Three local attorneys, Joseph G. Fabrizio, Mark W. Lyon, and Fed Miller, are challenging incumbent Judge Dana Fortinberry for the 52-2 District Court in Independence Township,a six-year term.
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Dana Fortinberry, 52, judge of the 52nd District Court, 2nd Division, since 2003, 18-year resident of Independence Township
Why are you running? ??
I would like to continue and expand upon the programs I have begun and the changes I have instituted at the 52-2 District Court, which include the state-recognized Sobriety Court Program, the Court in School Program, Teen Court, the Community Service Garden, in addition to careful budget and caseload management resulting in the prudent and conservative use of taxpayer dollars.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Protect the community by keeping dangerous and repeat criminal offenders behind bars;
Expand the Sobriety Court Program, removing repeat drunk driving offenders from our roads and protecting our families, through increased community collaboration and private funding sources;
Establish a Mental Health Court Program, strengthening ties with community mental health resources to effectively deal with offenders afflicted with underlying psychiatric disorders.
Why should voters elect you into office?
‘During my first six years as District Court Judge, I have worked hard to make the 52-2 District Court a vital part of this community by establishing the Sobriety Court, Court in School and Teen Court programs and the Community Service Garden.
I implemented fiscal reforms that have saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars since 2003. I am committed to keeping repeat and dangerous criminal offenders behind bars where they cannot victimize law abiding citizens of our community.
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Joseph G. Fabrizio, 34, attorney/partner at Fabrizio & Brook, P.C., 32-year resident of Independence Township, first-time candidate
Why are you running?
There is a need for hard working, courteous and ethical judges who will be guided by truth, reason and fairness.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Civility: I will exhibit proper judicial temperament. Individuals who appear before me will be treated with courtesy and respect, and will be given an adequate opportunity to be heard and to meaningfully participate in the judicial process.
Respect: I will respect the value of other people’s time. All hearings will be held in a timely manner in order to ensure jurors, parties and witnesses can return to their regular routines as soon as possible. I will work hard and make fair decisions in a timely manner.
Ethics: I will uphold the oath of office, and will make every effort to restore the public’s confidence in its judiciary.
Why should voters elect you into office?
I will adhere to principles of justice, and will be guided by truth, reason and fairness. I will act without bias or prejudice in upholding the Constitution and will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Judge. I will be a judge that this community can be proud of.
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Mark W. Lyon, 63, attorney at law, Oakland County resident for 51 years, Independence Township resident since 2007, appointed Independence Twp ZBA, and former member, Michigan Military Appeals Tribunal and a Hearing Panelist with the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board. I am a former Oakland County Circuit Court case mediator.
Why are you running?
Because it is time to take my education, life and military service and extensive legal experience to ‘the people’s court? and to deliver even-handed justice to lawyers, litigants, witnesses, and police officers. I humbly suggest that I am the ‘the right guy at the right time.?
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Run an efficient and fiscally responsible court.
To maximize, where appropriate, the use of all available youthful offender diversion programs to avoid permanent damage to first time offenders.
To eliminate lingering questions or controversies involving the court (and perceived as important by informed voters) by simply being elected.
Why should voters elect you into office?
Education- Bachelors and Masters degrees in psychology, Juris Doctorate, Law. Experience. 32 years of extensive experience in district and circuit court litigation, real world business, real estate and corporate experience, overall life and military experience and just plain ‘good sense.?
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Fred Miller, 52, attorney, 18-year resident, first-time candidate
Why are you running?
First and foremost, I want to return integrity to the 52-2 District Court. We presently have a judge who is rated one of the three worst in the Country by Readers Digest. The district deserves better. Second, we need to have a court that deals with all substance abuse issues, not just alcohol. While sobriety court is a good start, 85 percent of the people in prison in Michigan are incarcerated because of drug issues, either directly or indirectly.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Restoring integrity to the 52-2 District Court bench;
Instituting a drug court program, working with local community leaders and mental health workers to help people take care of their substance abuse issues.
Developing alternative sentencing options which benefit the community and defendants, allow for protection of the community, and rehabilitate offenders.
Why should voters elect you into office?
Why should voters elect you into office?
‘I have an excellent reputation as an attorney. I have not been publicly censured. I have the most trial experience of any of the candidates, having tried approximately 75 felony jury trials, which include first degree murder, attempted murder, and major drug crimes, and hundreds of miscellaneous criminal cases.
I represent the Village of Oxford as an Assistant Prosecutor and attorney, and deal with budgeting issues, officer time in court, and staffing issues. I was a clerk to the Honorable Dennis C. Drury and have experience with court scheduling and docket control. I have an extensive civil background having been a mediator, arbitrator, and even a Court-appointed receiver. I have represented landlords and tenants. I have a good background and understanding of the law.
As Judge Schnelz puts it, I have ‘patience, an ability to listen, and intelligence to render a just decision based on the facts and the law.? That is why I believe I should be the next District Judge in the 52-2 District.