Author: kml187

Office: Cleveland Municipal Court

Age: 61

Residence: Cleveland, OH

Occupation: Attorney

Education: J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Work Experience: Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge (1998-2012), Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor (1987-1998), Rauser and Associates LLC, Private Practice of Law (2013-2019)

Family: 5 grandchildren, 3 children

Affiliations: St. Leo’s Parishioner, Olmsted Falls Travel Baseball Association  

Endorsements:  Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Teamsters Union Local 436

Bar Association Ratings:  Excellent

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I served 14 years as a Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge, with 7 years experience as Administrative Judge and 3 years expererience as Presiding Drug Court Judge. 1998-2012

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have over 32 years legal experience. !2 years I served as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor with extensive trial expererience. I have tried serious criminal cases such as murder, rape, and robbery. In private practice I have expererience in criminal defense, family and juvenile law, bankruptcy and civil litigation. In addition , I have a B.B.A. degree with a major in accounting and experience working as a credit analyst at a bank. The business experience is helpful in civil litigation and having constructive input into the court’s administrative functions including the best ways to utilize the court’s resources.  

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I aspire to be judge at Cleveland Municipal Court because I believe I am the right candidate to move the court forward on day one and into the future. I was born and raised in Cleveland and I care about the people that live here. I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of the people who may appear before the court. If elected to the Bench, I would like to utilize and apply my 14 years of judicial experience, with 7 years as Administrative Judge, to successfully move the court forward. The Court needs tighter management controls and more efficient processes and procedures as it pertains to scheduling, case management, and implementing result driven cost effective programs in the court system. It is even more imperative when using taxpayers funded limited resources. I also believe the court needs to ultimately address the issues contributing to overcrowded jails, the conditions at the jail, the lenghty wait time for drug treatment and mental health services to begin, and to finalize bail reform.  

Office: Massillon Municipal Court

Age: 60

Residence: Massillon, OH

Email: fichterlaw@sssnet.com

Website: www.joelfichter.com

Occupation: Magistrate, Massillon Municipal Court

Education: J.D. from The University of Akron 1984; B.A. from Bowling Green State University 1981; Massillon Washington High School 1977.

Work Experience: Magistrate, Massillon Municipal Court 2008 – present; private practice 2004 – 2007; Stergios & Kurtzman Co., LPA 1984 -2004.

Family: Married to Christine for 28 years, 3 sons.

Affiliations: Catholic; numerous civic/community/professional affiliations, including Western Stark County Homeless Task Force, Community Hospice, YMCA, and youth sports.

Endorsements: AFL-CIO Hall of Fame Central Labor Council; United Steelworkers of America Local 1124; International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2280; Coalition of Women Voters; Stark County Prosecutor John D. Ferrero, Jr.; Retired Judges Richard T. Kettler and Richard D. Reinbold, Jr.; Stark County Association for Justice.

Bar Association Ratings:  Recommended by the Judiciary Committee of the Stark County Bar Association.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Full-time Magistrate of the Massillon Municipal Court since January 1, 2008; Acting Magistrate and Acting Judge of the Massillon Municipal Court June 2004 – December 2007.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to becoming the full-time Magistrate of the Massillon Municipal Court in 2008, I practiced law for nearly 24 years in western Stark County.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for this position because Hon. C. Roland Centrone is retiring on December 31, 2019. My experience and understanding of the workings of the Court and our community make me qualified to fill this seat. I have been a resident of the Massillon Municipal Court district my entire life and I have been active in our community, and I want to continue to serve our residents and make a difference in western Stark County.

 

 

Office: Columbiana County Municipal Court

Age:  48

Residence: Minerva, OH

Email: heavenguestforjudge@gmail.com

Website:  http://heavenguestforjudge.com

https://www.facebook.com/pg/HeavenGuestforJudge

Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Education: JD from the University of Akron, 2001; Masters Degree in Public Administration; Masters Degree in Urban Studies; Masters Degree in Elementary Education

Work Experience: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the past 16 years; Appellate Judicial Attorney 2001-2002

Family: Married with three step children, four step grandchildren, and three dogs.

