11/18/2006

28th Circuit Court judge to retire

By
Record-Eagle staff writer

CADILLAC — Circuit Court Judge Charles D. Corwin intentionally waited until after the election to announce his retirement.

Corwin said he's neither Democrat nor Republican but he wanted the person who was elected governor to select his replacement.

"Whoever the people chose as governor, I wanted that person to make the decision,” Corwin said.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm will select a replacement for Corwin, who since 1991 served as judge for the 28th Circuit Court, which includes Wexford and Missaukee counties.

In 1984, Gov. James Blanchard appointed Corwin district judge.

Corwin said he is retiring after 22 years on the bench so he can spend more time with his family.

He said his wife recently retired and the couple wants to spend more time with their four children and four grandchildren.

The vacancy will be posted on the Michigan State Bar Web site, applicants will be interviewed and graded and a list will be passed on to Granholm to make a decision, said Heidi Watson, a spokeswoman for the governor.

Corwin's successor will be required to run for election in November 2008.