LEAGUES OF WOMEN VOTERS

OF WAYNE COUNTY WAYNE COUNTY RACES

ABOUT THIS GUIDE The Leagues of Women Voters of Wayne County contacted candidates for
biographical information and answers to questions on selected issues. The answers are printed as submitted
and have not been edited, (nor spelling corrected), except for some abbreviations, and necessary cutting when
replies exceeded the stated word limitations, indicated by an ellipsis (…). Publication of this Voter Guide is
solely in the interest of public service and in no way is to be construed as an endorsement by the League of
Women Voters. The League takes no responsibility for any of the views or facts stated by the candidates.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. This guide covers only the county-wide races for all residents of
Wayne County. State candidates are included in the separate LWV-Michigan Voter Guide available on line at
www.lwv-mich.org. Local information is also available by contacting local leagues, LWV-Dearborn-Dearborn
Heights at 313-278-6476 or www.lwvddh.org , LWV-Northwest Wayne County at 734-421-4420 or
www.lwvnww.org, LWV-Grosse Pointe at 313-343-0771, LWV-Detroit at 313-392-VOTE or www.lwvofdetroit.org
LWV Wayne County Voter Guide Editor: Betsy Cushman ©LWV-Dearborn-Dearborn Heights 2004

Prosecuting Attorney: 4-yr. term (elect 1) (unopposed)

The candidate was asked What efforts would be What new methods or How can the county
to provide biographical taken by your office to technology would you achieve an appropriate
information and answer 3 ensure that the law is advocate to prosecute balance between
questions. All answers enforced in a humane crime more effectively? ensuring homeland
restricted to 50 words. and just manner? security and preserving
individual liberties?
Kym L. Worthy
Democrat
Did not respond

County Clerk: 4-yr. term (elect 1)

Candidates were asked How could voter Discuss the What new methods or
to provide biographical participation be implementation of the technology would you
information and answer 3 increased? “Help America Vote advocate to improve the
questions. All answers Act” (HAVA) in Wayne services of the County
restricted to 50 words. County. Clerk?
Lanell Buffington By giving people the There is nothing to dicuss. Be accessible upgrade
Republican incentive to vote through People who are elected to everything that is needed
I cannot summarize my good service and truth. serve the people should as far as up-to-date
background or any part of Let them know that we do do just that. Serve & take equipment, be open and
my 32 years of service in have a democracy. pride in what they have susceptible to the needs
50 words. I have been pledged to do. of your constituents.
involved in so much and Accept & live up to your
still am. My education is responsibilities.
continuous. I am still
servicing people and my
community. Please call
me for all other
information (313) 870-
9244.
Cathy M. Garrett
Democrat
Did not respond

