I’ve been silent about who I like in the race for Barry County prosecutor — until now. Because I wasn’t entirely sure about who is the best candidate, like I have been about Brian Reynolds for 87th District State Representative, I waited until the First Friday forum of June 22 to make a decision. I’m backing appointed incumbent Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt.
I think she really put on an impressive clinic for everybody last Thursday night at the forum. If you weren’t there, check out Cable Access Channel 12, which videotaped the whole thing. Then you can see for yourself a good example of what a prosecutor should say and do in a public setting.
Nakfoor Pratt was straightforward, passionate, insightful and aggressive in her presentations while answering questions. She didn’t just go through the motions. I want to emphasize “passionate” because I personally believe that’s one of the most important ingredients someone must bring to such an important job. She demonstrated time and time again she gives a damn about what she does.
She was smart enough to seize the forum as an opportunity to explain what a prosecutor does, why it is sometimes necessary to plea bargain with scalawags and to show off her impressive litigation skills. She essentially talked to the audience members as if they were the jury in an important case, which in a meaningful way, they were. Though some people I spoke with thought the whole affair was a draw, or it only slightly favored Nakfoor Pratt, I honestly believed she won her conviction because of her passion, assertiveness and common sense. Challenger Tom Evans, meanwhile, looked like he was running for accountant. Though certainly versed and competent, he seemed to stumble while carefully wording his responses and sometimes it wasn’t entirely clear what point he was trying to make. By contrast, Nakfoor Pratt was constantly taking notes and then approaching the podium to score more points in her arguments, which often were striking and convincing.
I disagree with both candidates on some of their attitudes and positions on crime, drugs and a few other aspects of criminal justice, but I really get the sense that if a child molester or murderer commits a heinous crime, she’ll do everything humanly possible to have such scoundrels removed from our midst. Not that Evans won’t, but she has a tremendous edge in that all important quality called “passion.” This is not to say Nakfoor Pratt hasn’t stumbled or made mistakes; I’m certain Evans has as well.
But our current prosecutor was right in saying you have to run with your best shot in getting a conviction and you have no control over sentencing, that’s up to the judge. I’ve heard and seen a lot of suggestions that Nakfoor Pratt was “anointed” last October, but that simply is not true, and no less a figure than Hastings Banner publisher Fred Jacobs has made such a public statement in one of his paper's editorials. When Gordon Shane McNeill resigned, he didn’t hand off the job to her. Judge Jim Fisher made the decision, as the law states he must. And though I’m not wild about the notion Fisher didn’t do a lot of consulting and did not conduct interviews, this time I think he chose a good litigator.
I applaud Ms. Nakfoor Pratt for a solid presentation, a rarity these days in candidate forums. She is far from perfect, as she readily acknowledged Thursday evening, but I think she is best equipped for a tough job. I’m rarely a fan of electing incumbents, but my strong recommendation is to vote for Julie Nakfoor Pratt. Now it's up to the jury...
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I confess to be leaning towards JNP. But, the debate gave me nothing to judge by. They were Law School 101 questions and their answers were textbook.
On plea bargains, a follow-up question to ask would have been: Isn't it true that just about all your cases, Julie now, Tom before, are plea bargained? I am awaiting some very important cases, that hopefully will be decided before the primary election, to see if Julie takes some bad guys off the streets. One says "I'll spend 6 months in prison and will be out soon!" Soon means back to committing crimes against our innocent citizens, until the cops spend another 6 months in building another case that will also result in 6 months in prison.
Another question that I would have enjoyed: Do you believe in the 3 strikes and you're out concept?"
As to Judges making the final sentencing? True in VERY FEW cases. They accept the agreement made between the Prosecutor and Defense Attorney in probably 90% or more cases. We need a "Hanging Judge" to make their arguments reality! This was a copout answer, blaming the Judges for the hoods on our streets. Judges rarely change plea agreements.
Maybe not "annointed" in the true sense, but pretty much the same. Julie indicated what she has done to improve the office since appointed (just walking in the door improved it). Her opponent could not counter, since he has not had the opportunity to walk in and change things the way he wanted to. Maybe he could have said what he "would have done"! Placed him at a disadvantage I believe. Gives her one up as the "unelected incumbent."
