Author: ctaylor1

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have served as a Magistrate in Hamilton County Juvenile Court since 2012.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have practiced law for a total of 27 years. I served as an Assistant United States Attorney for 10 years. I practiced civil litigation in a medium sized law firm. As a small law firm manager, I practiced civil rights litigation, criminal defense and family law.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court because I believe that the court should reflect the people which it serves. There should be diversity of thought, race, gender, and cultural background on the judicial bench. I believe in fairness, justice and equity for all people. My experience, values and passions align with the role and duties of this court. I want fair and impartial judges in my community.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I was appointed as a Magistrate with the Summit County Domestic Relations Court in 2018 and promoted to Chief Magistrate in January of 2020. During this time I have resolved hundreds of cases involving very important matters for the families in our community including temporary orders, child custody and companionship time, child support, spousal support, grandparent rights, paternity, property issues, contempt and domestic violence/dating violence civil protection orders. I speak throughout the community on different topics which concern the families our Court serves including our innovative Court programming and grandparent rights.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have over 25 years of experience practicing law. Over the course of my career I have resolved thousands of cases including everything from routine traffic matters to aggravated murder. A judge must not only know the law and how to apply it but must also have the temperament to help families in crisis by being firm, fair and understanding. Prior to becoming a Magistrate, I spent 16 years fighting for crime victims as an assistant prosecuting attorney. My previous representation of individuals in criminal and civil matters gives me the experience and problem-solving skills that are necessary to make timely, legally sound decisions while showing compassion for all parties involved.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have dedicated my career to public service and helping the families in our community. I am passionate about helping families in crisis find solutions that will lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. During my time as a Magistrate I have resolved hundreds of cases, many of which involve difficult and complex issues. I listen impartially to the individuals who appear in front of me and rule upon their cases in a manner that is fair and compassionate. I understand that the majority of the litigants who appear in my courtroom are very good people who are going through an extremely stressful time in their lives. It is my hope that I have the privilege of continuing to serve the families of Summit County as your next Domestic Relations Court judge.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have been Acting Judge of the Athens County Municipal Court from 2015 to the present. During my four years as Acting Judge, I have presided over thousands of cases.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As an attorney, I routinely help families navigate the probate process. During my 14 years in private practice, I have handled over 1,000 probate matters. My significant probate experience makes me an optimal candidate for Judge of the Probate Court. I am also a native of Athens County. Much of my life has been committed to improving the lives of local children. For the last four years I have served as a school board member. Prior to that, I spent nearly a decade on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters. I also have worked with children teaching martial arts for over 20 years. My decades-long commitment to the children of our community uniquely qualifies me to serve as judge of the Athens County Juvenile Court.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running because I believe of all the candidates, I am the best qualified and can do the best job in serving our community.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
1997 to present: Probate and Juvenile Court Judge for Washington Co., Ohio

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
1989-1997 Part-time Juvenile Court Magistrate for Washington Co., Ohio; 1984-1997 had a Private Law Practice in Marietta, Ohio.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Running for reelection so that I may continue to serve and help the citizens of my home county.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have not been a judge or magistrate before. In Ohio, lawyers have to be licensed licensed a certain number of years before they can run for judge. While waiting the requisite number of years I worked exclusively in the public sector, building a career of courtroom experience and client interaction.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I am qualified to be a judge because I am knowledgeable and compassionate. I’ve learned a lot about children, childhood adolescence, and behavioral science from professionals I’ve met through my representation of children and adults in the criminal justice system. I’ve met with mothers whose children are incarcerated and represented adults who have been locked up since they were kids. I’m invested in the communities the court serves, and see the need for a culture change in the Juvenile Court.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for this seat because I believe that kids are different, and that we must work towards the goal of rehabilitation for children rather than depend on incarceration to fix the issues in our community. The Juvenile Court’s purpose and stated goal is rehabilitation of children, because children deserve the ability to learn and grow. I am running because no child is born bad, and we have a duty as a community to help guide them to success. All children are our future.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Franklin County Common Pleas Court (General Division) 07/01/2015-present; Franklin County Municipal Court (General Division) 2012-2015

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Extensive litigation experience in private practice for 26 years throughout Ohio and California.