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County Sheriff: 4-yr. term
Candidates were asked
to provide biographical
information and answer 3
questions. All answers
restricted to 50 words.
Robert F. Czak
U.S. Taxpayers
I was a high school
graduate in Detroit’s St.
Andrew’s R.C. school. I
was trained as a military
policeman in the early
sixties with stockade and
P.O.W. camp experience.
I consider myself to be
competent with personnel
handling.
Warren C. Evans
Democrat
Over the last 34 years,
Warren Evans has
worked in virtually every
area in law enforcement,
including a prosecutor,
and has held every rank
within the Sheriff’s Office.
As Sheriff he has created
programs that have led to
the arrest of 5,000 fugi-
tive felons, 53 Internet
sex predators, and the
rescue of 250 missing
children.
Bill Lucas
Republican
Vice Squad officer New
York P.D., Special Agent
FBI, Wayne County
Sheriff- elected, First
Wayne County Executive-
elected, Recorders Court
Judge, Circuit Court
Judge-elected.
Manhattan College B.S.,
Fordham University Juris
Doctor, Harvard Fellow-
Harvard University.
(elect 1)
Discuss your priorities
for Homeland Security
in Wayne County.
See question #2. I
consider the Patriot Act
and Homeland Security
an infraction of our Bill of
Rights as soverign
Americans and
Michiganders. These two
decrees infringe on our 4th
Amendment rights and
should be gotten rid of.
Through a federal grant,
my office has stationed
deputies near the
ambassador bridge and
along the river to provided
an added layer of security
at our border. My plan is
to continue that presence.
I also am working to
upgrade our
communications system
so we are compatible with
other agencies in our
region.
Establish direct contact
with Office of Homeland
Security to be kept
updated on the following:
Safety threats; Updated
training techniques;
Enable deputies to quickly
recognize potential
dangers; Provide and
train in latest detection
equipment; Instruct on
proper method of securing
sensitive targets; Strictly
adhere to budgetary
requirements.
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What initiatives would
you undertake to work
with the community to
cut crime?
Continue to allow law-
abiding citizens in Wayne
County to carry concealed
weapons without being
hassled by 2nd
Amendment Right
enemies in high places.
I am a believer in
community policing. I
would continue to actively
meet with citizens groups
and businesses owners to
better understand their
policing needs. I have
developed a strong
community relations unit
staffed with officers who
provide residents training
on everything from school
safety to Senior Citizen
safety to Internet safety.
Aggressively pursue
predators who willfully
prey on our seniors and
our children; Actively
pursue dead-beat parents
who fail to meet parental
responsibilities; Urge local
municipalities to tear
down abandoned houses
that are a haven for drug-
dealers rapists and other
criminals; Provide
protection for
neighborhood businesses
and instruct them in
methods of …
What would you like to
change about the
county jail system?
Having never been in a
Wayne County jail I would
have to take a hard look
at its current state of
affairs and act
accordingly.
Now that we no longer
have an overcrowding
issue at our jails that
house pretrial felons, I am
planning to implement
“Virtual Visits” as a way to
enhance safety at the jail
and convenience for
friends and family of
people who are being
detained. This video
conferencing approach
also will save taxpayers
money.
Reconsider contracting
with private organizations
to house non-violent
offenders; Continue
negotiations for tri-county
jail facility that could be
paid by housing federal
prisoners and serving as
emergency backup for
counties; Increase use of
video arrangements;
Negotiations with local
police agencies for
prisoner pickup and
delivery to downtown
facilities
County Treasurer: 4-yr. term
The candidate was asked
to provide biographical
information and answer 3
questions. All answers
restricted to 50 words.
Raymond J. Wojtowicz
Democrat
I am a democrat and life-
long resident of the City
of Hamtramck. In the
private sector, I was
employed in the
aerospace industry for 18
years. I was elected as
trustee of WCCC in the
mid-sixties, and from
1970-1973 I served
mayor of the City of
Hamtramck. In August of
1976, I was elected
Treasurer of …
(elect 1) (unopposed)
Discuss your priorities Delinquent taxes are a
should you become burden on the county.
Treasurer of Wayne How would you address
County. this issue?
As County Treasurer, I The taxes are not a
am honored that I have burden on the County.
been entrusted with voter For the past 27 years, the
confidence to continue Treasurer has provided
providing public service to significant cash flow
the taxpayers of Wayne benefits to local units of
County. It is my goal to government in the County
continue with the through its delinquent tax
procedural and revolving fund. The
operational delinquent tax revolving
enhancements of my fund originally was
office to better serve the created by resolution of
public. the County Board of
Commissioners and is
administered by the
County Treasurer…
How should the
treasurer be involved in
the budget process?
On an annualized basis,
the treasurer is involved
in the departmental
budget process.
Estimates of revenue and
operational expenditures
are required for
consideration and
approval by the County
Commission. During my
tenure, I have always
maintained my office,
operating within its
allocated budget.

