Author: bnr16

Office: Akron Municipal Court

Age: 45

Residence: Akron, OH

Email:cableforjudge@gmail.com

Website:
http://cableforjudge.com
https://www.facebook.com/cableforjudge

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D. University of Akron; B.A. University of Akron

Work Experience: Judge of the Akron Municipal Court (Elected 2017-present); Summit County Juvenile Court, Magistrate (2017); Summit County Domestic Relations Court, Chief Magistrate and Magistrate (2001-2016); Western Reserve Legal Services, Law Clerk (1999-2000); Oriana House Inc., Corrections Residential Supervisor (1997); Alvis House Federal Corrections Program, Case Manager (1996)

Family: Married with 3 children

Affiliations: 1) RISE (Restore Individual Self-Empowerment), board chair of this court program that helps victims of human trafficking 2) Akron Summit Community Action, current board member, membership committee, finance committee and human resources committee 3) Autism Society of Greater Akron: board member emeritus and past vice president, walk committee 4) Fatherhood Initiative of Summit County: previous board member, steering committee and advocacy and public policy committee 5) Summit County Opiate Task Force, previous board member 6) University of Akron Friends of the Library and Learning Commons Task Force, previous board member 7) Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism Adult Services Committee, previous member 8) Akron Bar Foundation, Fellow 9) Akron Bar Association, previous Family Law Chair 

Endorsements: The Honorable Tom Sawyer, Former U.S. Congressman, State Senator and Akron Mayor; Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge; Congressman Tim Ryan; State Senator Vernon Sykes; State Minority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives Emilia Sykes; State Representative Tavia Galonski; County Executive Ilene Shapiro; Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh; Sheriff Steve Barry; Akron Mayor Daniel Horrigan; Akron City Council President Margo Sommerville

Bar Association Ratings:  Excellent

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judge of the Akron Municipal Court (December 2017-present) Magistrate of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Court (January 2017-December 2017) Chief Magistrate of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Court (June 2016-January 2017) Magistrate of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Court (June 1, 2001-June 1, 2016)

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
It is important that judges understand all areas of the justice system. I understand this system and will work hard to make our community safe. I have worked as a lawyer, as an attorney for judges and as a corrections worker. I worked for legal aid, helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community. I also worked in private practice on both civil and criminal cases. This experience has given me a broad understanding of the justice system, and how judges need to think out of the box to accomplish community safety and rehabilitation. It is important as a judge to be innovative, and work to permanently solve problems. I have helped developed several court programs that prevent continuous litigation and work to comfort victims. Certainly, the main goal of every Court should be to reduce recidivism. It is my experience that light jail sentences or unachievable court orders do not solve problems. They often make problems worse, by not attacking the problem. I strive to do what makes sense in each and every court case that I handle. As a corrections worker, I worked with both adult and child inmates, as their supervisor. I taught life skills to those that were being released back in society from the penal system. It is important that a judge really understand incarceration, and its impact. I am even-handed in my decisions and impose sentences for those who need to be held accountable, but will also use alternative sentencing that promotes community safety to save tax dollars.  

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I seek re-election as Judge of the Akron Municipal Court to continue improving safety in our community. My life and work have taught me the skills judges need. I have wide experience as a judge, magistrate, attorney and corrections worker. I volunteer with agencies and causes that make the Akron area a better place to live. I know how to help keep our community safe. I have decided 18,000+ cases as a judge and former magistrate. Those decisions required a wide understanding of the law, including criminal law, domestic violence, child abuse, mental health, substance abuse, property disputes and complex financial issues. I have a proven record of timely, sensible decisions and understand how important it is to apply the law properly. Our community can count on my experience with the law and with people. In court, I treat everyone with dignity and respect, and I require accountability. People need to be heard, but also to recognize their mistakes and learn from them. I work hard to make sure that court orders are respected. If re-elected, I’ll continue timely justice in court, and provide safety for our community In my first term in office, I became the presiding judge of the Family Intervention Court (FIC). This is a specialized court docket that closely monitors domestic violence offenders and requires them to be accountable for their actions. As the overseer of FIC, I am beginning to require services for the family’s children, who often suffer after witnessing the violence. I will increase these services for the kids. I also started the RISE program at the Court in October 2018. This program helps victims of human trafficking. Ohio ranks fourth in the country for human trafficking victims. These victims often suffer from psychological trauma, addiction and mental illness. They have nowhere to turn and are in danger of being hurt by their trafficker. RISE is a 24-month program that provides safe housing, trauma therapy, mentoring, drug rehabilitation and employment through over 20 community partnerships. Certainly, these victims deserve help from the justice system, and it is encouraging, as a judge, to see RISE participants reclaim their lives. I am rated “Excellent” by the Akron Bar Association for this race. I also earned the endorsement of many of our leaders. I kindly ask for your vote for re-election as your Judge of the Akron Municipal Court.  

