Kromkowski

‘Impressed’
After 20 years employment with the Leelanau County Probate Court, and recently retired Probate register, I support Marian Kromkowski for Probate judge. I have been impressed with her strong work ethic, balanced approach to resolving disputes, her experience on the bench as a judicial referee with respect to family cases, and commitment
to serving the community.
Julie Orr, Northport

Uniquely qualified

Being a judge is much different than acting as a lawyer. As a judicial officer for the past 17 years, Marian Kromkowski listens to all sides of an issue, determines the credibility of all witnesses, and makes decisions based on facts and the law without fear of favor.

Marian Kromkowski is the ideal and relevant choice for probate judge in Leelanau county. She is the most uniquely qualified and experienced of all the candidates. We support Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau County Probate Judge.
Jess Reed
The writer is retired from the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Department.
Virginia Reed
The writer is a retired 86th District Court Magistrate.

Maple City
‘Unfailing justice’
I am the assistant friend of the court for Wexford and Missaukee
Counties. I have known Marian Kromkowski since 1998, when she
was hired as our part-time referee, hearing custody, parenting time and
child support issues. I admire Marian for her consistent professionalism and unfailing justice with our caseload. Marian continually exceeds high standards in morals, ethics and principles. In all of the years that I have worked with Marian, no one has every approached me with a complaint regarding Marian’s manner of conduct. I feel that this speaks for itself, considering the nature of our work and the emotional tensions that inevitably accompany her decisions. I highly recommend that Leelanau County voters choose Marian Kromkowski for Probate judge in the Primary election on Aug. 3.
Sandy Huttenga

Colleague perspective
I am following the Leelanau Probate judge race with interest although I live in Manistee County. I have known Marian Kromkowski for a couple decades as a mediator and colleague. Ms. Kromkowski has an exemplary ability to listen well to all sides of an issue, to probe the deeper roots of a conflict, and to make decisions based on fairness and justice. She is a highly qualified mediator with experience in over 300 mediations. Her understanding of alternative dispute resolution will give Leelanau County residents an added value.
Wanda Joseph, Brethren

Rising above
The job of the Probate Court judge is an often difficult one that requires the ability to listen to various sides in dealing with family disputes. It requires a calm approach, and the ability to listen closely to differing viewpoints; it requires wisdom and, above all, experience in settling difficult situations. One candidate rises above the rest in these qualities: Marian Kromkowski. Marian is well respected to those who know her as someone who is calm with a quiet strength; smart, with the ability to hear all sides of an argument; wise, and experienced as a long-time family mediator. We strongly support Marian Kromkowski for the position of Leelanau County Probate Court judge.
Sarah and Kent Shoemaker, Northport

“Character and courage”
I have been a lawyer for 61 years, 35 years living in Leelanau County. I endorse Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau Probate Judge. I tell Marian she is my hero. She knows the law, shares her expertise and protects the rights of her clients. She was a masterful criminal defense attorney. She is now a Domestic Relations Referee and mediator. She safeguards everyone’s rights in her courtroom and protects the integrity of the mediation process.

Leelanau County has a rare opportunity to elect a person of such skill, character, courage and devotion to the rule of law.
Dean Robb, Suttons Bay

“Well-prepared professional”
Please join me in supporting Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau Probate Judge.

Unlike the other candidates, Marian already has extensive experience as a judicial officer. She has served for 17 years as a Domestic Relations Referee where she hears and decides cases similar to those in Probate Court.

Marian is a 30-year resident of Leelanau County. She is a well-prepared professional who treats everyone calmly with respect, fairness and compassion.

She will be an outstanding judge.

I urge you to vote for Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau Probate Judge in the Aug. 3 primary.
Dorothy Barker, Glen Arbor

“Calm and open-minded”
I am writing in support of Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau probate judge.

Marian and I serve on our state board for collaborative divorce. Marian has been instrumental in bringing alternative resolution options to northern Michigan families. She is hard-working, organized, and gets to the point while making sure everyone has been heard and understood. She remains calm and open-minded even when those around her are not.

