By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — The pending retirement of 23rd District Court Judge William J. Sutherland — the second half of the “Nicita and Sutherland” courthouse in which he serves — has opened a judicial seat being sought by five attorneys in the Aug. 5 primary election.
Sutherland’s service to Taylor dates back to 1968 when he helped draft the city’s charter, and soon joined Judge Anthony Nicita as the first municipal judges.
Appointed by the state Supreme Court to serve in Detroit Recorder’s Court, Sutherland was then named 23rd District Court judge in 1980.
Five attorneys will appear on the primary ballot, and the top two vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 4 general election. Voters will be asked to select one of the following:
John A. Gyorgy, 62, a University of Detroit Law School graduate who has served as an appointed magistrate of the 23rd District Court. Gyorgy has been a private practice attorney and has served as prosecutor for Southgate and Brownstown Township. Gyorgi — who began his career working for Bill DeBiasi on Eureka Road— has kept a law office in the city for more than 30 years.
Joseph D. Slaven, 43, an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Slaven has served as clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Donald Scheer and is a graduate of both the University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Slaven has authored several law books and legal text books.
Aaron T. Speck, 54, graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and is owner/attorney at All Legal Solutions. Speck has represented thousands of Taylor residents and businesses, and has maintained a business and practice in the city for nearly 30 years.
Kathleen A. Tulacz, 50, graduated from Wayne State University School of Law and serves as a public criminal defense attorney. A lifelong Taylor resident, Tulacz has been practicing since 2001 and was actively involved in the community while raising her four children.
Warren D. Water-man, 56, a Kennedy High School graduate who received his law degree from the University of Miami. Waterman has been practicing for nearly 30 years and served as 23rd District Court magistrate for seven years. Waterman has been a Taylor Auxiliary Police officer and reserve commander of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)