Office: Judge of the Barberton Municipal Court

Age: 39

Residence: Green, OH

Email: Jilllanzingerforjudge@gmail.com

Website: Http://www.facebook.com/Jill4Judge

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Juris Doctorate, cum laude, University of Akron School of Law and B.A., cum laude Heidelberg University in Psychology and Political Science, Trial Lawyers College

Work Experience: Judge of the Summit County Common Pleas Court (April 2017 to May 2019), Judge of the Barberton Municipal Court (Feb. 2015 to March 2017), Akron Municipal Court Magistrate

Family: Married with three children ages 15, 12, 5

Affiliations: Portage Lakes Advisory Council (Board Member and Vice President), Polar Bear Club (Board Member), City of Green Opiate Task Force, Rotary and Kiwanis

Endorsements:  Lynn Slaby, Former County Prosecutor and Judge, Congressman Anthony Gonzalez, Former Ohio State football player. State Senator Anthony DeVitis and more.

Bar Association Ratings:  Good

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judge of the Barberton Municipal Court (Feb. 2015 to March 2017) Judge of the Summit County Common Pleas Court (April 2017 to May 2019) Magistrate of the Akron Municipal Court (2006 to 2010) Judicial Law Clerk for Judge Alison McCarty (2002 to 2003) Founded and Presided over the Barberton Municipal Drug Court

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to becoming a judge in 2015, I worked (and am working now) as a trial attorney. I’ve advocated for the rights of abused children and children with disabilities. I’m a published writer on the subject of childhood sexual abuse litigation. As an advocate, I won an appeal at the Ohio Supreme Court that enhanced the rights of childhood sexual abuse victims in civil cases. I’ve gained notoriety for my advocacy of abused children in several high profile cases. Protecting those with disabilities is personal to me because I have a son with high functioning autism. I’m licensed to practice law in Ohio, Illinois, and the Federal Courts of the Northern District of Ohio, the Southern District of Ohio, and the Northern District of Illinois. In 2010, I graduated from the Trial Lawyers College. My family and I are devoted to our community. I’m on the Board of two charitable organizations, the Portage Lakes Advisory Council and the Polar Bear Club. My memberships include the Akron Rotary, the Magic City and Portage Lakes Kiwanis. I’m a member of the Green Opiate Task Force and an Akron Bar Foundation Fellow.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
While I was judge, I promoted justice for victims of crime. I care about the safety and future of our community. I’m committed to justice and progress in the Barberton Municipal Court. If elected judge of the Barberton Municipal Court, I may continue the work I started there to address the continuing drug epidemic. I founded and presided over the Barberton Municipal Drug Court. As Judge of the Summit County Common Pleas Court, I presided over cases including Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Child Endangering, Wrongful Death, and Medical Malpractice. In both the Barberton Municipal Court and the Summit County Court, I promoted the use of technology in the Court. The use of technology saves both the taxpayers and the parties money and time. I will continue to use my experience and knowledge to move the Barberton Municipal Court forward.

Office: Circleville Municipal Court

Age: 53

Residence: Ashville, OH

Email: elisapeters906@gmail.com

Occupation: Court Magistrate

Education: J.D. The Ohio State University College of Law (now The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law)

Work Experience: Pickaway County Common Pleas Court Magistrate since 1998

Family: Married with 4 children and 3 step-children

Affiliations: Member and Deacon at Broad Street Presbyterian Church, Member of Pickaway County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Association of Magistrates, Circleville Sunrise Rotary (Immediate Past President), Child Conservation League, Pickaway Addiction Action Coalition, Friends of the Circleville Parks

