Judging the Judges

continued

Like the primary, the general election is nonpartisan, and judicial ethics prohibit the candidates saying how they'd rule in particular cases. But the election gives voters a rare chance to hear those who would be judges speak--and to judge their judges.

Born in Ypsilanti in 1955, Jim Fink lives there still. He spent twenty years in the sheriff's department before going into private practice as an attorney in 1998; among others, he's provided legal advice to local municipalities.

Asked why voters should pick him, Fink replies, "I have broad-based, bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans and from community leaders, plus my background is diverse and broad and balanced. I've done criminal, civil, and some family law. I've been an administrator, and I know how to work within the system. I've got experience working with social services agencies. I've sued and defended municipalities. I've represented plaintiffs and defendants. I understand both sides of the issues.

"I'm running because I love the law, I love public service, and I love the community. I think the county would benefit from me being a judge."