Affiliations: Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association member; National District Attorneys Association member; Columbiana County Bar Association member; FOPA, Akron Bar Association member; Law Library Resources Board member, ATHENA, Women’s Network, Women’s Impact Inc., Stark County NAACP, Member of the Summit County Collaborative Against Human Trafficking

Endorsements: State Representative Tavia Galonksi, Hall of Fame Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO,and Columbiana, Mahoning & Trumbull Counties United Auto Workers-Commuity Action Program Council

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judicial Attorney for Judge Robert Nader, 11th District Court of Appeals 2001-2002

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have the commitment, compassion, and experience necessary to serve the court with integrity and fairness to all. Over the last sixteen years as a prosecuting attorney, I have handled cases involving misdemeanor and felony charges. I have prosecuted cases involving child support enforcement, administrative matters, and civil issues. In addition, have prosecuted delinquency cases as well as dependency, neglect and abuse cases at juvenile court. I have experience with specialty courts, including: mental health court, drug court, and domestic violence court. I am an active member of a collaborative against human trafficking and advisory board member of a municipal court’s human trafficking court. I have argued appeals in the 7th, 8th,and 9th District Court of Appeals as well as the Ohio Supreme Court. I am admitted to the Northern District Court of Ohio and the Supreme Court of the Unites States of America, where I recently filed a brief in opposition to petition for writ of certiorari in a death penalty case. In addition to my juris doctorate degree, I have three masters degrees from the University of Akron. I taught undergraduate, law-related courses at the University of Akron for fifteen years and currently teach at the Police Academy. In addition, I have presented a variety of continuing legal education presentations on a variety of topics ranging from child support, driving under the influence, and advanced appellate practice. I have excellent communication skills and am dedicated to helping people. I treat people with fairness and respect. My education, experience, and work ethic qualify me for the position of municipal court judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for judge because I am qualified for the position and I want to make a difference in our community. As a prosecuting attorney, I have experience in handling a wide-variety of criminal, juvenile, civil, and appellate matters. I am committed to the members of our community and I will serve our courts with integrity and fairness for all.

Office: Toledo Municipal Court

Age: 38

Residence: Toledo, OH

Email: puffenbergerforjudge2019@gmail.com

Website:
facebook – Puffenberger For Judge

www.electpuff.com

Occupation: Sr. Attorney for the City of Toledo

Education: J.D. from the University of Toledo

Work Experience: Assistant Public Defender, Assistant County Prosecutor, Staff Attorney for the 6th District Court of Appeals, Current Senior Attorney for the City of Toledo

Family: Married for 12 years with 4 children (10, 9, 5, and 1)

Endorsements: Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association, United Labor Committee, Toledo Federation of Teachers, Northwest Ohio Building Trades, Toledo Port Council, Iron Workers Local 55, Insulators Local 45, IBEW Local 8, IBEW Local 245, Sheet Metal Workers Local 33, Carpenters Local 351, Cement Masons Local 886, National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 100, AFSCME – Power in Action, Laborers’ Local 500, Communication Workers of America Local 4319

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
This is my first time running for judge.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I believe a Judge should have a well-rounded and diverse background of legal experience before taking the bench. My non-judicial legal experience uniquely qualifies me for this position. I have served as an assistant public defender where I have defended individuals accused of crimes. I went on to serve as an assistant prosecutor, representing the State of Ohio to protect our communities. I have worked as a staff attorney at the 6th District Court of Appeals, reviewing the work of attorneys and judges throughout the 6th District. I currently serve as a senior attorney for the City of Toledo’s law department where I represent the City of Toledo in our capacity as a plaintiff and a defendant. Experience on both sides of criminal and civil matters will allow me to truly understand the arguments presented in court and will give me the ability to make fair, impartial decisions.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am proud of the fact that I have spent the majority of my legal career serving the community. I believe that with my experience in nearly every aspect of the law, the Toledo Municipal Court is where I could be of best service to the City of Toledo. The vast majority of the citizens of Toledo have their first experience with the court system at the municipal court level. People come in front of the court facing misdemeanor charges and small civil actions. The decisions that come out of the court have massive impacts on the lives of the citizens of the City of Toledo, and the community as a whole. The people of Toledo deserve to have a judge that is willing to look at every case individually, listen to every argument, and make fair and thoughtful decisions. My prior legal experience will allow me to do just that.

