On the Ballot: Who's Running for 44th District Court

Royal Oak's August primary happens today, and there's a lot of issues and candidates on the ballot.

As you prepare to go to the polls today, Patch wants to help you get a final grasp on who's running, and what they stand for.

Judge of District Court - 44th District

Royal Oak will be voting for a candidate to replace retiring Judge Daniel Sawicki of Royal Oak's . Voters will select two of the three candidates to move forward to the Nov. 6 general election for the seat.

• Residence: Royal Oak
• Occupation/Experience: Ginotti, 51, is assistant to Michigan's Attorney General, assigned to the Criminal Division in Detroit.
• Statement of purpose: "I am seeking the office of Royal Oak District Court Judge.  I have 25 years of experience in the court room and have appeared in almost every jurisdiction in the State of Michigan.  As an Assistant to the Michigan Attorney General, a prosecutor with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, and an attorney in private practice, I have years of experience in both criminal and civil law.  Additionally I have had the honor of serving this community for almost 20 years on many different levels including eight years as your City Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem.  My leadership and unwavering commitment to our community has earned me the respect and support of a long and growing list of bi-partisan supporters in whom many of you have placed your trust over the years."

• Residence: Royal Oak
• Occupation/Experience: Meinecke, 36, has worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Oakland County since 2001.
• Statement of purpose: "As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the past decade I have served the residents of Oakland County prosecuting some of the most violent crimes and seeking justice for the most vulnerable victims.  Having litigated in every district court in Oakland County, prosecuting more than 1,000 cases, I have a deep understanding of the critical role the District Court plays in keeping our community safe and the powerful opportunity judges have to positively redirect the behavior of a first-time offender.  In fact, the District Court Judge can make a first-time offender a last-time offender. It's an opportunity to save lives and have an impact. "

• Residence: Royal Oak
• Occupation/Experience: Nahhat, 50, is a general practice attorney at Caputo Brosnan PC in Warren.
• Statement of purpose: "I’ve been a successful lawyer in District courts for 20 years, as well as all other levels of Michigan courts.  I’ve handled (many times over) all of the kinds of cases that come before a District Judge.  I’ve been a District Court mediator, a private litigant, a witness, a jury foreman, a landlord and a tenant, even a driver ticketed for speeding (a long time ago).  As a business owner and community leader I have acquired the management maturity that will be necessary to help lead the court with its many employees and administrative functions."