Mary Ellen Brennan

What is your position on smoke-free Michigan or smoke-free Oakland County (depending on office sought)?

I do favor a smoke-free Oakland because of the proven dangers of secondhand smoke. I respect the right of a person to choose to smoke. However, the workplace and places open to the public should be smoke-free because of the harm of secondhand smoke exposure to the workers and customers. Children should not be exposed to secondhand smoke under any circumstances. Smoking related illnesses cost Michigan taxpayers money. Smoke-free legislation strikes the balance between an individual’s right to smoke and the right of other citizens to be free of secondhand smoke.

What is your position on the medical marijuana ballot initiative?

This is a tough issue because it is an attempt to ease the suffering of folks dealing with debilitating illnesses. No compassionate person wants to get in the way of easing someone's pain. The proposal allows for seriously ill patients with the approval of their primary-care doctor to possess and use marijuana for medical purposes to treat their symptoms. There is evidence that marijuana as a drug offers relief to people who are truly suffering. The concerns I have are the potential for abuse and difficulties with regulation. I do believe this is an important discussion and at some level there is value in the drug to alleviate suffering. I support the research being done to develop drugs that include THC. I think at this time, more research needs to be done but there may be legitimate medical uses for marijuana down the line.

How would you address the issue of underage drinking?

When any person under 21 years old drinks alcohol, they are engaging in ‘underage drinking’ and it is against the law. As a society, we need to talk openly and often about underage drinking. It is critical that all adults send a consistent message that underage drinking is never OK. As a Judge, I will work with young people (visit schools, invite classrooms to court) to emphasize the dangers of drinking- especially underage. When young people drink, they cause harm to their bodies and developing brain, they set themselves up for bad decision-making and they leave themselves vulnerable to physical or sexual assault. My message will be that underage drinking leads to dangerous behavior and it is never acceptable. As a judge, I will also work to identify young people who are involved with or at risk for underage drinking. Adults who provide alcohol to minors are breaking the law and will be dealt with accordingly. As a Mom, I will talk openly and often with my kids about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking.

What is your position on using liquor license revenue as a way to generate additional revenue for the state and local municipalities?

The previous question addressed the issue of underage drinking. As a community, we need to be mindful that our young people are watching us and learning from our example. Currently, alcoholic beverages can only be sold for consumption on the premises of licensed hotels, bars and restaurants. However, nonprofit organizations can obtain a special license that allows for the sale of alcohol for special events (i.e. a fundraiser or festival). The organizations can get up to 12 licenses per calendar year. I would not favor expanding the allowance of licenses as a way to generate additional revenue for state and local municipalities.

What have you done to support substance abuse prevention in your community?

I have been a lawyer for 18 years- 10 years as a prosecutor. During that time, I have seen the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on people’s lives. I have met with adults in their 50’s who have lengthy criminal histories for minor offenses all attributable to substance abuse and its’ consequences. I have seen families at wits end after years of trying to pick up the pieces for a loved one with substance abuse issues. I have done my best to help defendants and their families understand the negative impact of the abuse and that there is help available for folks that want to stop using. As a judge, I will favor sentences that get to the root of the problem by addressing substance abuse issues with intensive probation, drug testing and counseling.