I agree she put on an impressive performance, to an extent. But, talk is cheap. Hopefully she will make some hard decisions in the next 5-6 weeks to cement my leaning her way!
Don't blame the Judges!
I would have bought another good reason for plea bargaining: Not enough assistant prosecutors on staff. This is the County Boards fault, as it is with the Sheriff's Deptmt.
So, Julie is the only one who has a chance to take a tough stance, since she has the office. I am waiting and watching!
Another meeting between the two at Bay Pointe Restaurant, Gun Lake, Sat. July 1st 10A-1PM. Also, Brian Reynolds and Susan Vlietstra. Sponsored by my candidate For the People, Mark Englerth. For Yankee Springs and Orangeville residents, but doubt anyone will be turned away. I'm going to claim three residences in Yankee Springs!
Yes, just meet the candidate, probably not a head-to-head, believe we blew that one!
Simple math would indicate that 6 or more candidates x ten questions = absurdity. Ad it looks like Brinkert is going to moderate his own debate. Using the silly foremat of 15 questions made only the guy who asked the happy. 15x3minutesxtwo candidates =90 minutes and designed to avoid embrarassing questions from the floor... Not much meat here.
Banner, page 12, June 29th. Man gets 4 days in jail, let me spell that out, FOUR days in Jail, for stealing an anhydrous ammonia container in Woodland? So much for meth getting a high priority with JNP. She just lost her edge over Evans with me. For those not familiar, Anhydrous ammonia is part of recipe to cook meth! I believe you get more for jaywalking in Los Angeles!
Anyone is welcome to have their forum if they can find a moderator and a place to do it. I personally feel each district should have their own forum. And I'm pretty sure either Fred Jacobs or Dave Young is hosting but I don't remember which.
Someone guessed me wrong too! LOL The joke is the knuckleheads we have in Hastings. The truth really hurts doesn't it tromp? Or, is it trippweiler? Your responses just lets all of us know we're getting to you! The people will WIN! Your games and underhandedness is just about full circle now, better duck!
One last response, you didn't deny your games and underhandedness LOL! Which low-life are you? Just bugs you we are closing in! August 8th will be the knucklehead purge date! Will go down in Barry County History, a date to live in infamy! The PEOPLE will rein! You highlight the problems of Barry County, dwelling on names and not the truth they speak! The truth will flood State Street! Barry Counties "Katrina" is bearing down on you! Better batten down your hatches!
Nice try, but wrong again "Mark." Didn't you think I was Bob Dwyer just a couple days ago? Besides, if I was David Young I'm pretty sure that would mean I would know who's hosting the forum. Not very good reading comprehension on your part.
Actually I am prepared to disclose here for the first time, the true owner of this site...
Bill Cliton...hell anyone who reads Don Johnson's insane ramblings could tell that.
As is my right, I have slowly become very concerned over the JNP qualifications to be our lead prosecutor for the next 2 years.
Todays Banner (7-6-06) has another lengthy letter on the Tim and Melissa Wymer case, being arrested twice for drug charges, the 2nd time while awaiting sentence on the first.
The writer indicated he would have stood up at the last debate, if audience questions would have been allowed, to question JNP on her handling of the case.
The writer indicates JNP refused to charge the 2nd time, because "it was too soon after the first!" This raises very serious questions in my mind! Can I take a chance and vote for her, if this is true? No, I can't!
He indicates the Wymer lady had her record "wiped clean again," apparently in reference to a plea bargain and possible drug diversion opportunities she had been afforded before. If true, this IS NOT being tough on crime, especially drug crimes, as JNP, I believe, indicated she would be if "re-elected."
I believe someone should hold another debate and this time have it centered more on audience questions and on specific actions she has taken since being "appointed" to the office. Evans can be questioned on cases the office handled while he was Chief Assistant.
These issues, if true, spell NOT QUALIFIED!
JNP supporters, can you offer up some different perspectives on these repeat cases against the same druggies?
I do not know the circumstances surrounding this incident, but it needs to be addressed by JNP, before the election, if she wants my one vote, and hopefully those of others.
I was accused wrongly once before of not being a JNP supporter and I now can be truly placed in that category until I hear some type of response to these serious charges.
