[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 33 (Monday, February 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE JAMES KANDREVAS' 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE 
                          28TH DISTRICT COURT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge James 
Kandrevas on the occasion of his retirement after serving 30 years as 
the 28th District Judge in Southgate, Michigan. His significant 
contributions to the Southgate community are worthy of commendation.
  Judge Kandrevas grew up in River Rouge and as a young man, he worked 
as a steelworker on Zug Island. This experience encouraged him to 
pursue a degree from Wayne State University. In 1970, he earned a law 
degree from the Detroit College of Law. After passing the bar, he was a 
litigator and served as Southgate's city attorney, eventually serving 
as Southgate's Municipal Judge from 1973 to 1979. He became Mayor of 
the City of Southgate in 1983 and remained in that role until 1990. 
During his time as Mayor, he stabilized city employee pensions, 
established a center for senior citizens, and expanded recreation 
programs.
  In 1990, Judge Kandrevas was elected Judge of the 28th District Court 
and has served five consecutive six-year terms. During his tenure on 
the court, he has made an impact on the lives of many. Judge Kandrevas 
is known for his administration of special courts for drug abusers and 
military veterans with emotional and personal problems. He has also 
directed special operations that include counseling, mentoring, 
rehabilitation, recovery, and treatment as an alternative to jail 
sentences. His court has helped many veterans and civilians turn their 
lives around when they have found themselves in trouble with the law. 
Although he is retiring, Judge Kandrevas' time in the courtroom is not 
yet done--he will be allowed to remain on the bench as a visiting 
judge.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Judge James 
Kandrevas for his exemplary 30 years of public service. He has 
effectively served Southgate and the state of Michigan in his role as 
the 28th District Judge. I join with Judge Kandrevas' family, friends, 
and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.

                          ____________________