Vernon D. Helder
Vernon D. Helder is a former candidate for the Fifty-eighth Judicial District Court in Michigan.[1] Helder was defeated in the general election on November 8, 2016. He also ran for the Fifty-Eighth Judicial District Court in 2012.
Biography
Helder was born on October 24, 1960. He received his undergraduate degree from Calvin College and his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law.[2] Helder began serving as the attorney magistrate for the Fifty-eighth Judicial District Court in 2003. From 1988 to 2007, he was a litigation attorney with Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms, Myers and Sgroi, and from 1987 to 1988 he was a research attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals. Helder is affiliated with the following groups:
- State Bar of Michigan
- Ottawa County Bar Association
- Michigan Association of District Court Magistrates
- Neighbors Plus
- Ottawa County Cultural Intelligence Committee
- City of Holland Teen Court[3]
Campaign themes
2016
Helder participated in Ballotpedia's 2016 survey of local judicial candidates. The following sections display his responses to the survey questions. When asked what non-judicial legal experience qualifies him to be a judge, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | I started my legal career as a Research Attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals, where I reviewed hundreds of appellate cases, researched the issues on a wide variety of criminal and civil cases on appeal, and prepared Prehearing Reports with recommendations on how the judges should rule. I then practiced with the Grand Rapids litigation firm of Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers for 18 years. I appeared weekly in many State and Federal Courts throughout Michigan. I also volunteer as the Teen Court Coordinator for the City of Holland. These experiences give me broad knowledge in both civil and criminal matters at all levels of our court system.[3][4] | ” |
When asked why he was running for this particular court seat, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | I am running for office because of my desire to continue making a positive difference in our community and people’s lives. For the last 13 years, I have had the privilege of serving our community as the 58th District Court’s Attorney Magistrate. I am the only candidate with extensive experience as a practicing attorney as well as many years of judicial experience as the Magistrate. The people of Ottawa County deserve a judge with my legal knowledge, track record of judicial experience, and compassion for each person that comes in front of me. I take my role as a public servant very seriously and look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Ottawa County as the next 58th District Court Judge.[3][4] | ” |
When asked to identify one judge, past or present, who he admires, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | I appeared before retired 58th District Judge Richard Kloote many times as a practicing attorney and I was fortunate to work beside him after becoming the Attorney Magistrate. I feel fortunate to have been mentored and supported by him. Judge Kloote is one of the most respected Ottawa County judges, and it is an honor to be endorsed by him.[3][4] | ” |
When asked about his primary concern regarding today's judicial system in his state, the candidate made the following statement:
| “ | I am concerned about the public perception of our legal system. The 58th District Court annually conducts public satisfaction surveys. This survey allows users to rate the court’s accessibility; treatment of the public in terms of fairness, equality, and respect; and whether the court’s decision-making process seemed fair. By listening to those who use our courts, we can utilize this important feedback to improve public trust and confidence in the courts. The 58th District Court continues to receive high public approval ratings in all categories and ranks among the highest in public satisfaction compared to other trial courts around the state. Specifically, our judges and magistrates have an approval rating of over 90%. As Magistrate, I'm proud of our court's accomplishments and strive to maintain this excellent level of public service. In addition to public surveys, I certainly am receptive to and would work with the public to address any concerns or suggestions they have regarding the District Court.[3][4] | ” |
Elections
2016
Michigan held general elections for local judicial offices on November 8, 2016. A primary election occurred on August 2, 2016. The candidate filing deadline for incumbents was March 21, and the deadline for non-incumbents was April 19.[5] Judy Mulder defeated Vernon D. Helder in the 58th District general election .[1]
| 58th District, General Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Judy Mulder |
53.34% | 55,836 |
| Vernon D. Helder | 46.66% | 48,844 |
| Total Votes | 104,680 | |
| Source: Michigan Department of State, "2016 General Election Official Results," November 28, 2016 | ||
| 58th District, Primary Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Vernon D. Helder |
39.04% | 13,537 |
| Judy Mulder |
36.24% | 12,568 |
| Craig Jenison | 24.72% | 8,571 |
| Total Votes | 34,676 | |
| Source: Michigan Department of State, "Official Primary Results," August 23, 2016 | ||
2012
Helder was defeated by Craig Bunce in the general election on November 6, receiving 43.79 percent of the vote.[6] [7]
Bar association ratings
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
The WLAM rated candidates running for judicial office with one of four ratings: Outstanding, Well Qualified, Qualified or No Rating.
Helder was rated as Qualified.[8]
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Unofficial Candidate Listing," April 19, 2016
- ↑ HollandSentinel.com, "Helder to run for district court judge," July 5, 2012
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Ballotpedia's local judicial candidate survey, 2016, "Vernon Helder's Responses," August 1, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Dates," accessed December 7, 2015
- ↑ Michigan Department of State, "Official 2012 General Election Results:58th District Court"
- ↑ Michigan Department of State, "2012 Unofficial Michigan Primary Candidate Listing," July 31, 2012
- ↑ Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Press Release: "WLAM Endorses, Rates Judicial Candidates"
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
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