Author: bnr16

Office: Zanesville Municipal Court

Age: 55

Residence: Kent, OH

Email: attorneysjs@gmail.com

Website:
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/stephenjsmithforjudge;
Twitter: @sjs4judge;
Instagram: stevesmith_4judge

Occupation: Municipal Court Magistrate

Education: J.D. University of Toledo, B.B.A. in Accounting, Kent State University

Work Experience: 4.5 yrs Municipal Court Magistrate; Self-Employed 22+ yrs. private law practice including extensive municipal court caseload, and 15 yrs. I sat regularly as an acting judge in the municipal court for each of the eight (8) municipal court judges in Portage County from 1999 to 2014.

Family: Single, one adult child

Affiliations: Ohio State Bar Association; Portage County Bar Association & past president; Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, past member; Fraternal Order of Police Associate; Knights of Columbus; St. Patrick church member; St. Patrick Endowment Committee, past board member; Tri-County Alzheimer’s Association, past board member

Endorsements: Jerry T. Fiala, Kent Mayor; Frank Seman, Ravenna Mayor; Lou Bertrand, Hiram Mayor; Gwen Rosenberg, Kent City Council; Michael DeLeone, Kent City Council; Roger B. Sidoti, Kent City Council & Retired Theodore Roosevelt Principal; Heidi L. Shaffer, Kent City Council; Robin G. Turner, Kent City Council; Rebekah Wright Kulis, Kent City School Board; Ryan S. Ferrera, Kent City School Board; Pamela Brown Ferguson, Kent City School Board

Bar Association Ratings:  Portage County Bar Association did not rate candidates for this election

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

I have four and one-half (4.5) years experience as full-time Magistrate in the Portage County Municipal Court hearing all types of civil cases. I have also presided over traffic court. As the Magistrate, I helped create Portage County’s first Supreme Court Certified specialized docket. The court is known as the STAR Court and is designed to help people with mental health issues by assisting them with obtaining appropriate services. We designed this court to reduce contact with law enforcement and the courts, and to more effectively use the county resources related to jail and probation as it affects those with mental health issues. Judge Oswick presides over the STAR Court. In her absence, I preside over this specialized court docket. I have also served for fifteen (15) years as acting judge for each of the eight (8) municipal judges from 1999 to 2014. During my time on the bench, I have presided over thousands of criminal cases and thousands of civil cases.

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

For 22 years I had my own private law firm. During that time, I gained immeasurable experience working with those in need of help interfacing with the legal system. This experience was critical in formulating my passion for insuring all parties were treated with dignity and respect. If I am elected as Municipal Judge of Portage County, each litigant will receive a fair adjudication on the facts and applicable law. I represented individuals with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. These clients included lifelong residents of Portage County, those passing through for work, as well as people from various foreign countries studying and/or working at local universities. My representation of various businesses and individuals in civil matters included working with the transportation industry, construction companies, sales companies, landlords and tenants in residential and commercial settings, professional association dissolution and winding up, partnership dissolution, formation of corporations and limited liability companies, real property transfer and purchase agreements, property division, land installment contracts, and business transfers. The extent and breadth of my legal experience in municipal court makes me uniquely qualified to be a Municipal Court Judge. My practice included a large criminal caseload encompassing all aspects of municipal criminal cases as well as common pleas cases, and a wide variety of municipal civil cases. My municipal civil practice included contract law, landlord-tenant, debt collection, consumer sales practices, replevin, conversion and bailments, construction cases, and mechanics and artisan liens.