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
In 1998, I was appointed to serve as Court Magistrate in the Pickaway County Common Pleas Court, Pickaway County Juvenile Court and Circleville Municipal Court. I have served primarily in the Pickaway County Common Pleas Court since 2004, presiding over the domestic relations docket and domestic violence protection orders/civil stalking orders. In addition, I have served as the Court Magistrate in the South Bloomfield Mayor’s Court since 2007 and in the Ashville Mayor’s Court beginning in January 2019.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
While my last twenty-one years have been on the bench, prior to that I served as an Assistant Pickaway County Prosecutor and Assistant Circleville Law Director where I gained valuable trial experience, performed legal research and learned to dissect and apply the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Rules of Criminal Procedure. I began as an attorney in private practice in 1993.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I grew up in Pickaway County and returned after college and law school to work and raise my family. When a vacancy was created by Judge Gary Dumm’s retirement, I decided to run for the seat because it provides a way to continue to serve the community. I have an established record of commitment to public service on behalf of the citizens of Pickaway County and have developed a reputation as a fair and impartial jurist with excellent judicial temperament. The Municipal Court is on the front line of the opioid crisis and has many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those persons with who enter the system with a substance use disorder. I welcome the challenge of striking a balance between rehabilitation, in exploring and applying creative treatment options, and punishment by incarceration. My ultimate goal is to continue to be approachable, respectful of all litigants, and firm but fair in continuing to build success for the Court and our community.

Office: Franklin County Municipal Court

Age: 44

Residence: New Albany, OH

Email: judgejodithomas@gmail.com

Website:

https://www.judgejodithomas.com

https://www.facebook.com/judgejodithomas/

twitter: @judgejodithomas

Occupation: Municipal Court Judge

Education: J.D. from Capital University; Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The Ohio State University; License in Social Work

Work Experience: April 2016-Present Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court; 2002-2016 Staff Attorney for the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office; 2013-2016 Lead Attorney from the Public Defender’s for the Franklin County Specialized Dockets (Opiate Extension Program, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program, Mental Health Court, and the Military and Veterans Service Program)

Family: Married with two daughters (Ages 11 and 15)

Affiliations: Life-long Member of Temple Israel; 2011-2016 Secretary and Vice President of Harrison Pond Homeowners Association; 2016-Present Ohio Judicial Conference committee member on Specialized Dockets

Endorsements: The Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9; Local 67 Columbus International Association of FireFighters; Central Ohio Labor Council AFL-CIO; Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades; Teamsters Local 413; A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI); Coalition of Black Trade Unionist (CBTU); The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW); Teamsters Local 284; Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 189; AFSCME Ohio Council 8; AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1184; Franklin County Council of Education Associations; Columbus Education Association; National Association of Social Workers

Bar Association Ratings: 
Highly Recommended, by the Columbus Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee; Highly Recommended by the Central Ohio Association of Justice

