Kromkowski

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As expected, some are challenging the legitimacy of Marian Kromkowski’s candidacy for Leelanau Probate Judge, claiming she is an extremist, even a communist. The controversy appears to have been ignited after she agreed to appear on WTCM talk radio where she was met with a pre-planned attack on her active defense of human and civil rights rather than an honest discussion about the responsibilities of a probate judge and her reasons for seeking election. The controversy, however, really has its roots in a misunderstanding of the rights and responsibilities of all members of civil society who undertake the task of upholding the rule of law regardless of whether it is popular or “politically wise”.

Marian is not a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”. It is no secret that Marian was an early opponent to the war in Iraq. It was her belief that this reckless and costly invasion was based on false information and contrary to national and international law. In this she was in agreement with the passionate voices of distinguished conservatives, including the eloquent “neo-con” Francis Fukuyama; Brent Scowcroft, National Security Advisor to President George H. W. Bush; and the 27 former senior US diplomats and military commanders who issued a statement in opposition to the war in 2004.

Now more than half of the population agrees that US troops should not be in Iraq or Afghanistan. As a lawyer, she has been trained to think critically, to view all sides to an argument and, most importantly, to uphold the principle that this is a country of laws made by the people and for the people. As a woman, she was raised to think more than just of her own needs or those just of her immediate family. She believes she has a moral responsibility to help others, to make sure all get treated fairly and that the bounty of this good earth that we all share is not destroyed.

This blend of legal training and moral responsibility have made her who she is. Her active pursuit of justice outside the courtroom has brought compassion and empathy to her work as a lawyer. The lawyer in her has brought critical thinking, writing and speaking skills to her pursuit of justice outside the courtroom. She is a lawyer for the people in all respects.

There is no question that Marian Kromkowski has the legal knowledge necessary for Probate Court. If the values you seek in a judge are upholding the law without fear or favor and treating all with respect and dignity, we encourage you to vote for Marian Kromkowski.
From the Committee to Elect Marian Kromkowski PO 519, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

MARIAN KROMKOWSKI Open House
Candidate for Leelanau Probate Judge
Sunday, October 3, 2010
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Main Street Gallery
307 Main St. in Leland.
Light refreshments and local apple cider!!
There is no charge for the event.
Bring your friends!
Spread the word.

Those wishing to learn more may visit www.Kromkowski.com or call 231-256-9949 Signs and literature will be available at the event.

Judges conduct court hearings and issues court orders according to the law.

As a Domestic Relations Referee for 17 years, I have conducted 1000’s of hearings, and issued 1000’s of court orders. The hearings I do comprise the largest part of a Probate Judge’s docket.

Judges establish local court procedures.

I have worked on court procedures by drafting local referee hearing and PPO procedures, re-writing self-help forms for custody, parenting time and support motions, revising procedures for the criminal docket of our local Circuit Court, writing our local Circuit Family Law Bench Book and a procedural manual for court appointed criminal attorneys and organizing the first Domestic Relations Mediator training for area lawyers.

Judges set the tone for the courtroom.

Court is a place of conflict. I am known for my calm temperament and thoughtfulness. My extensive mediation training and experience have greatly improved my ability to listen, discuss and explore options that solve rather than exacerbate problems.

Judges interact with state wide judiciary.

I am active in both local and state-wide in efforts to improve the administration of justice: Family, Children and Probate Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution Sections of Michigan Bar Association; Referee Association of Michigan; Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan; Michigan Association of Court Mediators; Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan; International Academy of Collaborative Professionals; Task Force on Domestic Violence; and State Bar of Michigan Committee on Criminal Justice Delivery Systems.

STRONG CREDENTIALS FOR AN IMPORTANT POSITION

MARIAN KROMKOWSKI PREVAILS IN AUGUST PRIMARY

My heartfelt gratitude to all who supported our efforts. We all worked hard and conducted a principled campaign, educating the public about Probate Court, informing the public of my judicial referee, mediation and lawyer background and persuading Leelanau voters that my unique qualifications make me ready from day one to serve as Probate Judge.

We’ll be back at it before long working toward a positive result in November. I hope I can count on your support.

ELECT A THOUGHTFUL LEADER TO PROBATE COURT
As a judicial officer for 17 years and an active member of the legal profession for 31 years, Marian Kromkowski has been an innovator in developing court procedures
that make sense and work for the public.
KROMKOWSKI PROPOSALS FOR PROBATE COURT

 Improve website and develop Self-Help
Information systems for the un-represented.

 Streamline court processes and reduce
costs and court appearances.

 Face the State budget crunch. Monies
are scarce and must be spent wisely.

 Evaluate areas that could be more cost
effective by becoming “paper free”.

 Examine additional creative ways to
reduce child support arrearages.

 Expand conflict resolution methods
that encourage responsibility and allow
parties to develop their own solutions.

 Continue strong relationship with Grand
Traverse Band & Leelanau County Family Coordinating Council.

 Facilitate smooth transition into the new
Michigan Trust Code.

 Support Early Childhood Initiative Project.

 Design assessment tools for elder services,
guardianships and conservatorships so that only necessary and minimal interventions occur. Offer support rather than control.

 Expand the Community Garden Program
with juveniles: health, skills, community.

 Explore costs and cost-savings of specialty
problem solving courts: Youth Drug Court, Young Co-Parents Court.

 Convene a local multi-disciplinary, multi
age study/work group on Incarceration of Youth Offenders: When, Where, Why?

