Tom Bourque is running to serve District 14A Judge, which includes the 14A-4 Courthouse operations in the City of Saline. His opponent is Judge J Cedric Simpson. [1,2,3]
Earlier this month, Saline Journal invited each individual to share his thoughts with our readers on a specific series of questions. Responses from Tom Bourque appears below. Responses from Judge Simpson will run in Saline Journal tomorrow. [4]
Saline Journal: “If ‘Justice is Blind,’ why is it important to vote for a candidate on this part of the ballot?”
Tom Bourque: “People should vote for candidates for judge because it is vital to the function of the justice system that the public have faith in the decisions of the courts and agree to abide by those decisions, even adverse decisions. It is imperative that the public have confidence that those decisions are being made impartially by persons of integrity.”
Saline Journal: “For a young adult whose first experience with the legal system is in 14A District Court, what would they have the opportunity to learn from you as judge over their matter that might help make this their last need to appear in any court?”
Tom Bourque: “I hope that any young adult appearing in court for either a civil or criminal matter would learn that courts exist to solve problems and that everyone should be heard to make the solution the best solution to the problem. I hope that the young adult would also come to understand that solutions to problems that she has input in constructing are the best solutions.
Courts are there to solve problems that people cannot solve on their own and solving problems without going to court will be significantly better for her in the future.
Saline Journal: “In your own words, what is “judicial temperament,” and where might we look to see that you, in particular, have this necessary if not unique trait?”
Tom Bourque: “I believe that judicial temperament means being willing to listen and when you disagree to be respectful to all parties. It means being concerned that people show respect for the position of judge, not necessarily the person in the position.
I think the best place to look to see if I have this trait is the WCBA judicial poll where my peers rate my ability and judicial temperament based on their interactions with me as adversaries and lawyers who have seen me practice. That poll rates both Judge Simpson and me on the same factors including judicial temperament. Other than that, it would be to ask the judges in the county since I have practiced in front of all of them. [5]
Saline Journal: “Were a person to represent him- or herself before your court, what might he or she expect? How, specifically, should they prepare in order to be their own most effective self-advocate?”
Tom Bourque: “If elected, I plan to start every docket with a description of how the process will go forward and encourage parties to speak when their case is called, acknowledging how intimidating a courtroom can be for non-lawyers. I suggest that unrepresented parties outline what they want to say and put together any documents that support their position before showing up. I suggest that they also think about what arguments the other side will make and how to address those arguments.
Saline Journal: “Hearings for United States Supreme Court nominees invariably bring special attention to the judiciary — some Senate hearings more so than others. How would you think this interest might make for a more informed, invested electorate in the upcoming 14A District Court race?”
Tom Bourque: “I would hope that the public would do some basic research into the candidates. Almost everyone has access to the Internet and doing research is easier now than ever.
Typically, about 30-35% of voters who fill out a ballot do not vote for contested judicial races, and I believe a big factor is that they do not know anything about the candidates. So they ask whatever lawyer they know.
Maybe the recent hearings will encourage people to find out more information and give them a reason to vote for either candidate.
Saline Journal: “Describe a recent experience you’ve had at a Saline business, historical site, or event, and what made that memorable for you.”
Tom Bourque: “When I was seeking signatures to get on the ballot I stood outside the Saline Library on two cold days in March. The people I met on those days were courteous, interested, and willing to talk for a brief time even though they did not know me and it was cold. [6]
I also recently had dinner with my wife Debbie at Dan’s Tavern for the first time and loved the atmosphere and the welcome we received from the staff. [7]
Additionally, each candidate was offered the opportunity to put forth a question of their own and then answer it for publication here.
Tom Bourque: “Why did you decide to run for 14A District Judge against an incumbent when incumbents have always won?
I decided that the voters needed the opportunity to choose their judge after I learned of Judge Simpson’s suspension by the Michigan Supreme Court. The Code of Judicial Conduct lists integrity as the first canon a judge must establish, maintain and personally observe. The Supreme Court determined that Judge Simpson did not maintain and observe the high standards and the majority of the WCBA lawyers polled rated Judge Simpson below average or average on integrity issues. [8]
The voters deserve to have a say in who they want for their judge.
References
- Tom Bourque for District 14A Judge (home page).
- “14A District Court” Washtenaw County Michigan.
- “Across From Middle School, Next To Global Manufacturing, A Block From Bowling Alley: District Court 14A-4 Is In Saline” Dell Deaton (September 17, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Major Political Party Candidates Have Answered Questions In Races Of Local Interest To Saline Michigan” Dell Deaton (October 12, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “Results: 14A District Court Judicial Poll 2018” (2018) WCBA: Washtenaw County Bar Association.
- Saline District Library (home page).
- Dan’s Downtown Tavern (Facebook Page).
- “Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct” (October 26, 2018) Michigan Supreme Court.