Anyone from the Sheriff Dept or a JNP supporter care to share any "different" takes on the Wymer case. I do want to hear them or I feel I must vote for Evans on August 8th.
I answered briefly on my blog. I don't know these two people. But, they have been mentioned before on my blog and I believe this one too. It was said then by someone, that he was the ex. But, I cannot rule out an Ex's opinions or rantings, however one might perceive them, just because they are an "ex."
Since I don't know the facts of this case, I am interested in feedback from someone that does. Are any of his allegations true as far as JNP goes. I think that is a fair question that most voters need to know the answer to.
Being open and honest about our actions, and admitting we feel we were right or could have done better in some cases, is the qualities of a true crime crusader that I want to see in the person I vote for.
A lady overheard a group of us doing some political bantering at a local eatery this morning. She asked what we thought of the "Wymer" case. I had to reply I knew nothing about the case. Her response was that JNP needs to set the record straight. She wants to know if there is any truth to the allegations he has been making. She said she was voting against JNP because the letters were too damming if correct. I did reply I was leaning in that direction, for the same reasons.
"I did not have sex with that woman....Monica Lewinsky."
Standup JNP, set this "goofball" straight, if that is what he is, or explain your actions. The People want to know. This cannot be swept under the rug, "Ignore the letters and it will go away!" This is not going away!
I write this here as I have attempted to post on another site that is linked to this one without success, apparently the owner of it only wants to read what he approves of.
As it relates to the continuing comments pertaining to Ms. N-P, it would have been helpful to all who read here if Mr. Fighter would have shared everything with you.
If one will take the time to go thru the file at the courts you will find out that Mr. Fighter has his own challenges with the courts.
One might find it interesting reading to learn of his placing his twins in car seats for hours at a time while he did his chores, or why he would need night vision equipment?
As it relates to the case at hand, it would appear that Ms. N-P used her best judgement in getting something out a an investigation that was very weak.
I say this because if the cops would not have missed up she would have not had to plea it out. Why do I say messed up? I am told two deputies were suspended and one of them was given a demotion as a result of how they handled this case.
You can make all the comments you want as to her being soft on crime, however the rules are in place for how the cops have to behave, I for one want the rules to be strict and detailed as to how the police behave., if they did not follow the rules then do no blame her, blame the cops who screwed it up and then want her to bail them out.
While the current sheriff in my mind lacks a great deal in his ability to be sheriff, he did do the right thing in this case.
Cops out of control is not what we need or should tolerate. I take no pleasure in drug dealers not having to answer for their dirty deeds, however the rules are there to protect us all.
I have noted with great interest that no one, at least what I have read here or in the highly reliable local paper has mentioned why her opponent was fired., I know what he would say, " I ran against his wife", I do not remember Mr. Evans filing any type of wrongful discharge suit, certainly if this was the case he would have had a field day in court embarrassing his former boss.
One might want to explore with Mr. Evans his personnel file and what it says, I think we would find out the truth there.
Again, take time to go to the court and review the records, He has not won a felony jury trial, in fact I am told that he has the record for a jury coming back not guilty in something like 45 secs. on one of his few trials that he has handled.
Has Ms.N-P made some mistakes, we all do, however one needs to look at the entire picture, Mr. Fighter is upset because the courts on repeat occasions have told him he is not the father he would have you to believe he is.
We as voters would be very short sighted to base our vote on this one issue.
It would be interesting to hear what the opinion of other police officers on her job performance is, not just the sheriff's dept. While I would understand the city police being supported of her, what about the township police or the state police, they haved to work with and for her too.
Mr. Evans may be a nice guy to talk with, I have been told that he is quite pleasant to have a conversation with, we do not need a nice guy as prosecutor, we need some one who will enforce the law, look out for us when we are a victim of a crime, and make sure that the cops do there job according to the rules.
Interesting twist, thank you! More than we have received thus far. However, I believe JNP also left the Barry Prosecutor Ofc for less than honorable reasons? Heard that Evans settled wih County for extended health bennies and pay as long as he promised not to sue?
Goes back to what someone has said, they both have skeletons in their closets. Too bad we don't have more choices!