Marian has the extraordinary ability to bring out the best in others, perhaps because she treats everyone with dignity and respect.

Please vote for Marian Kromkowski Aug. 3.
Ann Marie Love, Traverse City

I have known Marian Kromkowski for over 10 years working with her in
community issues through our church. Marian has experience in family
law. She works as a domestic relations mediator in the area, and provides assistance to women needing help in the court system through referrals from the Women’s Resource Center. Marian also devotes time to working with the indigent who need legal representation. Presently Marian serves as a judicial officer and domestic relations referee, and is also doing court-appointed criminal appeals. Please vote for Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau Probate Judge
on Aug. 3.
Catherine Valovick, Cedar

Best choice
I know Marian Kromkowski in her capacity as a judicial referee and as a highly skilled mediator. Marian has gained the experience necessary over the past 17 years to be our next Probate judge by actually making the same kinds of tough decisions from the bench that she will make for families as our next Probate judge. I have represented clients in her courtroom and found her to be extraordinarily perceptive, patient and respectful of everyone coming before her. Marian is one of the hardest working people I know and she will bring that same work ethic to her new judicial position. I believe the lawyers and judges who know her are very strongly in favor of her election. Please vote Aug. 3 for Marian Kromkowski.
Jim Saffell, Leland

Kromkowski Best Choice
I know Marian Kromkowski in her capacity as a Judicial Referee and as a highly skilled Mediator. Marian has gained the experience necessary over the past 17 years to be our next probate judge by actually making the same kinds of tough decisions from the bench that she will make for families as our next probate judge. I have represented clients in her courtroom and found her to be extraordinarily perceptive, patient and respectful of everyone coming before her. Marian is one of the hardest working people I know and she will bring that same work ethic to her new judicial position. I believe the lawyers and judges who know her are very strongly in favor of her election. Please vote on August 3rd for Marian Kromkowski.
If you have friends or neighbors wondering who is the best choice in this crowded field of candidates, do feel free to forward this message to them.
Jeanne M. Hannah, Family Law Attorney

Qualified mediator
I am following the Leelanau Probate Judge race with interest although I live in Manistee County. I have known Marian Kromkowski for a couple decades as a mediator and colleague. Ms. Kromkowski has an exemplary ability to listen well to all sides of an issue, to probe the deeper roots of a conflict, and to make decisions based on fairness and justice. She is a highly qualified mediator with experience in over 300 mediations. Her understanding of alternative dispute resolution will give Leelanau county residents an added value.
Wanda Joseph, Brethren

Strong commitment
If experience, integrity, strong work ethic, and a desire to serve our community are what you want in the Leelanau Probate Judge, then consider Marian Kromkowski.

Marian has served as a judicial officer for 17 years, working with families, conducting hearings and presiding over trials much as a probate judge does.

Those who have worked with her in these capacities speak of her skill, patience and diligence. I can personally attest to Marian’s strong commitment to our community and her family. She has the compassion, honesty and ability to be an outstanding probate judge.
Terri DeFilippo, Cedar

Works with indigent
I have known Marian Kromkowski for more than 10 years, working with her on community issues and through our church.

Marian has experience in family law. She works as a domestic relations mediator in the area and provides assistance to women needing help in the court system through referrals from the Women’s Resource Center. Marian also devotes time to working with the indigent who need legal representation.

Presently, Marian serves as a judicial officer and domestic relations referee and is also doing court-appointed criminal appeals.