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

I am running for Portage County Municipal Court Judge to serve the people of Portage County. My 15 years as an acting judge and 4.5 years as a full-time magistrate have taught me how much I enjoy the job and how well suited I am for the position. I believe I will be an asset to the people of Portage County as the next Municipal Court Judge. I am uniquely qualified for this position due to my background, experience, knowledge and temperament. I enjoy learning and the crux of the legal profession is continual learning. As a judge, you learn from appellate courts, attorneys, as well as the parties, witnesses, victims, advocates, and all others who appear before you. I believe our legal system is what binds together our mutual experience living in a democratic society. This system provides the underpinnings of fairness and civil interaction. When strong opinions collide, it is our justice system that establishes the pathway for our society to continue to move forward and heal. I embrace this process and want to be a part of it. There are instances when people are not happy with the results and decisions of a court. In my experience, if people feel they have been heard and have had a fair opportunity to present their case, they are much more inclined to accept the decision of the court. These experiences foster the public’s confidence in the judicial system, which in turn, increases its effectiveness. It is my belief that the most effective attorneys are those who enjoy helping people. As a judge, you are helping the entire county by providing a forum – the court – where civil grievances can be brought and heard in a fair and impartial manner, and where criminal charges can be addressed and tried in a fair and objective setting. Seeking to provide a fair tribunal and ultimately, to the best my ability, to provide justice for those who appear before me is incredibly rewarding and something I can continue to do in an expanded role for the people of Portage County as their Municipal Court Judge. I take this charge most seriously, and my commitment will be unwavering.

Office: Portage County Municipal Court Judge

Age: 55

Residence: Windham, OH

Email: melissa@roubiclaw.com

Website: www.roubicforjudge.com; https://www.facebook.com/roubicforjudge/;
https://www.instagram.com/roubicforjudge/; https://twitter.com/ForRoubic

Occupation: Attorney and Owner of ROUBIC LAW OFFICES, LLC

Education: BBA – Kent State University, J.D. – University of Akron

Work Experience: Owner/Attorney – ROUBIC LAW OFFICES, LLC, 18 years; Acting Judge – 2004 to present; Attorney/Consultant – Ernst & Young, LLP, 4 years; Systems Engineer – Electronic Data Systems, 10 years

Family: Married 29 years to David, three adult children Alexandra, Toren and Kennedy, one granddaughter and another on the way!

Affiliations: Member – Portage County Community Corrections Board, Member/Past President – Portage County Bar Association, Member – Ohio State Bar Association, Member – Ravenna Rotary Club, Member – Fraternal Order of Eagles #2705, Member/Past President – Maplewood Career Center, Member/Past President – Windham Exempted Village Schools, Member – Italian American Club, Member/Lector/Eucharistic Minister – St. Michael’s Parish, Past Member (term limited) – Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties

Endorsements:  United Steelworkers Local 21, General Truck Drivers and Helpers Teamsters Local Union No. 92, Communications Workers of America Local 4312, Portage County Democratic Leaders Kathleen Clyde, Ruth Stephens, Jill Fankhauser, Thomas Siciliano

Bar Association Ratings:  N/A

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

Acting Judge – Portage County Municipal Court, 2004 to present. I sit on the bench, by invitation of the current elected judges, as a Portage County Municipal Court Judge when current judges are unavailable due to training, illness, vacation, etc. As an Acting Judge for fifteen years, I handle all types of civil and criminal cases that come before the Court. I have learned how important it is when deciding a case or issuing a sentence, to take all of the facts and circumstances into consideration. It is important to listen to all parties affected by the case and to treat people with respectfully. People make mistakes and my goal as a Judge is for individuals to learn from those mistakes, take responsibility and make amends to the victim, so different choices are made in the future and criminal behavior is not repeated. I can be compassionate, while also being firm and fair to all parties. Owner/Attorney – ROUBIC LAW OFFICES, LLC, 2001 – present. My private practice includes both criminal and civil representation in Municipal Courts, Court of Common Pleas and the Appellate Court. In Municipal Court, I represent plaintiffs in civil cases such as evictions, unpaid debts, breach of contracts and money disputes. I also represent victims of crimes who have been harmed physically and/or financially. Municipal Court regularly handles cases involving underage alcohol consumption, Operating a Vehicle while under the Influence (OVI), assault, domestic violence, theft, drug paraphernalia and drug possession. Municipal Court sentencing may include county jail time. I provide criminal defense representation in these types of cases as well. Common Pleas Court handles felony criminal matters of a more serious nature and sentencing may include prison, as well as money disputes greater than 5,000.00. I handle both criminal and civil cases. The Domestic Relations Court and Juvenile Court are part of the Court of Common Pleas. I have represented hundreds of clients in family matters such as divorce, custody and companionship. I also serve as Guardian ad Litem on behalf of the child(ren) in both Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court. My representation in Juvenile Court also includes parents or family members in juvenile dependency, abuse and neglect cases, and children charged with delinquency offenses. I help victims of crimes throughout the legal process as well as clients who are seeking assistance through a civil claim when they have been harmed financially.