As far as "don't judge JNP on this one case, I blame Judge Fisher, for appointing her. Once again, he should have went with an experienced "caretaker" to fill out this short term and let everyone start on equal ground.
We don't have enough time to judge her on a multitude of cases! We must judge her on the short record she has had to face! This is not our fault! Judge Fisher put her in this situation and she accepted it! I believe she is taking credit for all the good things they're doing, why not all the bad things too?
As to not basing my vote on this one case, I am NOT! I will base it on the continual hiding, manipulating, secret meetings, and the failure to give straight answers. Silence to me makes me mark the other candidate in all the races. If I can't get answers now, I can't take chances I will in the future.
I would be whinning if Tom got the appointment if he gotten it without an interview.
What sticks in my craw here is Judge Fisher wasn't judicial in this instance.
With all the heat that was given over Fekkes, either A) a transparent, deliberative process should of been considered, or B) the job given to a caretaker as suggested before. Trouble is in Barry County with all the secretive, manipulative malarky gouing on, if you don't have an open process, people are going to gripe and scratch their heads over this one. I think Tom's camp has a legitimate right to grip, just as anyone else if they were running in this race and they didn't have a chance to meet with the Judge.
I'd be much less critical of JNP if I knew that all candidates were given a fair shake.
Tom took the route he did because he asked to apply in Montmorency, served up there, his wife couldn't find a job, was offered the CAP position in Barry, and then was double crossed in the most bizzare political stunt ever. He explained this at the forum.
Actually, I think their w/l records would be similar given all the time off from prgnancy Julie has had, and her part-time/flextime in Allegan. Add to that she stayed mostly in one division known to plead a great deal. Looking at the numbers their plea ratio was higher in her area in Allegan, but since it doesn't track by prosecutor, I cannot exrapolate if those were Julie's cases or Marge's... etc. If you want to get into pissing matches, Tom's been a Prosecutor for longer.
I have come to the conclusion we can live with either one, as long as we don't revert back to the ways of GSM. Next to nothing goes to trial, probably 95% are plea bargained. This was the way when Tom was in office, and continues with JNP in office. No change in sight, regardless who gets elected.
I was floored by the mention of Judge Fisher doing radios ads for Fekkes (see Attorney Code of Ethics, Canon 2, DR 2-101B(1). First I heard of that!
Judge Fisher does not talk to peons, don't bother calling him, it doesn't work that way!
I would love to know how many cases Tom has w/l. Also, JNP's record, which you did not mention for some reason. More importantly, how much do they plea bargain? Give us the answer, on both, or do you really know yourself?
Checking someone's personnel record, good luck, go for it! Too much confidentiality these days!
"Blamed," JNP could have turned the "appointment" down and ran a straight out campaign with Tom and we wouldn't be having this conversation right now!
I'm going to try, really, to concentrate more on the County Commission race. This is where the real meat of change can occur in Barry County.
I was also taken back by all the power someone presumes the County Manager Brown has? I was told he was more a figurehead. That led me to suggest whether we would be better off with a strong county manager form of Government (even though Oakland and Wayne our poor examples lol).
Could someone shed light on the County Managers powers under our County Charter or whatever governs his position?
A3: Do you mean the county administrator. His duties should be outlined in his contract. A very simple FOIA request.
Administrators, unless elected, serve at the pleasure of the County Commission. Most soon establish fifdoms, because commissioners (in these one party counties)don't check the information being provided by the Administrator.
Allegan has had problems of their Administrators misappropriating funds (near embezzlement), sexual herassment and the like. They have also tried to intimidate and castigate to obscurity commissioners who vote against them.
Administrators are the controlers of the agenda and decide what the commission considers. Thus the reason for their big heads.
To give Administrators more importance, Boards usually give them the payroll, finance and HR duties.
An elected administrator or County Executive (as in Detroit)has lead to some transparancy, but also leads to dynasties like McNamara in Wayne or Brooks Patterson in Oakland. An elected administrator whould make him/her on par with the Commission and other partisan elected officials, thus changing the nature of the relationship.
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Non-partisan judicial endorsement for Non-partisan judicial office is allowed under the cannons, just not for partisan offices.
