Larence Kozma and Kelley Kostin shared similar viewpoints on major issues facing the Clarkston community during the League of Women Voter’s 52-2 District Court Candidate Forum on Oct. 11.
Issues such as alternative sentencing programs, youth alcohol use and technology in the court room were addressed.
Kozma and Kostin were asked for their opinions on how to best create safe alternative sentencing programs, such as community gardens, after the uproar that surfaced when Clarkston residents protested against such a project on the old McCord farm in Independence Township.
Kostin believes that such work programs are vital to the community, but must be made public to the surrounding residents.
‘The citizens were very correct in saying there was possibly a problem,? Kostin said.
To alleviate future problems, Kostin maintained she would always notify the community of what was happening, and if that didn’t work, look into other ideas.
‘If we can’t do that, we should look at other programs,? Kostin said.
Kozma also believed notifying the public was key to a successful alternative sentencing project.
‘It has to be open. People have to have notice,? Kozma said. ‘People must be assured that they are going to be safe and children will be safe in the community.?
He stressed the importance of making the work endeavor open only to nonviolent criminals to keep the surrounding communities safe.
Kostin and Kozma were also in agreement over the biggest problem facing teenagers in the court today: drug and alcohol use.
‘We’re trying to stop drinking at a young age for their benefit,? Kozma said.
If elected, Kozma hopes to institute volunteer probation officers to work with young offenders of drug and alcohol charges.
Kostin also found minors in possession, or MIPs, to be the biggest youth challenge facing the 52-2 District Court. To try and cut down on those offenses, Kostin stressed the importance of preventative methods, such as the ‘Courts in School? program and sobriety court.
‘The kids in high school and/or middle school can see the consequences of these actions,? Kostin said. ‘I think education is extremely important.?
Keeping with the alcohol-related offenses, both Kostin and Kozma agreed that first-time drunk driving charges must be evaluated on a case-by-case situation.
The two also agreed on increasing the use of technology in the court, such as instituting video arraignments.
‘I think technology should be used to increase productivity and accessibility to the public,? Kozma said.
A unique topic brought before the candidates was the issue of serving jury duty for local residents. Both candidates value the importance of the civic duty.
‘Jury duty is a sacred right,? Kostin said. She acknowledged the different aspects that can arise from job and family demands, but maintained citizens are obligated to serve.
‘Jury duty is just that: an obligation,? Kozma said.
Kozma reminded the audience that while special circumstances do arise, if all citizens backed out of jury duty, there would be no juries at all.
During closing remarks, Kozma brought up a letter sent by Judge Dana Fortinberry criticizing the tactics of Kostin and how, in turn, she responded to it.
‘This conduct by my opponent is not an example of judicial temperament,? Kozma said.
Kostin responded by reminding the audience of her experience and community involvement.
‘I have integrity. I’ve never attacked a judge; a judge attacked me,? Kostin said.
Whoever wins the open position in this race will serve with Fortinberry in the 52-2 District Court.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 2.