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

I am active in my community and in multiple organizations throughout Portage County. As a parent, my husband and I have coached basketball, softball, baseball and soccer. I was a founding member and past President for ten (10) years of the G-W Soccer Club which provided recreational soccer every year for approximately 300 children, ages 4-13. As a member of St. Michael’s parish, I serve as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. I also volunteered as a Board Member for Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark County for the maximum term the bylaws permitted. I currently serve on the Maplewood Career Center and Windham Exempted Village Schools Boards of Education and have served as President for both boards. I also belong to the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2705, Italian American Club and the Ravenna Rotary Club. My parents were very active in volunteering and serving in the community. Growing up, I learned by example from the best and I appreciate the importance of community service! I love living in rural Portage County and have lived here for over 45 years. My husband and I made a conscious decision to return to Portage County to raise our children here. Having a family and serving in these various positions have enriched me deeply and helped me to develop strong interpersonal and organizational skills. I have also learned the value of listening and make a conscious effort to continually develop my listening skills. As a result, I am grateful to have a successful private law practice for nearly twenty (20) years. The majority of my clients are now from referrals and this is the ultimate compliment. I also apply these skills while serving as an Acting Judge. I enjoy serving in this role and working with the community. Most importantly, I see the positive difference I make while on the bench, for all parties involved. It is clear an effective Judge must listen carefully, evaluate the facts and circumstances, and apply the law consistently and fairly to best serve the residents of Portage County.

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

Current Judge, Barbara Oswick is retiring and her term ends this year. I really enjoy my private practice and have a great staff! My decision to run for this position was made after considerable thought and advice from many people in the community whom I respect and value their opinions. My parents instilled in me the value of giving back to the community and set a great example! I am blessed in my personal and professional life. I made the commitment approximately three years ago that I would seek Judge Oswick’s seat when she retired. As a Municipal Court Judge, I will utilize the skills and resources provided to me in the most constructive manner possible. Through my private practice, I have met so many people in various legal situations. People often ask me how I can work with problems every day. It is true that clients seeking legal representation may be at one of the darkest points in their life. Perhaps it is a painful divorce or it could be someone charged with a crime. The most rewarding aspect of my private practice is to help people through the legal process to see there is light at the end of the tunnel! With planning and appropriate action, a low point in your life or a bad decision can be overcome. It is this aspect of my practice that is so rewarding – when people realize they can recover and move on towards a more productive and happier life. After serving as an Acting Judge for many years, I have seen the difference a Judge can make on people’s lives. At the Municipal Court level, I have the opportunity to serve as the first line of intervention and deterrent so criminal actions are not repeated. It is also an opportunity for victims of crimes to be heard. I believe it is very important for Municipal Court Judges to acknowledge and listen to victims so they can also heal and move forward. Municipal Court is often the first interaction a person has with any kind of Court. Whether it’s a traffic ticket, a physical altercation or property damage, it can be frightening for plaintiffs, defendants and victims. Our Municipal Court must be approachable, firm and fair in rendering decisions. I will provide this service to the residents of Portage County. Thank you for your consideration.

 

Office: Canton Municipal Court

Age: 67

Residence: Canton, OH

Email: mary.falvey@cantonohio.gov

Website: N/A

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D-University of Akron 1979, BSSW- The Ohio State University1973

Work Experience: Judge – Canton Municipal Court- 1991 to present, Attorney – private practice with firm known as Schulman, Mestel Falvey and Burick- 1980 to 1991

Family: Married

Affiliations: Junior League Stark Co,Holy Trinity Greek Ortho. Church,Stark District Coordinator-Ohio Mock Trial program since 1994,Polaris Mental Health Ct judge since 2009

Endorsements:  N/A

Bar Association Ratings:  Highly Recommended rating – Stark County Bar Association

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

I have served as a judge at the Canton Municipal Court since January 1991. 27 years

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

I have 39 years of legal experience, including 27 years as a judge at this court.

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

I am currently holding the seat. I am running for re-election.

