Author: ctaylor1

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
As Juvenile Court Judge, I have been assigned over 100,000 cases ranging from serious acts of violence to low level offenses. I treat all litigants with fairness, dignity and respect.

In addition to my duties on the bench, I have worked to develop public and private partnerships to create innovative, nationally recognized programming for kids and families. My accomplishments include: Winner of the Ohio State Bar Association 2020 Innovative Court Program & Practice Award; nationally recognized by the American Bar Association for achieving a 95% graduation rate for students in foster care through the Kids in School Rule! program; and selected as a Cincinnati Bar Foundation grant recipient for the Court’s free Custody Clinic and showcased at their annual Rock the Foundation event for promoting access to justice and changing the lives of over 1,700 families in crisis.

I am also proud that our Court diverts 1 in every 2.75 delinquency and unruly cases, facilitating service connections for youth in lieu of correctional sanctions. By providing school, community and court-based diversion opportunities, the Court proactively addresses issues of disproportionate minority contact in the juvenile justice system with 67% of the diverted cases involving children of color.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
The relationships I formed as a small business owner of a neighborhood store helped me appreciate the challenges many faced in their daily lives, including unemployment, addiction, truancy, and family violence. These relationships also inform my work today, helping me to make fair and just decisions that include treatment and not just consequences. This experience has given me the foundation as a Judge to make the caring and balanced decisions that protect our communities, families and, most importantly, our kids. I always strive to provide the right approach for the kid at the right time.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for re-election because I am passionate about working with kids and communities, and I want to continuing building on the Court’s great work. During my tenure as Judge, the Court increased diversion programming, opened a free Custody Clinic, expanded Kids in School Rule!, and developed new threat assessment protocols to address school violence. The Court was awarded two grants to support a new Assessment Center that will open in the fall of 2020. This Assessment Center will serve low risk youth and their families with a goal of promoting positive community interventions. These innovations are resulting in a brighter future for our kids and communities.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have been a judge for over 16 years. I have presided over hundreds of jury trials, both criminal and civil, and scores of bench trials. I have handled death penalty cases. I was selected by the Chief Justice of The Ohio Supreme Court to be one of only eight judges in Ohio to preside over a commercial docket dedicated to the swift and just resolution of business disputes. I have presided over a criminal mental health docket specializing in the issues arising in the adjudication and disposition of cases where a defendant has a serious mental illness with a psychotic feature. I have a reputation for political independence, a necessity for any good judge.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I was a civil trial attorney who was in court almost every working day for approximately 10 years.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
The Ohio Supreme Court decides issues affecting everyone on a wide variety of subjects: constitutional law; education; collective bargaining; employer/employee rights; civil rights; utility rates; criminal law; commerce; legislative districting and others. I want to bring to these issues an independent perspective, informed by practical experience and the law, to decide these cases for the common good of all Ohioans.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Justice, Ohio Supreme Court 2013 – present
• Appointed January 2013; elected November 2014.
• Serve on seven-member court with statewide jurisdiction over all legal matters, including discretionary and non-discretionary appeals, original actions, death-penalty appeals, and disciplinary matters.
• Serve as frequent presenter before high school, college, law school, legal professional, and general public audiences on matters of access to justice, civic education, law, and campaign policy.
• Appointed by United States Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts to serve on the Federal Appellate Rules Committee. Judge, Tenth District Court of Appeals 2004 – 2012
• Appointed October 2004; elected November 2004; re-elected November 2010.
• Served on eight-member court with jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and administrative appeals; authored 800 opinions.
• Served as administrative judge (2007 and 2008) and as presiding judge (2009)

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
For more than two decades, I have dedicated my career to public service. Before becoming a judge, I had served as chief legal counsel to the governor, an assistant attorney general, and a state government lawyer. Those years in public service are critical to my understanding of state laws, my adherence to constitutional limitations, and my commitment to careful and efficient decision making on behalf of all Ohioans.

I also have legal experience in the private sector, having worked in a law firm and a large manufacturing corporation. That private experience helps me understand the practical impact of our decisions and appreciate the impact of our judicial rules and procedures.

