Todd E. Kohlrieser

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I graduated from Ohio Northern University in 2002, earning my Juris Doctorate degree. I worked as a general private practice attorney at the Law Offices of Thomas Kuhn and Randy Reeves, focusing on credit disputes, civil litigation, and criminal law. In 2003, I became an Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Lima, working at the Lima Municipal Court for five years. I was appointed as a Magistrate of the Allen County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division in 2008. Since January of 2015, I have served as the Chief Magistrate of the Allen County Juvenile Court. I have served the citizens of Allen County, Ohio for the past seventeen years, and I look forward to continuing to serve our community.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I am a parent of two wonderful children. The daily challenges of raising children, being fair, but stern, is something I take with me every day I go to work. I also have been a volunteer coach for the youth of our community. I love children and interacting with them. I strive to positively impact the lives of our citizens every day, and that includes the youth of our community. I am also aware of the challenges of a single-parent family, as I am a child of divorced parents myself. I understand the turmoil and struggles that children experience and the sacrifices that parents make on a daily basis. I have used those experiences and that knowledge as a foundation for fairness and justice in all of my decisions.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have had the honor and privilege of serving this great community for the past seventeen years; first, as an Assistant City Prosecutor, and, for the past twelve years, as a Magistrate at Juvenile Court.

Over those twelve years, I have been able to successfully handle every type of case at Juvenile Court. I have listened to the parties and the attorneys, taken evidence, conducted various hearings, and issued decisions and orders. I have accomplished all of this by listening to our citizens, being fair and impartial, and upholding the law. I have a real passion for children and in protecting our community. I grew up in the Greater Lima, Allen County Region, and I desire for this community to continue to grow and prosper; for our own children and for generations to come. I have the knowledge, commitment, and work ethic to ensure that Probate and Juvenile court will continue to serve our citizens in the future.

My goals as the next Probate and Juvenile Court Judge are to work to make the courts user friendly, both when individuals are in the building, as well as through the use of our website. I also aim to build upon our efficiency and make the courts as efficient as possible, for the staff and for the general public. Additionally, I want to work with the County Commissioners in their goals of consolidating the courts into one renovated Courthouse. I want to work with the Commissioners as we endeavor for a better Allen County. Further, I would like to assist in the creation of a County Public Defender’s Office and increase the number of volunteer individuals that serve as guardians in both Probate and Juvenile Court. The increase of guardians and the creation of a Public Defender’s Office would help ensure that everyone has the representation they deserve. I also want to work with the Prosecutor’s Office and local law enforcement and expand upon the school educational programs that are currently in place. Preventative education is the key, rather than reacting to our youth once they find themselves involved in the justice system.

I have had the honor of serving our community for the past seventeen years, and I look forward to continuing to serve Allen County as the next Judge of Probate and Juvenile Court. I ask for your support on election day, and in the future.