The voters of Lucas County made a good choice when they supported Lindsay D. Navarre to replace retiring Judge Ruth Ann Franks for Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge (Oct. 30, “New Judge Navarre ready to take bench”).

Both judges have an excellent long, proven track record for serving their community as prosecutors. Judge Franks continued her dedicated service as a Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge, paying particular attention to justice for the victims of crimes. 

Judge Navarre will now take on that most important responsibility of protecting not only the rights of the victims and protection of all citizens in our community but the rights of the accused as well.

All of us in Lucas County owe our respect and heartfelt thanks to Judge Franks for her many years of service. 

I know of no past or present judicial servant in Lucas County who more justly sentenced convicted criminals to punishment deserving of the heinous crimes committed against their victims. Judge Franks was a judge who showed compassion for a defendant who deserved it but no sympathy for the defendant who was unworthy.

FRANK STILES

Monclova Township

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Columns reminder to be loving, kind

I was absolutely delighted to read the David Brooks column, “Try using love and compassion to soften the fanatic’s heart” and Garrison Keillor’s, “A columnist walks into bar in Oregon,” on Oct. 26.

Both are extraordinarily positive and validating for those of us who, in this time of national stress and discord, are doing our best to be respectful, loving, and kind.

JANE V. LUTZ

Petersburg, Mich.

First Published November 6, 2017, 12:30 p.m.