Finally, as the daughter of a schoolteacher, I appreciate my Ohio roots and education, and I am committed to using my voice as a Justice to be a part of civic education in Ohio. I speak frequently to students, educators, and civic organizations. Since taking office, I have traveled to all 88 counties (I am on my fifth time around), and I have met with individuals, organizations, businesses, and local leaders, all in an effort to serve them better. If reelected, I will continue that level and method of service.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I first aspired to be a justice because it offers interesting, challenging, and meaningful work that serves the public interest. I aspire to be reelected to the office because I want to continue that work, both on and off the bench. As a justice, I am able not only to bring attention to needs within the legal profession, the judiciary, and the public as a whole, but also to advocate for change to meet those needs.

In particular, during my next term, I intend to continue the court’s work to improve our efficiency and that of all Ohio courts. I also intend to continue my work with the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and local legal aid organizations to bring more attention, resources, and innovation to the needs of undeserved Ohioans.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
N/A. However, as a faculty consultant for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, I have provided training and continuing education to judges regarding the best practices for the operation of drug courts. During the 2019 Ohio Supreme Court Specialized Docket Conference, I was the presenter of “Legal Updates for Ohio’s Judges, Prosecutors, and Defense Lawyers.”

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As the Chief Public Defender, I have twenty two (22) years of continuous litigation experience in the Ashtabula County Court of Common Pleas; litigating the big felony cases in front of the bench is critical experience for handling these cases from the bench. I am also an innovator in criminal justice as a founding member of the felony drug court program. In 2008, a group of us realized that we cannot incarcerate our way out of the drug problem, which at the time was methamphetamine. There is a theory, which I agree with completely, that we should lock up the offenders that we are afraid of and treat the offenders that we are mad at. If we do not address the problem early on, when offenders are nonviolent, their criminal behavior only escalates.

Judges need to reexamine their sentencing practices as changing sentencing laws push the responsibility on the local communities to supervise and manage the offenders, as opposed to just incarcerating them in state penal institutions. While it may “look good” to the public to sentence offenders to lengthy jail sentences, the bottom line is that this type of incarceration simply does not work and is a waste of taxpayer money. The money for incarceration needs to be spent on the violent and dangerous offenders. Criminal justice dollars are saved, and the community is safer, when nonviolent offenders receive the necessary intensive court supervision to break the cycle of criminal activity. I understand this, and continually work to ensure that best evidence practices are used in Ashtabula County’s criminal justice system. Because of the felony drug court program, the common pleas court was the best equipped in Ashtabula County to deal with the opiate crisis. Because of our lead, there are now four (4) treatment courts in our county, with two (2) more in the planning stages. As a common pleas judge, I will continually work to keep Ashtabula County’s criminal justice system moving in a positive direction.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
One of my mentors is recently deceased retired Federal Court Judge Thomas Lambros; he was the first person to encourage me to become a judge. Judge Lambros often told the story of going to the White House to meet with President Johnson following his appointment to the federal bench; the President said to him, “I appointed you because you look out for the little guy, so don’t disappoint me.” Judge Lambros often told me that this is why I should become a judge, because I look out for the little guy.

My love of the community has also played a role in my desire to be a common pleas judge. Working in so many areas of the community, from serving on the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, to serving on the Metroparks Board, working with Kent State Ashtabula as part of the Area College Committee, and working with the veterans at the American Legion and the Elks Lodge, has provided me with a real appreciation for the diversity of the people in this county, and provides me with a perspective of different viewpoints. The community must have confidence that everyone who enters the courtroom will be heard, treated respectfully, and the law will be applied fairly in their cases.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have been the Mahoning County Probate Judge for the last six (6) years. On July 8, 2014, I was appointed by then Gov. John Kasich to fill the unexpired term of probate judge. After winning election in the November 2014 general election, I have been the Probate Judge in Mahoning County presiding over estate administrations, guardianship’s, will contest matters, adoptions and numerous other issues that have come before the Court on a daily basis.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to taking the bench in July 2014, I was an Estate/Probate lawyer for twenty three (23) years, limiting my practice to probate matters. During my 23 years as a practicing lawyer, I drafted hundreds of Wills, Trusts and estate plans for my clients and administered estates for those that passed. In addition, I also established Guardianship for my clients disabled family members who could not care for themselves and was fortunate to represent new parents creating a forever home for a child by adoption. In total, I handled over 1,200 cases in the probate court during my 23 years as a lawyer.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Since I first began my career as a lawyer, I have always been in the probate area of law. It is an area of the law that I truly love and respect. Mostly because it deals with our most precious things, our family and our assets. While in law school I began working at the Sixty Plus Law Clinic which allowed me to help individuals 60 and older with drafting estate plans (Wills, Power of attorneys for Health Care, etc) and other legal issues that they were experiencing at the time. This furthered my interest and passion for helping individuals with aging issues.

