For judicial candidate Mark Lyon, district court holds a special place in the legal system.
‘District courts are the ‘people’s court,?? said Lyon, 63, Independence Township attorney running to unseat incumbent Judge Dana Fortinberry for 52-2 District Court.
‘The district court is the place where most people encounter the legal system. The quality of their experience reflects on the court and the judicial system in general ? I consider it a position of public trust.?
This is his first campaign for public office.
‘Every lawyer, at a certain point in their career decide they want to be a judge,? he said. ‘I’m at the right place and the right time. I bring what I describe as a complete package to the citizens of this district.?
He would bring his life and legal experience, temperament, integrity, and honesty to the bench, he said.
‘Judges need to make decisions based on facts and evidence ? partiality stops at the courthouse door,? he said. ‘Lawyers, litigants, police officers all want an even break, and to be treated with respect.?
He favors diversion programs and other alternatives to prison for first-time youth offenders.
‘There are a number of opportunities in the law allowing for diversions,? he said. ‘Too many judges hit first-time offenders with sanctions that can cause irreparable damage.?
One factor: whether the defendant is before the court for the first time or is a multiple offender, he said.
‘There are times for leniency and times when leniency should not be granted,? he said. ‘It’s important for any judge who sits on the bench to know the difference.?
Lyon and his family moved to Rochester, Mich., from Maine in 1957, when he was 12 years old.
He attended Rochester schools and graduated from Wayne State University in 1967 with a degree in psychology.
The Vietnam War was in full swing when Lyon decided to enlist in the Army.
‘It was the right thing to do at the right time,? he said.
He earned a commission as second lieutenant at Officer Candidate School and volunteered to serve in Vietnam in 1970. He served a year-long tour as an intelligence officer with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
‘Being an American spending a year in a third-world country, it was eye opening ? life altering,? he said.
‘It showed how great this country is.?
He earned a Bronze Star and Soldier’s Medal for heroism for his service in Vietnam.
‘That’s insignificant compared to my comrades ? many gave much more,? he said. ‘I’m not a hero.?
After honorable discharge from the military in 1971, he earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology at Central Michigan University, after which he saw two paths for his career ? psychology or law.
‘I always wanted to go to law school,? he said. ‘Law school seemed like more of an adventure.?
He earned his doctorate at Thomas Cooley Law School in 1976, since then handling civil and criminal cases as a partner in Lyon, Colbert, and Bullard, as well as private practice. He also served as panelist and chairman on the state Attorney Discipline Board.
‘We made difficult decisions regarding which lawyer should be reprimanded, suspended, disbarred,? he said. ‘Clearly, there are some bad apples in the barrel, some are good lawyers who made a simple mistake. The wisdom of the panel is to recognize the difference.?
He currently serves on the Independence Township Zoning Board of Appeals, an appointed position.
‘When possible, we try our best to accommodate people,? he said.
He and his wife, Patricia, have two children, Martine and Benjamin.
Benjamin joined the Marine Corps after high school in 2000, and served in Iraq in 2003. Mark Lyon volunteered with the Marine family support network, keeping spouses and children of deployed Marines informed, as well as help them financially if needed.
‘We put on family days monthly ? lunch and a slide show from their Marines in Iraq,? he said. ‘I’ve never seen such a tough group of men and women in my life ? they are my American heroes.
He and his wife moved to Independence Township from Rochester last year.
‘We were downsizing our home,? he said. ‘We always liked the area.?
Lyon set up his campaign website, www.lyonforjudge.com, with link to fellow 52-2 District Court challengers Joseph Fabrizio and Frederick Miller.
‘This is a race based on credentials,? Lyon said. ‘I think my credentials far and away more than qualify me for this position.?
The election for the six-year, non-partisan seat is set for Aug. 5. Check www.ClarkstonNews.com for profiles on other candidates: type in candidates? names in the ‘site search? box.