ANTICS IN THE COURT

I have been following the "antics" of the 86th District Court for a while
now. The Sellers trial - I was disgusted. Now this Gilbert thing has come
along; his problems are self-inflicted, which might be a good thing for the
people of his district. They have brought back the past case of the 86th
district corrections officer who was caught in possession of and smoking
marijuana. How convenient for him, having his case dismissed after being
given 30 days off work!

Gilbert's boss said he knew of the alcohol and substance abuse problem - why
didn't he force Gilbert to get help? Seems like Judge Haley might have a
problem for not taking action and then supporting his return to the bench.
When Gilbert comes back as a judge, in any capacity, the court will have set
a precedent.

Anyone coming before any of the judges in the 86th District Court on first
time alcohol or drug offenses should be treated with the same compassion as
Gilbert. Twenty-eight day treatment program, no drivers license revoked, no
embarrassing drug testing and no criminal record that might create a problem
for future employment. For the 86th District Court to do any different would
be a travesty of justice.

This has also put light on the Tenure Commission. They said if they decided
to take any action, it would take months, if not years, to make a decision.
Are there so many problems with our Michigan judges they don't. have time to
deal with the easy ones? Or is the commission useless and should be
disbanded?

When Gilbert does come back to sit on the bench, would a person having him
hear their case have the option of requesting another judge or ordering
Gilbert to submit a drug test before the case is heard?

Hilda Fenstrum

Copemish