After graduating law school, I began my law career with my law partner, Joseph Lane in Canfield, Ohio where we limited our practice to probate matters. Things like drafting Wills, Trusts, Power of Attorney’s, qualifying individuals for Medicaid, handling Adoption’s and establishing Guardianship’s were all part of my every day work life.

I believe that I bring a great deal of experience, empathy and integrity all coupled with a common sense approach to the bench that has helped the citizens of Mahoning County. In my first six years as judge, I was responsible for creating a “National Adoption Day” which brings awareness of the importance of adoption in Mahoning County. I also created a “Help Desk” wherein local lawyers make themselves available to help citizens with simple probate matters at no charge. In addition, I created a mental health court called “Fresh Start Court” that offers assistance to individuals who have been discharged from the hospital stay on their medication and limit their re-hospitalization’s by providing support services and encouragement from the bench. These are just a few of the reason’s that I believe that I am the best person suited to be the probate judge of Mahoning County. When re-elected, I will continue my passion for helping individuals in the area of probate by making the process easier to understand, and the court more accessible and user friendly.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Common Pleas Judge Portage County since January 1, 2015. I handle approximately 700 criminal and over 300 civil cases a year.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Experience and commitment is vital to effectively do this job. I have tried over 200 jury trials including Aggravated Murder, Rape, Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, complex Organized Crime, and Drug Trafficking. I have prosecuted 22 Death Penalty cases both in Summit County and Mahoning County. I tried numerous personal injury cases while representing insured defendants. I am active in the community and understand the responsibility of the Court to be transparent and visible.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I love the law and my job, and will continue to work hard to make our communities safer and healthier. I started HOPE Drug Court soon after I took office and was certified by the Ohio Supreme Court March 2017. Our unique program combines stringent counseling and accountability to prepare participants for life after court. HOPE Court won the Celebrate Portage Public Health Initiative Award in 2019 due to the team’s dedication and commitment to the program. The Paris Work Release Program I initiated gives select jail inmates the opportunity to work while incarcerated to save money, pay fines prepare for housing, pay child support and be employed upon release. My position gives me the ability to address the drug epidemic in a profound way, while protecting the community at the same time.

I have the experience to handle complex criminal and civil cases in a manner that is fair to all parties. I believe it is imperative that a common pleas Judge possess litigation skills to effectively and correctly handle the vast array of cases assigned to the courts. I have that experience, and utilize it every day on the bench.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Judge of the Stark County Probate Court, January 2004 to present; Acting Judge in Alliance Municipal Court, April, 2001 to December, 2002; Magistrate, Stark County Court of Common Pleas, January, 1997 to June, 2002

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have worked most of my career within the court system. The value of my non-judicial legal experience was that it provided me insight and empathy into the dimensions of the attorney-client relationship and the experience of being on the other side of the bench. Much time is devoted to preparing court filings and for court appearances. The court file itself does not reflect all of the work, client support and effort expended on the case. Consequently, I make an effort to spend time with counsel to discuss any potential issues before proceeding with a hearing. If the matter is contested, this is an opportunity for the parties to resolve the case. This practice optimizes and facilitates the hearing process.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
It has been my privilege to serve the residents of Stark County in the Probate Court for sixteen years. While much has been accomplished with generous volunteers in our community, there is still work to be done to raise awareness of alternatives to guardianship, prevention of abuse of the elderly and disabled and mental health treatment options.

Stark County Probate Court started one of the first pilot programs in Ohio for eldercaring coordination in 2017. Eldercaring coordination is a dispute resolution process during which an eldercaring coordinator assists elders, legally authorized decision-makers, and others who participate by court order or invitation to resolve disputes with high conflict levels in a manner that respects the elder’s need for autonomy and safety. This process is a way to avoid guardianship while insuring the safety of the elder.

