GUILTY, YOUR HONOR

By Judge Gilbert's own admission, he is guilty criminally and morally.
He disgraced himself and his profession, and his actions will cast
doubts about other judges, as well. One or two puffs - I doubt that,
yet it is enough to merit his removal as a judge. Others, including
judges who would make excuses for his actions, might deserve some
scrutiny as well. Judge Gilbert is getting off easy because of his
position. Sweeping this under the rug cannot be an acceptable
conclusion.

Who will pay for his so-called rehabilitation? Certainly
not the taxpayers! This so-called voluntary leave should be without
pay or fringe benefits. Mr. Gilbert should no longer be empowered to
judge anyone for anything, no matter what. Drug and alcohol abusers
are ordered to mandatory testing daily to ensure they are abstaining.
Similar random spur-of-the-moment testing might be in order to protect
the public from public officials who make these judgments. These
comments are made after reading several articles in the Nov. 17 paper.

Counselor Bob Baker's statement that we as voters are guilty of being
disrespectful of the court is absurd. If this was a correct
evaluation, it would only fortify the fact that any disrespect would
be warranted. Voters, remember this next election, should we be so
unfortunate as to have Mr. Gilbert's name on the ballot. He hopes he
can remain balanced in the future; I'm convinced he will not be.

One thing Mr. Gilbert seems sure of is that he has no thought of
resigning. He should do the public a favor and reconsider resigning,
especially for the 197 people who were judged by him. Or, as Judge
Rodgers said, as someone whose job it is to administer the law, it
places him in the position of being a hypocrite.

ROBERT HERZBERG SR.
Traverse City