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Posted on Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.

Community involvement makes Jim Fink stand out as Washtenaw Circuit judge candidate

By Letters to the Editor

I'm writing to encourage voters to cast their ballots for Jim Fink for Washtenaw Circuit judge.

From my perspective, as an attorney who litigates civil cases throughout Michigan for both plaintiffs and defendants, I most admire judges who display unassailable integrity and who follow the law. I have no doubt Jim will be such judge if elected to the bench. Jim also has a long history in law enforcement and is exceptionally well-prepared to preside over criminal trials and decide proper sentences.

As a local attorney and active community member, Jim has a distinguished record of giving back to his community and setting an outstanding example for others. He has served on boards of non-profits that are integral to our community, such as Dawn Farm, Hope Clinic and the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.

He has served on our local city charter commission. Frankly, his community involvement and other qualifications are too numerous to list here. Let me sum them up by stating that Jim possesses all the qualities and attributes a good judge needs. His actions speak volumes about his character and integrity, and I hope you will join me in casting your vote for Jim Fink.

Cameron Getto

Ypsilanti

Comments

pseudo

Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 11:58 p.m.

unfortunately Jim Fink has supported efforts to repeal Ypsilanti's civil rights ordinance in spite of previous voter approval. the other issues (one mentioned in an earlier comment) make me think he is unlikely to be impartial to the people appearing before him and more likely to bring an activist version of "family values" to the bench. no thanks Cam, I don't think so.

ogel1209

Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.

I am so sick of seeing "Jim Fink for Circuit Judge" signs in our neighborhood, that it makes me want to NOT vote for him. There are FOUR of these signs in out neighborhood at about 100 feet apart. I got it the first sign. It's a turnoff.

kilroy

Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.

His two decades of police work contribute absolutely nothing to his qualifications to be a judge. In fact, police work militates against his ability to be impartial in criminal cases. While he has practiced as a lawyer for 14 years he has not tried jury cases in the court to which he seeks election. He is also pro-life and home-schooled his six kids. He points to his several endorsements from mostly retired judges but they sat with his father and brother, both of whom were very conservative judges, so it looks like a case of the old boy network ganging up on the one candidate who is far more experienced and better qualified-- and who, by the way, just happens to be a woman. We should not have an all male circuit court bench when more than half the county is female. Women also need a voice on the court and will not find that voice in ex-cop Fink.

James Socrates

Sat, Oct 20, 2012 : 4:49 a.m.

One might argue that two decades as a defense attorney would equally militate one's ability to be impartial in criminal proceedings if one inversely applies such logic. Indeed, to have an intimate perspective of the many actions which precipitate criminal proceeding and of the messy pandering process which directs individuals to a judges bench, experience in law enforcement can hardly be seen as "nothing" and indeed, seems to be of far greater value in rendering a decision consistent both with both precident and with intent. The law is not a scientific instrument nor is it a clear and decernable history on which to base an action. To understand both the practical as well as the theoretical elements of the legal process is of inherent value for one rendering decision that have both theoretical and practical consequences. I am completely in favor of having a diverse judicial body. I am however completely against considering gender as a positive or negative qualifier when considering individuals for any position of responsibility. Its about who best can perform the requirement s of the position and whether that individual possess the good character to do so. Both Mr. Fink and Ms Kuhnke possess the latter, but I believe Mr. Fink's experience allows him the ability to better perform the former.

PineyWoodsGuy

Fri, Oct 19, 2012 : 4:32 a.m.

Jim Fink is the "real deal." He is a "protector," long provened in this role. If yer a Senior, Jimmy is yer man!!! If yer a druggie; Watch Out!!! If yer looking for "cutting edge" ACLU decisions, then the other candidate is yer gal.

James Socrates

Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.

As a member of the community at large, I have to begin by saying that our community is fortunate to have such exceptional judicial candidates, both of whom would represent the highest standards of professionalism and integrity on the bench. Indeed, with two such outstanding individual vying for the judgeship its a challenge to support only one. While Ms. Kuhnke is a respected, competent and well qualified candidate, I believe Mr. Fink's diverse background as both a law enforcement officer and as a private attorney have provided him a critical perspective on the realities of the law and its effects, allowing him the greater insight to the effects of judicial rulings and their affects on both individuals and on the greater community. In addition to his experience in law enforcement, Mr. FInk's reputation as a thoughtful, open minded, and uncompromisingly fair individual, both in his professional and private life, have earned him the respect of prosecutors and defense attorneys, judges and law clerks, inmates and victims. To have such exceptional integrity as to be noted by the entire spectrum of our community is perhaps the greatest indicator of why Mr. Fink would be nothing less then an exceptionally fair, impartial, and consciencious judge. APWBD