Register of Deeds: 4-yr. term (elect 1)

Candidates were asked to
provide biographical
information and answer 3
questions. All answers
restricted to 50 words.
Willie J. Cambell
Republican
Willie Cambell attended
the University of Colorado
while serving in the US Air
Force; received a B.A.
from Wayne State in
Psychology. 11 years as
a Banker, 16 years as a
Social Worker and 15
years as a Real Estate
Broker. He is Executive
Director of Core City
Neighborhoods, a com-
munity development cor-
poration providing afford-
able new homes …
See next page ►
What is the most
important role of the
Register of Deeds?
The most important role
of the Register of Deeds
is to assure accuracy and
efficiency in the process
of recording and
preserving Wayne County
documents.
How would you improve
access to records
without jeopardizing
privacy?
Four years ago I
advocated for internet
access to Register of
Deeds documents, and
now I am pleased to see
that finally there is
movement in that
direction, but the current
system is too slow. I
would put a better data
base system in place,
train all staff for a higher
level of …
What would you do to
streamline the process
and improve the
timeliness of recording
real estate documents
in Wayne County?
Currently there is a policy
of rejecting batches of
documents submitted by
title companies if there is
just one defective
document in the group. I
will change that practice,
and process recordable
documents while rejecting
only the defective
documents. You deserve
a system that does not
require waiting a year for
a recorded warranty
deed…

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 Bernard J. Youngblood The most important role Documents submitted I am working diligently
Democrat of the Register of Deeds’ and accepted as with the land title industry,
Born in Detroit and raised Office is to record, recordable in form technology providers,
in Wayne County, I maintain, and provide become public record employees, and county
earned my Bachelor of search capabilities for once recorded and are, departments to provide
Science Degree from documents affecting the by state statue, available on-time recording
Wayne State University in land records data of a for inspection and capabilities, protection of
Business Management in property owner’s most reproduction. Privacy property records, Internet
1973. I have been a valued possession. As issues are regulate by the search access and first
Michigan Real Estate mandated by the State, State legislature. class customer service.
Licensee since 1974, and we provide search My background in private
in addition, during my capabilities to recorded business has driven me
business career have data referencing property to provide a quality
received patents in the records both by remote product in the most
United States and and on-site access. efficient manner.
Canada.

COUNTY-WIDE JUDICIAL RACES

Circuit Court - Non-Incumbent Judge: 6-yr. term (elect 1)

Candidates were asked What is your general Do judges have an If you observed a party
to provide biographical judicial philosophy? obligation to improve in your courtroom being
information and answer 3 public understanding of poorly represented by
questions. All answers the courts? If so, how an unprepared or
restricted to 50 words. should they carry out ineffective lawyer, how
that obligation? would you handle the
situation?
James A. Callahan Decisions should be Yes, they do. This A Judge must remain
Born December 24, 1941, timely, well thought out understanding starts with impartial, even in the
Chicago, Illinois. Detroit and in conformity with clear, timely decisions presence of poorly
Metropolitan Bar Rating: Statutes, Case Law and from our judges. In represented litigants.
Well Qualified. Married Court Rules. The law is a addition to the forums and Reprimand of poorly
with two children; U.S. way disputes between juror briefings, punctuality prepared or ineffective
Navy Veteran; Retired parties are resolved with- of the judge and staff, lawyer during
Social Studies Teacher; out violence. It is the role openness of the proceedings will benefit
Trial Attorney since 1972. of a Judge to fairly and courtroom and courtesy the already capitalizing
B.A. in History– Univer- equitably apply the law to toward litigants, jurors and opponent and destroy that
sity of Illinois 1967; the facts presented with attorneys enhance it, by impartiality. If,
Teaching Certification the understanding and removing the mystery that ineffectiveness of counsel
WSU 1969; J.D. Detroit compassion to bring generally surround the affects the outcome of a
College of Law 1972; closure to the issue … proeedings. trial, a new trial motion
Licensed in Michigan, should be entertained.
Illinois and Florida Bars
See next page ►