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I am currently serving as a Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court since April 2016. I am hearing an average of 50-75 criminal cases a day involving charges such as domestic violence, drunk driving, theft, soliciting, drug possession, and various traffic violations. In addition, I carry a civil docket with cases that involve landlord and tenant disputes, debt collection, personal injury and breach of contract. I rotate with the other Judges in the arraignment courts setting bonds on misdemeanor and felony cases, and I review search warrants and subpoenas for law enforcement. Additionally, I serve on our courts judicial personnel committee, the probation committee, specialty docket committee, and security committee. I am also the presiding Judge over the h.a.r.t. Program (Helping Achieve Recovery Together). This is the opiate specific drug court specialized docket where I oversee the status review hearings and group discussions. Further, I am the back-up Judge to the CATCH program (Changing Actions to Change Habits), which is the human trafficking specialized docket.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My legal career began 17 years ago as a staff attorney for the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office. I was there until taking the bench in April of 2016. As a defense attorney, my role was to zealously advocate for my client. I have represented thousands of people using a practice style that not only protected their rights, but also tried to put them on a better path in life. I worked with individuals that were charged with crimes such as domestic violence, drunk driving, drug possession, soliciting, theft and various traffic violations. It was my job to advocate for these people to the best of my abilities, and to do so in an ethical way no matter the crime or my own beliefs. I would take this responsibility a step further by not only resolving the case in a legal sense, but also providing resources to my clients that help them become productive citizens of our community. I spent the last several years of my practice as the lead attorney in the Franklin County Specialized Dockets. I monitored my clients daily as they would work to complete a two year program that held them accountable for their actions, but also provided them with appropriate treatment services. My effort and commitment to understanding the nature of addiction and mental health, and how it impacts criminal behavior, helped me better advocate for my clients and led to recognition in the community. I was chosen twice by the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County as Attorney of the year for my work in Mental Health Court and the Opiate Extension Program. I received the Excellent Service Award by the Military and Veterans Service Program. I received the Model of Justice Award from the Justice League of Ohio for my work with victims of human trafficking. I was also selected for induction into the Gahanna Lincoln High School Hall of Fame. I was nominated for this honor because of the time I spent giving back to the community and my ongoing support for those in need.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have spent the last 17 years practicing in the Franklin County Municipal Court which is the same court where I am currently serving as a Judge. My background and experiences working with victims of human trafficking, those suffering from drug addiction and/or mental health disorders, and veterans, prepared me for exactly where I am today. I want to continue to use these tools that I have obtained and apply them to this position. Working in the specialized dockets, I frequently witnessed the powerful role that a judge can play in improving the lives of individuals, while simultaneously improving the safety of our community. I feel I am doing just that in the way I handle the cases that come before me. I understand that a one size fits all approach is not the best way to reduce recidivism. I am constantly researching and visiting facilities and treatment options, I take advantage of the resources through our probation department like SCRAM (alcohol monitoring device), GPS tracking, and work release, and I also hold individuals accountable for their actions. Over 400 attorneys participated in a judicial performance poll with the Columbus Bar Association this year. I was honored to learn that I was ranked #1 receiving high ratings in all the areas including judicial temperament, objectivity, legal knowledge, sentencing, quality of opinions, and timeliness (www.cbalaw.org). I work hard each day to examine each case and apply a sentence that is appropriate both for the needs of that individual and the overall safety of the community. I maintain an efficient courtroom and I am accessible and available to attorneys and court personnel. The civil docket is definitely a new area for me, but I jumped right in to learning the cases and presiding over court trials. I am constantly learning and working to be the best judge that I can be. One of my goals will always be for litigants to leave the courtroom believing as though they were treated with dignity and respect, even if they do not agree with the outcome. I am honored to serve the citizens of Franklin County and I would like to be re-elected to the full term this November.

Office: Franklin County Municipal Court

Age: 39

Residence: Columbus, OH

Email: dvargaforjudge@gmail.com

Website:
http://www.dvargaforjudge.com

https://www.facebook.com/DVargaforJudge/

Occupation: Attorney

Education: B.A. from the University of Dayton, 2002; J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

Work Experience: Legal Compliance, 2005-2007; Civil Litigation 2007-2010; Criminal Defense 2010-present

Family: Married with twin boys.

Affiliations: Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Endorsements: Central Ohio AFL-CIO; Columbus Firefighters Union Local 67; Columbus Building Trades; Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio; Franklin County Democratic Party; Teamsters Local 284; AFSCME Power in Action; Ohio Young Democrats; Franklin County Council of Education Associations; National Association of Social Workers; Ohio Environmental Council; Teachers for Better Schools, Columbus Education Association. Supported by the Baptist Ministerial Alliance of Columbus and Vicinity

Bar Association Ratings:
“Highly Recommended” by the Columbus Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee; Rated “Highly Recommended” by the Central Ohio Association for Justice

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
This is my first campaign for a judicial seat. I have been practicing law in Ohio for the past 14 years.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have handled misdemeanor and felony cases all over the State of Ohio. I have practiced in front of fair judges and biased judges, judges that are tough on crime, and judges who have compassion for a given individual’s situation, as if those concepts are mutually exclusive. My clients have been treated both fairly and incredibly unfairly. Regardless of what my client has done or where I am practicing, I have loved being on the front lines of the justice system and working to make that system better. I know that I can do more good behind the bench than standing in front of it. As a trial attorney, I know the law and am committed to upholding the Constitution. The Franklin County Municipal Court is where I have spent the majority of my career. I know the people, the processes, and the areas of the court that need attention. I love the fast paced atmosphere and dealing with the public, working with the attorneys, and seeing the successes of both the regular and specialty dockets. I am committed to improving our court system and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with the respect that everyone having business with the court deserves.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I want to instill faith in our justice system and ensure that, when someone walks into our Municipal Court, they know that they will be treated fairly and with respect. I want to make a difference in people’s lives by taking into account their individual situation and offering treatment options, therapy, or whatever balanced punishment may be necessary to ensure that they don’t find themselves in front of the Court again. I’m dedicated to the people in this county and to our Court, and I know that I can help both as a Judge. Being a part of our judicial process is an honor. All judges, as public servants, should work hard for the good of the public, uphold the law, and ensure that our justice system is working in the most efficient, fair, and balanced manner possible.