Office: Hamilton County Municipal Court District six

Age: 42

Residence: Cincinnati, OH

Website: peckforjudge.com
@peckforjudge

Occupation: Hamilton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Education: Franciscan University of Steubenville, B.A., Ave Maria School of Law, J.D.

Work Experience: 15 years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 4 years as an elected Law Director, nearly a decade as hotline attorney for Proseniors, Inc.

Family: Married, 7 children.

Affiliations: Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Catholic

Endorsements: Hamilton County GOP http://hamiltoncountyrepublicanparty.org, Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge #69, http://fop69.org, Cincinnati Right to Life, https://cincinnatirighttolife.org, Buckeye Firearms Association,

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

This is my first campaign for Judge. I have not served in this capacity before.

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

I have handled cases for the last 15 years in Hamilton County Juvenile, Municipal, and Common Pleas Courts. I have tried over 40 jury trials ranging from OVI cases to Aggravated Murder. Outside of the courtroom I have served my community as an elected Law Director, and I give free legal advice to seniors on a hotline. My commitment throughout my career is to serve others with competence and compassion. I have great respect for our legal system and will bring my experience to bear in making decisions based on the law and common sense.

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

Municipal Court is considered by many to be “the peoples court.” This court reaches the most people and arguably has the most impact in our everyday lives. Municipal Court deals with misdemeanor crimes and lower level civil cases. In my pursuit of ensuring a safe community and the protection of individual rights, this court provides a forum to make the greatest impact in that regard.

Office: Oberlin Municipal Court

Age: 63

Residence: Amherst , OHE

Occupation: Judge

Education: Juris Doctor – Cleveland Marshall College of Law

Work Experience: Private Practice 1982-2001

Family: Married for 38 years; 4 children; 14 grandchildren

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judge Oberlin Municipal Court 2002-present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Practicing Attorney 1982-2001 Arbitrator – Lorain County Court of Common Pleas Mediator – Lorain County Court of Common Pleas

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
To continue providing fair and impartial justice to the citizens of the Oberlin Municipal Court District and all participants. The motto of the court: “We must give the same conscientious attention to every matter that comes to the attention of the court. Some may think that cases can be categorized as important and unimportant, but the litigants do not feel that way. Their case is very important to them and it must be to us. To us this may be just another day at the office. For the participants it is perhaps the single most important event in their life. Endeavor to treat every case with the utmost care and attention whether a simple traffic violation or a serious allegation of wrongdoing, whether a small claim or a claim for the maximum monetary jurisdiction of this Court.” It has been my privilege and honor to serve the citizens of the Oberlin Municipal Court District these past 18 years and my pledge is to continue to provide the same passion and energy the next 6 years while making improvements and changes as needed to enhance the fair and impartial administration of justice while remaining a good steward of the court and its resources. Thank you for the opportunity. Sincerely and respectfully, Thomas A. Januzzi

Office: Ottawa County Municipal Court

Age: 64

Residence: Port Clinton , OH

Email: lpwargo3@gmail.com

Website:http://www.wargoforjudge.com
facebook.com/wargoforjudge

Occupation: Ottawa County Municipal Court Magistrate

Education: B.A. from Cornell University; J.D. from University of Toledo; 220+ hours of Judicial College training and education

Work Experience: Private practice commencing 1981; assistant Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney, 7 years; prosecuting attorney for Ottawa County villages, 20 years; associate attorney and partner, Meyer, Kocher, Loeffler & Wargo; partner, Loeffler & Wargo; Acting Judge, Ottawa County Municipal Court, 4 years; Magistrate, Ottawa County Municipal Court, 16 years.

Family: Two children, one granddaughter.

Affiliations: Parishioner, Immaculate Conception Church, Port Clinton; Ohio State Bar Association; Ottawa County Bar Association; Ottawa County Law Library Board; Port Clinton Elks; Knights of Columbus; Oak Harbor Conservation Club; Keeper of Port Clinton Lighthouse; Port Clinton Yacht Club.

