10/26/2024
A few words on partisanship
I received an email this week from a voter doing his or her homework. That voter had a number of questions about my beliefs. Some of those questions I could readily answer. Yes, I am a believer in the rule of law. And just as I did when I was admitted to the bar, I would swear an oath as a judge to uphold the Constitution, state and federal, with all amendments.
Other questions, however, had to do with purely political subjects. If you follow the presidential campaign at all, you know what the hot button issues are. And I respectfully declined to share my views on those issues. I have opinions. We all do. But I firmly believe that public political advocacy is entirely inconsistent with being a judicial candidate or a judge. No person should feel that they are at a disadvantage or will not be treated fairly because they have different beliefs than a politically active judge.
There are a number of political parties, interest groups and political action committees active in Ottawa County. Many of these groups do whatever vetting they deem appropriate and make recommendations as to who they think you should vote for. Some may recommend me, some my opponent, some recommend both of us and there are surely some that punted entirely. Given that I am not a member of any of these organizations and have not sought their endorsements I cannot tell you what their decision process looks like. I do find their voter guides to be interesting reading -- I came across the guide for a particularly well known PAC this evening -- but nothing more than that.
I cannot ask you to vote for me because I’m a Republican or a Democrat. Or because I’m affiliated with any interest group. Because I am not. I’ll stick to asking for your vote based on my qualities - experience, temperament, ability, etc - and not my politics.
Michael J. Zitta