Office: Hamilton County Municipal Court

Age: 62

Residence: Cincinnati, OH

Email: malloryforjudge@gmail.com

Occupation: Judge

Education: Chase College of Law, Juris Doctor, College of Mount Saint Joseph Bachelor of Science, Accounting

Work Experience: Hamilton County Municipal Court

Affiliations: American Judges Association, member Ohio Judicial Conference, member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., member

Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Hamilton County Municipal Court 2007 to 2019

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I began my professional career as an Assistant State Auditor for the Auditor of State of Ohio. I performed financial and compliance audits of cities, townships, villages, and school districts. I performed audits in Butler, Clermont, and Hamilton Counties. I also conducted special audits investigating allegations of misuse of state and federal funds. I served as an Assistant State Auditor for six years. I worked for the University of Cincinnati Hospital as the accountant for Capital Finance, Financial Services for six years. In that capacity I accounted for renovation and construction projects of the hospital. These projects included 50% funding for the then 2 million dollar Hoxworth Blood Center and the 5 million dollar Critical Care Pavilion. I also accounted for a 00 million dollar six-year capital plan. Assistant Solicitor, Civil Division, City of Cincinnati, 2005-2007 Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Prosecutor’s Office, City of Cincinnati 2001 to 2005 Investigator, Office of Municipal Investigation (OMI) City of Cincinnati 1999 to 2001 Law Clerk, Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, 1997 to 1999

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
My professional life has been devoted to serving the public. I have a diverse legal and professional background I have served as an accountant, auditor, civil attorney, criminal defense attorney, and prosecutor. I have tried both civil and criminal jury trials as lead counsel. I am a fair and impartial judge. We are most likely as ordinary citizens to be impacted by municipal court more so than any other court. I have always been concerned with the fundamental principles of fairness and justice for everyone. I interpret the law and apply it fairly. I treat all citizens with dignity and respect. Ultimately that is what citizens expect from a judge. I believe I will meet and exceed these expectations. My legal and professional experience has prepared me for this task.

Office: Toledo Municipal Court

Age: 47

Residence: Toledo, OH

Email: Lanzingerforjudge@gmail.com

Website:
https://www.judgelanzinger.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JudgeLanzinger/

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law 1997

Work Experience: Elected to the Toledo Municipal Court in 2013. Over 20 years in the legal profession.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I was elected as a judge for the Toledo Municipal Court in 2013. During this time I’ve presided over thousands of cases, over 150 bench trials, and 12 jury trials. From 2017 through 2018 I was elected by my fellow judges to serve as the court’s administrative and presiding judge. In that capacity, in addition to my regular job duties, I was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the court. As the administrative and presiding judge, I initiated the first court-wide amnesty program in 2017 which provided many services to the community. Some of these services included the clearing of thousands of outstanding bench warrants, helping people obtain a valid drivers license, and getting people connected with substance abuse and mental health providers.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have been in the legal profession for over 20 years and have a long history of public service. Upon admission to the bar, I worked as an associate attorney for a law firm handling general civil litigation cases. In 2000, I started my own private law practice where I expanded the types of cases I handled to include civil and criminal law. Following the events of 9/11, I took a hiatus from the practice of law to serve in the U.S. Army. Upon my honorable discharge, I worked for the Ohio Attorney General in the workers’ compensation section for 9 years. My diverse legal background, experience, and dedication to public service has helped me as a judge in the Toledo Municipal Court.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Over the last 6 years, I believe I have earned a reputation for being a fair, competent, and hard-working judge. From the military to the municipal court, I have shown a commitment to public service. I would like the opportunity to continue to serve the community as a judge in the Toledo Municipal Court.