Office: Canton Municipal Court

Age: 66

Residence: North Canton, OH

Email: rj.kubilus@cantonohio.gov

Website: N/A

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D. University of Dayton

Work Experience:
Judge since Jan 1, 1993

Family: Married

Affiliations: Catholic

Endorsements:  N/A

Bar Association Ratings:  N/A

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Canton Municipal Court Judge since Jan. 1, 1993

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Private practice for 15 years prior to sitting on the bench

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I wish to retain the seat I currently occupy

Office: Licking County Municipal Court

Age: 46

Residence: Newark, OH

Email: max@maxsuttonforjudge.com

Website:
www.maxsuttonforjudge.com

https://www.facebook.com/Max-Sutton-for-Judge-2337952043150872/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Occupation: Attorney

Education: J.D. from The Ohio State University, B.A. from The University of Notre Dame

Work Experience: Franklin County Public Defender’s Office 1998 – 2006; The Sutton Law Firm 2006 – present

Family: 2 boys, 14 and 12

Affiliations: Licking County Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, volunteer regularly at The Salvation Army and Behavioral Healthcare Partners, Past President of the Licking County Bar Association and of the Downtown Newark Association, Past Board Member of LAPP, MHALC, Catholic Social Services,

Endorsements:  The Newark Advocate, https://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/2019/04/12/our-view-sutton-best-choice-democrats-licking-county-judge/3404289002/?fbclid=IwAR34x15gnsE5iXueYVnrxTjlOuSc-vJ7okGmZUeAWqwakz-EPIMSuMWwDTk

Bar Association Ratings:  N/A

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I currently serve as an Acting Judge by appointment with the Licking County Municipal Court and have done so since 2011. I have thus sat in the very seat for which I am seeking. As an Acting Judge, I have heard cases involving domestic violence, drinking and driving, and cases involving drug and alcohol addiction, among others. I have sentenced people to probation and jail, presided over trials, probation violation hearings, arraignments, and other hearings, while working alongside the prosecutors, defense attorneys, probations officers, and the court staff in the Licking County Municipal Court.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have handled thousands of cases in various Municipal Courts throughout Ohio as an attorney. I practiced in Municipal Court exclusively to start my legal career and I have practiced law in front of over 50 different Judges, learning their best practices. I have practiced in every Court in Licking County and have travelled to courts throughout central Ohio. I also serve as a member of the Licking County Municipal Court’s OVI Court Treatment Team that meets weekly. This is a specialized docket that focuses on providing an intensive structured regiment of treatment to multiple offense OVI offenders. The goal is to give them the tools and resources that will help them maintain long-term sobriety, living healthy, productive lives. In my daily practice as an attorney, I am in regular contact with families and individuals struggling with alcohol/drug abuse and addiction. I have a passion assisting these individuals to develop the tools that they can use to treat their disease, address their underlying issues, and live healthy, successful lives. As important as what I have done, is what I will do. I will treat everyone who walks through the Court with respect and dignity. I work well with others, I welcome constructive criticism, and I genuinely want to be the best Judge I can be, performing a service for the public.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running because I want to help change lives. I have been sober from alcohol for over 15 years. Through the help of 12 step meetings, treatment, and the support of family, friends, and colleagues, I was able to change my life. It wasn’t easy but it has been extremely worthwhile and life-changing in the most positive of ways. Further, I know the success stories I see as a member of our Court’s OVI Treatment Team – people who, sometimes have a lifetime of abusing alcohol or using drugs, can, through intensive court supervision and treatment and a multiple-pronged approach, can learn to live the same wonderful life I have. Therefore, this is not a job for me, nor a desire for power, or positioning for the next campaign For me this is a personal passion, a calling. I have a unique personal experience that is perfectly suited for the position of Licking County Municipal Court Judge. Yes, I have the education, the experience, and commitment; however, I also have the personal experience of what it feels like to overcome the very thing that I as Judge may be asking those that come before me, to overcome and change in their lives. Licking County is also my hometown; I was born and raised right here and I want to be a leader effecting lasting, positive change in the community.

Office: Zanesville Municipal Court

Age: 35

Residence: Zanesville, OH

Email: electjosephforjudge@gmail.com

Website: www.josephforjudge.com

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Capital University Law School

Work Experience: I’ve represented the people and businesses of Zanesville in both criminal and civil courts since 2009.

Family: I am married with three children, all under the age of five.

