Editor, Times-Union:
I am writing in support of Jack Birch for judge of the Kosciusko Circuit Court.
After nearly 49 years as a lawyer, I continue my active law practice. I have represented plaintiffs and defendants in many significant civil cases (both jury trials and trials to the judge) and in many serious criminal cases (murders, rape, bank robbery, and the like). My practice has included many complex commercial and estate planning transactions. I opened my law practice in Warsaw 43 years ago. That is my vantage point for evaluating Jack Birch and his qualifications to be our next Circuit Court judge.
I met Jack Birch 33 years ago when he was fresh out of law school. During the past three decades plus, Jack and I have been opposing counsel in numerous cases, and we have worked cooperatively in representing our respective clients in corporate, commercial, real estate, and probate matters. As an experienced lawyer, I have my conclusions about the qualities that make for an outstanding judge: integrity and character; legal knowledge, experience and competence; intelligence; self-control; and an understanding of the people and culture. Moreover, I want to see a judge who interprets and applies the existing Constitution, statutes and case law to the facts of the case (as opposed to judicial legislating). These are the qualities that I see in Jack Birch and because of these qualities, Jack will serve us well as our next Kosciusko Circuit Court judge.
Precious Pam and I just voted for Jack Birch for judge of the Kosciusko Circuit Court, and we recommend that you do so as well.
Paul D. (“Rafe”) Refior
Warsaw, via email