[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING GARFIELD HOOD ON HIS RETIREMENT AS CHIEF JUDGE OF MICHIGAN'S 
                           12TH CIRCUIT COURT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2008

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Honorable Garfield 
W. Hood on his 35 years of service. Judge Hood retires this year as 
Chief Judge of Michigan's 12th Circuit Court, serving Houghton, 
Keweenaw and Baraga Counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I ask that 
you, Madam Speaker, and the entire U.S. House of Representatives, join 
me in honoring and thanking Judge Hood for service to the people of 
Houghton, Baraga and Keweenaw Counties.
  Garfield Hood, or Gar to most, moved to Baraga County after law 
school to take the position of tribal attorney for the Keweenaw Bay 
Indian Community. He was appointed Baraga County Probate Judge in 1972, 
the youngest person in the State of Michigan to hold the job, and 
continued to serve as a tribal attorney and worked private practice in 
the Western Upper Peninsula. Since 1990, Judge Hood has been Circuit 
Court Judge for Michigan's 12th Circuit. Judge Hood and his wife, Sue, 
reside in Baraga County. Together they have raised three wonderful 
daughters.
  Judge Hood came to the bench by appointment in 1972. Then-Governor 
William Milliken needed someone to fill the Baraga County Probate 
judgeship and Hood was the only attorney in town. A few years later, he 
was hooked and in 1990 ran for election to the 12th Circuit Court.
  Judge Hood has enjoyed the variety of his work as judge and his 
interactions with the people he serves. On average, Judge Hood ruled on 
9,200 cases a year--7,000 civil and more than 2,000 criminal matters. 
The attorneys, judges and staff who have spent the majority of their 
careers arguing cases in front of Judge Hood or working for him, say 
the courtroom won't be the same without him.
  Madam Speaker, Judge Hood has been an intrinsic part of Michigan's 
judicial system as a member of the 12th Circuit Court. I ask that you 
and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join with me in thanking 
Garfield Hood for his 35 years of service and in wishing him well as he 
embarks on his retirement.

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