Tag Archives: Amanda Sterkenburg

Kentwood’s 62-B District Court debuts civil case ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ program

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The Kentwood Justice Center which houses 62-B District Court and the Kentwood Police Department. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood’s 62-B District Court announced this week that it has implemented an Alternative Dispute Resolution plan that “will allow community members to resolve certain disputes outside the courtroom through mediation and other facilitated processes.”

The court implemented its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) plan to reduce client costs, produce more timely resolutions and increase satisfaction with the justice system, according to the announcement. The plan lays out a process for determining which cases are appropriate for mediation and how mediators are appointed.

(To read the full ADR plan, visit kentwood.us/ADR.)

Mediation was previously available for the 62-B District Court’s small claims cases in partnership with the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan. With the ADR plan now in place, mediation is even more accessible, “so disputes can be resolved in the most efficient way and with the most satisfaction,” according to the announcement.

Mediation involves a trained third-party individual who works with litigants to resolve disagreements outside the courtroom and reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation is often scheduled and completed quicker than court cases and does not require litigants to pay attorney fees, according to the announcement.

62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg. (Supplied)

“Court cases involve a significant financial and emotional investment,” 62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “I am proud the 62-B District Court is offering this plan as a way to save time and money for those seeking resolution, preserve relationships and help each party walk away more satisfied.

“Another beneficial aspect of ADR is each party gets the opportunity to have their voice heard in a safe and neutral environment. Being able to express themselves empowers the parties to work past the conflict and seek resolution.”

In collaboration with the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, mediation is a routine part of the 62-B District Court pre-trial process.

If a case is referred for mediation, the court’s ADR clerk will send a letter to the parties to let them know they can use the Dispute Resolution Center or select a private mediator by agreement.

According to the court announcement, mediation also helps “minimize disparities in power, where one party may be represented by counsel, but the other party is not. Mediators are specifically trained in these nuances to make sure the balance of power is fair when parties are negotiating and bargaining. Mediation can preserve or restore relationships by overcoming misunderstandings and improving communication between parties.”

The ADR plan was designed to be used in conjunction with facilitators who understand how diversity may affect a dispute and use processes that are designed to overcome barriers to find common ground.

“The best ADR outcomes are reached when varying perspectives are taken into consideration,” Sterkenburg said. “The 62-B District Court remains committed to acknowledging diverse cultures, values and socioeconomic statuses within disputes. We see each perspective in the room as equally valid and we use well-trained mediators and interpreters to reach optimal resolutions.”

Parties are encouraged to pursue any form of ADR if they believe it will assist them in resolving the dispute. The court intends to refer appropriate summary proceedings and civil cases such as breach of contract, property disputes and debt collection to mediation. Sterkenburg will oversee the implementation of the new plan and the mediator selection process.

The court is accepting applications for mediators. Applications are available on the State Court Administrative Office website and may be submitted to 62-B District Court ADR Clerk Lakeshia Gilbert at gilbertl@kentwood.us.

Changing of the judgeship in Kentwood coming, with public invited to attend virtually

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City of Kentwood 62-B District Court’s long-time Judge William G. Kelly is retiring at the end of the year. (City of Kentwood)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There will be a changing of the guard at the leadership of the City of Kentwood’s 62-B District Court this month as Amanda Sterkenburg will be sworn into the post and will take over for retiring long-time Judge William G. Kelly on Jan. 1, 2021.

And the public is invited to witness the changeover with two virtual ceremonies.

Judge-elect Sterkenburg’s investiture is set for Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m., with the swearing-in ceremony to be fittingly conducted by Judge Kelly. Members of the community are invited to attend via Zoom (Meeting ID 4280940961) or on the 62-B District Court’s YouTube channel.

Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, also at 3 p.m., the public is invited to attend Judge Kelly’s virtual retirement celebration via Zoom (Meeting ID 4280940961) or also on the court’s YouTube channel. The event will include remarks by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack and other distinguished speakers.

Judge Kelly, In Focus, from August 2020. (WKTV)

Kelly has served the Kentwood community as the city’s first and only district court judge since 1979. He was elected in November 1978, following his father, Joseph Kelly, who served as Kentwood’s municipal judge from 1971-79. In 2014, he was re-elected for his seventh and final six-year term. The district court judge leads a team of nearly 25 court personnel.

In August, WKTV Journal In Focus talked with Judge Kelly about his years on the bench and his retirement. See the video here.

“Judge Kelly has been an invaluable asset to Kentwood and the West Michigan area,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “His dedication to our community has been demonstrated by his service on the bench along with his many accomplishments for our court system. We wish Judge Kelly the best as he moves into retirement and we sincerely thank him for his leadership in directing Kentwood’s 62-B District Court for these past 42 years.”

During his tenure, Judge Kelly instituted several programs, including the Sobriety Court and meditation of small claims cases. Kelly also conducted more than 4,000 weddings throughout his time as district court judge.

Additionally, Kelly explored ways technology could better serve the justice system and Kentwood community. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 62-B District Court quickly adapted and created a virtual court on Zoom with a livestream on its YouTube Channel. Kelly also has worked with the Supreme Court to implement a paperless system throughout the state to begin in the near future.

“I have been fortunate to have had a great law career,” Judge Kelly said in supplied material. “I have loved serving this community for so many years and I am grateful for all the opportunities that have helped me become a better judge. We have a great team at 62-B District Court, and I look forward to seeing the court’s future accomplishments and growth.”

Handing the gavel to the next judge

With the new year, Sterkenburg will lead preside over the 62-B District Court for a six-year term after being elected to the post in November. (To see her WKTV We The People candidate video, visit here.)