Office: John Kennedy for Municipal Court

Age: 35

Residence: Hamilton, OH

Email: johnkennedyforjudge@gmail.com

Website:
https://www.facebook.com/johnkennedyforjudge/

https://johnkennedyforjudge.com

https://twitter.com/jkennedy4judge

Occupation: Hamilton County Public Defender

Education: J.D. from the University of Cincinnati

Work Experience: Public Defender since 2011.

Family: Married with 1 Child.

Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
N/A

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My legal career has focused on ensuring everyone going through our justice system is treated fairly and with dignity. During my time at Law School, I worked at the Ohio Innocence Project. I was working with those wrongfully convicted, which sparked my interested in public defense. Outside of that role, working as a public defender means I spend almost every day in the courtroom. Specifically, in Hamilton County, I spend most of my time arguing cases in its courtroom and in front of the judges. I’ve seen firsthand where the system can break down for people going through it. I’ve seen it happen for some of my clients. Much of that firsthand experience I can translate to positive change in the Municipal Court.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I’ve spent almost my entire legal career in the Hamilton County Courthouse. I’ve seen firsthand where the system can break down while serving its citizens. My firsthand experience prepares me to apply solutions to the areas where the court can breakdown. I’ve spent years as a part of the system, and I’ve experienced areas I know I can improve as a judge, ensuring that everyone appearing before the court is treated with dignity and respect.

Office: Conneaut Municipal Court

Age: 55

Residence: Conneaut, OH

Email: iarocciforjudge@gmail.com

Website: www.iarocci4judge.com

Occupation: Ashtabula County Prosecuting Attorney

Education: J.D. from The University of Toledo College of Law; B.S. in Accountancy from Miami University

Work Experience: Ashtabula County Prosecutor from December 2013 to Present and Assistant County Prosecutor in 1995 and 1996; Practicing Attorney in Conneaut, Ohio from January 1995 to December 2013; Practicing Attorney in Toledo, Ohio from 1989 to 1994.

Family: Married in Conneaut, Ohio to Lisa M. (Pataky) Iarocci for 31 years with two adult children Mari Ballas and Laina Iarocci.

Affiliations: Elected to the Conneaut Area City Schools Board of Education (Past President 3 years/9-year member); Past President, Past Vice President, and Member of The Conneaut Foundation Board of Trustees; Co-Founder and Co-Trustee of the Ashtabula County Basketball Foundation, Inc.; President and Member of the Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County Board of Directors; Member of the LEADERship Ashtabula County Board of Directors and 17-year Day Chair of the LEADERship Ashtabula County Adult Program; Past President and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Ashtabula County Bar Association; Member of the Ashtabula County Port Authority Board of Directors; Member of the Conneaut Human Resources Center Board of Directors (12 ½ years); Member of the United Way of Ashtabula County Board of Directors; Member of the Conneaut Community Center Board of Directors; Member of the Conneaut Lions Club (Past President 2 years), Conneaut Moose Club, and Conneaut Elks Club; Member of the Community Counseling Center Board of Directors; Member, Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Corpus Christi Parish; Member of the St. Mary/St. Frances Cabrini Parish Finance Council; Conneaut Local Youth Organization Baseball and Softball Coach; 20-year Volunteer Sports Broadcaster for WWOW Radio and the Conneaut Telephone Company CableSuite 541 covering Conneaut High School sports; and Bible Study leader for high school students. In 2007, I was honored to receive the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce “President’s Award” (Chamber Champion), and in 2011, I was named the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year.”

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I have not previously served as a judge.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have been a practicing attorney in Ohio for 30 years. As the elected County Prosecutor for the past 6 years, I have prosecuted and tried capital murder, murder, manslaughter, rape, burglary, robbery, felonious assault, drug trafficking, and domestic violence cases, to name a few. As County Prosecutor, I have represented all county elected officials and department heads, and all trustees, fiscal officers, and zoning officials in all 27 townships in our county. My administrative and management experience is significant as I manage both attorney and administrative staff in the Prosecutor’s office of approximately 30 employees with a total annual budget of approximately million. In private practice, I represented hundreds of clients in Conneaut and Ashtabula County involving various legal matters. My law office was located in downtown Conneaut for 19 years before I became County Prosecutor. I have substantial legal and management experience that has prepared me extremely well to serve my hometown of Conneaut as its next Conneaut Municipal Court Judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
My life-long commitment to Conneaut and legal and community service is unmatched in this race, and have prepared me very well to serve as Conneaut’s next judge. I hope to ensure that Conneaut Municipal Court joins the 21st century by having an on-line docket and presence readily available for public viewing and use (Note: since I announced my candidacy on March 15, 2019, Conneaut Municipal Court went on-line in a limited fashion two months later on May 17, 2019, over four years after the current judge took office). I also hope to substantially improve security at Conneaut Municipal Court as well as all of City Hall, and I will work closely and cooperatively with city officials in this regard. I plan to create a drug or treatment court in Conneaut Municipal Court, particularly in light of the opiate and drug epidemic that has plagued the community. I further intend to be a judge who works cooperatively with and is always available and accessible to police and other city officials. Maintaining the status quo at Conneaut Municipal Court is not acceptable. I intend to do more – much more – with the court that will significantly benefit the Conneaut residents and all those who work with the court.

