Education: J.D. from Capital University Law School; B.A. The Ohio State University
Work Experience: Public Interest Attorney since 2005
Endorsements: Franklin County Democratic Party; Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund; Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio
Family: Married with one daughter (age 12)
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
This is my first campaign for a judicial seat.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
For the past 14 years, I have led the legal charge for a cleaner, safer, and more just Ohio. With my law degree, I chose to dedicate my career to non-profit, public interest legal advocacy — putting my passion for a better tomorrow ahead of any pursuit of personal fortune. After passing the Bar, I helped create the legal department at the Ohio Environmental Council and the Ohio Environmental Law Center – advocating for the fair treatment of individuals and community groups around Ohio who are facing pollution hazards and degradation of their property. As General Counsel for the Ohio Environmental Council, I have been a fighter and problem solver for the public interest, taking on big-moneyed interests to protect our environment, our communities and our children. I have tried, managed, and/or overseen cases in a variety of courts at the state, local, and federal level. At the same time, I have worked with diametrically opposed parties and decision-makers in the executive branch and at the Statehouse to craft solutions that are fair, just, and forward-thinking. Most of all, by providing representation to people who are faced with issues impacting their lives and livelihoods, I gave a voice to those who may not otherwise have had the ways and means to seek justice.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Municipal Court truly is the People’s Court. People find themselves before the court for varying reasons and with varying underlying factors contributing to what brought them to court. Yet, no matter their situation, our neighbors expect and deserve their rights respected, their interests heard, and ultimately, a fair decision. For my entire career as a lawyer, that is exactly what I have done for people in Central Ohio and people in all corners of the state. I have dedicated my career to serving the public interest by working for the dignity of individuals who had nowhere to turn. By utilizing the principle that true justice comes from compassion, I have seen that helping an individual seek fairness helps the entire community grow. In our Municipal Court, that same compassion for people and respect for the law can both change the trajectory of individuals’ lives and at the same time serve and protect the people of this community as a whole. I believe that my broad and unique experience, my dedication to fairness to individuals and communities, and my passion for serving the public will serve as an asset to the growth of the Franklin County community that I have called home my entire life.
Occupation: Magistrate/Judicial Attorney: Summit County Domestic Relations Court
Education: BA, Political Science, Kent State University 1994; JD, University of Akron School of Law, 1997
Work Experience: Assistant Prosecutor/Police Legal Advisor: City of Akron Prosecutor’s Office
Family: Married with two children
Affiliations: Akron/Canton Barristers Association, Akron Bar Association, Ohio Association of Magistrates E
Bar Association Ratings: Akron Bar Association: Excellent Rating: 8/22/19
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years): Magistrate and Judicial Attorney for Judge Katarina Court – Summit County Domestic Relations Court – 2 years Assistant Prosecutor and Police Legal Advisor – City of Akron Prosecutor’s Office – prosecuted cases in Akron Municipal court -18 years.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? I come from a middle class family with strong family values. My father was a carpenter and my mother was a seamstress. They instilled in me at a young age the importance of work and treating others with respect. I worked while in high school, college and law school. As a young law student, I worked for the Honorable Judge James R. Williams as his Judicial Assistant. My experience working for Judge Williams included both criminal and civil law. As an Assistant Prosecutor for the City of Akron, I handled over 15,000 misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases. I worked daily in Akron Municipal Court to ensure that the victims were treated fairly and the offenders were brought to justice. I treated all individuals that appeared in Akron Municipal Court with dignity and respect. I worked closely with local law enforcement officers and local defense attorneys throughout my years as a prosecutor. I served as the prosecutor in five of the specialty courts that were in existence during my tenure in Akron Municipal Court. In addition, I wrote the grant for the Domestic Violence Unit for almost fifteen years. I also supervised two detectives while I served as the Domestic Violence Prosecutor. My 18 years of working as a prosecutor in Akron Municipal Court have provided me with the background necessary to serve as your judge. I have interacted with law enforcement, attorneys, victims, defendants, court personnel, judges and my fellow co-workers in the prosecutor’s office. I have treated all of these individuals with respect. My temperament has always been even, calm and civil. I have been known to be extremely patient with parties unfamiliar with the courtroom. In addition, I am a strong supporter of an efficient courtroom that runs in a timely manner. A party to a case takes time out of their schedule to attend court. Therefore, court should start on time so that the attorney is able to attend their subsequent court appearance and the defendant, victim or witness may get back to work or school. I have worked in Akron Municipal Court for 18 years and those many years of experience qualify me to be your judge.