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

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have been a Domestic Relations Court Magistrate since February 2014. I have presided over many cases, issuing over a thousand decisions on every aspect of domestic relations: property division, child support, spousal support, child custody, parenting time allocation, grandparents’ rights, domestic violence, interstate support and custody jurisdiction, support for children with disabilities, and prenuptial agreements. I have also mediated dozens of cases and helped parents find resolutions on such issues as custody, parenting time schedules, extracurricular activities, discipline, and school enrollment.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As an attorney, I devoted my practice to family law matters. I have extensive experience resolving Domestic Relations cases in Hamilton, Warren, and Clermont counties through litigation, mediation, and Collaborative Law. In 2011, I achieved the designation of Certified Family Law Specialist through the Ohio State Bar Association. (As a magistrate, I no longer maintain that designation because it’s designed for practicing attorneys.) I also served the court often as a Guardian ad Litem for children whose parents were involved in parenting disputes, and made recommendations to the court about the best situation for the children. I have litigated many cases on all aspects of domestic relations law, including child custody, grandparents’ rights, property division, support, prenuptial agreements, relocation, jurisdiction, and domestic violence. Because of my litigation skill and experience, I am qualified to be a judge because I understand fully all the rules and procedures involved in court cases. Additionally, because I represented hundreds and hundreds of people going through Domestic Relations Court, I understand the complicated emotions of people involved in family law cases. They are confronting an incredible change and an uncertain future: When will I see my children? Will I have enough money after I pay support to get by? What if the children have to change schools? Where can I afford to live? I helped people from all walks of life through these difficult transitions in their families. This broad experience as an attorney qualifies me to be a judge because I know it’s critical to address people’s concerns as quickly as possible, to treat them with respect and understanding, and to make well-informed decisions that are well-grounded in Ohio law. Finally, I am a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. I’ve seen in some of the people close to me the issues that break down marriages – unaddressed mental health, financial problems, addictions. I know rarely is one person to blame for a family’s problems. I know no one takes the process of divorce lightly. I know divorce affects not only the family, but their extended families, their friends, the children’s teachers, the neighbors, the coworkers. I am qualified to be a judge because I know how to listen and be respectful of the spouses and parents who find themselves before me.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I’ve devoted my entire legal career to family law/domestic relations. I am running for Domestic Relations Court Judge because my experience, my expertise and my empathy qualify me for this judicial position. When the people of Hamilton County appear before a judge who is going to make life-changing decisions that have lifelong effects on everyone involved, especially the children, those people deserve a judge who understands their concerns, understands the law, and knows how to decide cases correctly. As an attorney in Domestic Relations Court, I helped hundreds of people through the difficult transitions as they ended one family structure and began another. I understand the grief, anxiety, and other strong emotions people experience in these situations. I know it’s critically important for them to get clear, well-reasoned direction from the court as soon as possible. Having served as a magistrate for the past six years in Warren County Domestic Relations Court, I know that being on the bench puts me in the best possible position to help families and children. I am able to fashion workable resolutions for parents who dispute parenting time schedules, school choice, discipline, and other parenting concerns. I am able to divide property fairly and to make reasonable, workable spousal and child support awards. I write clear, well-reasoned decisions grounded in Ohio law. Becoming a judge will give me the opportunity to serve Hamilton County. Domestic Relations Court is extremely important because it so deeply affects people’s lives. The people of Hamilton County deserve a judge with a proven track record of excellent decisions and dedication to families. I hope by sharing these facts with the voters of Hamilton County that they’ll give me the chance to serve them in this important role.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Judge, Butler County Common Pleas Court, General Division, October, 2013-present. Elected by fellow judges to serve as Administrative Judge of the Butler County Common Pleas Court, General Division, November, 2016-December, 2018. In addition to regular duties, presided over the Butler County Common Pleas Court, General Division’s Felony Nonsupport Court from October, 2014-present.