1. law, govt and politics

VOTER GUIDE – NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION
DISTRICT COURT JUDGE – District 45A
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
POLLS ARE OPEN 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OAKLAND AREA
Website: www.lwvoa.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 248-594-6602
Go to www.LWVOA.org and click on ‘Voter Guides’ and then ‘Judicial Questionnaire’
for additional candidate responses on www.OCBA.org website.
2 Candidates for DISTRICT JUDGE for ONE 8-year Term; Vote for no more than ONE
District 45A includes the city of Berkley.
Question 1: Summarize your biography,
including your education (degrees
conferred, colleges and law school),
career and employment experience,
elected offices held, community service
activity, organizational affiliations, and
other pertinent information.
(Word Limit=125)
Question 2: Describe the general nature
of your law practice or other legal work
you have done, the typical clients you
have represented, areas of specialty or
concentration, and the geographic region
of your practice.
Question 3: Why should voters elect (or
re-elect) you to judicial office; what
qualities (e.g. temperament, diligence,
etc.) and experiences do you have that
commend you to the judicial office you
seek?
(Word Limit = 125)
(Word Limit = 125)
My practice is concentrated in
criminal law, both prosecution and
defense, as well as municipal law,
representing and advising cities on all
legal matters. I also practice labor
law, representing wrongfully
terminated employees, family law,
landlord-tenant, business law,
personal injury, workers
compensation, real estate and estate
planning.
Preparing to be a good judge requires
the accumulated wisdom of many
years. I have more than 23 years
experience in numerous District and
County Courts throughout Oakland
County and the State. I have seen and
experienced programs that will
benefit the City of Berkley and its
School District.
DALE SCHNEIDER
I graduated from MSU in 1987 and
Cooley Law School in 1991. I was
City of Berkley prosecutor for over
17 years and Berkley City Attorney
for 11 years. I also prosecuted for
the cities of Ferndale, Southfield,
Clawson and Lathrup Village. My
criminal defense practice represents
hundreds of defendants throughout
Michigan. I have been the lead
attorney in more than 100 trials. I am
active with the Berkley school
district.
I was raised in Oakland County with
three older sisters. My father is an
ex-marine who became a registered
engineer. I know how to treat
women, as an equal, with dignity and
respect. Married to Victoria, the
funniest woman I ever met. Our
children, Lilly and Lucas, both attend
the Berkley Schools.
Typically when I handle criminal
defense, my clients are first time
offenders, many under the age of 25.
When I handle employment cases, the
majority of my clients are women or
older individuals that have been
treated unfairly at work.
My practice is primarily in Oakland
County Courts at all levels, but I have
on occasion practiced in several
District and County Courts
throughout the State of Michigan.
Copyright League of Women Voters Oakland Area 2014
Page 1 of 2
One such program, Court in Schools
programs show youngsters that
actions have real, life-altering
consequences. This is not a role-play
program. Students observe real court
sessions conducted at the school, with
real individuals being taken away in
handcuffs by real officers for real
crimes they committed. It makes an
impact.
For thoughts on how an inspired
judge can deliver public services that
give benefits that last for generations,
please visit schneider4judge.com.
Published by the League of Women Voters Education Fund
DISTRICT COURT JUDGE - District 45A (Continued)
Question 1: Summarize your biography,
including your education (degrees
conferred, colleges and law school),
career and employment experience,
elected offices held, community service
activity, organizational affiliations, and
other pertinent information.
(Word Limit=125)
Question 2: Describe the general nature
of your law practice or other legal work
you have done, the typical clients you
have represented, areas of specialty or
concentration, and the geographic region
of your practice.
Question 3: Why should voters elect (or
re-elect) you to judicial office; what
qualities (e.g. temperament, diligence,
etc.) and experiences do you have that
commend you to the judicial office you
seek?
(Word Limit = 125)
(Word Limit = 125)
In 2008 the citizens of Berkley
elected me to the bench. I am
currently the Chief Judge of the 45-A
District Court and the elected
President of the Oakland County
District Judges Association, which
represents the 32 judges in Oakland
County. I have been involved in
numerous community activities as a
judge, including Oakland County
Teen Court for Berkley High School,
Norup Middle School and Anderson
Middle School. I am actively
involved with the Tri-Community
Coalition and hosted my own
segment on a local cable show. I have
been assigned by the State Court
Administrator's Office to sit as a
visiting judge in over 10 different
jurisdictions.
I am a hard working judge who has
brought energy, discipline and
fairness to the Berkley bench. Along
with my amazing staff, I have
operated an efficient and highly rated
court. In addition to my numerous
judicial and community
endorsements, I am endorsed by the
Mayor of Berkley, the entire Berkley
City Council and the Chief of the
Berkley Public Safety Department.
County Prosecutors Jessica Cooper,
Eric Smith and Kym Worthy have
also endorsed me. It has been an
honor to serve the citizens of Berkley
as their district court judge, and I
hope to continue serving my
community for many more years.
JAMIE WITTENBERG
I am married to Staci and the father
of four beautiful daughters. I am a
proud second generation Berkley
High School graduate. I have a law
degree from Wayne State and an
undergraduate degree in Public
Affairs from Indiana University.
Prior to being elected as the Judge of
the 45-A District, I served as an
assistant prosecutor in Macomb
County from 2005-2008, and in
Wayne County from 2000-2005. As
an assistant prosecutor I conducted
over 750 felony exams and tried over
125 felony cases, including
numerous high profile homicide
cases.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan national organization whose purpose is to promote political responsibility
through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League never supports or opposes any
candidate or political party. Candidate responses are included as submitted and have not been edited except in cases
where the replies have exceeded the stated word limitations. Spelling and Grammar were not corrected. The
inclusion of candidates’ statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and in no way is to be construed
as an endorsement by the League of Women Voters which takes no responsibility for any views or facts stated by the
candidates.
Copyright League of Women Voters Oakland Area 2014
Page 2 of 2
Published by the League of Women Voters Education Fund