The following is Watershed Voice’s candidate questionnaire for November’s St. Joseph County probate judge election. We will run all completed questionnaires from candidates in contested general election races in the order they’re received prior to Election Day.
Kevin Kane filled out our questionnaire. These are his answers. Kane faces Kelly Ward in the St. Joseph County probate judge election. Neither is an incumbent. Each seeks to succed Judge David Tomlinson.
Name: Kevin Kane
Age: 46
Address: 60583 Lennon Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091
Party affiliation: Non-Partisan
Are you an incumbent? No
Family (optional): I have been married for 21 to my wife Emily with 3 boys and 2 girls. We were foster care parents and adopted our 2 girls.
Background/Bio:
I grew up as one of six kids in Centreville, with divorced parents. My mother worked as a nurse practitioner for Three Rivers Hospital, local clinics, and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, while my father served 18 years in the Air Force. Four of us were born in different states before we settled in Centreville in 1984. After graduating from Centreville High School, I attended Western Michigan University and then Thomas Cooley Law School. I began my law practice in Centreville, right across from the courthouse. In 2018, I was offered the role of Caseworker Supervisor and Attorney Referee by Judge David C. Tomlinson, and I later became Director of the Juvenile Court.
Why did you choose to run for St. Joseph County Probate Judge?
I am running for Probate Judge to continue serving St. Joseph County in a judicial capacity. My extensive background as a St. Joseph County Attorney Referee, and leadership in juvenile programs such as the Juvenile Mental Health Court, and involvement in community initiatives like the Suicide Prevention Network and the Opioid Taskforce show commitment to justice, mental health, and community welfare. I am aiming to make a positive, long-lasting impact on families, children, and vulnerable individuals in the community. This role allows me to further extend my passion for public service and justice in areas that deeply matter to me.
Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?
I have not previously held a public office, but have served in a public leadership role in creating and chairing the St. Joseph County Suicide Prevention Network, the creator and Director of the Juvenile Mental Heath Court for St. Joseph County. I also sit on several boards such as the Opioid Task Force, Truancy Task Force, Child Trauma Assessment Group, Executive Committee, Judicial Committee, Human Services Commission. I am the former President of the St. Joseph County Bar Association.
What are the responsibilities of a county probate judge?
As Probate Judge, I will oversee estate administration, ensuring that assets are properly distributed and debts are settled. I’ll handle guardianships and conservatorships to protect vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. I’ll also preside over mental health cases, adoptions, and trust disputes, ensuring fair and compassionate resolutions. Additionally, I will monitor ongoing guardianships and conservatorships to ensure compliance with the law, prioritizing the well-being and legal protection of those in need.
What will be the most important issues you would face as a probate judge?
As Probate Judge, the most important issues I will face include protecting vulnerable individuals through guardianships and conservatorships, addressing mental health and substance abuse challenges, and ensuring fair estate management. I will also focus on resolving family disputes, overseeing adoptions, and working to safeguard the community’s well-being by collaborating with local services to respond to crises and support families in need. My goal is to provide compassionate, efficient justice while addressing these critical issues.
How will you work with St. Joseph County’s government and citizens, or any state officials, if elected?
If elected Probate Judge, I will continue to work closely with St. Joseph County’s government, local agencies, and citizens, just as I have throughout my career. I will collaborate with community leaders, law enforcement, and service providers to address issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and family welfare. I’ll maintain open communication with state officials to ensure that our local programs align with statewide initiatives and receive the support they need. By fostering strong relationships and continuing the collaborative approach I’ve always taken, I will ensure that we effectively serve the needs of the community.
How would your term in office differ from previous probate judge terms?
As someone endorsed by the current Probate Judge and having worked closely under his leadership, my term in office will build on the strong foundation he has established. While maintaining continuity in ensuring justice and protection for vulnerable individuals, I will bring a fresh perspective and expand on initiatives such as the Juvenile Mental Health Court and the Opioid Task Force, which I’ve been actively involved in. My focus will also include further digitizing the court’s systems for greater efficiency and accessibility. By blending tradition with innovation, I will honor the legacy of the current judge while adapting to the evolving needs of the community.
Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?
My prospective constituents should know that I am deeply committed to serving St. Joseph County with the same dedication and integrity that have guided me throughout my career. With years of experience as an Attorney Referee, working directly under the current Probate Judge, I’ve handled cases involving families, mental health, juvenile justice, and substance abuse. I’ve also led community initiatives like the Suicide Prevention Network and the Opioid Task Force, addressing critical challenges our county faces.
My platform is rooted in protecting vulnerable individuals, strengthening families, and ensuring fair, compassionate justice. I believe in transparency, community engagement, and adapting court processes to be more efficient and accessible. With a deep connection to this community and a track record of collaboration with local government and state officials, I am ready to serve as a Probate Judge who is both compassionate and effective. My goal is to build on the great work already done while ensuring that the court continues to evolve to meet the needs of our citizens.
