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.
