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Benzie County Probate Judge John Mead announces re-election bid at Elberta meeting
Summary
During extended public comment at the July 18 Elberta Village Council meeting, John Mead, identified as Benzie County Probate Judge, announced he is running for re-election and summarized his judicial experience serving multiple counties.
John Mead, identified in the minutes as Benzie County Probate Judge, used the extended public‑comment period at the Elberta Village Council meeting on July 18 to announce his campaign for re‑election and to summarize his judicial career.
Mead described a long record in county law enforcement and the courts, noting he began his career in 1991 in the sheriff’s department, later served as an undersheriff and was appointed in 2003 as a family division referee and magistrate. He said he became Benzie County Probate Judge in January 2013 and that his role is a hybrid position that includes district court functions and a range of civil and family docket responsibilities across the region.
“I became Benzie County Probate judge in January 2013; currently the second most senior judge in Benzie, Manistee, Grand Traverse, Wexford, Mason and Lake Counties,” Mead said in his remarks, per the meeting minutes. The minutes also record Mead describing administrative changes he led in 2015 that saved Benzie County about $50,000.
Following Mead, resident Charlie Thompson asked for clarification about a land conservancy purchase and whether acreage and boardwalk/UTV access plans were being finalized; Thompson said he was pleased with work so far but requested specifics.
Mead’s remarks were recorded during the extended public‑comment portion of the minutes; the council took no immediate action on his announcement during the meeting.