The Stark County Multidisciplinary Advocacy/Protective Resources Team (SMART) began with the Probate Court’s invitation to various agencies and government offices that serve the elderly and disabled in order to create an ongoing dialogue and forum for the development and implementation of resources to address the needs of the disabled and/or elderly population. Since 2011, SMART has presented an annual program on elder/disabled abuse to raise awareness in the community of this growing issue. There are over 200 attendees at the program every year Additionally, for the past two years, SMART has also sponsored a “Coordinated Community Response” seminar for law enforcement and agencies that serve the elderly and disabled.

Since 2005, volunteers for the Probate Court Angel program have been trained to visit the Court’s wards and their guardians. Court Angels confirm the well-being of wards and provide support and information to their guardians. A study of the program and its value to the community was completed by Miami University of Ohio. Since 2006, Guardian Support Services’ (GSS) volunteer guardians have served numerous wards in facilities with love and kindness. Since the Probate Court assisted in its establishment, guardianship standards and training have been adopted statewide. GSS volunteers exceed the standards. Outpatient commitment of individuals with mental health issues has been successful in assisting individuals with adjusting to living in the community with supports and medication compliance.

In closing, the Probate Court touches the lives of everyone in Stark County through adoptions, marriage licenses, trusts and estates. It is truly a privilege to serve our community.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have not served in a judicial capacity but have been a hearing officer for The Youngstown Water Department and Youngstown Clerk of Courts for approximately 18 years.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have been among the most active attorneys in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties for 35 years. I have handled successfully probate litigation which is among the most contentious court fights that exist. I have developed software that is used across the country by governments and not for profits operating guardianships and Social Security representative-payee programs. I have been a life long advocate for the needs of senior citizens both as a lawyer and elected official; protecting them from financial fraud and physical abuse. I have practiced in 30 county courts of common pleas throughout the State and five federal district courts and appellate courts In addition I have briefed matters both to the Ohio Supreme Court and United States Supreme Court. My experience is much broader and diverse than my opponent’s.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I want to assure that the court is operated pursuant to the law and free of cronyism. Every person that comes to the court will receive fair and expedient justice. I want to particularly make sure no one thinks they can take advantage of a senior whether they are under a guardianship or after death.

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

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As an attorney since 1991, I began my legal career in private practice. I worked on both civil and criminal cases, with a primary focus on civil litigation that included personal injury, workplace injuries, and general negligence cases. In 2000, I began focusing more on labor and employment law, representing workers, including first responders, teachers, nurses, university professors, building and construction trades workers, and others in a variety of forums. I negotiated collective bargaining agreements, drafted contracts, conducted discovery, represented clients at mediation, arbitration and in court. I also worked on civil service, administrative, and education law issues.

In addition to the traditional legal experience described above, I also have valuable experience in public service, having worked as a lawmaker at the city, county, state, and federal levels of government. I researched and wrote laws, chaired hearings, questioned witnesses, and engaged in administrative oversight, among other things.

While serving in the US House of Representatives, I served on the Judiciary Committee, where I worked on issues related to the judiciary and civil, criminal, and administrative law. I served on the Courts, Internet and Intellectual Property Subcommittee and as a member of the Judiciary and Antitrust Subcommittee. I also gained a great deal of insight into laws pertaining to health care, consumer protection, the environment, and government oversight while serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

During my service as a State Representative, I attained valuable experience as the Vice Chair of the Judiciary and Criminal Justice Committee, as a member of the Civil and Commercial Law Committee, the Health Committee, Insurance Committee and on the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review, which reviewed rule-making of over 100 agencies. I also served on the Ohio Community Corrections Advisory Board and as Chair of the Women in Law Committee of the Ohio Women’s Policy and Research Commission. After leaving Congress, I was appointed the Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. In that position, I managed the U.S. portion of an international waterway and gained significant and relevant experience dealing with a wide array of legal issues, which often involved complex legal principles and complicated facts.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I want to serve on the Ninth District Court of Appeals because I know that it is crucial that our courts are fair and impartial. I have the work ethic and unrivaled experience to ensure that it will be. Having worked as a lawyer, lawmaker, and executive has given me unique insight into the law, how it should be interpreted, and a deep understanding of the importance of fairness and justice for all who come before the court.