 Participate in state discussions of whether
to merge the jurisdictions of Probate and
District Court.

Kromkowski Management Style

The leadership of the late Judge Deegan and the professionalism of the Leelanau Probate court staff are beyond compare. However, reviews are necessary from time to time to insure efficient, up-to-date, budget-conscious and user-friendly services.

Improvements will be made only after full input from the staff, the attorneys and the social service providers who practice in the court on a regular basis.

Thoughts and concerns from the community will also be sought and considered.

Building a consensus on what works and what does not will be place to start. A continued strong foundation for the Court is best laid collectively with the Judge ultimately being responsible for its completion.

ELECT A THOUGHTFUL LEADER TO PROBATE COURT
As a judicial officer for 17 years and an active member of the legal profession for 31 years, Marian Kromkowski has been an innovator in developing court procedures that make sense and work for the public.
KROMKOWSKI PROPOSALS FOR PROBATE COURT

 Improve website and develop Self-Help
Information systems for the un-represented.

 Streamline court processes and reduce
costs and court appearances.

 Face the State budget crunch. Monies
are scarce and must be spent wisely.

 Evaluate areas that could be more cost
effective by becoming “paper free”.

 Examine additional creative ways to
reduce child support arrearages.

 Expand conflict resolution methods
that encourage responsibility and allow
parties to develop their own solutions.

 Continue strong relationship with Grand
Traverse Band & Leelanau County Family Coordinating Council.

 Facilitate smooth transition into the new
Michigan Trust Code.

 Support Early Childhood Initiative Project.

 Design assessment tools for elder services,
guardianships and conservatorships so that only necessary and minimal interventions occur. Offer support rather than control.

 Expand the Community Garden Program
with juveniles: health, skills, community.

 Explore costs and cost-savings of specialty
problem solving courts: Youth Drug Court, Young Co-Parents Court.

 Convene a local multi-disciplinary, multi-age study/work group on Incarceration of Youth Offenders: When, Where, Why?

 Participate in state discussions of whether
to merge the jurisdictions of Probate and
District Court.

KROMKOWSKI
In Tune with Leelanau County
• Leelanau Conservancy, Steward
• Early Childhood Initiative of Leelanau County
• Suttons Bay Friends of the Fine Arts
• Suttons Bay Montessori School
• 4-H, MSU Extension Service
• Shielding Tree Nature Center
• Omena Cut Flowers
• Northport Dog Parade
• Great Lakes Bioneers
• Michigan League of Women Voters
• Leelanau Independent Women for Democratic Action
• Area Peace & Justice Community
• Community Sustainable Agriculture
• Fair Trade, Local Food Movement
• Kenosha Creek Buying Club

KROMKOWSKI
Tuned into Legal Profession
• Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim Bar Association
• Family, Children and Probate Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution Sections of Michigan Bar Association
• Leelanau County Family Coordinating Council
• Women Lawyers Association
• Referee Association of Michigan
• Michigan Association of Court Mediators
• Conflict Resolution Service Volunteer
• Up North Collaborative Divorce Professionals
• Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan, Board Member
• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
• Voices for Michigan’s Children
• American Civil Liberties Union
• 2009 Child Abuse and Neglect Summit
• 2010 Making a Difference in Juvenile Justice
• 2010 Courts, Child Welfare and Infant Mental Health Conference
• Annual Michigan Judicial Institute Training for Referees
• Annual Advanced Mediation Training
• Annual Criminal Law Conference
• 400+ hours of Mediation Training
• 100+ hours of Collaborative Divorce Training
• Domestic Violence Protocol Training
• Facilitated Trainings re: Ethics and Power Imbalance in Mediation
• Regular consultant for area attorneys re: criminal & family law
• 31 Years More at Kromkowski.com

Your neighbor, Your friend, Your colleague,
MARIAN KROMKOWSKI Your Choice for Leelanau Probate Judge.
VOTE AUGUST 3RD.

As a candidate for Leelanau Probate Judge I have talked with people throughout Leelanau County. Most know little about the function of a Probate Court. That is not surprising as few ever utilize the services of any court. However, with the important choice of a Probate Judge and a District Judge on the ballot this year, a few basics are offered:

Two judicial positions are on the ballot this year: Leelanau Probate Court Judge and 86th District Court Judge. There are five candidates for each position. There are no incumbents. The Primary Election is August 3rd. The top two candidates proceed to the November 2nd General Election. The terms of office begin January 1, 2011.

A Probate Judge handles estates, trusts, guardianship of developmentally disabled persons, adults and minors, commitment of the mentally ill and conservatorships. A Probate judge also hears cases assigned from the Family Division of Circuit Court. These include adoption, child protective proceedings, divorce, parenting time, custody, child/spousal support, paternity, emancipation, juvenile delinquency and Personal Protection Orders. By law each county has at least one Probate Court Judge. In short, a Probate/Family Court Judge serves the most vulnerable in our community when they are in crisis.

A District Judge handles civil money or damage claims less the $25,000, landlord/tenant disputes and Small Claim matters. Also on the District Court’s docket are traffic citations, misdemeanors (penalties of 1 year or less in jail) and felony preliminary examinations. There are three specialty District Courts: Mental Health, Sobriety and Domestic Violence Courts. Plans for a Veterans Court are underway. The 86th District Court covers Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Antrim counties. District Court handles minor criminal and civil matters more likely not involving family members.

Cast an informed vote on August 3rd.