The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Pope announces candidacy for judgeship
By Kathleen Conat, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: February 14, 2008
District Court 14-B Magistrate and Court Administrator Charles J. Pope has announced his candidacy for judgeship. The bench is being vacated by Judge John B. Collins, who will retire at the end of the year.
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"I'm doing this because I love this court and I love public service, Pope said. "I have been honored with being on this job for almost 24 years and I want to continue serving the people of Ypsilanti Township."
Pope was the leader and a major influence, along with Collins, in the development and organization of the court when it was authorized in 1984. The 14-B District Court opened for business on Jan. 2, 1985, with Pope in the positions of magistrate and court administrator that he has held ever since.
"It was a kick to be in at the beginning and help set this in motion," Pope said. "I had firm ideas of what the court should be like because of my experience in private practice. We wanted a 'user friendly' court that would serve the greater community."
Pope said his years of experience mean he would not have the learning curve of another candidate. "I've been so involved in the court and its day to day operations that I know what's going on."
Pope's enthusiasm for the judicial system and public service are evident in his manner when he speaks about it.
"I get to meet a lot of people and every single day is different. I believe a district court truly reflects what is going on in the community. We have the chance to truly touch people and guide them in a way to make positive differences."
Pope, 57, is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School. Right out of law school, he was a staff attorney with Model Cities Legal Services, representing indigent criminal and civil litigants. Prior to joining the court, he was an attorney in private practice in the township as an associate, partner and then sole practitioner.
He has also served as an adjunct instructor at Eastern Michigan University in the Paralegal Program, of which he is a member of the advisory board. He also has served as the president of the Michigan Association of District Court magistrates and is a member of the Washtenaw County Community Corrections Advisory Board, Safe House Center and the Legal Resource Center, as well as several other legal boards and councils.
"Charles Pope has all the qualities citizens expect and want in a judge," Collins said. "Charlie has a very strong work ethic and his manner in the courtroom is respectful and courteous.
"He is the person most responsible for the administrative work that went into the organization of the court and has helped make the court one for which the citizens of Ypsilanti Township can be proud. I have no doubt he would be an excellent judge."
Pope's candidacy also is supported by all of the Chief Judges of the courts in Washtenaw County, including Judge David Swartz of the Circuit Court, Judge Julie Creal of the 15th District Court and Judge Kirk Tabbey, Chief judge of the 14-A District Court.
Pope has been an Ypsilanti Township resident for 26 years. He is married to Carol, his wife of 21 years, and has two daughters, Julie and Rebecca.
"It's been a real honor for me to serve the Ypsilanti Township community as their magistrate," Pope said. "I have dedicated my career to public service in the 14-B District Court and I hope that the citizens of Ypsilanti Township will allow me to continue that service as their judge."
Kathleen Conat is a longtime Ypsilanti resident and freelance writer for The Courier. She can be reached through editor@ypsilanticourier.com.
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