Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Ron L. Haywood. I have lived in Detroit for most of my life. I was educated in the Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Denby High School in Detroit. Early in my life, I had an interest in the practice of law. As a teenager, when most of my peers were out playing sports and having fun during summer vacation, I would go visit the Detroit Recorder’s Court in downtown Detroit. I watched many cases and found it interesting that many judges were African American. These role models gave me the belief that, not only could I go to law school, but I could also become a judge one day.

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I am the fifth child of six children born to the late Aaron and Addie Haywood. My parents believed in hard work, community and education. My father was a member of the UAW for over thirty years working first at Chrysler and later at General Motors.

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I finished college and worked as a probation/parole officer in New York City before returning to school to study law. One of the proudest moments of my life was when my mother and family watched me walk across the stage during my law school graduation. Although my parents are both deceased, I stand on the shoulders and foundation of their love and support that allowed me to become an attorney.

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Recently, I was appointed as an Administrative Hearing Officer by the Department of Appeals and Hearings for Detroit. In this position, I hear cases dealing with city blight, dangerous buildings and appeals from other city administrative departments. I love this position as it gives me the opportunity to help keep Detroit clean and safe. Although I have not been in this position long, I had to make a ruling against the City for failure to properly serve their respondents which led to approximately twenty dismissed cases. It was a hard decision; however, I believe that the law must be followed by all.

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Prior to becoming an Administrative Hearing Officer, I worked as a prosecutor for Wayne County for twenty-three years. This was a wonderful experience and opportunity to learn the law, serve the people and seek justice for crime victims. I believe in justice and fairness for all. In this position, I took stances in not charging people when I believed the evidence was insufficient to prove that the suspects were responsible. Sometimes that position put me in opposition to law enforcement agencies and my superiors. However, I believe that justice is the most important duty.

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I have been a Moot Court Judge for the last five years helping to train the next generation in the legal field. I would like to use my positon as a judge to expand these programs to the entire city. These programs will ensure that we have strong legal talent and future leaders.

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It would be a great honor to serve Wayne County again. I hope you all will endorse my candidacy and vote for me on November 5, 2024 for Wayne County Probate Court Judge.

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Sincerely,

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Ron L. Haywood