JACKSON, MI – Four individuals are campaigning for votes to fill the judicial seat soon to be vacated by retiring 12th District Court Judge Darryl Mazur.
Allison Bates, Jake Dickerson, Craig Pappin and George Lyons are on the ballot in the Aug. 4 primary. The top two vote-getters will face off in the Nov. 3 general election.
The district judge term is for six years.
Bates, Dickerson and Pappin will be on the nonpartisan ballot, while Lyons is running as a write-in candidate due to an error in his election filling.
Incumbent 12th District Judge Michael Klaeren is up for reelection this year, though he won’t be appearing on the ballot until the November general election.
MLive Media Group has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information and other voting resources to readers ahead of 2020 elections.
Each candidate was given a list of questions relevant to the office they are campaigning for which has been assembled into the leagues voter guide that can be accessed by visiting vote411.org.
All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters, except for a necessary cut if a reply exceeded character limitations.
Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.
Here is how each candidate responded to the questions.
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office and explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset?
Bates: I have been an attorney for 29 years. I have experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and referee. My experience makes me uniquely qualified in this race as I have perspective from both sides as a litigator, and from both sides of the bench.
The candidate elected to fill the vacancy in District Court will be presiding over a domestic violence specialty court. I have prosecuted domestic violence cases, represented indigent criminal defendants charged with domestic violence, and in my current position as referee, preside over domestic violence cases with juvenile offenders, as well as cases of abuse and neglect of minor children and family law cases, which both often involve allegations of domestic violence.
I am running for District Court Judge because I believe my experience makes me well suited for the position, and it is the best way to use the skills I have gained to continue to best serve my community and the courts.
Dickerson: I worked as a Corrections Officer for 9 years before earning my license to practice law. At the beginning of my legal career I was in private practice. I handled general civil, bankruptcies, family law, landlord/tenant, and some estate planning.
The bulk of my practice involved criminal defense work in which I handled over 30 trials in 3 1/2 years. The trials involved everything from misdemeanor assault all the way up to first degree murder. For the last 8 years, I have been an Assistant Prosecutor here in Jackson County. As an assistant prosecutor, I have handled almost 100 felony jury trials. I have also served as a member of the Human Trafficking Task Force, Violent Offenders Task Force, Gang Violence and Gun Task Force, and the Jackson County Recovery Court.
I am running for District Judge because I deeply care about the community. I am the only candidate that was both raised and raised a family in this community. I feel that my experience and investment in the community matters.
Pappin: I am a licensed attorney in good standing with the Michigan Bar Association since 2010. My practice includes; criminal law (both prosecution and defense), business law, and landlord tenant law.
I have served in the military as a Law Enforcement Specialist, as a Special Agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and as a locally elected official in the City of Jackson.
Additionally, I started a retail business in 1988.
Recognizing a large portion of the District Court docket consists of civil matters, my business experience is invaluable. Years of practical experience have uniquely positioned me to be highly qualified.
My reason for running is about continuing to serve my community. I have had the honor to serve my nation in the military, and my local community as an elected official. I want to apply my unique knowledge and experience in a way to benefit Jackson County with an insightful perspective, to interpret and apply the law in a fair and impartial manner.
Lyons: iI believe I'm qualified to serve the people of Jackson County as Judge in the 12th District Court. Well, I've practiced and been a member of the State bar since November 1, 1996 I've practiced in Jackson County, Ingham County, Wayne, Wastenaw County, Livingston County, Monroe County, Eaton County, Berrien County, Branch County, Genesee County, Oakland County, Clinton County , Kalamazoo County, Calhoun County, Hillsdale County, Lenawee County, Macomb County, Van Buren County, Eaton, and Isabella County.
