the free comments from the secret team. just in case you are wondering i have not pick a candidate yet. but the secret team is making up my mind. i think 20 years is worth something. good luck on your candidate .
The Secret Team
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
Regarding the Neal versus Department of Corrections case, the relationships between the plaintiffs' law firms and Judge Connors does not just end there. That case was filed in 1996. At some point in time thereafter Dick Soble (of the Soble and Rowe firm) appeared as a PLaintiff's counsel and eventually served as trial counsel in that case. Per Secretary of State records downloadable at www.michigan.gov, the firm of Soble and Rowe's office and telephone number were registered as contact information for the Judge Connors committee commencing on 3/7/98 thru 5/25/2000. That firm eventually became Soble Rowe & Kirchbaum (after Matt Kirchbaum became a partner). Jon Rowe had been listed as the Judge Connors campaign committee recordkeeper on state records during that juncture. In Margaret Connors' failed District Court run for judge in 2008, her campaign committee received a $250.00 contribution from Matt Kirchbaum on 6/2/08 and another $100.00 from Molly Reno. Reno was one of the key plaintiff's attorneys in the Neal litigation and someone who gave an interview on the case to the Ann Arbor News. The woodyard4judge.com campaign website cited a recent Court of Appeals reversal of a Connors ruling that had shielded the identities of the prisoners receiving settlements from people seeking restitution on behalf of victims and those attempting to collect child support obligations. It seems like some of the attorneys of the law firms representing the plaintiffs in the Neal litigation like to "help" Timothy and Margaret Connors.
Lisa
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 10:27 a.m.
Thank you I have the displeasure of meeting Sobel and something seemed real out of place and as an arbitrator just plan bogus thanks for posting I now know I am not alone in this thinking I smell .......
Ryan J. Stanton
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 9:08 p.m.
Woodyard turned in his report. Just updated the story.
The Secret Team
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 1:33 a.m.
Thanks for noting the $3,550.00 in contributions the Connors re-election committee received from the Bredells this election cycle. It definitely strengthens the arguments of those saying Connors should have recused himself from the Jenny's Market case to avoid an appearance of impropriety.
golfer
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
just read this and i think donations are part of the system. "Zingerman's, nonprofit among donors giving thousands to campaign for new downtown Ann Arbor library". so lets really get into what the us government people running get. sorry but i am tired of a group (the secret group) picking on one candidate. let the polls speak .
golfer
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 8:49 p.m.
the secret team strikes again. anyone could tell he is either working or what ever for woodyard. so i just wish it would be a discussion vs pushing for his candidate.
Bubba43
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
He's a good person. VOTE for him.
Judy
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
A Good person does not mean he is a good Judge!!!
Useless
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 3:33 a.m.
Oh, well since you said that, I will vote for him. End Sarcasm. What makes him such a good person? What has he done? Convince us please.
treetowncartel
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 8:44 p.m.
Good to see the local personal injury attorneys trying to keep their "boy" on the bench.
eyesofjustice
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
So true...
justcurious
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
Nice ad for Connors aa.com
The Secret Team
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Deborah Labelle and Dick Soble contributed the $3,400.00 statutory maximum. They served as some of the attorneys on the Neal versus Mich. Department of Corrections litigation that settled for $100,000,000.00 with the plaintiff's firms getting over $28,000,000.00. That case is still being administered post-settlement by Judge Connors. Any possible conflict of interest issues?
The Secret Team
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
Molly Reno, another attorney in the Neal case for the Plaintiffs also was a contributor to the Timothy Connors campaign this election cycle.
The Secret Team
Fri, Oct 26, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
Good story.