Candidate Q&A: Miriam Cavanaugh, Candidate for Probate Judge

Brighton and Hartland Patch has sent out a survey to candidates running for office to represent Livingston County. The following is the Q&A response from Miriam Cavanaugh, Candidate for Probate Judge.

Patch: How long have you lived in Livingston County?

Cavanaugh: I have lived in Livingston county almost my entire life.  My family moved to Brighton when I was 10 years old and I grew up here. I attended Brighton high school, earning academic honors as well as all-state honors as a soccer player.  I graduated from Brighton high school in 1993 and went on to college and law school at the university of Detroit mercy. Following law school I returned to Livingston county with my husband and (at that time) 3-year-old son. We purchased a home in Oceola Township and have been raising our own family here in livingston county since 2004.  

We currently are the proud parents of 3 children, who attend Howell Public schools. We are very active and involved in the community through soccer, hockey and baseball programs.

Patch: What community/civic organizations are you currently involved in?

Cavanaugh:

• Former member of Livingston county child abuse prevention (CAP) council
• Member of Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce 
• Parent volunteer at Hutchings Elementary
• Former volunteer soccer coach in Howell parks and recreation as well as Hartland soccer club 
• Member at st. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brighton

Patch: What personal and professional experiences make you qualified to hold that position?

Cavanaugh: Served in the Livingston County Prosecutors Office since 2003 as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, currently a Senior Trial Attorney, practiced in every courtroom in Livingston County, tried numerous cases ranging from drunk driving and domestic violence to criminal sexual assault and child abuse and neglect.  I have spent the majority of career handling juvenile court matters, a large part of the part of the Probate Court docket.  

Trained as a child forensic interviewer.  Former law clerk for the Hon. Christopher Murray of the Michigan Court of Appeals and former Pre-hearing research attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Personal experience: Wife and mother of 3 children.  I Understand the challenges facing our families, also understand the joys of family life and can use that experience to strengthen families and family values in Livingston County through the Probate Court.  As a mother of three children, I have daily experience making decisions regarding the best interests of children and families.

Patch: What is the most important issue facing the county related to your position and what do you intend to do about it during your term in office?

Cavanaugh: Some of most important issues facing Livingston County relative to the Probate Court is the dramatic increase in child abuse and neglect in Livingston County and the drug epidemic among our youth, specifically the use of synthetic Marij. (aka K2 and LOL, etc.).

If elected, I intend to make these issues a priority and work to ensure the necessary and appropriate services are in place to assist struggling families and to protect our children, as well as holding juvenile offenders accountable.

The election for the probate judgeship will be on the November 6 ballot without a primary election.  If you have any further questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me on my Facebook page.