by Rich Houtteman and Deb Havens

After 18 years service as a Kentwood City Commissioner, Sharon R. Brinks has a new job. The day after the January 20th City Commission  meeting, Commissioner Brinks becomes Attorney Magistrate to the 62-B District Court.

Brinks, an attorney for over 30 years and founder of Brinks & Associates in 1993, has served the City since being appointed in 1997. Brinks served Kentwood as Finance Committee Chair for eleven years, Ordinance Committee Chair during Kentwood’s first codification process, and as Mayor Pro-tem from 2005-2006.

Brinks says she was “blessed to serve with four Mayors and many excellent elected officials and staff,” adding that she’s excited to take on a new challenge. As Attorney Magistrate, she will hear and decide cases largely from small claims and traffic court dockets. The new position will free up the 62nd District Court schedule.

Brinks claims that she is not phased by her move from the position of elected Commissioner and public servant to one of passing judgement on her previous electors. “I love the citizens of Kentwood,” says Brinks, “and I will always offer them the respect and judicial demeanor they are entitled to.”