Please vote for Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau Probate Judge on Aug. 3.
Catherine Valovick, Cedar

Suited for the job
We support Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau Probate judge. We are
now full-time residents: a retired MSU economics professor and an administrative assistant to the dean of Yale Divinity School
and Literacy work in Africa.
We have known Marian for 10 years. She and her husband Matt Posner have been active in Leelanau County for much longer. We find Marian to be wise and compassionate. Her experience and training – 17 years as domestic relations referee in court – is well suited to the needs of Probate Court. Please vote in the Primary, Aug. 3rd, and vote for Marian Kromkowski!
Don and Carol Mead, Glen Arbor

First-hand support
My name is Stephen King. I have been practicing family and Probate
law over the last 20 years. I have practiced in courts throughout Michigan. The most critical qualifications for a judge are honesty, integrity, common sense, legal knowledge and practical life experience. A judge also cannot be afraid to make a decision that may not be popular if it is the just decision. I have known and practiced in front of
Marian Kromkowski for over 15 years in her position as a family law referee. Marian is honest, has incredible integrity, common sense, legal knowledge and practical life experience. Marian treats all people who appear in front of her with respect and keeps and open mind
prior to making her final decision. Marian cares about families and children and results for the people with whom she comes in contact in the court system. She is not afraid to make an unpopular decision, if it is the right decision. I highly recommend and support
Marian Kromkowski for Probate judge. Vote for Marian on Aug. 3.
Stephen R. King, Cadillac

CELESTE M. CROUCH I am a resident of Glen Arbor and a retired high school reading consultant. I have known Marian Kromkowski through our shared interests in county issues.

With her extensive family law experience as a judicial referee and her proven commitment to safeguard the rights of all who appear in her court, she uniquely is prepared to become an exemplary probate judge.

I wholeheartedly support Marian Kromkowski for Leelanau Probate Judge.

MARK MESSING I am a lawyer of over thirty years experience in state and federal courts. I know Marian has the most relevant experience and a tremendous work ethic, and will be a great judge.

MARY TONNENBERGER

CATHERINE VALOVICK

DAN KLIMASZEWSKI “We need judges who look at realistic solutions to the problems of children and families. I support Marian.”

LETTER FROM LEELANAU LAWYERS

Dean Robb,
James Saffell,
Mardi Black,
Matthew Posner,
Michael Richey,
Gary Bergstrom,
William Rastetter,
F. Randall Karfonta,
Thomas L. Phillips,
Jack Seaman,
Lea Ann Sterling,
Jeffrey Slocombe,
Steven Paciorka,
Steve Morse,
Jo Ann Carlson

Marian Kromkowski is a candidate for Probate Judge of Leelanau County. The primary election is on August 3 with the final election on November 2. The undersigned Leelanau attorneys are looking for your economic support to enable Marian to reach out to the entire Leelanau community.

Marian’s extensive experience in the very matters that are within the jurisdiction of the probate/family court make her the most qualified candidate. She has been a Domestic Relations Referee for the last 17 years, first in the 13th Circuit Court for Grand Traverse, Antrim and Leelanau counties, and then in the 29th Circuit Court for Wexford and Missaukee counties. In this capacity, she has presided as a judicial officer over thousands of family related trials and hearings. In doing so, she has heard the testimony of witnesses and arguments of counsel, determined the credibility of witnesses, applied the rules of evidence, the Constitution, statutes and case law, and provided prompt, well-reasoned decisions. You must be a lawyer to be a judge, but “judging” is different than “lawyering”. It is Marian’s judicial experience that distinguishes her from the other candidates.

Marian is also the only candidate with extensive mediation and collaborative law background. We know that nearly 95% of all cases settle before trial. How they settle is significant. Marian’s respectful demeanor and extraordinary listening skills make her one of the most often chosen mediators in our area. She has brought collaborative divorce practice to our area and is a board member of the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan. Finding solutions that work for families has been a hallmark of her legal career.

Her private practice in criminal law and domestic relations further enhances her experience. She has represented hundreds of criminal defendants at the trial and appellate level, which well prepares her to resolve juvenile and all criminal matters before the court.

