Two WMU Alumni Run for District Judge

By Amy Melin
Western Herald

Two Western Michigan University alumni will by competing for the position of District Judge in the Nov. 4 election.

Julie Phillips and William Murphy beat out Jeff Gagie and Sondra Nowak in the Aug. 5 primary. The candidates will be vying for the chance to replace Quinn E. Benson, 71, as judge in Michigan’s 8th district.

Benson is prohibited from running for re-election; because Michigan’s new law states candidates over the age of 70 can not seek re-election.

District judges have to rule on various issues if elected, so candidates are not allowed to disclose their personal feelings on issues. Elections are based primarily on the candidate’s experience.

While both candidates have personal reasons for wanting to become district judge, both agree that their primary reason is to help the community.

“I was born and raised in this community,” Phillips said. “I would like to be the one making the decisions because I don’t always agree with the decisions our courts make. I feel that judges don’t always think about how their decisions will affect the family in question.”

A lifelong Kalamazoo resident, she received her bachelor’s degree in business with a major in finance from WMU in 1984 and her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Phillips has been practicing law for 16 years in the area of estate planning and unlimited real estate issues. She has represented clients in not only district court, but other courts as well.

“I have such a vast, diverse experience in law and I think that will really help me as district judge because, in my opinion, a more diverse experience leads to a more in-depth decision,” Phillips said.

Phillips also volunteers as a big sister with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization.

Murphy believes that his temperament is one trait that will best help him to serve the community as a fair judge.

“I’ve been told that I have a good temperament,” Murphy said. “I can help solve problems with an even head. One trait I believe makes a good judge is the ability to solve problems without being condescending and I know I can do that.”

Born in Gladstone, Mich., Murphy moved to Kalamazoo in 1971 to attend WMU. He graduated in 1975 with a triple major – criminal justice, sociology, and political science. He then went on to receive his law degree from the Detroit College of Law, now the Michigan State University College of Law.

Murphy has been practicing law for 28 years and has served as a lawyer in both district and circuit court.
“Six out of seven district judges do criminal work and I think that sets me apart from Julie Phillips,” Murphy said. “My experiences have given me an extensive knowledge of the law and an especially unique perspective on the court system.”

Murphy also volunteers as a basketball coach at the YMCA.

Kalamazoo district court, more commonly known as the peoples court, performs civil marriages, handles civil infractions, preliminary exams in felony cases, civil law suits with a maximum claim up to $25,000 and misdemeanor charges with a maximum penalty of one year in jail.

District judge’s serve a six-year term and earn an annual salary of $138,272.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Sep 11 2008. Filed under Local, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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