I grew up the youngest of six in Barberton. My dad worked at the boiler factory and my mom worked at the local library. They taught me to value education, the rule of law and giving back to our community. Because of them, I have made the law and service the cornerstones of my career. I attended law school in Akron, where I was recognized for excellence in Constitutional Law. While still in school, I was elected to the Barberton City Council and then served on the Summit County Council, before winning election to the Ohio House of Representatives and the United States Congress. It was there that I learned to write the laws and oversee the courts while serving on the Judiciary and Rules Committees. Subsequently, I was appointed by the President to serve as Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, where I dealt with many complicated legal issues to keep the Seaway open and American Families working.

As an attorney for nearly 30 years, I have represented people and workers who have been injured or not always treated fairly. Those are the kinds of cases I took on. No matter where my career has taken me, I have never forgotten where I come from or why service matters. My unique experience has given me an exceptional understanding of the law and I want to use that understanding to deliver fairness and justice for all on the Court of Appeals. I have dealt with a variety of legal issues throughout my career, giving me valuable experience for this court which reviews a variety of different types of cases. I know that the court’s decisions have profound, real life impacts on people and our communities. It must not be driven by politics. It must be fiercely independent. Our Constitution requires it, our citizens deserve it, and I have the right experience to make sure they will get it.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I was a judicial extern for the Honorable Gregory L. Frost, United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Ohio.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My legal background is substantially more diverse than the other candidate. My background allows me to handle unique situations. Prior to joining the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, I represented indigent criminal defendants at a criminal defense firm. I was able to represent individuals accused of a multitude of crimes from murder to traffic violations. This was a very valuable experience as I was in court on a daily basis totaling hundreds of cases in my tenure. In addition to representing adults, my practice focused on juvenile court matters (juvenile delinquency and abuse, neglect and dependency cases). I also was a certified guardian ad litem for abuse, neglect and dependency cases.

I continued my practice at Mollica, Gall, Sloan & Sillery where I practiced with some of the best and most respected attorneys that Athens County had to offer. I not only continued to handle juvenile court delinquency matters, but also handled several child custody and child support matters in juvenile court. I expanded my representation of criminal defendants, but also handled probate matters where I was able to provide families with estate planning as well has handle complex litigation in probate court.

I am currently an Assistant Prosecutor with Athens County where I have many job responsibilities. I am in charge of the grand jury division as I prepare a majority of criminal cases that are presented to the grand jury. I am also in charge of our civil division where I provide representation and advice to the county office holders as well as the fourteen townships. Lastly, I have a criminal caseload where I have handled thousands of criminal cases. This is where my passion to help juveniles out started as I am assigned the child abuse cases in the office. The protection of our youth and elderly mean the world to me and it is an honor to give these children a voice against the abuse that they may face.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am seeking to become the Athens County Juvenile/Probate Judge because I feel like I am in the best position to make an impact for our community. It takes a special person to hold this job, and I am that person.

In juvenile delinquency matters, juvenile offenders must be held accountable, but you must be able to relate to them, to show them compassion, and to provide them an avenue to succeed. The role of juvenile court is to rehabilitate the offender; I will find ways to make sure that happens. When talking about experience for the job, I have the actual experience in this area of law. I have represented hundreds of criminal defendants, including juveniles, but also have prosecuted thousands of cases. I am the only candidate that can make that statement.

I will seek to expand on the foundation that the Honorable Judge Robert Stewart has built in Juvenile/Probate Court. I will work closely with the local schools to expand the line of communication. My goal is to be proactive with the truancy issues facing our community and to significantly lessen the number of juveniles that are considered to be truant. I will also focus on the mental health of the juveniles involved with the court system. In my vast professional experience, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of structure these juveniles have in their lives. Essentially, a lot of these juvenile offenders are “graduating” to adult felony court. I personally have seen the deterioration before my eyes. I will work to implement a mental health counselor or mental health probation officer in the Court to help break this mold and stop juveniles from reoffending. I want them to succeed and will provide them avenues to do so.

For probate matters, I will make sure the docket is run efficiently and timely. I will waste no time in issuing decisions as it is important to provide closure to these families.

I am a true public servant at heart. This position will allow me to continue that. I have spent a significant part of my career helping and protecting those in need. I will be firm, fair and passionate to all litigants. I believe I am the best person for this job, and I hope the voters of Athens County chose me to be the next Athens County Juvenile/Probate Judge on November 3, 2020.