Two new judges, Circuit Judge Harry Gill (Left), and District Judge Mark Janer, were sworn in by Circuit Judge Joseph Sheeran at the State Theatre in Bay City.
Swearing In of Judges Gill, Janer Draws Full House to State Theatre
December 26, 2010
By: Dave Rogers
It was more like a prelude to a huge party than a judicial event in a dull courthouse setting.
The historic State Theatre in Bay City was packed to the rafters as two new judges, Circuit Judge Harry Gill, and District Judge Mark Janer, were sworn in by Circuit Judge Joseph Sheeran.
Circuit Judge Joseph Sheeran
(MyBayCity Photo by Julie McCallum)
The theatre stage was crowded with every judge in town, and several others from Saginaw, Midland and the northern hinterlands.
"My dad always told me, it's not what they say about you when you start, it's what they say about you when you leave," said Judge Gill later. "I hope to live up to everybody's expectations, and I will do the best I can to the extent of my abilities. I hope people will be proud of the job I do."
Judge Gill admitted he was trying to fill big shoes, following in the footsteps of retired Bill Caprathe. "It's like a rookie following a Hall of Famer. I just hope to measure up to his standards."
Family members helped the new judges put on their robes for the first time on the theatre stage.
Each Judge gave effusive thanks to family, friends and supporters, and Judge Gill remarked tearfully about his late wife, Vikki, who died in October 2009. "She needed help in her last days and her love and support, despite the pressures she was facing, had a lot to do with my success.
Judge Janer also showed emotion as he recollected his (Janer's) father's inspiration during his early legal career. "
Here Comes the Judge is what my dad would say anytime I came home for holidays," Janer said. "My dad was my inspiration."
Kathy Janer presented the gavel to her husband, newly sworn in Judge Mark Janer. "He's so fair," Mrs. Janer said. "Bay City is getting a great Judge."
(MyBayCity Photo By Julie McCallum)
Judge Harry Gill takes the oath of office surrounded by family members
(MyBayCity Photo By Julie McCallum)
Area Judges came to the State Theatre for the Investiture of newly-elected Judges Harry Gill and Mark Janer.
(MyBayCity Photo By Julie McCallum)
New District Judge Mark Janer celebrates with his sons, from left, Aaron, 20, student at Saginaw Valley State University; Drew, 18 All Saints High senior; Ryan, 22, student at Ashland (OH) University; and Justin, 26, Central Michigan University graduate studying for his CPA exam. Another son, Brett, 24, is in New York working for IBM Corp.
(MyBayCity Photo by Dave Rogers)
(Julie McCallum & O. J. Cunningham contributed to this article)