I’ve also practiced as a visiting attorney in California, Ohio, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Georgia and Illinois. I’ve practiced in Michigan State and Appeals Court(s). I’ve practiced in the Eastern and Western Federal Court of Michigan as well as the Federal Court of Appeals in Cincinnati Ohio. I’ve also practiced in Federal District Court in West Virginia. I’ve practiced virtually all aspects of law, criminal family , probate etc.
Due to our current circumstances, what are the most important challenges facing our community, and how do you propose to address them?
Bates: The pandemic has changed all of our lives. We have had to balance the need to protect our citizens from a devastating virus, and at the same time try to salvage our economy for the benefit of our citizens.
The courts will be impacted by the economic damage from the pandemic. Many of the individuals who find themselves in court, especially the criminal justice system, suffer from mental health issues and substance abuse problems. Funding for programs to address these issues is already less than adequate to meet demand. Clearly, as all levels of government attempt to bring their budgets under control, funding will continue to shrink. Innovative solutions will be necessary to address the needs of our community as it relates to court ordered services.
As a referee I have faced the problem of limited resources and how to best serve individuals in court. As a judge I will continue to work with court staff and community agencies to find the best solutions available for our community.
Dickerson: For the last several years it has been clear to me that the biggest issues in Jackson our gun violence and substance abuse issues. That is why for the last several years I have been involved in the Violent Offenders Task Force, Gang and Gun Task Force, and the Jackson County Recovery Court.
We are seeing way too many people dying from senseless acts of violence and drug overdoses. If elected Judge, I think it would be important to keep focusing on these areas. The last several months has brought on a whole new set of issues to the forefront. With the current health pandemic and the social strife about racial inequality, everyone has had to take a different look at things.
One of the focuses of my campaign has been procedural fairness. I think at times, Judges can get caught up in the “this is my courtroom” mentality. I don’t want to let that happen, because it is the people’s courtroom. It would be my goal to treat every case like it is the most important case, because to them, it is.
Pappin: The most important challenges facing our community are violence and substance abuse. These are not mutually exclusive and co-occurrence happens frequently.
Currently, an alternative court known as the “Aggression Court” is operating in Jackson County District Court.
I propose addressing one facet of violence - domestic violence - by continuing the Aggression Court.
This court focuses on safety and accountability to reduce the number of domestic violence incidents.
The court oversees the coordination of services (including substance abuse) to help lower recidivism and help the client gain insight in the dynamics of domestic violence and apply strategies such that they become a catalyst of change in the domestic violence paradigm.
Continual education and awareness is also important. As new techniques, programs, and technologies evolve, a leader in the criminal justice system must appreciate these changes and look for ways to improve and implement them when appropriate.
Lyons: No one appearing before the Court should be subject to anything less than their full measure of justice, without respect to race, creed color or sexual orientation. The Court must represent more than a place of judgment and punishment.
The Court must be a place where the community can go for fair resolution to its disputes. Where no man or woman is treated with less respect and less dignity because of their station in life. Where bonds in criminal matters are set in such a way that no citizen spends time in jail for no other reason than they cannot afford bond. . Lastly, and perhaps most important, the Court must never forget its primary purpose is to serve the needs of all the people.
What is your position regarding alternative courts to meet our community’s needs for drug courts, mental health courts, veterans’ courts, etc.?
Bates: I believe that specialty courts can be extremely beneficial to both the participants and the community at large. The goal of any court order in a criminal case should be to prevent the criminal behavior from repeating itself. This often involves addressing the mental health issues or substance abuse problems which prevent the accused from conforming their behavior to appropriate community standards. If the underlying conditions are not addressed, neither the individual or the community is best served.
Especially in the case of drug courts or recovery courts, it appears that participants benefit from seeing others who are struggling with sobriety overcome those challenges to improve the quality of their life. It provides hope that they too can overcome a problem that may have been plaguing them for most of their adult life. The group dynamic also aids in accountability. The excuses for behavior that may work on some people do not tend to work on others participating in recovery.