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat? I am running for this particular court seat because I have 18 years of experience working as a Prosecutor in Akron Municipal Court. I have worked closely with our local law enforcement as the City of Akron Prosecutor’s Office Police Legal Advisor for the Akron Municipal Court jurisdiction. This jurisdiction includes Akron, Bath, Fairlawn, Springfield, Lakemore, Mogadore and Richfield. I have provided legal advice to all of the law enforcement in these jurisdictions and I have written many search warrants on felony cases, including homicides, rapes and aggravated robbery. I have observed many judges over the years and have aspired to follow in the footsteps of the highly respected judges of Akron Municipal Court. Judges Lynne Callahan and Carla Moore were two judges who served for many years in Akron Municipal Court and were well-respected by many. Their reputations for fairness, thoughtfulness, and courtesy were well-known in the Akron Municipal Court. It is judges like these two, and many others, that I strive to be like when I am your next Akron Municipal Court Judge. In addition, I have over two decades of legal experience and received a rating of “Excellent” from the Akron Bar Association. My current role as a Magistrate in Domestic Relations Court has provided me with invaluable experience in the courtroom. I have presided over Uncontested Divorce hearings and Dissolutions. I have learned to conduct myself in an efficient and polite manner. Many parties that appear in Domestic Relations Court are self-represented. My temperament with all parties is even and patient. I understand that court can be an overwhelming experience and I have a demeanor that puts the parties at ease. I will take the time to listen to every party that appears before me. As your judge, I will continue to treat all parties who appear before me with dignity and respect.
Education: B.A. Cleveland State University; J.D. Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Work Experience: Judge-Elyria Municipal Court since 2018; Acting Judge-Elyria Municipal Court 2016-2018; Private practice Attorney-1991-2018; Carlisle Township Trustee- 2004-2012
Family: Married, 3 children, 2 grandchildren
Affiliations: Association of Municipal/County Judges of Ohio; Ohio State Bar Association; Lorain County Bar Association; Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association; University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center- Board of Directors (2013-2018); Firelands Association for the Visual Arts- Board of Directors (2013-2014); Comprehensive Health Care of Ohio- Board of Directors (2010-2013); Rural Lorain County Water Authority- Board of Trustees (2004-2011); EMH Regional Medical Center- Board of Directors (2000-2010); Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Lorain County- Board of Directors (1997-2001); Elyria Rotary Club- Board of Directors (1995-2003) (President 2002-2003); Lorain County Drug Free Youth- President, Board of Trustees (1993-1996); Leadership Lorain County- Class of 1994
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years): I have been Judge in the Elyria Municipal Court since February 2018, having been selected by the Governor of Ohio to fill the position vacated by Judge Lisa Locke Graves, who retired. Since that time, I have held thousands of hearings and decided thousands of cases. In June 2019, I was approved by the Ohio Supreme Court to operate the first specialized docket municipal drug court in Lorain County. Having served as Acting Judge in the Court for two years prior to being appointed, I have accumulated over 100 hours of training through the Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College. 19
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? My civil law practice was seasoned by over twenty-five years of experience in representing families, businesses and public entities in the litigation of complex issues in federal courts, state courts and administrative agencies. My representative clients included many of the area’s most prominent businesses, as well as public clients, such as: the Elyria City School, District, the Rural Lorain County Water Authority, the South Lorain County Ambulance District, the Central Lorain County Ambulance District and Rochester Village. I was elected to three terms as a Carlisle Township Trustee (2004-2015) and served two terms as President of the Lorain County Township Association. Throughout my career I served on a myriad of public and non-profit boards and professional associations across Lorain County, including: University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center- Board of Directors (2013-2018); Firelands Association for the Visual Arts- Board of Directors (2013-2014); Comprehensive Health Care of Ohio- Board of Directors (2010-2013); Rural Lorain County Water Authority- Board of Trustees (2004-2011); EMH Regional Medical Center- Board of Directors (2000-2010); Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Lorain County- Board of Directors (1997-2001); Elyria Rotary Club- Board of Directors (1995-2003) (President 2002-2003); and Lorain County Drug Free Youth- President, Board of Trustees (1993-1996). I am a 1994 graduate of Leadership Lorain County. My service on these boards allowed me to develop relationships with a large and diverse group of community leaders. I work hard and always have. I started working as a pre-teen in my father’s gas station, then attended college and law school at night, while supporting my family working on local factory assembly lines and as a carpet installer during the day. I have brought all of these experiences to my service as Judge of the Elyria Municipal Court.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat? I served as Acting Judge in the Court beginning in 2016 and fell in love with the work. After being selected by the Governor to fill the full time position in 2018, I was able to utilize my 25-plus years of experience as a litigator, as a business owner, as a community board member and as an elected official to establish new programs, as well as to modernize and streamline court operations. There is still much to be accomplished. I established the first municipal drug recovery court in Lorain County. I will continue to operate and expand that court to help people stop using drugs, turn their lives around and become more productive members of the community. Successful treatment can lessen costs to taxpayers by reducing the rate of recidivism and therefore the burden on law enforcement, courts and the prison system. I plan to cooperate with law enforcement and the faith community to establish a warrant safe surrender program that will allow people to address outstanding warrants in an environment that is safer for them, law enforcement and the public. I also will establish a driving under suspension program to help citizens who have been buried in fines, costs and BMV reinstatement fees to develop a workable plan to regain valid privileges.
