ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Nov. 13, 2023) – If it can be done in Ottawa County, why not Allegan County?
That may be a good question as Elizabeth Peterson, who has spent the past 13 years as an assistant prosecuting attorney for both Allegan and Berrien counties, announced on Monday her candidacy for a newly-created seat on the 48th Circuit Court bench based out of Allegan. She cited her background in numerous legal and community agencies as a foundation for assuming these judicial responsibilities.
“My experience is unparalleled. I have made community service and public safety my life. As a judge, I will ensure that every defendant receives a fair trial, every guilty party is sentenced justly, and every victim feels heard and seen.” – Elizabeth Peterson.
This new seat was created from legislation, signed by the Governor at the end of last year, that was based on increased population from the 2020 census, along with a growing caseload that has affected the three current Circuit Court judges – Margaret Bakker, Matthew Antkoviak and Family Court Judge Michael Buck. Antkoviak was appointed in August to replace the retiring Robert Kengis and serve out the remainder of his term through the end of 2024.
Bakker and Kengis had been in the Allegan County prosecutor’s office prior to winning election to the bench, and from the 20th Circuit Court/58th District Court in Ottawa County, Craig Bunce, Juanita Bocanegra, Kent Engle, Jon Hulsing, Paul Kraus, Karen Miedema and Judy Mulder are all current justices who had county prosecutorial backgrounds.
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