The task of blending two unique judicial cultures is formidable and one with which other courts in Michigan continue to struggle. 1998 proved to be the year in which the Ninth Circuit Court met and exceeded that challenge and set the example for other courts in Michigan. I am pleased to report that we reached the status of one consolidated and functionally reorganized Circuit Court in Kalamazoo County.
Details continue to be resolved.
I also am happy to say our reorganization prepared us for the new millennium. Although the judges contribution to the reorganization was important, the principal credit for the advanced position of our court today goes to our dedicated staff who continue to work tirelessly to bring all the details together. The citizens served by this court can be justifiably proud of their public servants who are second to none. We are grateful to the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners for its financial and moral support in our reorganization and in the establishment of our Family Court Center. The Center allows us to consolidate all family matters on one site making service to our families easier to deliver and much more user friendly.