If you asked Joe Fabrizio 10 years ago whether he could see himself running for judge at 34 years old, he might have replied ‘probably not that soon.?
But Fabrizio said he’s ‘identified a need for change? in Clarkston’s 52-2 District Court, and his name will appear with three others on the non-partisan portion of the Aug. 5 primary election ballot.
‘I’ve dedicated my life to the legal profession,? he said. ‘But I’ve chosen to shift gears and focus my attention on this race, because I feel strongly about the roll of the court and the importance of having a judge dedicated to fairness and to serving the community.?
After graduating from Brother Rice High School in 1992, Fabrizio obtained a bachelor of science from Michigan State University, and went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit.
In his earlier college years, Fabrizio returned to Clarkston every summer, where he worked as a water saftey instructor for Independence Township Parks and Recreation. He also served as a lifeguard at Deer Lake Beach.
Today, Fabrizio lives in the City of the Village of Clarkston with his wife Theresa, a gymnastics instructor, and their three young children, Sophia, Frankie, and Lucy.
Fabrizio currently practices law with the Troy-based firm of Fabrizio & Brook, P.C., where he’s been a partner since 2002.
‘We have a wonderful law firm going,? he said. ‘In fact, that is one of the biggest sacrifices I would have to make, to (remove) myself from any interest in this firm. I’ve put a lot of sweat and tears into growing it, and it will be difficult to give up. But that’s a sacrifice that I’m willing to make.?
Fabrizio currently serves as managing partner over all litigation matters pending with the firm, and said he’s handled ‘thousands? lawsuits. Although he calls his practice ‘well-rounded,? Fabrizio said his cases are concentrated heavily on mortgage banking and construction litigation, with clients from lending institutions and servicing companies.
As a lifelong resident of the Clarkston community, Fabrizio said he feels a sense of commitment, a desire to ‘give back? to the community, and to ensure the court is dedicated to fairness and justice.
‘If I’m elected, I would focus on showing civility to all individuals who appear before me,? he said. ?(It’s important to) ensure that other people’s time is not wasted. I would take the bench on time, hear matters in a timely fashion, make timely decisions, ensure the docket is moving efficiently and allow people to participate in the judicial process when they have their day in court.?
Citing financial concerns, Fabrizio wasn’t clear on whether he intended to participate in the 52-2’s state recognized Sobriety Court program, or other community outreach initiatives if elected.
‘The one program that is experiencing some success is Sobriety Court,? he said. ‘It’s a program that a number of courts throughout the county have implemented and certainly I’m encouraged by the results, and not just here in Clarkston, but (also) in Novi.?
But, he said, the program needs to be approached with strict oversight.
‘There are budget constraints that are going to be even more prominent in years to come,? Fabrizio said. ‘If properly managed, (Sobriety Court) is a good program.?
Much of his campaign, Fabrizio said, has focused on door-to-door, face-to-face interaction with voters.
It is, he said, an encouraging effort.
‘I’ve been speaking with individuals who have historically shown up to the polls and voted in the primaries and sort of have a track record of voting,? he said. ‘It’s not just indiscriminately going to people’s doors, I’m looking at people who have a history of showing up to the polls and voting, people that are typically more informed as to what’s going on in the community.?
For more information, check out Fabrizioforjudge.com
Fabrizio is running against incumbent Judge Dana Fortinberry, Mark Lyon and Fredrick Miller in the Aug. 5 primary election.