15
 Lynne A. Pierce I believe in treating all Judges can and should An adjournment, with an
12 years-Municipal Judge persons involved in the improve the public’s admonishment to the
–Grosse Pointe Woods; legal system with dignity perception of the judicial attorney, may be
Former Managing and respect, regardless of system by communicating sufficient. If the problem
Attorney–UAW-Ford their station in life. Every regularly with the media is serious, an inquiry to
Legal Services; 1979– person is entitled to their and reaching out to the the attorney may result in
Detroit College of Law, day in court. A judge community in a variety of a withdrawal of the
cum laude; 1975–U of M, must be honest, decisive, ways. Public forums, attorney from the case.
with honors; Past tough and hard-working. mock trials, courtroom Reporting the attorney to
president, AAUW; Each case must be visits, outreach programs, the Attorney Grievance
Member, League of evaluated on its own and opinion editorials are Commission may be
Women Voters; Initiated merits. some of the ways this can warranted in extreme
“Critical Life Choices” be done. cases.
program at high schools;
Endorsed by Detroit Free
Press and News

Circuit Court - Incumbent Judge: Term ending 1/1/07 (elect 2)

Candidates were asked What is your general Do judges have an If you observed a party
to provide biographical judicial philosophy? obligation to improve in your courtroom being
information and answer 3 public understanding of poorly represented by
questions. All answers the courts? If so, how an unprepared or
restricted to 50 words. should they carry out ineffective lawyer, how
that obligation? would you handle the
situation?
Edward Ewell, Jr. My judicial philosophy Judges have an obligation In court, litigation can be
I graduated from the initially stems from the to educate the community very expensive, time
University of Michigan “Golden Rule” – treat so that the courts are consuming and emotional
and Wayne State Law everyone connected with demystified and open to for the parties involved,
School. I am a judge on my courtroom the way I everyone. I am a frequent thus I would initially
Wayne County Circuit would want to be treated. speaker at career days, determine if the matter
Court, Criminal Division. After that, be on time, fair, graduations, community could be resolved without
My background and call it like I see it and forums, neighborhood hurting the poorly
experience span over consistent. Finally, associations and represented party. If not,
twenty (20) years justice should be churches. It is crucial that I would adjourn the matter
including: Law Clerk to balanced with mercy. judges take off their robes and appoint new counsel
the Hon. Damon J. Keith; and go into the if the situation warranted
Associate at Pepper communities they serve. itself. Finally, I would
Hamilton, LLC; Assistant privately determine if the
U.S. Attorney; and lawyer …
General Counsel for
Wayne County.
Millicent Sherman
Did not respond
See next page ►

16
 Leslie Kim Smith Those who appear before
JD from U of D in 1982; me must be treated with
Asst. Mich. State Atty. dignity and respect and
Gen 1983-1986; Elected afforded an opportunity to
to the 30th Dist. Ct. in be heard. The best
1986; Dist. Ct. Judge for interest of the children is
the 30th (and Chief Judge given paramount impor-
as well) from 1987-2003; tance. Utilization of
App’t. by the Gov. resources to effectuate
Jennifer M. Granholm to the remediation the
the 3rd Cir. Ct. in 2003; families’ that appear
Presently serving as a 3rd before me so they can
Cir. Ct. Judge, assigned become a fully function-
to the Fam. Div., Juv. Ct. ing, and capable of caring
for their children’s needs.
Yes, only then can we
have the reasonable
expectation of full
participation in the judicial
system. With
understanding comes
respect. A judge should
spend time in the
community explaining
what she or he does and
how it may impact the
audience to which he or
she is speaking.
An unprepared attorney
maybe reported to the
State Bar of Michigan. I
would not allow a matter
to proceed with an
unprepared attorney as it
is a violation of the
Professional Cannons of
Conduct. Unfortunately,
parties may be bound by
their free choice of an
ineffective attorney.

Circuit Court - Incumbent Judge: 6-yr. term (elect 19) unopposed]

