Governor Whitmer Appoints Mathes, Reappoints Fisher, Jones, and Walker to MIDC
On September 19, 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission:
James H. Fisher, of Grand Rapids, is of counsel for Dickinson Wright, PLLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from General Motors Institute and a Juris Doctor degree from the Wayne State University Law School. Mr. Fisher is reappointed to represent members submitted by the Michigan Judges Association for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.
David W. Jones, of Detroit, is a partner with Allen Brothers, PLLC. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and a Bachelor of Science in Corporation Finance from Wayne State University. Mr. Jones is reappointed to represent members submitted by the State Bar of Michigan for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.
Paula B. Mathes, of Muskegon, is a judge with the 60th District Court of Muskegon County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs from Tulane University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas Cooley Law School. Judge Mathes is appointed to represent members submitted by the District Judges Association for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026. She succeeds Judge Kristina Robinson Garrett whose term expired April 1, 2022.
Gary L. Walker, of Marquette, is retired after serving as the prosecutor for Marquette County and the township supervisor for Chocolay Charter Township. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan. Mr. Walker is reappointed to represent former prosecuting attorneys or former assistant county prosecuting attorneys for a term commencing September 19, 2022, and expiring April 1, 2026.
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.
These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Read the full press release here.