Affiliations: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville; Muskingum Valley Park District; ForeverDads; Knights of Columbus; St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church

Endorsements: N/A

Bar Association Ratings: N/A

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I have never served in a judicial role, but I am excited to ask for your vote on November 5, 2019, for Zanesville Municipal Court Judge.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
For nearly a decade, I’ve represented the people and businesses of Zanesville in both criminal and civil courts. I’ve worked hard to help my clients understand the complexities of our legal system and succeed within it. Most importantly, I’ve learned to identify the root cause of each client’s legal dilemma and offer meaningful and lasting solutions. And, of all the qualities a good judge must have, I believe none is more important than that—the ability to identify the problem underlying each matter before the court and provide a comprehensive resolution. My ability to effectively address important problems does not end with my clients. Since returning to Zanesville, I’ve volunteered countless hours to organizations dedicated to tackling some of the problems we face as a community. I’ve been a Big Brother and now serve as the President of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville. I serve as the President of the Board of Commissioners for the Muskingum Valley Park District. And, I serve on the Board of Directors for ForeverDads, an organization devoted to providing men with the skills to develop positive relationships with their children, family and community. In 2017, I was honored with the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s District 9 Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 & Under, highlighting my substantial contributions of time and effort to the local community. If elected as your Zanesville Municipal Court Judge, I will bring to the court my professional and personal commitment to addressing the problems faced by our community and its members through a fair and impartial application of the law. Whether that means protecting our community by sending criminals to jail or uplifting our community by ensuring that deserving individuals receive the services and supervision necessary to empower them to lead productive and law-abiding lives, I am committed to a safer and stronger Zanesville.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Zanesville is my hometown and I am proud to have returned to practice law and raise a family. I am running for Judge of the Zanesville Municipal Court to make certain that Zanesville will always be a safe place for my family and yours.

Office: Warren Municipal Court

Age: 59

Residence: Warren, OH

Email:
tgysegem@kent.edu

Website: N/A

Occupation: Judge

Education: JD University of Akron

Work Experience: Elected Judge 24 years

Family: Engaged with two grown children

Affiliations: Trumbull New Theatre, American Legion of Ohio Howland Post 700 Sons of the American Legion, Ohio Buckeye Boys State Staff (Volunteer Consultant 15 years)

Endorsements: Youngstown-Warren Black Caucus, United Auto Workers CAP Council, Trumbull County AFL-CIO

Bar Association Ratings: N/A

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Warren Municipal Court 24 years

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Full-time Asst. County Prosecutor 13 years with Trumbull County Part-time faculty Kent State University 27 years.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I intend to continue the expansion of victim and probation services, work with the City of Warren on joint facility improvements and further professionalize the personnel of the court.

Office: City of Fairfield Municipal Court

Age: 60

Residence: Fairfield, OH

Email: campbelljoy@hotmail.com

Website: N/A

Occupation: City of Fairfield Municipal Court Judge

Education: J.D. from Case Western Reserve University

Work Experience: Judge since June, 1999 and trial attorney prior to that time.

Family:
Married with one adult child.

Affiliations: Christian, Member of the Butler County, Hamilton County, Ohio and American Bar Associations.

Endorsements: N/A

Bar Association Ratings: N/A

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

I have been the sole judge of the Fairfield Municipal Court since June 1999. I instituted and preside over both a Mental Health and an OVI /Drug docket both certified by the Ohio Supreme Court.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As an attorney in private practice from 1988 to 1999 I gained experience in many aspects of the law with an emphasis on labor law and representing communities. I served as a part time prosecutor in several communities.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
As the judge for nearly the past twenty years I wish to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of defendants and other litigants that appear before me as well as my community in general. The establishment of two certified specialized dockets has provided criminal defendants with the opportunity to reclaim their lives and become productive contributing citizens. The extensive use of probation gives criminal defendants the opportunity to receive necessary services such as substance abuse and/or mental health treatment, housing assistance, and job training to assist them in staying out of the criminal justice system.

Office: Massillon Municipal Court, Stark County, Ohio

Age: 66

Residence: Massillon, OH

Email: N/A

Website: N/A

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D from Ohio Northern University. BBA from University of Notre Dame. Certificate of Management from The Ohio State University.

Work Experience: Judge for 24 years. Former Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Prosecutor, Private Practioner. Local Business Owner.