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

Acting Judge, Ottawa County Municipal Court, 2000-2003; Magistrate, Ottawa County Municipal Court, 2003-present.

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

Private practice of law beginning in 1982, representing the families and citizens of Ottawa County as a solo practitioner, as well as both an associate and partner in the law firms of Meyer, Kocher, Loeffler & Wargo and Loeffler & Wargo. Assistant Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney for 7 years, prosecuting misdemeanor cases as well as serious felony cases, such as rape, burglary, felonious assault, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. Prosecuting Attorney for the villages of Ottawa County for over 20 years, prosecuting village ordinance cases.

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

I have spent my entire legal career representing and helping the families and citizens of Ottawa County as an attorney in private practice; upholding the law as a Prosecuting Attorney; and presiding over thousands of cases as both an Acting Judge and Magistrate. Election to this position will allow me to continue my career-long passion and commitment to justice for the citizens of Ottawa County. My roots are in Ottawa County; I’ve lived here for over thirty seven years, raised my children here, and now have a three year old granddaughter beginning her education in the same school as her father and aunt attended.

Office: Painesville Municipal Court

Age: 62

Residence: Concord, OH

Email: joleary473@aol.com

Website: Retain O’Leary Judge Facebook

Occupation: Judge

Education: JD from Cleveland Marshall College of Law

Work Experience: Magustrate in Lake County Juvenile Court 17 years

Family: Married with 4 children and 8 grandchildren

Affiliations: non-denominational

Endorsements: Governor Mike DeWine, Congressman Dave Joyce, Lake County Commissioners Jerry Cirino, John Hamercheck and Ron Young, Prosecutor Chuck Coulson and more

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

Judge, Painesville Municipal Court, less than one year Magistrate, Lake County Juvenile Court, 17 years, determining thousands of cases Law Director, City of Willoughby Hills, one year Prosecutor, Village of Kirtland Hills, six years, prosecuting on 2,500 cases, Assistant Law Director, Kirtland Hills, six years Assistant Law Director, Grand River, three years

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

In addition to my legal experience, I have been involved in many civic organizations which helps prepare me for the position I currently hold. My wife and I volunteer at Project Hope for the Homeless. I have provided assistance to Teen Challenge and other community organizations. I have coached youth basketball since I was 19 years old. I spent nearly 20 years in the health care profession as an Administrator. This has allowed me the opportunity to manage a large budget and the employees. Most of all, I have learned that as Judge you can positively impact each person that comes before the court and help lead them in a direction to be successful.

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

I am lifelong resident of the Painesville area (jurisdiction of the court). I know the people of our area. We serve a diverse community. As the County seat of government, Painesville has a larger population of those who rely upon public assistance and those individuals need to be treated fairly. It is my desire as Judge to positively impact each person that comes before the court. As Judge, I can make a difference in our community.

Office: Hamilton County Municipal Court – District 6

Age: 49

Residence: Cincinnati, OH

Email: aricaforjudge@gmail.com

Website: www.aricaunderwoodforjudge.com
www.facebook.com/aricaunderwoodforjudge
@aricaforjudge

Occupation: Felony Trial Counsel – Hamilton County Public Defender

Education: Walnut Hills High School, Tuskegee University – BA, University of Cincinnati College of Law – JD

Work Experience: Private Law Practice, LexisNexis Sr. Legal Consultant, Felony Trial Counsel Hamilton County Public Defender

Family: Three children

Affiliations: Cincinnati Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Public Defenders

Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, Bold New Democracy, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Equality Cincinnati, National Association of Social Workers

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

I have never served as a judge.

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

I have been a practicing attorney for over 20 years. For the past 12 years I have worked as an attorney for the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office, representing indigent citizens who are accused of misdemeanor, and felony crimes. As a defense attorney I have worked hard to find alternate solutions to jail and prison. I negotiate with social service agencies, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement, social workers, judges, parole officers, probation officers, doctors, and any other professional who interacts with the court in a criminal case. As a judge, I am uniquely qualified to determine what solution will allow a convicted person an opportunity to rehabilitate themselves, and avoid the criminal system in future.

