John Graziani (Michigan)

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John Graziani

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

University of Michigan, 1984

Law

University of Detroit, Mercy School of Law, 1988

Personal

Birthplace

Southgate, Mich.

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

John Graziani ran for election for judge of the Michigan 28th District Court. He lost in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Graziani completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Education

Graziani received his B.A. degree in political science (with minors in economics and history) from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1984. He received his J.D. degree from the University of Detroit Law School in 1988.

Career

Early in his legal career, Graziani worked as an assistant prosecutor, as a judicial assistant for the Wayne County Recorders Court, and as a law clerk for Judges Robert Colombo and Louis Simmons of the 3rd Circuit Court (Wayne County). As of 2020, Graziani had been a member of the Southgate City Council for nearly 18 years. He was elected as council president four times. In 2020, he served as council president. He started his own law practice in 1990, where he works.

Awards and associations

• Member, Detroit Bar Association
• Member, Wayne County Defense Bar
• Member, State Bar Association
• Honorary counsel, Downriver Italian American Club
• Past Member, Downriver Bar Association

Elections

2020

See also: Municipal elections in Wayne County, Michigan (2020)

General election

General election for Michigan 28th District Court

Elisabeth Mullins defeated John Graziani in the general election for Michigan 28th District Court on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Elisabeth Mullins (Nonpartisan)	60.2	8,284
		John Graziani (Nonpartisan)	39.2	5,392
		Other/Write-in votes	0.7	90

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 13,766
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Nonpartisan primary election

The primary election was canceled. John Graziani and Elisabeth Mullins advanced from the primary for Michigan 28th District Court.

Endorsements

To view Graziani's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

2014

See also: Michigan judicial elections, 2014
Graziani ran for election to the 28th District Court.
Primary: He was successful in the primary on August 5, 2014, receiving 34.2 percent of the vote. He competed against Bill Colovos and incumbent Judge James A. Kandrevas.
General: He was defeated in the general election on November 4, 2014, after receiving 47 percent of the vote. He competed against James A. Kandrevas.  

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

John Graziani completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Graziani's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is John Graziani and I am lifelong Southgate resident that has been practicing law for 30 years. I currently work out of my law office in Southgate where I focus my practice on criminal defense, landlord-tenant law, real estate law, family law, and estate planning. I am, and have always been, involved in the betterment of my community, even when I was not in public office. I am a son of immigrants (both of my parents are from Italy). I have been married to my wife, Mary Ann (public school teacher), for 29 years and we have two children that we raised in Southgate: Christian (25) and Joshua (19). Christian is a graduate of Southgate Anderson, University of Michigan-Dearborn, and University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Joshua is currently a student at University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I have the background, dedication, and relevant experience in the practice of law to do an outstanding job as Southgate Judge. It is imperative for local judicial candidates to possess a proven track record as a dedicated public official and an experienced attorney within the community that they seek to be judge. With my many years of experience in the practice of law and as a Southgate community member and council member, I will be able to hit the ground running from day one as Southgate Judge. John Graziani is a name that the people of Southgate trust and are familiar with.
• As a lifelong Southgate resident, I have become very connected to the community and its residents. The 18 years of service that I have given to Southgate as an elected City Council member shows that I am dedicated to serving this community. My experiences within the community as a lifelong resident and public official have allowed me to learn what works and doesn't work for this city. I have also been involved in a number of other organizations within the city and have served as a manager and coach for Southgate Little League for 10 years. I am not just someone who joins organizations or committees when an election is around the corner.
• My primary goals are to bring back the Drug and Sobriety Court and strengthen the Veterans' Court. I feel that we will serve many more people by bringing back the Drug and Sobriety Court. In addition, I would like to bring a Mental Health Court to Southgate. This is important because 80% of the problems we face in society are a result of mental health issues, along with substance abuse. I also want to add technological advances to the Southgate District Court because this unfortunate pandemic has shown that much work can be done by utilizing virtual technology. The criminal justice system in this court will stay intact to ensure that every person receives justice.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about bringing the Drug and Sobriety Court back to Southgate's District Court so that we can have an optimal impact on the lives of its defendants while making our community safer.

I am also passionate about establishing a Mental Health Court, which would help out defendants while rooting out some of the problems in our community.

I would also like to strengthen the Veterans' Court so that more veterans are able to utilize the same.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Retired Chief Judge, Robert J. Colombo, Jr. (Wayne County Circuit Court), because he was someone who always did his homework and due diligence before issuing any opinion. He is someone who took his job very seriously and he always sought to improve the Wayne County Circuit Court, which worked to the advantage of the bar.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I am known as an intelligent, hardworking, and trusted leader who has always had the back of Southgate residents. I treat everyone with respect and dignity. These are all essential characteristics for an elected official - especially a judge.

A judge will have to engage the residents of their community to maximize productivity. An example of that would be to work in conjunction, and more closely than ever, with the local school district to identify juvenile problems and causes within our community. This would put the city in a better position to address these issues head on.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am someone who diligently studies issues before coming to a decision. I also have deep roots in the City of Southgate as a long-time public official and lifelong resident, along with a solid reputation in the legal community as an experienced attorney. Most importantly, I am someone who cares and understands about how this community operates. This is made clear by my proven track record on the city council for meeting challenges and getting things done in our community. Taking all of that into account, I believe I am the best candidate available to serve as Southgate's Judge.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is one of being tough but fair. I also take things on a case-by-case scenario and look at the circumstances surrounding each case to make a responsible determination. I believe the 28th District Court should seek to be a true "People's Court" where everyone is treated fairly, justice is available to all, and constitutional rights are respected.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes. Empathy is an important quality for a judge because many of us come from varying backgrounds based on racial, ethnic, and income differences. As a result, one should be open to hear what issues a human being had experienced while growing up. A judge needs empathy to truly understand why people do things, and they should hear and understand the relevant feelings, experiences, and needs of all parties.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

I was rated as "Qualified" by the Detroit Bar Association in 2014 when I ran against an incumbent judge who is not seeking re-election. I am currently awaiting a new rating from the same bar association for this year's election.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for a judge to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that it is beneficial for a local judge to have previous government or political experience within the community that he/she seeks to serve as judge. This experience allows such a judge to be in tune with the needs of the community and surrounding environs. A local judge's knowledge of his/her surrounding community is integral to success on the bench. I believe that my many years of local government experience within Southgate would make me an outstanding judge for the 28th District Court.

What is your primary concern about today's legal system in your state?

The primary problem with our judicial system is that the communities have relied upon these district courts to raise money because of the underlying financial problems that most cities face. As a result, many judges in the past have been pressured to stick it to defendants. We should be using our court system to rehabilitate human beings who have a drug or alcohol problem, along with those who have mental illness.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Approach to the law

“	My judicial philosophy is one of being tough but fair. I also take things on a case by case scenario and look at the circumstances surrounding each case to make a responsible determination. I believe the Court should be a true “People’s Court” where justice is available to all.	”
—John Graziani

See also

2020 Elections

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Government

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Newsletters

Coronavirus Weekly Updates Documenting America's Path to Recovery The Heart of the Primaries The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel Union Station

• Judicial selection in Michigan

External links

• Search Google News for this topic
• Michigan Courts.gov, "Wayne County Courts"

Footnotes

Michigan courts

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Federal courts:

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan

State courts:

Michigan Supreme Court • Michigan Court of Appeals • Michigan Circuit Court • Michigan Court of Claims • Michigan District Courts • Michigan Municipal Courts • Michigan Probate Courts

State resources:

Courts in Michigan • Michigan judicial elections • Judicial selection in Michigan