Profile: Charissa Potts, Grosse Pointe Municipal Court Park Judge

GROSSE POINTE PARK, MI — Grosse Pointe Park voters will vote for their Municipal Court Judge in November's general elections.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Charissa Potts is running against Carl F. Jarboe for Grosse Pointe Park Municipal Court Judge. Here's how she filled out profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

39

Position Sought

Grosse Pointe Park Municipal Court Judge

Party Affiliation

N/A

Family

Married to Tony Potts; son Christian, 16

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Wayne State University Law School, Juris Doctorate (2006)

Occupation

Attorney, 15 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.cpotts4judge.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for Judge because I could not pass up this opportunity to give back, serve Grose Pointe Park, and participate in our democracy.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Many litigants do not have adequate representation in court. I will seek to work with the other Municipal Court judges to connect with organizations to can provide equal access to justice for all parties.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I’m committed to enforcing our laws without exceptions or favors; protecting each individual’s rights in my courtroom; and ensuring equal access to justice and unbiased treatment for everyone. I recognize our changing demographics and the challenges residents face. After a quarter century under my opponent, I pledge to bring a fresh perspective to the bench.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

Nearly overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Michigan courts to adopt technology and adjust practices. Moving forward, one of the most important issues facing this office is how this Court can learn from the pandemic and how its operations may adjust going forward. If elected, I would seek to utilize the lessons learned from the pandemic to implement technology to best ensure equal access to justice, protect due process, safeguard litigants’ rights, and preserve of the dignity of the Court.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

N/A

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I run a successful law practice with three locations and am heavily involved in leadership in the local federal bar. I publish and speak regularly. My experiences have helped me to develop skills in organization, leadership, and legal acumen.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The person you marry is the most important career choice you will ever make. My husband has always been my biggest supporter. Everything I have done is because he believed in me.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

N/A