The Isabella County Prosecutor position is contested for the first time since 1992, which means this is the first time in more than 15 years incumbent Larry Burdick will compete to keep his position.

Burdick’s opponent, Thomas Weiss, has been in private practice since 2000 following a 20-year career in banking.

Along with his extensive prosecuting career, Burdick has supervised almost 50,000 criminal cases and has been a business law instructor at Mid Michigan Community College for 22 years.

The experience factor alone should make voters realize Burdick is the right choice in continuing the position.

His experience, community involvement, rapport with Central Michigan University, trust between judges and thorough investigation of the noose case this past year should earn voters’ trust.

On the other hand, Burdick decided not to issue any charges of ethnic intimidation related to the four hanging noose in the Engineering and Technology Building almost a year ago. He did, however, along with the FBI, conduct an investigation that warranted reviewing 100,000 Web images and personal documents from the suspect’s personal computer.

Burdick said he did this because both his office and the FBI would be able to see if anything suggested his actions were racially motivated.

In addition, Burdick has a solid relationship with Isabella judges. They know he will make sound decisions that are appropriate for each case. On the other hand, bringing a new prosecutor that judges are unfamiliar with could complicate the process.

Burdick’s final decision not to press charges after the noose incident showed an admirable level of restraint. Despite considerable pressure from activist groups on and off campus, Burdick acted appropriately and did not pursue a case that simply was not there.

Also, Burdick has degrees from CMU. He supports the university and its community.

Most importantly, Burdick knows the Isabella County system.

He has prosecuted so many cases in his time that he knows how to make the right decisions. Weiss has been in private practice for eight years, but has not prosecuted a case in his career. Obviously, he does not know the ropes like Burdick.

Yes, we want change in some aspects. But the Isabella County prosecuting attorney needs to be someone with experience who is known to be fair – just like Burdick.

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