Macomb Daily     March 22, 2004

In Our Opinion: Jurors get free ride

The issue: Jurors selected for Macomb County Circuit Court will be provided with free bus service.

Our view: We salute Sabaugh and SMART for making it easier for residents to perform their civic duty.

Residents with transportation problems who are picked for jury duty in Macomb County Circuit Court no longer have to worry.

County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh has come up with a solution for people who don't have a car or have a hard time finding a parking space in downtown Mount Clemens.

She devised an experimental program, approved by county officials, that will provide free bus service to those selected for circuit court jury duty.

The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation will provide 500 free bus tickets to get the program started.

Some jurors will receive curb-to-curb service and others will be picked up at their homes and transported to the nearest bus stop.

It is believed Macomb County will become the first county in the state to offer free bus transportation to jurors who have no other means of transportation.

Sabaugh said the program will start this spring and allow jurors with no means of transportation to serve their duty as citizens.

We salute Sabaugh and give thanks to SMART for coming up with free tickets for those who are selected to perform their civic duty.