Education: J.D. – Western Michigan University Cooley School of Law, Bachelor’s – University of Akron
Work Experience: Summit County Council Jan. 2017 – present; Akron Municipal Court, Judicial Attorney, Dec. 2017 – April 2019; Littlejohn Law Office, Attorney & Guardian ad Litem, May 2016 – Dec. 2017; City of Akron Law Dept., Asst. Director of Law/City Prosecutor, Jan. 2013 – Jan. 2016
Family: Single
Affiliations: Leadership Akron Class 34; Community Hero Award, Schumacher CLC 2018; Fitzgerald Student Leader Award; Community Genius Fellowship Awardee, BMe 2018; Chair, Summit County Jail Advisory Commission; Board Member and former Chair of Bylaws Committee, AxessPointe Community Health Center; Board Member, The First Tee of Greater Akron; Board Member, Summit County Land Reutilization Corporation; Former Student Mentor, School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SOBE): Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy; Court Appointed Special Advocate C.A.S.A.; Ally, Akron Summit Community Action Inc., Circles of Summit County; Volunteer, Sarah’s House; Former Board Member, Victim Assistance; Former Board Member, Kiwanis: Circle K Student Supervisor; Former Akron NAACP legal chair
Bar Association Ratings: Adequate by Akron Bar Association Commission on Judicial Candidates; https://youbethejudgesummitcounty.com/akron-municipal-court-unexpired-term/
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years): Akron Municipal Court, Judicial Attorney – Dec. 17 – May 19
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? Outside of my time at law school at Western Michigan University, I have lived in the Akron Municipal Court District my entire life. I’ve had the responsibility of serving my community as an Assistant Prosecutor for the City of Akron, and currently as a Summit County Councilman representing Akron, Fairlawn Bath and Copley. My experiences living in the court district, and serving the community as an Assistant Prosecutor and County Councilman provide me with a unique and in-depth understanding of what justice looks like. More importantly, however, my experiences would help me in making the right decisions. My top priority when elected to the Akron Municipal Court will be to use my knowledge and experiences to keep our community safe, apply impartial justice, and keep myself and my staff connected to the community, while sitting on the bench.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat? I have the knowledge, experience, and commitment to get to work immediately as an Akron Municipal Court Judge. As a former Assistant prosecutor with the City of Akron, judicial attorney with the Akron Municipal Court, and the current District 5 County Council representative, I know the value of public service. I know firsthand the impact public service has on the daily lives of people and businesses. In my race, I am better suited to use that knowledge and experience to make decisions impacting the court district. If elected, I will combine my experience in those roles, with my education, to make careful and just decisions for those appearing before the Court. Representation and diversity matters. If elected to the Akron Municipal Court, I would bring more diversity in thought and life experiences. I strive every day to be an involved and model citizen. As Judge, I would be in the public eye even more, and provide the community with an example of how to carry yourself. I would strive to use my platform for good; making impartial decisions, being tough on those proven to have violated our laws, and encouraging those in my courtroom to reform, while also providing justice. Keeping our community safe, applying impartial justice, and staying connected to the community are critical in the daily roles of a Municipal Court Judge. I will strive to do all three and more if elected to the Akron Municipal Court.
