This is a letter in support for Donna Bacolor Howard, who is running for Berrien County District Judge on Nov. 4.

Donna grew up in Benton Township and along with her three siblings, graduated from Lake Michigan Catholic High School and the University of Michigan.

Donna received her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University in Detroit.

I recruited Donna’s father, Dr. Rudy Bacolor, to the area back in the early 1970s to fill a need in our community for a qualified physician, so I have known Donna and her family for more than 40 years. I can attest to Donna’s dedication to her profession and the integrity and kindness in how she treats others, no doubt no doubt characteristics she learned from both her father and mother, Rae, a nurse.

Donna has practiced law in Michigan for 17 years (the last 10 here in Southwest Michigan) and is in her second term serving on the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly for Berrien County.

Donna has admirably served as corporate council for Berrien County since January 2011. She is well respected among her peers and has always worked hard.

She is a United Way volunteer, a member of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club and involved in many other local, school and church volunteer causes.

She won the primary on Aug. 5 against Brian Sauer and Stephen Smith. That speaks volumes.

I have always admired Donna’s intelligence, ambition and ethics. She will be an excellent judge for years to come. This county has a long record of special judges and it will be good to have another fine female judge on the bench. You will be proud you voted for Donna on the nonpartisan slate on Nov. 4.

 

John H. Carter, MD

St. Joseph