Letter to Editor: Judges Endorse Meinecke for District Court Judge

The following letter was sent to Royal Oak Patch by Judge Daniel Sawicki and Judge Keith J. Leenhouts:

There has been much said about the importance of experience in the Royal Oak District Court judicial race. Between the two of us, we have more experience serving on the bench and managing the Royal Oak District Court than anyone who has weighed in on this campaign. Our court has been built on a foundation of integrity and is known throughout the state and the nation as a court that is fair and progressively engaged in the community. We believe the future will require a Judge who is capable of building on our court’s strengths and a Judge who is deeply committed to being innovative in addressing the needs of the community as they evolve in the years ahead. We are absolutely certain that the clear choice is Derek Meinecke. 

While it is true that both candidates are well known within the law enforcement and legal community as well as here in Royal Oak, one candidate is enjoying overwhelming support from those who know them both. There is a reason 37 Judges in Oakland County are joining with the three Royal Oak Police Associations and nearly every other police association in Michigan in endorsing Derek Meinecke. It is the same reason our Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper have agreed with the six members of the Royal Oak School Board and more than 100 community leaders and are standing in strong support of Derek Meinecke.

The reason is we know that Derek understands the incredibly important role the District Court plays in keeping our community safe and he has demonstrated over significant time the relentless desire and commitment to being engaged on the important issues facing our community. His distinguished experience, unmatched understanding of the law and his commitment to making a first-­‐time offender a last-­‐time offender sets him apart in this race.

Derek is a man of unquestioned character and integrity and our community will be well served with Derek Meinecke on the bench. We encourage you to vote for Derek Meinecke on Nov. 6.

The Honorable Judge Daniel Sawicki
The Honorable Judge Keith J. Leenhouts (Ret.)