It’s time for more Hispanic Judges in Michigan

By Jane C. Garcia

My dear friends:

We have been waiting for years to have a Hispanic named to the 36th District Court. This court is among the busiest in the country and handles issues Detroiters face daily: evictions; marijuana charges; DUIs; traffic tickets; blight tickets and small claims.

Detroiters have little money but have big fees. Judges have a great deal of discretion on how such cases are handled. Currently, thousands of residents are facing eviction following the end of the moratorium on evictions and the upheaval in our economy caused by COVID.

The need for a highly qualified, bilingual judge is essential, now more than ever.

Neither a Republican or Democratic Governor has named a Hispanic in over 30 years. Judge Isadore Torres was the first Hispanic appointed by former Gov. James Blanchard and the last was Judge Maria Oxholm appointed by former Gov. John Engler in the 90s.

With all that said, ten years ago, former Chief Judge Marylin Atkins did name a very qualified attorney, Laura Echartea, to a magistrate position. Throughout the years Laura has applied for an open judge position and time after time this very hard-working magistrate has been passed over.

It’s very clear that we just don’t count. So, if it can’t be done by appointment, let’s join together to do something different and make our own decision on supporting a Hispanic candidate for judge on the 36th District Court.

The absentee ballots have already gone out in Michigan, so together we can write-in Laura Echartea’s name on the ballot for judge of the 36th District Court (and vote only for her for that elected office.) Who knows, maybe if all of us make an effort to get the word out she could make it.

A write-in campaign for Laura Echartea for 36th District Court Judge could make a difference!

If we can’t join the system by asking or waiting for someone in authority to do it for us, let’s do it ourselves for our own community. Please join us in this effort!

We can do this together! ¡Unidos Ganamos!

¡Gracias!

Jane C. Garcia Detroit Resident