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to taking the bench in 2013, I served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for many years. As an Assistant Prosecutor, I represented various county agencies and prosecuted cases in the Butler County Juvenile Court and the General Division of the Butler County Common Pleas Court. For thirteen years I was a trial prosecutor in the Child Assault Division of the Prosecutor’s Office. I prosecuted child homicide, physical abuse, and sexual abuse cases in the General Division of the Butler County Common Pleas Court. In 2011, I became the Division Chief of the Child Assault Division of the Prosecutor’s Office. I was honored to receive a Meritorious Service Award from the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association in 2012. My experience as a trial lawyer on numerous, serious felony cases in the very court where I currently serve as a judge uniquely prepared me to become a trial judge. Judges must be competent to rule on evidentiary and procedural issues during a trial. As a trial lawyer, I became experienced with the rules which govern trials and I am now able to use that knowledge and experience to make the necessary rulings as a trial judge. Moreover, judges must be fair and impartial. Prosecutors have an ethical obligation to seek the truth. My experience in focusing on the truth as an assistant prosecutor conditioned me to sit as a fair and impartial judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for reelection to my current seat on the General Division of the Butler County Common Pleas Court bench because my experience and demeanor qualify me to be a fair and impartial judge. Judges have the responsibility to apply the law fairly and impartially. In addition to knowing the law, we must be patient with and courteous to those who come in front of us. Every case is important and every litigant and attorney deserves to be treated with respect and to feel that he or she has been treated fairly. I endeavor to handle every case with this mindset. It has been an honor to serve the people of Butler County as a judge for more than six years. I appreciate their support and trust.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
This is my first judicial campaign.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have been a public defender for twenty-six years; fighting to ensure that all people, regardless of their income or demographic background, have full, fair, and quality representation. I have tried many cases and am qualified to represent people in death-penalty cases. I have experience in handling virtually any criminal case that a judge might have to consider. I have strong research and writing skills. I have a firm grasp of the Rules of Evidence. I have experience dealing with people from all walks of life including people who appear in court and with court staff and personnel. I have been serving the people of Franklin County for my entire adult life. I believe, as individuals, our purpose in this life is to serve our communities and all of its members.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I believe that all people coming before the Court–defendants, victims, and civil litigants–should be treated with fairness and respect by a judge who understands the law and the Rules of Evidence. This is the kind of judge I will be. A fair and competent judiciary is the key to a just society. We are at a turning point within the criminal justice system where we realize that mass incarceration is not the key to deterring or preventing crime. We realize that drug addiction and substance abuse is a social and personal sickness that cannot be cured by extreme punitive measures. I am excited to be running for judge at a point in history where the need for social justice and constructive, rehabilitative sentencing is clear as it is in the best interest of the individual and society as a whole. Having spent my entire adult life serving people in Franklin County and doing my best to provide justice for all, I am now ready to take the bench in Franklin County and serve an even larger sector of the population and make the most positive impact that I can.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have served as the Harrison County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge from 2003 until the present and am seeking re-election. I am a Past President of the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges (2014). I am an active member in the Ohio Association of Probate Judges. I have served on the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges Board of Trustees for close to ten years. I serve on the Supreme Court of Ohio Committee on Family and Children, the sub-committee for Child Abuse, Neglect and Dependency, and the chairperson for the CHIPS workgroup. I am an instructor at the New Judges Training Seminars which is required for all new judges and sponsored by the Ohio Supreme Court. I serve on the Judicial Conference Juvenile Law and Procedure Committee, the Judicial Ethics and Professionalism Committee, and the Public Outreach Committee. I have served a term on the Financial Committee for the National Association of Juvenile Judges.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have the benefit of being raised and educated in Harrison County so I know the values, strengths and weakness of my home. I have raised and educated my own family here and have worked to make it a better place. My family has been very active in the community by sitting on various committees and boards ranging from our church to civic and school related activities. My wife and I have placed an emphasis on children by working with school booster groups to ensure that every child has the possibility to succeed. I have coached soccer for fourteen years in various capacities and have enjoyed working with the young men and women and seeing them develop their potential. Prior to taking the bench, I was the Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney for six years and was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Jefferson County for five years prior to that. Those years taught me about the need to listen to all parties and to let the facts speak for themselves. I have been blessed to be able to back to my home county and serve.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running to finish the job that my team has started in helping Harrison County Families and Children. Through the Administrative side, the Court has upgraded its computer capacity and is in the process of scanning all probate files into its system. We have an active website with forms and other pertinent information. The Court expects to be certified for a specialized docket in March; a Dependency Court. The Court is actively working to develop a CASA Program for Harrison County to provide GALS to families by the end of 2020. The Court has partnered with the local school system on many projects including working with the Mock Trial Team, Prom Promise, Mentoring, Speakers Corner, and the Alternative School. I am very proud of the work that the team has accomplished and I look forward to working with the team to accomplish even more during the next six years.