9th Circuit Court Judges

What is your vision for the future of our judicial system? What’s working well? What changes would you advocate and why? [90 word limit]
In order of priority, list your major concerns about the court which you hope to serve. What measures are needed to address them? [80 word limit]
What are your beliefs about the role of specialty courts, such as drug and mental health courts? [70 word limit]

9th Circuit Court Judge – Incumbent Position
6-year term—Vote for not more than 1

J. Richardson Johnson
Age 61. Circuit Court Judge. B.A., Miami U, 1966; J.D., U of M, Law School, 1969. Chief judge, 9th Circuit Court; author, Michigan Circuit Court Benchbook; engaged in private practice of law in Kalamazoo, 1969–1993.

1. The courts are, and should be, the focus of our hopes for a fair and just community. The courts should be open and accessible to all. The courts should exemplify the rule of law, which is the basis for our democracy. The community should be confident that the courts will consistently and promptly resolve the issues presented to the courts.

2. The major challenge facing the 9th Circuit Court is the budget reductions that have occurred at all levels of government in this decade. The courts felony caseload is increasing, straining the capacity of the criminal justice system. This occurs in a context in which the jail is chronically overcrowded. The community needs to realistically assess the unmet needs for both services and sanctions for youth, families and adult offenders.

3. The Kalamazoo County courts have a rich tradition of specialty courts, such as the drug treatment courts for juveniles, women and men. The local courts use “problem solving” methods in many cases to provide better outcomes for people appearing in court. These concepts should be applied whenever appropriate and possible. Maintaining ongoing funding for the drug treatment courts will be difficult because federal, state and county funding is declining.

9th Circuit Court Judge – Non-Incumbent Position
6-year term—Vote for not more than 1

Martin D. Glista
Age 56. Attorney, litigation since 1980. B.A., English, Loyola U. Chicago, 1972; J.D., 1976. National Institute Trial Advocacy, diplomate, 1980. U of Ill., Government Institute, 1972–73. Director, Continuing Legal Education, WMU, 1978–80. Law clerk, Illinois Appellate Court, 1977–78. Assistant Prosecutor, Cook County, Illinois, 1976. Service: State & local legal associations. Volunteer: Legal Aid; Loaves & Fishes; Boy Scouts; KPS. Eldest of nine, Van Buren County farm. Married, three children. www.martinglista.com

1. (a) I envision a judicial system which serves the public’s need for prompt, efficient, fair and final resolution of legal disputes, both civil and criminal, and which is accessible to all. (b) Works well: Our drug court has eased jail overcrowding while reducing recidivism, and is a national leader in therapeutic jurisprudence. Our judges make excellent decisions and enjoy an extremely low number of reversals on appeal. (c) Needs change: New technology can decrease expense and increase service to the public.

2. (a) Lack of space to house convicted criminals inhibits judicial sentencing decisions. Implementation processes include crime prevention, creative sentencing, diversionary programs, i.e., drug and other problem-solving courts. Anticipated benefits are reduction of recidivism, rehabilitation and return to community, restitution and balanced and restorative justice. (b) Persons with hearing, vision and mobility impairments are denied full participation in and monitoring of the court’s business. Implementation process—adopt accommodating technology in the courtroom. Anticipated benefits are increased public participation, increased public knowledge of court activity and decisions, increased public confidence in government.

3. Problem-solving courts are essential to our current jurisprudence when sentencing the non-violent offender. These courts are effective—increasing rehabilitation rates, reducing recidivism and using resources wisely. The positive outcomes of therapeutic jurisprudence result from the cooperation of the court, corrections staff, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and rehabilitation and health professionals. Problem-solving courts allow people with addiction and mental illness to heal and atone, rather than perpetuate disease and illegal activity.

Pamela Lightvoet
Age 39. Attorney and business owner—James, Dark & Brill. B.A., Purdue U.; J.D., Detroit College of Law. Owner/Partner, James, Dark & Brill (first female partner in the firm). Circuit and District court trial attorney, about 15 yrs; case evaluator/mediator, about 10 yrs. Legal clerk for 2 Kalamazoo County Circuit Court judges and Detroit Legal Aid. Hearings: Detroit Legal Aid landlord tenant, child abuse/neglect, probate court.

1. I have the knowledge, skills and experience to serve as the next Circuit Court Judge in Kalamazoo County. With 15 years of courtroom experience, I would bring a practical approach to the bench and enhance the diversity of our bench. I would urge changes in the jury selection process to give firm trial dates and begin jury selection without delay for the benefit of the public/potential jurors and all parties/witnesses involved. I would promote greater involvement between the courts and our schools to educate our youth.

2. Kalamazoo County has a problem with jail overcrowding. A judge certainly has a role in helping to resolve this situation. I would preside with a wise and judicious use of sentencing alternatives where appropriate, i.e., home incarceration, tethers, public service, drug court, K-PEP, etc. I believe it would be more economical and respectful of the public to give firm trial dates. This would allow jury selection to begin without delay for the benefit of the public/potential jurors and the parties/witnesses involved.

3. Programs like these are a vital part of our legal system in Kalamazoo County and help with the jail overcrowding problem. Individuals need to be held accountable for their actions and use of programs like our drug courts have been successful, economical and create positive reinforcement for those involved. We need to promote such programs and others like them.