Analysis
This was a story in the region section on a candidate forum for the Kent County Circuit Court Judge race. The forum lasted 90 minutes covering a dozen questions, but the Press article is just a broad summary. Each candidate is quoted once, but the article doesnt provide people with enough information to make any real distinctions between the candidates. All four of the candidates are lawyers, but the Press reporter doesnt explore much of the candidates legal background or history in such a way as to provide readers with a track record for any of the candidates. There are also 2 audience members mentioned in the story, a couple, one who is endorsing a candidate and the other who still has not made up their mind.
The Press article also doesnt tell viewers that the Grand Rapids Bar Association was the primary organizer of this forum and that they crafted a series of questions that were asked first before the public had a chance to offer up questions. In addition the Press article fails to mention that the forum was broadcast live on cable channel 24 and be re-broadcast several times before the August 8 Primary, information that would be of benefit for the voting public, particularly those who did not attend the forum or watch it live. The rebroadcast dates and times were mentioned by the moderator several times throughout the 90 minute forum.
Article Text
GRAND RAPIDS — In a discussion that ranged from technology in the courtroom to the philosophies of sentencing, the four candidates for Kent County’s new Circuit Court judgeship worked to distinguish themselves as the most qualified at Thursday’s forum at the Wealthy Street Theatre.
The candidates are private practice attorneys Christian Krupp, David Murkowski, Mark Trusock, and Kent County Assistant Prosecutor Helen Brinkman.
About 50 people attended the forum, moderated by Circuit Judge Patricia Gardner of the court’s Family Division.
Although the new judge will split his or her time handling criminal, civil and family cases, many of the evening’s responses focused on dealing with children.
Brinkman, who is part of the prosecutor’s special victims unit, became passionate when discussing a case involving a child who was a victim of physical and sexual abuse. The child eventually was returned to his family, a choice Brinkman thought was wrong.
As a judge, Brinkman said she would work to fully understand the people and issues involved in cases.
“This is why I’m running,” she said. “I can make these decisions.”
Trusock discussed the need for mediation with families before and during the court process in an effort to move cases through efficiently.
“People don’t want to be in court, especially Family Court,” he said.
Technological improvements
Brinkman, Krupp and Trusock advocated bringing more technology into the courtroom — such as more visual aids or PowerPoint presentations — but Murkowski expressed concern about keeping a “level playing field” between people whose attorneys can afford or have time for those advances and those who cannot.
Murkowski advocated continuing education for lawyers and judges.
“You have to be a student of the law,” he said.
“You have to be loyal to the law.”
Krupp mentioned several times throughout the forum that as a judge, he would be willing to “think out of the box,” including using more creative sentencing and solutions for arguing parties.
There currently are 12 Circuit Court judges.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation approving a 13th spot in April.
Two to run
The primary on Aug. 8 will determine which two candidates will compete in the Nov. 7 general election.
Alan Bedell, 66, of Grand Rapids Township, came into the forum with no knowledge of the candidates but came out impressed with Murkowski’s knowledge and his recall of the number of cases and issues facing the court. “It’s obvious he studied a great deal,” he said.
His wife, Nancy, 64, remained undecided and said she needed to hear more about each candidate before casting her vote.
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