Dear Editor,

With less than a week before the local elections, I would like to again share my knowledge of Karin McGrath, candidate for judge of the Kosciusko County Superior Court 3.

Karin has significant experience in Superior Court 3 prosecuting hundreds of criminal cases, as well as the thousands of cases she has handled in the other Kosciusko County Courts. She has tried multiple jury trials including felony OWIs and OWI Causing Death in Superior Court 3.

Karin also serves as the attorney for the Town of Silver Lake, handles general civil litigation including small claims and landlord/tenant matters, serves as a public defender qualified to handle all felonies except murder, and has had substantial practice in family law. She is held in high regard by her colleagues in Kosciusko County, as well as surrounding counties.

Some of the candidates currently running for this position have had little or no exposure to some of these legal situations; one candidate has never participated in a criminal trial to the bench (judge) or to a jury. As a public defender, he is only qualified to handle the lowest level Felony offenses, F6s, punishable by a maximum of 2½ years of jail time. Superior Court 3 handles Felony charges as high as level F2, punishable by up to 30 years of prison time.

The responsibility of a judge is to assure the law is being followed and is carried out in every case. Karin has the ability, desire, tenacity, and dedication to making sure every person in front of her bench have their rights represented. Her past and current work in the judicial system of Kosciusko County has proven her ability to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a Judge.

It is not the number of years working as an attorney, or an individual’s gender, but their demeanor, life experience, and overall exposure to several crucial areas in the judicial system that contribute to their overall competence to serve as a judge in our county. We should elect the candidate that best embodies the overall exposure to the court system who will preside on the bench of the Kosciusko County Superior Court 3 with integrity, compassion, and a powerful understanding of the law. And that person is Karin McGrath.

Sally Mahnken
Syracuse