Sniegowski announces circuit court judge candidacy

Susan Sniegowski

UPDATED. LUDINGTON — Former Mason County Prosecutor Susan Sniegowski has announced her candidacy for 51st Circuit Court Judge. Sniegowski is the first to announce her campaign to replace retiring Judge Richard Cooper. The 51st Circuit Court comprises all of Mason and Lake counties.  Sniegowski has obtained required signatures on nominating petitions and will be filing candidacy paperwork in Lansing this week.

If elected, Sniegowski will become the first female judge in Mason County. She was also the first female prosecutor.

Sniegowski has been practicing law locally since 1999.  She currently represents individuals, families and businesses in private practice as well as representing the City of Ludington in misdemeanor criminal cases and as the city’s Freedom of Information Act coordinator.   Sniegowski served one term as Mason County prosecutor before being defeated by current prosecutor Paul Spaniola.

The circuit court is a court of general jurisdiction hearing both civil and criminal cases.  This includes civil cases with an amount in controversy of over $25,000, family law cases and felony criminal cases.

Sniegowski received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and Juris Doctor from the University of Denver.  She has been actively involved in the local community in volunteer positions.  She currently serves as the chairperson of the Mason County Bar Association, volunteer attorney for the COVE Legal Clinic, annual support committee for Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, Franklin Elementary PTC, and is on the board of directors of West Shore Youth for Christ.  She lives in Ludington with her husband Tom and their son.

Judge Cooper has served on the 51st Circuit Court bench for over 30 years.