JUDGE SHOULD RESIGN

Thomas Gilbert is a lawbreaker and a vow-breaker, i.e. untrustworthy. It
does not matter if he was inebriated when he puffed marijuana. He knew the
law. He was not unconscious. Substance abuse reveals underlying attitudes.

It doesn't matter it's a "minor" law broken. How many has he sentenced for
the same offense? What were typical sentences?

He is dumb. He broke the law in public.

He thinks we are dumb. He stated, "This community wouldn't have known about
this unless they heard it directly from me, an honest and heartfelt
admission." According to the R-E, I understand this sequence: He smoked
marijuana at a concert. A witness saw him and it was reported to Chief
District Judge Haley. Gilbert met with Judges Haley and Phillips. He then
admitted it to the public. I conclude he admitted it because he was caught.

He's not who we thought we were electing. I'm not perfect. I've made
mistakes. But as a nurse, I have never broken a professional vow or a
personal vow. If you believe in what you are vowing to, it's not difficult.
I expect judges to be perfect in upholding professional vows.

Gilbert's on paid leave to correct a self-inflicted illness. Substance abuse
is an illness and a choice. The treatment may or may not be effective. But I
doubt the treatment will affect his attitude toward the law. As a taxpayer
I'd like to know what our costs are for his replacement and for treatment.

Asking for resignation is not "kicking him while down." It's asking him to
take responsibility and consequences for his choice of actions, which has
reflected on our whole local court system. Court employees will have
difficulty respecting him. They also must take vows.

I would not want Gilbert judging any civil case I might have.

Elaine Harmon

Traverse City