Radzibon makes his re-election bid official
Probate Judge Ken Radzibon?s anticipated re-election announcement has the makings of the most interesting race in Presque Isle County in several years. Presque Isle County prosecutor Don McLennan publicly announced his candidacy for the position last week. Radzibon, who declared his candidacy March 20, was first elected to the position of probate judge in 1982. He is currently serving his fourth six-year term.
In filing for re-election, Radzibon said the need to help citizens and families is what prompted him to run for another term. ?The fact that the court works with families, seniors and children in dealing with and resolving problems within the family structure is what first attracted me to the position 24 years ago,? stated Radzibon in a press release. ?To me service to our families is one of the highest callings a judge can have and fills an important role in our society.?
SINCE THE FORMATION of Presque Isle County, the office of probate judge has been classified by the state of Michigan as part-time. Currently, the probate judge hears cases on probate estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health. The judge also officiates for marriages. Through a Family Court Plan with Circuit Court, the probate judge also hears cases involving juvenile delinquency, neglect/abuse, adoptions, name changes, divorces where minor children are involved, and personal protection order requests. Beginning in January 2007, the probate judge will be considered a full-time position and is authorized to hear cases in District Court.
?It is also anticipated that through agreement with the circuit judge, the probate judge will hear all of the divorce matters (including those with no minor children, as well as other Circuit Court cases),? stated Radzibon. ?What is still unclear is the exact nature of the additional work for District Court and Circuit Court as this will involve reaching a consensus with other judges who currentl
?THE ADDITIONAL work may involve the civil cases, criminal cases or a mix of the two types. The court the probate judge will be responsible for administering is the Probate and Family Court. Judge (Harold) Johnson will still be administering District Court and Judge (Scott) Pavlich will still be administering Circuit Court.? Radzibon is a 1974 graduate with distinction of the University of Michigan. He attended law school at the Detroit College of Law and graduated in 1977 with honors. He lives in Rogers City with his wife, Kathy. They have two daughters, Lisa Coolman and Rebecca Radzibon.
Radzibon is a member of the Rogers City Optimist Club and has served as a director for the United Communities Foundation. Since 2001, he has been an adjunct faculty member for Alpena Community College teaching Political Science, U.S. and Civil War History. He also worked with the Family Division of the 26th Circuit Court from 1997 to 2003 as a hearings referee and Family Division director.