Candidates were asked What is your general Do judges have an If you observed a party
to provide biographical judicial philosophy? obligation to improve in your courtroom
information and public understanding being poorly
answer 3 questions. All of the courts? If so, represented by an
answers restricted to how should they carry unprepared or
50 words. out that obligation? ineffective lawyer, how
would you handle the
situation?
Margie R. Braxton
Did not respond
James R. Chylinski
Did not respond
Sean F. Cox
Did not respond
Gershwin Allen Drain
Did not respond
Maggie W. Drake
Did not respond
Patricia Susan Fresard
Did not respond
Sheila Gibson Manning Everyone is entitled to Judges are elected to Individuals should be
Judge of Wayne County access to the Courts and serve the community. afforded their day in
Circuit Court, Family in doing so all individuals Our obligation is to Court with adequate
Division – Juvenile should be treated fairly ensure that members of representation. I would
Section. Family Division and equitably. A the community have fair either give counsel an
Judge – six years. common sense and adequate access to opportunity to adequately
Previously Presiding approach within the the judicial process. We prepare and then present
Judge of Family Division confines of the law should ensure that their case. Also, I would
– Domestic Section and should be utilized in individuals are aware of provide any assistance to
Juvenile Section. administering justice. all services and the litigants to ensure that
Developed and oversee programs that are their needs are being met
Juvenile Court available and be and would replace
(S.T.A.N.D.) Drug Court available to address counsel if necessary.
Program. Member of concerns in public
numerous judicial and forums.
civic associations. Also
sits on various boards.
See next page ►

17
Candidates were asked
to provide biographical
information and answer
3 questions. All answers
restricted to 50 words.
David Alan Groner
Presently, I serve as a
Judge for the Third
Judicial Circuit Court
/Criminal Division for the
County of Wayne, State
of Michigan. I attended
U of M (1975-1979) and
received my BA Degree
in History. In addition, I
attended U of D School
of Law from (1981-1985)
and received my JD
Degree and was
admitted to the Bar …
Cynthia Gray Hathaway
Did not respond
Diane Marie Hathaway
Did not respond
Michael Hathaway
Did not respond
Timothy M. Kenny
3rd Circuit Court Judge-
1996- present; currently
serving in the Criminal
Division; Co- Chief
Judge 2001-2003;
former chief trial attorney
for the Wayne County
Prosecutor’s Office;
former special assistant
U.S. Attorney; Board of
Director’s member, Irish-
American Lawyers;
adjunct professor of
criminal justice at
Madonna University;
B.A. U of M; J.D.
University of Minnesota
Kathleen I. Macdonald
Did not respond
Bruce U. Morrow
Did not respond
John A. Murphy
Did not respond
See next page ►
What is your general Do judges have an
judicial philosophy? obligation to improve
public understanding
of the courts? If so,
how should they carry
out that obligation?
Everyone who appears Yes, Judges are public
before me should be officials and their salaries
treated the same are paid by the citizens
regardless of their of the county for which
background or social they are serving. Judges
status. should speak to citizen
groups whenever
possible and expose
themselves to the
citizens so as to educate
them about our legal
system.
Judges should enforce Judges should use every
the law as enacted by opportunity to explain
the legislature, unless how our justice system
the law is functions. Frequently,
unconstitutional. Judges judges speak at
should not substitute neighborhood
their opinions or association meetings,
viewpoints for the will of candidate nights, and
the people as expressed community cable
by their legislative television programs.
representatives. Judges Judges should continue
should enforce and to use opportunities such
interpret the law; they as these to educate the
should not make the public about our court
laws. system.
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If you observed a party
in your courtroom
being poorly
represented by an
unprepared or
ineffective lawyer, how
would you handle the
situation?
This poses a very
complicated situation
because Judges should
not interfere with lawyers
who have been chosen
by clients to represent
them.
Parties represented by
counsel have every right
to expect that their
attorneys will be capable
and prepared. In the
criminal division,
unprepared or
incompetent court
appointed trial attorneys
should be removed by the
judge and replaced with
more diligent counsel.
Candidates were asked What is your general Do judges have an If you observed a party
to provide biographical judicial philosophy? obligation to improve in your courtroom
information and answer public understanding being poorly
3 questions. All answers of the courts? If so, represented by an
restricted to 50 words. how should they carry unprepared or
out that obligation? ineffective lawyer, how
would you handle the
situation?
Lita Helene Popke Judges, attorneys and I don’t know if judges Litigants should be
B.A. 1980, St. Mary’s litigants have reciprocal have an “obligation”, but extremely careful in the
College, Notre Dame, obligations to treat each everyone benefits when selection of a qualified
Indiana; Juris Doctor other with respect and such an understanding attorney. They should
1983 U of D Law School; dignity by being timely, exists. Many Judges ascertain the attorney’s
Private practice 1983- courteous and well- become involved in their expertise and seek
2000; Circuit Court prepared. Judges must communities. The recommendations. Once
Judge (Family Division), follow the law and apply commitment to an attorney is retained,
2000-present; Member: it equally to all. understanding the legal the court is very limited in
Executive Committee, system must exist on its ability to address the
Child Support Leader- both the part of the court quality of the
ship Council, MJI and the public. Voters representation.
Academic Advisory need to be informed
Committee, Schoolcraft about judicial candidates
College Development and not vote based on
Authority; Speaker: reasons unrelated …
Institute for Continuing
Legal Education,
American Academy of
Matrimonial Lawyers.
Jeanne Stempien
Did not respond
Brian R. Sullivan The role of the judge is Judges have an A judge must be very
Judge, Wayne County to follow and apply the obligation, under the careful not to interfere in
Circuit Court, 1999 – law. It is imperative that code of Judicial Conduct, the lawyer and client
present; Presiding the parties to a law suit to uphold the integrity relationship. If the
Judge, Criminal Division, be given a full and independence of the attorney is unprepared,
2004; Director, Holy opportunity to be fairly judiciary. Part of that the matter can be
Trinity Legal Clinic 1979- heard on the issues in function is to improve the adjourned so the attorney
1999; J.D. cum laude the case. The parties public understanding of can prepare. The law
DCL; Instructor, DCL are entitled to a timely, the courts through provides some limited
1983-1990; Member, fair ruling on their case. writing, teaching and remedies for egregious
Standing Committee on speaking. Such activities errors.
Grievance, Civil Jury should not detract from
Instructions, State Bar the dignity of the office
President, Irish American nor interfere with the
Lawyers; Bachelor of performance of judicial
Philosophy, with duties.
distinction, WSU. MIRA,
Board of Directors.
Isidore B. Torres
Did not respond

