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Two candidates run for Presque Isle County probate judge

JAMES GILBERT

ROGERS CITY — Voters in Presque Isle County will have two nonpartisan candidates to choose from for the soon-to-be vacant probate judge seat.

James Gilbert and Kimberly Gildner seek in the Nov. 5 election to replace current Judge Erik Stone and serve a six-year term behind the bench.

Gilbert has worked as a probate attorney for many years and said he has defended the rights of parents and children. He said the many types of cases he has worked on has prepared him to be a judge.

Gilbert said he is running for judge to help families in Presque Isle County.

“Because of my exposure to probate court and all of the cases I have had in Presque Isle County for so many years, it has prepared me to be a judge and help the citizens of the county,” he said. “I’m not just doing this to get the title ‘judge’ before my name.”

KIMBERLY GILDNER

Gildner is an attorney referee for the family division of the 26th Circuit Court in Alpena County. She is also a grant specialist and strategic partner liaison at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Gildner said she has worked hard to get positive outcomes for children and families in Alpena County and she believes she can have a larger impact as a judge in Presque Isle County. She said there are a lot of resources available to families, children, the elderly, and those who suffer from mental health issues that the court can use to gain positive results. She said steps need to be taken so such resources are utilized more often.

“I am deeply committed to serving our community, especially the vulnerable individuals who depend on the courts to protect their well-being and rights,” she said. “These include children, the elderly, and struggling parents or individuals. With over 20 years of experience in probate law and nearly a decade as an attorney referee, I understand the critical need for a probate judge who is fair, compassionate, and decisive.”

Gilbert and Gildner say a more solid foundation for families is key to the success of children, as it helps them do better in school and out of the court system when they get older.

Gilbert said he was raised in a traditional family and the choices his parents made during his upbringing helped set him up on the path to success.

“Having a solid family unit is extremely important,” he said. “Studies show that kids that don’t do well don’t have a strong family unit, and I will work hard to keep families strong and work with them to provide the best outcome possible.”

Gildner said that, often, people need the support of the ones they love to bounce back from hardship. She said that includes family and other people.

“I am a strong supporter of families that help struggling individuals work with the community resources that are available to them,” Gildner said. “Fictive or biological, friend or family, I believe that supporters are essential to helping a vulnerable person take full advantage of community resources.”

While Election Day is Nov. 5, many people have already started voting absentee.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.

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