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

Most citizens who come into contact with the justice system have an interaction with municipal court. Municipal court judges handle evictions, civil suits for less than 15,000 dollars, speeding tickets, misdemeanor crimes, and OVIs. Municipal Court Judges also set bonds on most cases after arrest. I am seeking this seat in large part because we need Judges with diverse backgrounds to address the issues we face in many courtrooms today. I believe that it is important to treat every person with dignity and respect. I believe that Justice requires that Judges look at each individual person, and as a Judge I will look at every person and every case on an individual basis.

Office: Judge of the Stow Municipal Court

Age: 40

Residence: Hudson, OH

Email: nemerforjudge@gmail.com

Website: Website: www.nemerforjudge.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NemerForJudge/
Instagram: NemerForJudge

Occupation: Magistrate at the Akron Municipal Court

Education:
(1) Walsh Jesuit High School-College Prep School (1993-1997) (2) John Carroll University, Cleveland, OH (1997-2001) Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a focus in Public Relations, Minors in English and Political Science (3) Western Michigan University Lansing, MI (2004-2006)

Work Experience: Magistrate at the Akron Municipal Court and Managing Attorney at The International Institute of Akron. Prior to these positions I was a Senior Attorney at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland for 5 years and an attorney at McGinty, Hilow & Spellacy Co. LPA for 7 years.

Family: Married with 3 children

Affiliations:
Vice President of West Shore Bar Association Welcoming the Stranger Committee Member- Diocese of Cleveland, PTO Member at Hudson City Schools, pro Bono Volunteer Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

Endorsements: Mayor of Cuyahoga Falls, Don Walters; Mayor of Macedonia, Nicholas Molnar; Mayor of Stow, John Pribonic; State Representative, Casey Weinstein (37TH Dist.); Summit County Council Member at Large, Elizabeth Walters; Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown

Bar Association Ratings:  The Akron Bar Association Commission on Judicial Candidates Rating of Good https://youbethejudgesummitcounty.com/ att1

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

Magistrate at the Akron Municipal Court (2019).  Prior to this I have 12 years of experience representing individuals in municipal, common pleas, and federal courts in Northeast Ohio.

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

My diverse non-judicial legal experience qualifies me to be judge because it enables me to create innovative solutions to common problems our court faces. For example, our community is suffering from a drug and opioid epidemic. The Stow Municipal Court is the only court in Summit County that does not have a specialized docket to treat this epidemic. I have the experience to start an effective drug court. I have spent 12 years working with, and for, nonprofits in our community as well as litigating cases in Municipal Courts all over Northeast Ohio. Working as a Senior Attorney at Catholic Charities as well as a private practitioner at McGinty, Hilow, & Spellacy Co LPA taught me that in order to make a real-world impact, itis important not to duplicate services and processes, but instead to reach across boundaries and fully utilize those effective and high-quality tools and partners that already exist in our own neighborhoods. This includes tapping into our resources — and especially our local nonprofits — that offer rehabilitative programs to aid in drug addiction recovery. By connecting to the community we can start programs, like the drug court, at no extra expense to the taxpayers. 

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

I am running for Judge of the Stow Municipal Court because I care about our community and the safety of the community. I believe every person deserves a fair and equitable experience in court, and if elected as your judge, I will make sure that happens. I have the skills and even-handed temperament required to apply the law impartially and consistently to each sentence.

I have spent most of my career thus far in municipal courts and have learned that it is often the individual’s initial appearance before a municipal court judge which can lead him or her to become a repeat offender. What happens in that courtroom is critical, and we need the right person making decisions that will ultimately impact an entire community. I am currently a magistrate in Akron Municipal Court, where I make decisions every single day that will impact individuals, families and neighborhoods. Prior to this, I have been an attorney for 12 years where I served as a Senior Attorney at Catholic Charities and a general practitioner for McGinty Hilow & Spellacy Co LPA.

As a wife and mother of three children, I care about creating a better, safer community for our future. And as a first-generation American, I know the value of hard work from watching my family and extended family’s commonsense approach to creating and running businesses. My diverse experiences and willingness to work with others to implement creative solutions for our everyday challenges make me the right choice for Stow Municipal Court Judge.