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State Supreme Court puts out the stats. It doesn't parse that by attoney, only by county/district/circuit. The more nuanced stuff I mentioned may reveal my source who has asked me to remain unnamed to protect themselves from likely retribution (which Julie has rumored--trying to confirm--to have done done to someone who leaked Wymer info).
Neither candidate has exact numbers because they don't usually keep track. For me to go into detail would reveal my sources in Barry and Allegan, but Julie hasn't been as well rounded as she would have you believe. My sources in Barry also confirm that Tom was a workhorse handling nearly every type of case, specializing in drug and DUI prosecutions. My digging in Montmorency revealed a similar story (but only two attorneys in that office).
The Fisher stuff was confirmed from the forum. She made it sound like all the judges were backing her (which Doherty after the forum scolded her on). The appearance is there. I think if we looked at CFRs we'd confirm it.
I continue to be amazed by the lack of real knowledge that is displayed here.
Jay's comment that his digging in Montmorency county revealed a similar story as in Barry Co.
All one has to do is go to the district and circuit court and look at the cases Mr. Evans handled. It pales to the numbers Ms.N-P has been involved in thru out her career.
As I wrote in an earlier blog that was not published here or on the other blog run by Agigter 3
He was known as the Phanton Prosecutor in Montmorency County.
In fact when called the local police and the sheriff did not even know who he was or that he had ever been the prosecutor there as it apparently was a part time position.
One might want to take this approach, ask Mr. Evans since leaving the Barry Co. Prosecutor's office, how many interviews has he done for other prosecutors position around the state and how many has he been offered?
It would seem that if other counties are not wanting to hire him, then why would the voters of Barry Co. want to elect him to a position that he is not in the eyes of others not qualified to do for them?
Is that what we want in our elected county prosecutor someone whom is not deemed qualified to work in another county?
Again, I do not know Mr. Evans as I stated earlier I am told he is a nice person, that is not enough, something is lacking in his ability to do the job, or he would have been hired by the several counties that interviewed him and decline to hire.
I have never refused a comment sent to me? Everyone should be heard. For someone who doesn't know Evans you sure seem to know him?
Mr. Agitater 3,
sent you a comment last evening, did not see it posted.
As far as Mr. Evans goes,as I have stated just go look at the records, they are all public and if it is true that you just want the best person in office, or do you mean you want the person who will see every issue as you do?
I regrest, just go to the court house and look at the files, He just doesn't compare. Remember she was here before she was at Allegan, she has a clear track record on how she has handled her cases.
I note with interest the comment made by " court mouse ", I am sure there is some difference of opinion in her office staff, remember half of them are lawyers, if you have ever been around the system you know that each has an ego that is never wrong.
Someone made the comment on this blog that Fisher had appointed Mr. McNeal, just not correct, in fact again go look at the county clerks election records, Mr. McNeal was elected out right. No appointment, No annointment to coin a phase from the ever rightest local paper, he was voted in, just what you and so many here say is the only way to get the right man and or woman for the job.
The real truth is that the best canidates are appointed, many will disagree and I admit it goes against the grain, however it is the truth.Why do you think the federal system works the way it does? Anyone one can get elected, you do not have to have any real credentials to get people to vote for you.
Look at the last local election, do I need to say more?
Ms.N-P may not be the best candidate, however in this race she is the best person for the position, I wonder if she was a man would these types of comments be so easily bannered about? I think not.
One more thing to consider, ask Mr. Evans, if it is true that his wife could not find work in Montmorency Co. and they had to return to this area because of her work, ask him what job she had when they returned to this area the second time around?
Remember the Truth will Prevail.......
Truthseeker, think you read everyone's comments as being mine. I say above I can live with either one. Don't think it will make a big difference which one gets it. Everything is plea bargained anyway!
You seem to have a very personal interest in this, could you be JNP or her mister?
Jay: Cannons, typical lawyer mumbo-jumbo. You read the sentence I cited, in plain english, and the average person would say he couldn't have done that. But, I suppose you have to read the fine print of exceptions or opinions they always include lol
As for JNP being a Lady, if I could "appoint" the one I was disappointed didn't run I would also be calling her Ma'm! Most Ladies don't see my point of view, so you're right there TS lol
I called Cheryl Neilson the Clerk in Montmorency. The current Sheriff is new, just arrived last year. He was a deputy then, he does remember Tom and had nice things to say about him. Sheriff Doug Baum: (989) 785-4238[revised from earlier post]
I would think that those claiming the "Phantom" line would talk to someone who was actually at the courthouse from 2002 on--or actually make the calls.
