Recommendation Letter from Joe Barkdull
Typed Version of Joe Barkdull’s Recommendation:
Beyond the Bench: Why Amanda Dunnuck Stands Out
When people look at judicial elections, they often get caught up in party labels—Democrat, Republican, and the political games that come with them. But politics shouldn’t define a judge. What truly matters isn’t a party affiliation, but the human being sitting behind the bench, their character, their fairness, and how they treat the people who step into their court.
When looking at Amanda Dunnuck, those qualities are what shine through first. Long before taking on official titles, she demonstrated who she was as a person—helpful, approachable, and grounded. She is the kind of individual who sees people, not just cases. Before she was a judge, she showed genuine care for the community, helping families navigate difficult times with kindness and respect. Her ability to look at a situation with common sense and integrity—recognizing when something was simply wrong and resolving issues fairly before they ever had to become formal court battles—demonstrates the kind of practical wisdom that can’t be taught in law school.
Her official record reflects that same human-centered approach. Over more than two decades in Delaware County, she has served as a trial attorney representing everyday plaintiffs and defendants, a certified family law mediator, and a guardian protecting those who needed a voice. As the Muncie City Court Judge, presiding over thousands of cases a year, she has modernized court processes and cut active caseloads by more than half to ensure people receive efficient, fair justice without unnecessary delays.
Behind all the legal experience, trial history, and administrative work is a person who remains pleasant, respectful, and deeply connected to her community. That combination of practical compassion and experienced judgment is what makes a truly great judge. Even though I moved over to Madison County a couple of years back, I’m still connected to the folks back home. When I lived in Albany—running my turf business and living right there in town—I got to know the Dunnucks: Betty, Jake, Amanda, Jeb, Luke, David, and their dad, Don.
Don built a life as a real, working attorney—criminal, family, business, you name it. Don had a motto he lived by: “Can’t never could.” And every single one of his kids carries that exact same drive in them. As Don got older, he really relied on Amanda, and she stepped right up.
Life is real, and the Dunnuck family has seen it more real than most. That’s what makes Amanda a real human being, not just someone sitting behind the bench in a robe. Having won a custody fight in Delaware County years ago myself, I know firsthand how critical it is to have a good judge in that room. When things go sideways in life that never should have gone wrong, a judge holds you, your family, and your whole future in the palm of their hands. There are good judges in the county—I’m not saying there aren’t—but I particularly believe in Amanda. She’s got genuine compassion, but she’s also a real judge of facts who knows how to deal with the real world.