Help us put Marian on the Leelanau bench. Please use a personal check and make it payable to Committee to Elect Marian Kromkowski. Include your address, and mail it to P.O. Box 519, Suttons Bay, Michigan 49682. You may also contribute by credit card at www.Kromkowski.com. If you are unable to contribute but wish to volunteer in some other way, call Marian at 271-4990.
Thank you.
Above noted Leelanau Lawyers

Contributions are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for Federal Income Tax purposes. The maximum contribution amount per individual is $500 in the election cycle.

“Canon 7 of the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits a judicial campaign committee from soliciting more than $100 per lawyer. If you are a lawyer, please regard this as informative and not a solicitation for more than $100.”

John Herrold
Ann and John Hoyt

RANDY KARFONTA “I know Marian Kromkowski personally and professionally. She is an excellent attorney and her reputation as a referee and as a mediator is one of caring hard work and fairness. Marian and her husband are fine examples of devoted parents. Their children enjoy excellent reputations in this community. I do not send such bouquets lightly. Marian would make an exceptional judge.”

DEAN AND CINDY ROBB “We have know Marian and her family since 1991. Our children attended Suttons Bay Schools together. Marian and Matt were leaders in adding more fine arts and music to our school’s curriculum. Their three daughters are a living testament to their talents as parents and role models. Marian is the perfect person for probate court judge.”

Barry Levine

James Mullins

Kenneth Watson

BOB MARSHALL AND MARY EASTHOPE “We can find no one who exceeds the qualifications or can better exemplify the desirable qualities of a probate judge for our Court than Marian Kromkowski. Over the years she has not only exhibited a model of judicial temperament as a Domestic Relations Referee but she had accumulated a wealth of experience in the fields of mediation and collaborative divorce and criminal law. ”

TOM AND DARYLENE SHEA, formerly of Traverse City “Marian has an exceptional ability to listen, summarize and highlight the important issues in any exchange. She considers all sides of positions, facilitating a balanced exchange among sometimes contentious participants. Judge Deegan was one of the standouts on the bench for his welcoming and evenhanded work for justice. We think Marian Kromkowski would be a worth successor to the late Judge Deegan.”

SAMANTHA GARCIA, Traverse City “Marian undoubtedly has the professional experience, knowledge and expertise to carry out the duties of an elected Judge, what sets her apart is her life long commitment and volunteer efforts focused on promoting community, family and a healthy future for all children.”

SALLY VAN VLECK, Old Mission “Marian is hard-working, dedicated and trustworthy. She is committed to peace and justice and would make an excellent judge.”

MICHAEL RICHEY, Attorney “Marian is a tireless and passionate individual with the right acumen, temperament, and most importantly, experience to be Probate Judge.”

STEPHANIE MILLS, Maple City “I’ve long admired her thoughtfulness, persistence, and sense of justice.”

GEORGE BEARUP, Attorney “I have always felt that as a Referee, Marian evaluated the evidence fairly and was at all times objective in rendering an opinion that both complied with the law but also reflected the human needs of the litigants and the families”

JOHN ROYAL, Attorney “I met Marian while we were both in law school. We have remained friends and colleagues for the past 30 years. I have had the opportunity to speak with other attorneys, assistant prosecutors and judges regarding their impression of Marian’s legal skills. Without exception, all have expressed high praise for her work ethic, her intelligence, her dedication, and her commitment to the zealous representation of her clients, within the bounds of the rules of professional conduct.”

WILLIAM BARNETT, Attorney “As our current Referee in Wexford and Missaukee Counties, Ms. Kromkowski has served with the highest distinction. She has performed with excellence and has obtained the respect of area attorneys. I am particularly impressed with her ability to maintain decorum in the courtroom and her ability to preside with a demeanor suitable for the Probate bench.”

MONIKA SACKS, Attorney “I have known Marian since Wayne State University Law School. She has always impressed me for her intelligence, judicious and reasoned manner in approaching any crisis and the energy, creativity and tenacity she brings to any project.”

