Dabaja and Hunt.

DEARBORN — The 19th District Court judge race has perhaps been the most heated one in the city’s history.

On November 8, Gene Hunt and Susan Dabaja will square off to replace Judge William C. Hultgren, who finishes his tenure at the end of the year.

The AANews sent five questions to both candidates. Below are their responses. 

The AANews: What makes you the most qualified candidate in the race?

Dabaja: The quality and diversity of my legal and public service career makes me the clear choice for Dearborn judge.  I graduated first in my law school class and have practiced law in Dearborn for over a decade. I’m a trained mediator and have handled all the types of cases that come before our District Court. I will be the only female judge and only the second female judge in our court’s history. 

Hunt: I have been an attorney in Dearborn for 31 years. I have handled in excess of 10,000 cases in the Dearborn District Court; more than any other attorney in history. I have tried cases in Federal Court, Circuit Court and District Court. I have tried more cases in Dearborn than any other attorney in this state. I have handled every type of case that comes before judges in district court.

The AANews: On the campaign trail, what were frequent concerns addressed to you by Dearborn voters and how would you ensure to tackle those issues as a judge?

Hunt: The most frequent questions are about my experience and qualifications, which is addressed above. Citizens also ask what kind of judge I will be if elected. My answer is that I will continue to protect the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The court is no place for religion, race, rich, poor or any other similar factor. People expect and deserve to be treated equally, fairly and with respect. I have done this my entire life and will continue to do so as judge.

Dabaja: Confidence in the judicary is of concern to people. I would ensure the highest degree of competency, impartiality and transparency.  The Court will be a hallmark of fairness and blind justice based on the rule of law. Litigants will know that justice is inseparable from fairness, one cannot occur without the other. Full confidence in the judiciary is a prerequisite to a thriving community. Lastly, I will ensure our justice system works for everyone, not just the well-connected.

The AANews:  In the past, the 19th District Court was stifled with tensions between judges and staff members. What would you do to ensure there are proper communication, teamwork and transparency at the courthouse?

Dabaja: Both remaining Judges Salamey and Somers believe I am the most qualified candidate to serve alongside them as judge at the 19th District Court, which would help ease any tensions at the courthouse. My role as Council president and as mediator has provided me with the skillset and the independence to implement reform. My record proves my ability to maintain an unbiased approach, doing what’s right and just in even contentious settings. 

Hunt: Kindness frees your heart and soul. A lawyer once told a client of mine that I was a problem solver not a problem creator. I was humbled by these kind words. 

I know all of the employees in the court, including the two judges who will be my colleagues, and their staffs. I get along with everyone well, I have respect for everyone in that court and I have received respect from them in return. I will work hard to unify the court and create a pleasant work environment for everyone. 

The AANews: This race in particular has been a heated one. Has your campaign remained positive throughout the process? 

Hunt: I have run a respectful campaign and will continue until November 8. I will not compromise my reputation and integrity for this position. No election is more important to me than my reputation or the reputation of my family.

Dabaja: As voters are well aware, I have been attacked viciously and so has my family.  I will always defend myself, my family and my record. I believe there is life after Election Day and I will continue to maintain my principles and integrity. I will continue to run a clean campaign focused on why I am the most qualified candidate to serve as Dearborn judge.

The AANews: What are some organizations/individuals that have endorsed your run?

Dabaja: I have been endorsed by both Chief Judge Sam Salamey and Chief Judge Pro-Tem Mark Somers. I am the only candidate endorsed by both the Dearborn Police Lieutenants & Sergeants and Dearborn Fire. I am also endorsed by Detroit Police Officers Association, Wayne County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, Wayne County Sheriff & Airport Police Supervisory Employees,  IBEW Local 58, AFSCME Council 25, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Michigan State Senator Morris Hood, Former Councilwoman Nancy Hubbard, MI Building and Construction Trades Council, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 80 PAC or SMART Local Union 80, Pipefitters Local 636, Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Cynthia Stephens, Judge Gregory Bill, Judge Megan Brennan, Judge Eric Cholak, Judge Kevin Cox, Judge Charlene M. Elder, Judge Alexis A. Glendening, Judge Daniel Hathaway, Judge Susan Hubbard, Judge Connie Marie Kelley, Judge Kathleen McCarthy, Judge Joseph C. Oster, Judge Lita Popke and Judge Brian R. Sullivan, to name a few.

Hunt: Detroit Free Press, State Representative George Daraney, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Wayne County Commissioner Gary Woronchak, Dearborn Councilman Mark Shooshanian, Police Officers Association of Dearborn, Police Officers Association of Michigan, Dearborn Police and Fire Retiree’s Association, Wayne County Association of Chiefs of Police, Dearborn Police Supervisors Association of Lieutenants and Sergeants, AFL-CIO, Food and Beverage Drivers, Warehouseman & Helpers Local Union No. 337, Teamsters Joint Council No, 43, Teamsters Local No. 214, Truck Drivers, Local Union No, 299 and UAW. Also endorsed by 30 judges, among them are Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra, Court of Appeals Judge Christopher Murray, 19th District Judge William Hultgren, and Chief Judge-Family Division Kathleen McCarthy.