Family: Married to wife Margaret for 33 years. Two adult children

Affiliations: Catholic. Numerous Civic, Community & Professional Affiliations

Endorsements: N/A

Bar Association Ratings:  Highly Recommended by Stark County Bar Association

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Massillon Municipal Court for 24 years as Administrative Judge 1996 to present. As Judge, I initiated Stark County’s first Theft, Alcohol and Drug Diversion Program (2008). I established a Drivers License Recovery Program in 2016 with the assistance of the BMV Regional Office in Canton. The Court established Mandatory Mediation for the Court’s Civil Docket in 1999. I established a Landlord-Tenant Mediation and Assistance Program in 2014 with the assistance of The Massillon Salvation Army and West Stark Homeless Task Force which I founded in 2006. The Court under my leadership proposed and implemented with our Stark County Sheriff and Stark County Mental Health and Recovery Board, the area’s first Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program (AoD) at the Stark County Jail in 2003. This Court established the first Veterans Treatment Court in 1997 (not specialized docket) with the assistance of former Judge Richard T. Kettler (Capt.US Air Force-retired & Vietnam Veteran), the local Veterans Administration Medical Center, Canton, Ohio and Stark County Veterans Service Commission. Established Probation Offices in a building next to the courthouse to house TASC, Coleman Behavioral Health, Stark County Jail AoD Aftercare, Community Service Workers classroom, Mens Challenge, Stark County Veterans Service Commission regional office, Stark County Public Defender local office, State of Ohio Adult Probation & Parole and Probate Court’s Angels Program. All programs listed above are free to court defendants and the community. The Agency’s local offices do not pay rent. This building also houses the Court’s Continuity of Operations Center (COC) as described below Established a Continuity of Operations Plan & Facilities (the first in Stark County) in a building outside of the Courthouse to house court operations in the event of a disaster or unavailability of courthouse facilities. This Facility is also available to first responders, Red Cross, law enforcement & fire/EMS personnel if needed.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I was a local businessman in addition to practicing law prior to becoming judge. I have been involved with my community since 1970 in many volunteer and charitable events to support the community at large including, educational institutions, hospitals, museums, veterans organizations, historical associations, main street rehabilitation, churches of all denominations, civic & chamber events, recreational activities and parks. I have coached youth baseball, basketball and football for over 20 years which has assisted me in mentoring young men & women to continue their education and sports endeavors. I have volunteered for 20 years to participate in the Stark County Bar Association Law Day Committee’s “Ask a Lawyer” that is televised to students and the general public through MCTV. Further, I am a cast member of Courthouse Players for over 10 years, comprised of local attorneys and judges, that produce quality law related plays to students, historical associations & the general public that relate to the Rule of Law and delivers a Law Day theme to the audience.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have made a difference in helping my community and the people who use the courts. The court’s established programs over the last 24 years have improved everyone’s access to justice, treatment options for alcohol, drug & mental health services and educated the public on their local justice system. The court staff, under my leadership, has a continuous improvement program, to be responsive to the general public, witnesses, victims of crime, the lawyers who practice in the Massillon Municipal Court and their clients. I am the most qualified person to run and be re-elected as Judge of the Massillon Municipal Court

Office: Steubenville Municipal Court

Age: 53

Residence: Steubenville, OH

Email: jmascio@cityofsteubenville.us

Website: N/A

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D. Ohio northern Univ.

Work Experience: I took office December 1, 2015

Family: Married, 2 children

Affiliations: Steubenville Rotary, Jefferson County and Ohio State Bar Associations

Endorsements:  Jefferson County Democrat Party

Bar Association Ratings:  Martindale Hubbell BV Distinguished

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

Judge, Steubenville Municipal Court, 3+ years

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

I was in private practice as an attorney from 1992 to December 2015 when I took office. I served for 10 years as City of Steubenville Prosecutor, and for 4 years as an assistant law director. I was previously an Assistant Jefferson County Prosecutor and represented numerous governmental boards and agency’s throughout my career.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
My goal for my first term in office was to fully modernize the Court in terms of technology and efficiency. This next term would be devoted to specialized dockets such as formation of mental health and drug courts for the purpose of expanding probation and better dealing with offender recidivism. My staff and I are continuously working to improve our court system and thereby improve our community. There is no more rewarding call than that of public service and being able to give back to one’s community.