LET VOTERS DECIDE

This is concerning: "Bar board calls for Gilbert to resign," Nov. 22.

The response of the tri-county bar association in calling for Judge
Gilbert's resignation was not unexpected, but a major point was left unsaid:
Since smoking marijuana is against the law, taking a few puffs at a concert
is really no different than if Judge Gilbert had broken into a music store
and stolen the Rolling Stones' back catalogue. Since it didn't say that, and
taken in the context of comments made recently by Judges Haley and Rodgers,
it appears that it is the fact Judge Gilbert used an "illegal drug" that is
the main cause for concern.

Judge Haley has stated that if and when Judge Gilbert retakes the bench, he
would be limited to civil cases and, in criminal cases, would not be allowed
to hear drug cases. If the unstated bar association logic holds, he should
be barred from all criminal cases. Or can one conclude that this particular
crime was of greater concern because it involved an illegal substance as
opposed to a legal one, even if the legal one is more dangerous (Oxycontin,
anyone?) Would the outcry be as great if Judge Gilbert had been intoxicated
at the concert or had been arrested while impaired? My guess is that in that
case his fellow judges and attorneys, after completion of the rehabilitation
program, would welcome him back to the bench under the umbrella of his
newfound sobriety.

I would like to see no more articles about this minor transgression and
leave it to the voters of Grand Traverse County should Judge Gilbert seek
re-election. I'm sure they will have plenty of time to decide whether his
actions tend to erode the public's respect and confidence in the judicial
system.

David G. Huft

Beulah