19
Circuit Court - Non-Incumbent Judge: Term ending 1/1/07 (elect 1) (unopposed)
The candidate was asked What is your general Do judges have an If you observed a party
to provide biographical judicial philosophy? obligation to improve in your courtroom being
information and answer 3 public understanding of poorly represented by
questions. All answers the courts? If so, how an unprepared or
restricted to 50 words. should they carry out ineffective lawyer, how
that obligation? would you handle the
situation?
David J. Allen
Did not respond

Probate Court - Incumbent Judge: 6-yr. term (elect 2) (unopposed)

Candidates were asked to What is your general Do judges have an If you observed a party
provide biographical judicial philosophy? obligation to improve in your courtroom being
information and answer 3 public understanding of poorly represented by
questions. All answers the courts? If so, how an unprepared or
restricted to 50 words. should they carry out ineffective lawyer, how
that obligation? would you handle the
situation?
Milton L. Mack, Jr. The Probate Court’s Yes. I am a frequent In my 14 years on the
I have served as Chief purpose is to help those speaker on legal issues to bench I have had very
Judge of the Wayne least able to help judges, attorneys and few experiences with this.
County Probate Court themselves. I endorse layperson in addition to When I have, I have
since 1998 and as a this principal. I also educating the media. I called the attorney in
Probate Judge since believe every person who also participate in chambers if appropriate
1990. In 2003, I was comes to court has the community activities or have referred the
appointed by Governor right to be heard with where appropriate. I also matter to the Attorney
Granholm to serve on dignity and respect and work with the legislature Grievance Commission.
Michigan’s Mental Health that all matters should be and the Supreme Court to When faced by such a
Commission. I am a past handled expeditiously. recommend revisions in situation, I first make sure
President of the Michigan As Chief Judge I make the law based on my the interests of the
Probate Judges Associa- every effort to … experience as a judge. protected person are
tion and a graduate of protected.
EMU and WSU.
Cathie B. Maher
Did not respond

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120 N. Military
Dearborn, MI 48124

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