We understand and usually support state initiatives to trim costs, the general idea being government very often has been guilty of spending too much and getting to little in return.

But a state effort to save money some years back by reducing the number of sitting judges in the state has proven to be a poor decision.

Up until 2017, Marquette County was long the home of two 25th Circuit Court judges. That year, though, a 2011 law finally went into effect and one judgeship was dropped.

According to the remaining circuit court judge, Jennifer Mazzuchi, the number of felony cases in Marquette County in 2011 was 224.

Since then, it has moere than doubled.

“We also continue to handle domestic relations and other civil matters filed in the circuit court, and even with the assistance of the other three judges in Marquette County, the caseload is simply too much for one circuit judge,” Mazzuchi said. “This volume of work can impact the public’s ability to have their cases heard promptly.”

In response, state Rep. Sara Cambensy, D-Marquette, introduced House Bill 4656 in Michigan’s House of Representatives on Wednesday to restore a second judgeship to the 25th Circuit Court. The House passed the bill by a vote of 104-5.

State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, has pledged support.

We applaud both elected officials for being on the right side of this issue. As we said earlier, we understand government’s focus on trimming costs where that is possible.

It just wasn’t possible here.