Office: Sandusky County – Court of Common Pleas
Age: 58
Residence: Fremont, OH
Email: N/A
Website: N/A
Occupation: Judge of the Sandusky County Court of Common Pleas
Education: J.D. The Ohio State University/Bachelor of Arts Loyola
University of Chicago
Work Experience: Prosecutor and Municipal Judge past 25 years
Family: Married with three grown children
Affiliations: Catholic / Past Exalted Ruler Elks Lodge #169
Endorsements: N/A
Bar Association Ratings: N/A
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I was elected as judge of the Fremont Municipal Court in 2011. I served
until June, 2018 when I was appointed to the Common Pleas Court. I
am an active member of the Ohio Judicial Conference and serve as a
member of the Criminal Law and Procedure; Domestic Relations and
Procedure; and am co-chairperson of the Civil Law and Procedure
Committee. I am also on the executive committee and legislative
committee of the conference. My time on the municipal bench has been
invaluable to me as common pleas judge.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a
judge?
I have had experience in the private sector for 10 years prior to being
elected as Law Director for the City of Fremont where I also served as
municipal prosecutor for 20 years.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the bench as municipal and
especially as common pleas judge. I have developed a judicial
philosophy and style that are well suited to my community. I have
advanced programs to assist those who struggle with drug addiction. I
have imposed fair and ×rm sentences on drug dealers, especially repeat
offenders.
I am currently working with local law enforcement to develop a
protocol to assure that those who receive lifesaving emergency medical
care either follow through with the required assessment or face
criminal charges. I am currently developing a peer-mentoring initiative
to assist our local veterans who become entangled in the criminal
justice system because of service related issues. My staff and I have
worked diligently to regain control of the court’s civil and criminal
dockets. With active case management my court moves with deliberate
speed. An efficient court saves money and resources which are a
precious commodity in our community. Violent criminals and sexual
predators have been removed from our county’s streets and
neighborhoods and I believe that, while we have more to do, our
community is safer.