The 62-B District Court settles disputes, processes criminal charges and manages legal appeals. Common offenses heard by a district court judge include operating while intoxicated, domestic violence and retail fraud less than $1,000. The court also conducts weddings, maintains legal records and provides resources for community members.

Judge-elect Amanda Sterkenburg (City of Kentwood)

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity,” Sterkenburg said in supplied material. “As 62-B District Court judge, I will remain committed to ensuring well-reasoned sentences, proportionate punishment and fair rulings that reflect the unique circumstances of every matter that comes before me.”

Sterkenburg has represented criminal and civil defendants, landlords, tenants and litigants with many different types of claims throughout her career as an attorney, according to supplied material. Her experience includes successful jury trials on assault, theft and retail fraud offenses. She has more than 90 hours of mediation training and has handled matters in many local circuit and district courts, including the 62-B District Court.

Sterkenburg is active in many local organizations, including the Kentwood Aquatics Club, Glenwood Elementary Parent-Teacher Council, Kentwood Baseball League and Mediation Services of Ottawa and Allegan counties. She and her family attend Kentwood Community Church.

The 62-B District Court judgeship must go to a Kentwood resident.

“We are delighted to welcome Judge-elect Sterkenburg to the 62-B District Court,” Mayor Kepley said. “I have confidence she will follow in Judge Kelly’s footsteps in demonstrating outstanding dedication to justice and service to the Kentwood community.”

Sterkenburg graduated cum laude from Franklin College and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Drawn to the “diversity and opportunity in Kentwood,” Sterkenburg moved to the city with her two children almost 10 years ago, according to supplied material.

Election 2020: Sterkenburg gains City of Kentwood 62 B District Court Judge position

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By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

City of Kentwood voters supported local private attorney Amanda Sterkenburg’s bid to replace Judge William G. Kelly and hold the non-partisan 62 B District Court Judge position, defeating Kent County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joe Jackson in the non-partisan election, 11,206 to 8,433, in unofficial (uncertified) results from Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The results represent 100 percent of the Kentwood precincts reporting with 27,281 total votes cast representing 68 percent of the registered voters.

Judge Kelly, after more than 40 years on the bench of Kentwood’s district court ,will be giving up his seat this year due to state law mandated age restrictions.

Sterkenburg is currently an attorney representing civil litigants and providing criminal defense. She is a Kentwood resident, a requirement for the position.

“As a long-time resident of Kentwood, I would like to thank the voters for their faith in my ability to preside over a court where fairness and equity are cornerstones,” Sterkenburg said to WKTV. “Our diverse community deserves a court free of bias, where the rights of all are protected. I am honored to serve as your next district court judge.”

Jackson, in an email responding to the results, said to WKTV: “Congratulations to Ms. Sterkenburg, and thank you to my family and all of my supporters. I look forward to continuing to serve our community in my current rolls.”

In pre-election information provided to WKTV, Sterkenburg said “From landlord tenant disputes to criminal misdemeanors, the matters that come before this Court effect the everyday lives of the people who live in Kentwood. The way these cases are handled will shape our community for years to come and I believe I’m uniquely positioned to create positive outcomes through fair and well-reasoned judgments.”

She also specified issues such as an eviction crisis looming due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and the need find a “fair line between landlords who rely on rental income and tenants who have fallen behind,” as well as being committed to “meaningful probation sentences.”

“When the circumstances of a criminal case show a link between substance abuse, lack of education, or mental illness and the conviction offense, we should explore programs that motivate behavioral change and address those factors. This front-end approach strengthens our community and should be made a focus in cases where increasing punitive consequences doesn’t necessarily serve the ends of justice.”

We the People 2020 General Election: Kentwood 62 B District Court judgeship

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Note: For the Michigan Nov. 3 general election, WKTV’s We The People program invited participation from both candidates. Videos are 5-minutes or less, and were not edited in any way by WKTV.

Joe Jackson — Judge candidate, non-partisan election

Occupation: Kent County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Why did you decide to run for the 62 B District Court Judgeship?

I have dedicated my entire career to public service, and wish to continue to serve, but in a new role. Kentwood is my family’s home, where we go to school, work, play, and worship. I am dedicated to the continued growth and excellence of Kentwood, and I want to do my part to ensure that the Kentwood District Court is doing its best to serve its community. A District Court Judge is more than just a person in a black robe, he should be a leader, an example, and be involved in the community beyond the bench, and this is something I’m dedicated to.

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

The fair and impartial administration of justice to all people in all areas of the law.

Maintaining an experienced, supported, and knowledgeable bench.

 

Amanda Sterkenburg — Judge candidate, non-partisan election

Occupation: Attorney representing civil litigants and providing criminal defense.

 

City/Township you live: City of Kentwood

Why did you decide to run for this position?

There is so much good to be done from the District Court bench. From landlord tenant disputes to criminal misdemeanors, the matters that come before this Court effect the everyday lives of the people who live in Kentwood. The way these cases are handled will shape our community for years to come and I believe I’m uniquely positioned to create positive outcomes through fair and well-reasoned judgments.

Please list two or three issues you feel the voters should know about the District court and the judge position:

There is an eviction crisis looming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the interests of public safety, evictions have been limited and this has placed our landlords in financial jeopardy. I’m committed to finding the fair line between landlords who rely on rental income and tenants who have fallen behind.

I’m also committed to meaningful probation sentences. When the circumstances of a criminal case show a link between substance abuse, lack of education, or mental illness and the conviction offense, we should explore programs that motivate behavioral change and address those factors. This front-end approach strengthens our community and should be made a focus in cases where increasing punitive consequences doesn’t necessarily serve the ends of justice.