Dickerson: I believe that alternative courts are extremely important and are the future. I have been a member of the Drug Court and Veterans Court here in Jackson for several years. It absolutely changes lives. I have also had cases and dealings, as well as observed the Mental Health and Domestic Violence Courts we have here in Jackson. All of these courts do wonderful things and really help handle some of the bigger issues we have in our community.
They have innovative ways to tackle problems that don’t have a traditional, simple solution. The data shows that they both help keep the community safer and save money. It also goes along way towards procedural fairness, which makes people feel like they matter. I would definitely want to continue the excellent work these courts are doing, but I would also like to add more. The drug court here in Jackson is a felony court only. I would like to start a misdemeanor drug court and hopefully tackle some of these issues before they get to felony level.
Pappin: I support alternative courts.
Having the privilege of serving with the Mental Health Court for over six years, I know first-hand how alternative courts can be effective in identifying and treating the underlying cause of a defendant’s entry into the criminal justice system. The entire community benefits from a lower recidivism rate, and on an individual basis, the offender has a more durable opportunity for meaningful rehabilitation.
Drug and veteran courts exist in Jackson County at the Circuit Court (felony) level. My experience with these courts in private practice has taught me the clear financial, societal, and individual advantages in diverting some clients from the traditional criminal justice route such that the outcome can result in lower recidivism and a positive outcome not just for the defendant, but the community as a whole.
Lyons: The Court should have a role in addressing issues of mental health. It is often the case and has been my experience that mental health issues and substance abuse go hand in hand. These issues jointly and separately must be addressed by the Court. Otherwise we have a revolving door scenario, the Defendant as well as the greater community isn't served. Likewise, we have an affirmative duty help our veterans. It is small repayment for their service.
Do judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the courts? If so, how should they carry out that obligation?
Bates: Judges do have the obligation to improve understanding of the court system. The primary responsibility comes with helping the individuals that appear in court understand the system they have entered, usually unwillingly. Courts are busy, and it can be difficult to explain legal procedure to an individual, However, it is a judge's duty to address the questions and concerns about the legal process that individuals may have. In criminal cases, most defendants are entitled to counsel even if they are indigent, however, that benefit does not apply to every type of proceeding. A common phrase is "access to justice". An individual cannot possibly access justice if they do not understand the justice system.
I also believe that judges should be willing to speak to school groups and other community groups about the court system. I have done this and it is fascinating to take questions from the group. The system is complicated and there is a lack of understanding, but also interest in learning.
Dickerson: I absolutely believe judges have an obligation to improve public understanding of the courts. It is not a judges job to just sit up on the bench all day and then do nothing else. A judge is a servant of the people. It is an important position in the community and it is an elected position in the community. For these reasons I believe a judge should be out in the community and involved. One of my favorite things to do as an Assistant Prosecutor is to go to the local schools and read or conduct mock trials. I love explaining and telling them what I do, or even better yet, listening to them say what they think I do. I think it is important for everyone in the community to know what it is a judge does. It is not a position where people should be afraid of you. I would want people to know that I am just a regular person. I would want them to see me out and about and not be afraid to ask questions and get to know what I do.
Pappin: Our justice system must be fair and impartial. Equally important, the public must have confidence in the system. Public understanding of the courts is critically important in developing and maintaining that confidence.
In that context, Judges have an obligation to improve understanding of the courts. This can be accomplished in several ways. Community engagement, such as, in speaking about what’s happening in the courts can be discussed in public venues. Additionally, on a daily basis, Judges can help to explain processes to litigants, defendants, and public spectators in real time.
I view this as an ongoing obligation, and as passionate as I am about the law, I look forward to doing what I can to promote public understanding of the courts.
Lyons: Yes, the Court should be an active member in the community, educating citizens, as to their right and duties under the law. The Court must remain in tune with the needs of the community. As a servant of the People the Court must reach out and listen to the People. Understand their needs and re assure them that they will get a fair shake and a equal opportunity to be heard and adjudicated.
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