Letter to Editor: Former City Commissioner Urges Support for Meinecke

The following letter was sent to Royal Oak Patch by former Royal Oak City Commissioner Ilene Lanfear:

During my time as a Royal Oak City Commissioner and as an active resident in our community, I know that our court has been served well by our judges. With the retirement of Judge Sawicki after 30 years of exceptional leadership, we are faced with the decision of choosing the right person to lead our court into the future.

We have the chance to elect an exceptional judge in Derek Meinecke. Experience matters in this race. One must take into account the experience of 36 Oakland County judges, the Oakland County Prosecutor and numerous community leaders who are supporting Derek's campaign.

When Judge Sawicki took to the bench 30 years ago, he was tapped to serve because of his reputation within the legal community and for his integrity. Royal Oak is faced with hiring the right person to lead our court into the future. Over the years, Royal Oak has developed an outstanding reputation for having a strong court because we have made the right choice when faced with the question of whom to choose to serve as Judge.

For me, I know that Derek Meinecke has the integrity, experience and temperament required to serve from the bench. For this reason, Derek has my total wholehearted support!

Ilene Lanfear