ZENA ZUMETA, Attorney, Mediation Trainer “It is easy to see that Marian has judicial temperament and the knowledge and skills to be an excellent judge. It is particularly difficult to be a judge in family law contexts, since emotions run so high in these areas. She has proved her ability to stay calm in the midst of the storm, and to provide wisdom to the families she deals with”

FRED ELMORE, Suttons Bay “When I review Marian’s resume, I see a well rounded individual with the skills and knowledge that our county needs during this time of transition. When I review my personal knowledge and experiences with Marian, I see an intelligent, compassionate, ethical woman with the desire and aptitude to serve the citizens of Leelanau County with distinction.”

DON AND CAROL MEAD, Glen Arbor “We have always found Marian to be a wise and compassionate person. Her experience and training make her a perfect match for the position of Probate Court Judge. It is hard to imagine how anyone could be better suited to the needs of that position. Marian is widely known and respected throughout our county and the region.”

NORM KJOME, Suttons Bay “I have found Marian to be a wonderful, caring person, who is well-balanced and considerate in her dealings with others. When I have heard her speak at peace and justice forums she speaks from a position of having considered an issue very carefully. I expect that her personality would absolutely fit in the position as Probate Judge.”

DEBORAH L. BERECZ, Attorney “I have known Marian for approximately 10 years through our association in the work of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan. More recently, I have had the privilege of working with her on the board of the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan (CPIM). Prior to meeting Marian, I had learned of her by reputation as a one committed to seeking justice for those who came before her as referee and for her excellent skills in conflict resolution as a mediator. Upon getting to know her, I happily discovered that her reputation was justified.

Over the years I have observed many people seek election to the bench, most of whom were perhaps qualified by experience on paper. Occasionally, some of them demonstrate the sort of wisdom and judicial temperament that justify their election as well. Marian Kromkowski is one of those people.
She will do our bar association, judicial system, and state proud as Leelanau County Probate Court Judge”

GINA ARANKI, Suttons Bay “While Marian’s resume speaks to her impressive professional credentials. The qualities that really make her shine won’t be found there. She is calm and graceful under pressure. She is a good listener, and based on her knowledge of the sides of an issue she is an assured decision maker. She clearly likes and cares about people, and she has a good sense of humor. She and her husband have raised three outstanding daughters, all of whom are extremely bright and committed to giving back to their respective communities—a value that undoubtedly comes from their parents.”

MICKEY O’CONNOR, Northport “Marian always speaks with great clarity when addressing complicated issues. For those of us who are not schooled in the law, I find her public statements completely understandable and enlightening. I consider her to be intelligent, knowledgeable and compassionate in her advocacy. I knew and admired Judge Joe Deegan. We were in St. John’s Seminary together. He was a beautiful human being and a great judge. I’m sure Joe would be pleased to see Marian follow him in this extremely important work. She certainly possesses the education, judicial temperament, and experience to qualify for position.”

SUSAN KOPKA AND STEVE SMILEY, Omena “We have known Marian professionally and personally for nearly 20 years. Our children attended school together. Marian respects people of all cultures, economic status and backgrounds. Marian’s sixteen years of judicial referee experience have emphasized mediation and conflict resolution, including divorces that honor the future of children and family integrity.
Leelanau County’s juvenile probate office is known throughout the state for its innovative and progressive programs and low rates of recidivism. We desire a judge who can continue this service to our county’s youth and families. We will be voting for Marian”.

MAURA BRENNAN, Attorney “I have known Marian since 1989. She is a leader on peace and justice issues and in our legal community. Because she has a reputation for being smart, methodical, and fair in her consideration of legal issues, she is always my first choice as a mediator, and I have never had an attorney disagree. This speaks to the respect she has earned from her colleagues.”

BRONWYN JONES, Maple City “Marian is an ethical and consummate professional, deeply committed to service, social justice, and the letter of the law. She would be a truly honorable Leelanau County Probate Judge, serving the citizens of this county with great dedication and skill.”

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