As for claims that I am working for Tom, or I have a vested interest--not so. My only interest is seeing the best qualified candidate get elected. I know both Tom and Julie. In late May/early June I took my 5 inch thick binder of material on this race and concluded that Tom is the better choice. You can call Montmorency and get the straight story Phone: 989-785-8022 - Fax: 989-785-8023.
Again I will proffer the question I poised here yesterday.
Why did he not get hired by any of the several prosecutors offices that he has applied for and intervewed with?
I would like to hear why?
TS: Probably because they had a Judge Fisher too!
OK guys, and you gals out there TS, enough with the wins and losses. Let's remember, this is an administrative position! I for one believe our prosecutor's office is understaffed, due to the failures of Clare, Sandy, Wayne, and some others! Need to add Administrator Mike Brown in there, as I have learned now he is more pivotal in the slime than he's admitted to me!
The next Prosecutor should be skilled in budget, personnel (hiring, firing, displine, evaluation system, etc), planning, building bridges with other organizations, criminal law expertise (law school offers one or two classes in this subject), and showing up, GSM reportedly hardly there (working at the soda pop fountain place).
And, Timmy says?, please stick to eating anything they give you. Make sure you get some greens in there.
Baby steps are one step forward, one step backwards
5:42 PM
Agitator 3
So that I understand what you have reduced to words, the reason that Mr. Evans did not get a job offer from the several interviews with surrounding pros. office is because of Judge Fisher?
I am at loss as to how that would happen, are you saying that Judge Fisher is the one that has kept this man down?
Let us look to the past for a moment, Mr. Evans was,(now all of you that are standing sit down and hold onto something) here is the dark word, appointed by Judge Swallow, yes you heard it here first he was appointed, there were others who sought the position, they were not interviewed... yes you heard it correct were not interviewed, then he ran in an election to fill out the term...
Does any of this sound familar? Where were you when this was happening, why did you not cry foul then?
I see in his campaign material he says he knows how to run and manage an office when he was the prosecutor in Montmorceny Co. He says he has expierence from there in administration. There was a part time sec. and a part time asst.
I do find this blog interesting as the rules only apply to those you want them to, not fair that he did not get an interview, but wait no one was interviewed.
Montmorency Co. he is appointed, it was ok then, rule change.
Mr.3 I really look forward to your review of the news tomorrow, I am sure that it will again allow us to understand a little more about you and what your real agenda is here.
I will close with this, Mr. Evans from his campaign material states, "I will be prosecution, not just administration" so how does that fit with your thoughts, I spend several hours each week in various courts, I see Ms.N-P there handling cases and yes making deals for plea bargains. Does that mean she has is incapable of doing both?
TS: Probably because they had a Judge Fisher too! (cut and pasted for TS)
TS: See words above, they imply similiar "appointment" tactics, backroom bargains, secret manuevering that we can only guess could have been going on, etc. You need to READ comments, no mention of Judge Fisher "keeping this man down." Where in the world did you get this idea from the sentence above? Geez, I hope you're not JNP.
Why would I cry foul, I would have to get the map out to know where this Mont county is. Why would I care what happens there? You are talking in riddles and circles!
If you have read my blog and comments here my agenda is very clear. But, you must read and digest, maybe underline things. Don't jump to conclusions and don't credit Fighters or anyone else's comments as mine.
BB: Now I may get anti-feminine, which TS implied lol I AM NOT AGAINST JNP. I wish you and TS would read these friggin comments and attribute the correct comments to the correct person who made them. I will not lose any sleep no matter who wins! I think I'm talking to a bunch of attorney's for sure!
BB: My employer doesn't mind my postings, since a good part of my job is to keep tabs on county races in a five county area. I speak on Barry stuff, because that is where I live. I speak on Allegan stuff too, because I have connections there and it comes up at the coffee shop I go to.
Never asked Julie for a job. Is she offering? ;) Puzzled.
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