Office: East Liverpool Municipal Court

Age: 63

Residence: East Liverpool, OH

Email: emmerling645@comcast.net

Website: N/A

Occupation: Judge East Liverpool Municipal Court

Education: B.A. Miami University of Ohio; J.D. University of Akron School of Law

Work Experience: East Liverpool Municipal Court Judge since 1990

Family: Married since 1982, Attorney Frederick Emmerling, we have one son, Byers Bowman “Bo” Emmerling

Affiliations: Longs Run Trinity Presbyterian Church, Calcutta Rotary Club

Endorsements: Columbianal, Mahoning & Trumbull – U.A.W. C.A.P. Council and Western Reserve Building Trades

Bar Association Ratings: N/A

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):

Judge of the East Liverpool Municipal Court – 1990 to present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?

My broad legal experience as a civil litigation attorney and assistant criminal prosecutor, as well as general private practice experience has provided me with a strong and diverse background that has served me well throughout my legal and judicial career. I began my legal career in 1982 with a civil litigation firm in Cleveland. I was involved in all aspects of litigation including pleadings, depositions, trial briefs and preparation for trial. I then accepted a position with the Columbiana County Ohio Prosecutor’s Office which I held for the next six years. I was first assigned to the Juvenile Court where I protected the rights of abused and neglected children and enforced their rights to be supported by their parents. I prosecuted unruly juveniles and worked with Social Services to provide placement when necessary as well as assisting in their rehabilitation to become productive adults. I protected the community by fully prosecuting those juveniles who committed serious and violent crimes. From Juvenile Court I was assigned to adult misdemeanor crimes where I prosecuted assaults, thefts, driving under the influence and other traffic and misdemeanor offenses. I was then promoted to Felony Prosecutor. As a Felony Prosecutor, I created the concept of a child abuse coordinator to address the unique needs of child victims in which one prosecutor handled all of the child abuse and child sexual assault cases from start to finish. This included investigations, grand jury indictments, jury trials and if necessary, appeals. This approach afforded me the opportunity to establish a rapport with often very young and frightened victims who from their experiences were very wary of trusting adults or telling their stories. Although these cases were very difficult and emotionally challenging, I am very proud of my accomplishments in this area and still remember the high school girl who approached me at a community function and said she wanted to thank me, that she was “safe now”. I had prosecuted and convicted her abuser. I prosecuted cases involving theft, felonious assault, robbery, rape and murder. I am proud that in my tenure as an assistant prosecutor, I had a 95% conviction rate. I also argued cases before the Seventh District Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am the most qualified candidate for Judge of the East Liverpool Municipal Court where I have served for 29 years. I was elected the first woman judge in Columbiana County. During this time I have completed over 600 hours of judicial training and have developed and implemented many new programs. I am honored to be a past President of the Association of Municipal/County Court Judges (AMCJO) having earned the respect of and been elected by my fellow judges all across Ohio. My duties included coordinating Summer and Winter legal education conferences, quarterly administrative meetings, meeting with the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, and facilitating testimony before the legislature regarding proposed laws affecting our Courts. Since 2007 the Ohio Supreme Court has selected me to serve as a mentor Judge to new Judges. I was also appointed to the Ohio Futures Commission which was tasked with the planning of our justice system for the next 25 years. Since taking the bench, I have implemented many programs:

1. First Community Service Program non-violent offenders learn job skills and give back to their community
2. First Misdemeanor Probation Department in Columbiana County