Although he is running unopposed we felt residents would like to know about who they are voting for, and Judge Burin agreed to talk to the Star about his candidacy. We met in his office in the Town Hall Thursday (11/03).

William Burin: (Laughs) I don't know how I can answer the first part of it! (He is the only candidate running for the position in this election.) The benefits I bring to the job are that I've been a Justice now for 12 years and I believe I'm experienced. I've been, I believe, a very effective judge.

LS: Why did you want to become a judge?

WB: I've been in law enforcement all my life. I was on the police force for 25 years, and then the position came open and I thought I would run for it. I got elected and I've been here for 12 years.

LS: How do you approach cases? Do you tend to be more on the letter of the law, or spirit of the law?

WB: It all depends on the individual. Everything depends on each individual case. It depends on the charge, how serious it is. If I see the person more than once or twice I have a tendency not to be too lenient, and I'll possibly do something harsher than I would have done originally.

LS: How do you separate political or philosophical beliefs from judgments in cases?

WB: It's not even a factor. I can't judge that way.

LS: In a local court like ours you must know some of the defendants. How do you handle those situations? Are there problems dealing with residents you have ruled against in a small community?

WB: Once again it all depends on the charge the individual has against them. It is true, yes, there are a lot of people who come into the court who live in this community and that I know. I have to treat them all the same. , pertaining to whatever their charges are. I can't do anything differently.

LS: Should judges be elected or appointed? (Why?)

WB: I believe they should be elected. I believe the people have the right to choose what Justice they want in their home town, as compared to appointing someone because it's a political appointment or whatever. I just believe the people should have a choice.

LS: If you could change something in the system in Lansing what would it be and how would you change it?

WB: I don't think we need much of a change in our system in Lansing. I think we're doing a pretty good job here. I don't think we need to change anything.

LS: What would you like to say about your candidacy that I haven't asked you?

WB: I've been a lifelong resident in Lansing. This is a good community. I was brought up in the community and I feel that I am serving the community by being the local Town Justice.

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