Letters to the Editor
This letter appeared in the Arizona Daily Sun, supporting Howard Grodman for Justice of the Peace:
To the editor:
With upcoming Justice of the Peace elections imminent in Coconino County I think it is important to note that becoming a Justice of the Peace in Arizona requires no knowledge or background in legal issues. In a state that licenses cosmetologists, it is bizarre that becoming a judge requires no legal background.
In an editorial, the Arizona Republic decried that the judgeship often goes to those who can raise the most money, make the best-sounding campaign slogans, and back-slap most effectively. A decade ago, the Republic felt this was an outdated system in need of reform. I know if I appear before a judge I want them to make decisions based upon their knowledge of the law, not their personal views or opinions.
I am supporting the one candidate for Justice of the Peace with a degree in law, former Assistant Attorney General, former Pro Tem Judge, and current Public Defender Howard Grodman for this position based on his background and qualifications.
JIM DUFFIELD
Kachina Village
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This letter appeared in the Arizona Daily Sun, supporting Howard Grodman for Justice of the Peace:
To the editor: On Aug. 24, Coconino County primary voters will have the opportunity to elect a truly qualified Justice of the Peace: Howard Grodman.
The JP is a judge who handles the preliminary stages of all felonies, landlord-tenant disputes, civil suits under $10,000, and misdemeanor and traffic violations alleged to have occurred at NAU or outside Flagstaff city limits. The JP also conducts hearings on orders of protection and injunctions against harassment and is on call 24 hours to issue warrants.
Since before statehood, the only requirements for an Arizona JP have been that the candidate be 18, a resident, and able to read and write. Sadly, there are virtually no qualifications in Arizona for a JP, even though the cases in Justice Court are often complex.
Some argue that Justice Courts are the people’s courts that should be run by citizens guided by common sense. This may have made sense long ago, but we live in a more complex era. If you found yourself in Justice Court facing a $9,900 lawsuit (plus legal fees and costs) or the possibility of six months in jail, who would you want hearing your case? Someone with a legal education and experience or someone without these qualifications who will rule solely based on his or her notion of common sense?
Justice Court is a real court with real cases, and we deserve a real judge. There’s too much at stake. Vote for Howard Grodman for Justice of the Peace.
DORLEE HENDERSON
Flagstaff
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The following letter appeared in the Arizona Daily Sun, supporting Howard Grodman:
To the editor:
I write in support of Howard Grodman for Justice of the Peace
I’ve heard it said that, “to elect a non-attorney as Justice of the Peace is like electing an atheist as Pope.”
One Flagstaff JoP candidate believes he can simply “read the statutes” to become fluent with civil procedure. An Arizona JoP has the power to incarcerate defendants for up to 6 months. Do we want to give this power to someone who has no formal education in the Constitution or in civil procedure, and is just “reading along” while they learn the job?
California has already decided that giving non-attorney JoP’s the power to remove a citizen’s liberty was a violation of their constitutional rights.
A supporter of another candidate attempts to distinguish between “those who ‘know about’ the law and those who ‘live’ the law.” I would never denigrate an honorable career in law enforcement. However, a JoP must have a deep and clear understanding of the intricacies of civil procedure, business and civil law, landlord/tenant law, restraining orders and more.
Howard Grodman “lives the law” as an attorney every day. Mr. Grodman has spent his career in court, and has been pro-tem judge in juvenile as well as adult court. He has been a deputy public defender and an assistant attorney general. He teaches business law and ethics at NAU.
I believe Flagstaff is best served by a JoP with judicial experience and formal legal training. Howard Grodman is that person.
ERIC RIDLEY
Flagstaff
