Gov. Rick Snyder received praise
from far and wide – from Republicans and Democrats – on Wednesday for his
choice of Macomb Chief Circuit Judge David Viviano to serve on the state
Supreme Court. And it was justified.
from far and wide – from Republicans and Democrats – on Wednesday for his
choice of Macomb Chief Circuit Judge David Viviano to serve on the state
Supreme Court. And it was justified.
A Republican, Viviano is
respected in Macomb County legal circles for his humility, fairness and
intelligence. But he also had a big advantage as Snyder sorted through all the
contenders for the open seat on the high court.
respected in Macomb County legal circles for his humility, fairness and
intelligence. But he also had a big advantage as Snyder sorted through all the
contenders for the open seat on the high court.
Viviano is good friends with Robert
Young, the chief justice of the Supreme Court. In fact, they’re more than
friends. Apparently they are intellectual soul mates who engage in long, deep
conversations about the law and public policy.
Young, the chief justice of the Supreme Court. In fact, they’re more than
friends. Apparently they are intellectual soul mates who engage in long, deep
conversations about the law and public policy.
Within minutes after Snyder
announced his appointment, Young put out a fairly lengthy press release that
gushed about Viviano’s qualities: “exceptional … outstanding … invaluable …
forward-thinking.”
announced his appointment, Young put out a fairly lengthy press release that
gushed about Viviano’s qualities: “exceptional … outstanding … invaluable …
forward-thinking.”
What a heady day it was for
Judge Viviano. His loss to Eric Smith in the 2004 election for an open seat for
Macomb County prosecutor must seem like ancient history. That loss, coming when
Viviano was just 32 years old, was followed by election to the circuit court
two years later and an elevation to chief judge in January 2012.
Judge Viviano. His loss to Eric Smith in the 2004 election for an open seat for
Macomb County prosecutor must seem like ancient history. That loss, coming when
Viviano was just 32 years old, was followed by election to the circuit court
two years later and an elevation to chief judge in January 2012.
Following that 2004 election,
no one could have dreamed how quickly Viviano’s fortunes would rise.
no one could have dreamed how quickly Viviano’s fortunes would rise.
Could it be that’s what happens
when you lose to Smith?
when you lose to Smith?
If so, Mike Wrathell, hang in
there. You’ve got big things coming your way.
there. You’ve got big things coming your way.
