Traverse City News and Events

Judging The Candidates

Oct. 14, 2016

Who’s likely to be appointed as Judge Phillip Rodgers’ replacement as 13th Circuit Court Judge? The Ticker has confirmed a few leading candidates.

Traverse City attorney Joseph Fisher, who’s been practicing law since 1974, echoes two names many have mentioned.

“The current scuttlebutt focuses on [Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney] Bob Cooney and [Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Director] Kevin Elsenheimer -- both are politically in the right party.”

In the event of a midterm vacancy, the governor appoints a temporary replacement to serve until the next general election.

Cooney (pictured above left) has submitted an application and says Rodgers “is going to be very difficult to replace. There are a lot of excellent attorneys in Traverse City, and I’m sure it will be very difficult for the governor to make a selection.”

“I have a long record of public service -- I’ve run unopposed for my office twice now, so I believe I have earned the public’s trust and respect,” Cooney adds. “I think most importantly, I genuinely care about this community and the people who live here.”

Elsenheimer (pictured above right), who served as Antrim County Prosecutor and later State Representative before accepting the helm of MSHDA, tells The Ticker he is “giving the opening consideration. Judge Rodgers leaves big shoes to fill…I truly love my work at MSHDA, particularly combating homelessness and developing decent housing for low-income people, but the 13th Circuit is critical to maintaining what we all love about northern lower Michigan. I'll be deciding soon.”

Attorney Janet Mistele, an attorney who specializes in criminal and family law, says she has applied.

“The lengthy Judicial Appointment Questionnaire itself was a challenging and enlightening endeavor -- an incredible reminder of where I have been and what I have done, what I hope to accomplish in the future, and why I decided to attend law school back in the 1980s,” Mistele says.

Paul Jarboe, who has run for district judge in the past, says he has also applied. He believes his 34 years of experience across all kinds of legal cases makes him suited for the position.

“That’s one of the reasons why I raised my hand -- I really hope whoever is chosen by the governor’s office has a broad background,” Jarboe says. “There are obviously a number of qualified people in our community who have expressed an interest.”

Attorney Bradley Putney, a Benzie County native who’s been practicing in Traverse City for more than 20 years, has also applied for the job.

“It really was my goal since prior to attending law school to be a judge, particularly a circuit court judge,” Putney says. “It’s been a long wait for my potential opportunity.”

Early in his career, Putney clerked for district and circuit court judges and he got a first-hand look at what’s involved, he says. “It’s a difficult job,” Putney says. “You’re holding people’s lives in your hands.”

Rodgers himself says he is impressed by the field of lawyers who have applied to take his place after 26 years. Gov. Snyder “clearly has qualified candidates from within this area who have been active practitioners in the 13th Circuit Court. There are some highly qualified people.”

Applicants are first reviewed by the Governor’s legal division, then a candidate or candidates are forwarded to the State Bar Association’s Judicial Qualifications Committee for interviews. The committee then makes a recommendation to the governor. The application process opened on September 27 and candidates may apply until October 19, though the final selection will likely take 3-4 months.

Writer Patrick Sullivan also contributed to this story.

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