Dec. 31, 2004 will mark the end of a long career in the judicial field for Judge Michael Batchik.
Due to a mandatory retirement age, Batchik must step down from his position in the 52-2 District Court, a fact neither he or those who work with him everyday in the Clarkston court are looking forward to.
‘The mandatory age requirement can sometimes be a good thing and sometimes be a bad thing,? Judge Dana Fortinberry said. ‘He is the exception to that rule.?
Fortinberry has served with Batchik on the bench in the 52-2 District Court for the past two years.
Before coming to Clarkston, Batchik served as judge in Novi’s 52-1 District Court, a position he took on in 1979.
‘Clarkston’s been a very good experience,? Batchik said. ‘The staff I’ve been working with is excellent.?
While in office in the 52-2, Batchik helped establish a community service program that spawned a community garden in Springfield Township.
‘It’s worked out really well,? Batchik said.
The community service program requires offenders to perform work for local charities in the area as well as cleanup work, such as the garden.
‘It’s been my opinion I’d rather see misdemeanors do service rather than be in jail,? Batchik said of the costs required to house criminals.
Batchik is also pleased to see the launch of a sobriety court for the 52-2. Second-time drunk driving offenders will be involved with an intense reporting program, according to Batchik. The program will feature thorough counseling and testing with court officials to eventually lead to probation.
‘That will keep them out of jail if they comply,? Batchik said.
Batchik believes some of the biggest problems facing the Clarkston area are offenses that are alcohol related. Drugs are also a problem as well.
‘Drugs are a big problem, even hard drugs, in this area,? Batchik said. ‘It’s not just in the inner cities, it’s in the suburbs.?
Because of his age, Batchik must step down from his position as judge at the end of the year. Due to a state-mandated rule, judges cannot run for re-election after the age 70. Batchik turned 70 this past April.
‘I’m not happy about being out because of age,? Batchik said. ‘I’m going to miss the work because I love what I do.?
Kelley Kostin and Larence Kozma are running for the vacant position in the court this fall. Batchik hasn’t followed the race or endorsed a candidate.
‘I’m sure whatever the electorate selects will be the best,? Batchik said.
Alongside Batchik on the Clarkston bench has been Fortinberry, a match he believes has worked well for the court.
‘It’s worked out well. We have similar philosophies,? Batchik said.
Fortinberry will miss working with Batchik as well.
‘As a new judge, to come in and spend the first two years with someone who has tremendous integrity and a keen sense of fairness, it’s been my pleasure to work with him,? Fortinberry said. ‘I’m going to miss him every day.?
While Batchik has no immediate plans once he leaves the bench, he does plan on adding his name to the list of visiting judges the courts utilize.
A golf fan, Batchik also enjoys flying planes. He has been doing so for the past 34 years.
‘I love to fly,? Batchik said.
A graduate of the Detroit College of Law in 1966, Batchik began practicing law at Powell, Peres, Carr, Jacques, Batchik and Schmidt until he became a judge in 1979.
Along with wife Connie, Batchik is the father of five children (Michael, Robert, Christopher, Patrice and Michele) and seven grandchildren.
‘I wish him much, much luck,? Fortinberry said.