Howard Grodman

From the Arizona Daily Sun, Wednesday Sept 1, 2010:

Howard Grodman

A licensed attorney now sits at the helm of Flagstaff Justice Court.

Because there is no other party contender in the Nov. 2 general election, Howard Grodman will be taking over for Judge Brian Kolb at the end of his term.

Known as The People’s Court, Flagstaff Justices of the Peace are not required to have a law degree. But Grodman campaigned on the belief that an attorney has the legal knowledge necessary to best handle cases that have grown in complexity over the years.

The post pays $101,500 a year.

Grodman beat out fellow democrats Avtar Khalsa and Darrin Womble for the nomination after early and provisional ballots were counted over the weekend, according to information from the county elections office.

Grodman came out with 40 percent of the 6,762 votes cast. Womble garnered 35 percent, and Khalsa received 25 percent of the votes.

“I am grateful to the voters for this honor,” Grodman said. “I look forward to serving the people in the precinct by continuing to improve the Flagstaff Justice Court just like Judge Kolb has done over the last 10 years.”

Grodman is a licensed attorney in the county Public Defender’s Office who has more than 25 years of courtroom experience, he said. He also has experience as a pro tem judge for juvenile issues in Maricopa County.

Grodman said he would work toward establishing a Mental Health Court similar to one already functioning in the city’s Magistrate Court. Mental Health Courts attempt to divert severely mentally ill people out of the justice system by administering a plan to keep participants in treatment programs.

Grodman said his emphasis will be on being fair and efficient and that residents can expect someone who has a vision for reducing the revolving door offenders in the jail. He added that his experiences in juvenile and domestic violence issues help him understand that more serious crime can be deterred if dealt with early.

Justices of the peace preside over cases in the county involving traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims disputes up to $10,000, and juvenile and adult criminal misdemeanor offenses.

They also hold trials, initial appearances and preliminary hearings in criminal matters. They issue warrants, orders of protection and injunctions against harassment.

On average, about 16,000 cases are filed in Flagstaff Justice Court each year.