Website: Keepjudgeobrien.com Twitter and FB @judgeannmarieobrien Instagram judgeannmarieobrien
Occupation: Judge Akron Municipal Court
Education: J.D. 1991 The University of Akron School of Law; B.A. 1987, Hiram College, Major Political Science, Minors Biology and French
Work Experience: Akron Municipal Court Judge and Experienced and Accomplished Attorney with 27 years of experience including Plaintiff and Defense representation in Municipal, Common Pleas, Appellate and Federal Courts. Prior position Of Counsel, Emershaw, Mushkat & Schneirer handling indigent felony criminal representation and extensive civil practive as well as juvenile representation and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). Judicial Attorney for the Summit County Court of Common Pleas in which worked in a fast paced and high volume environment. As Judicial Attorney performed research and writing for efficient and timely progression of case’s on the court’s docket. Conducted pretrials as necessary and foreclosure mediations, as well as conference with counsel and resolved discovery disputes. During my 18 years with Davis & Young, of which the latter I was a shareholder, I handled complex medical, wrongful death and catastrophic litigation as well as premises liability, bodily injury, construction and mold related claims and motorist insurance coverage issues. I also handled a niche practice of equine law. Prior, I worked with Scanlon & Henretta and performed exclusive plaintiff representation with focus on medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, pharmaceutical litigation, and catastrophic accidents involving products claims, airplane and heavy trucks. I attended law school at night, so that I worked during the day to support myself through school. During this time, I worked at Scanlon, served as common pleas bailiff, and held a store customer service position at Firestone.
Family: Divorced with one daughter, two adopted dogs, Toby and Millie, three rescue cats, Lily, Mitty, and Molly, and gold fish that won’t stop growing.
Affiliations: Admitted to practice in the State of Ohio, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. 6th Cir. Court of Appeals, U.S District Courts, Northern and Southern Ohio. Co-Chair Summit County Collaborative Against Human Trafficking, Education/Outreach. Member of Ohio Association of Municipal Judges, National Association of Women Judges, International Association of Women Judges, Ohio State Bar Association and Certified Grievance Committee, Akron Bar Association, and Bencher Scanlon Inn of Court. Foundation Board Member of CHC Addiction Services. Member of Rotary and Usher at St. Sebastian Parish Church. Trained mediator with 12 Hours Basic Mediation and 40 Hours Specialized Divorce Mediation Training. Held “AV” Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell and Ohio Super Lawyer, 2012 to 2019 during law practice and recognized within top 1% of America’s Most Honored Professionals 2016 to 2019 during practice. Volunteer Judge Mock Trial Practice and Trial Competitions as well as volunteer for various civic organizations.
Endorsements: Bill Roemer, State Representative (38th Dist.), Former Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander, Fairlawn Mayor Bill Roth, Akron Municipal Clerk of Courts Jim Laria
Bar Association Ratings: Rated “Excellent” by Akron Bar Association Commission on Judicial Candidates
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years): I presently serve as Akron Municipal Court Judge since January 2019. I have previous Judicial Experience from 2017, as well as 27 years of litigation experience in Ohio municipal, common pleas, appellate and federal courts. I have also served as a Summit County Common Pleas Judicial Attorney in 2016, and courtroom bailiff while attending law school at night.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? A Judge’s qualifications should be based upon Integrity, Legal Knowledge and Ability, Professional Experience, Judicial Temperament, Diligence, Personal Responsibility and Public/Community Service. As a 27 year attorney, my career has been devoted to complex civil litigation, juvenile representation, indigent felony representation, as well as various pro-bono services. I have demonstrated expansive legal knowledge and file handling from simple premises liability cases to death and construction claims. My successful navigation thru the myriad of discovery matters associated with cases clearly demonstrates tenacity, diligence and personal responsibility. In addition, I have served as an arbiter as well as mediator for parties in an effort to resolve their disputes, saving them time and money. I understand the principle of hard work, having put myself through law school while working fulltime. I did and continue to conduct myself with honesty and integrity. I enjoy a strong reputation with colleagues and the community. I presently serve on the Ohio State Bar Association Certified Grievance Committee, as well previously serving on the same for the Akron Bar Association, committees which review judicial and/or attorney misconduct. By mentoring students as well as young attorneys, my goal remains that they continually develop to their potential. By enhancing the skills of our young people, we are not only able to ensure the integrity of the law profession, but we serve to protect the public. I have and continue to interact with persons of all diversity, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds and religious beliefs. I adhere to the principle that all persons are entitled to individual respect. As every person’s circumstances are unique and individual, whether they be a plaintiff or defendant or victim, each require consideration. Judicial temperament include an individual’s compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias and commitment to equal justice under the law. All of my life experiences, professional, personal and civic, have taught me skills worthy of a Judge. (I would imagine that many readers can also appreciate the tenacity of a high schooler as applied to my current “patience” skills.) I believe I demonstrate an even demeanor on the bench and remain open-minded to creative resolution. I remain committed to equal access to justice and actively worked with the bar association to promote diversity. In summary, I consider my entire life to have been devoted to public service and seek to continue to serve you.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat? As your Akron Municipal Judge, I am running to retain my seat. I bring the experience, knowledge and demeanor that is necessary and valued in a municipal court judge. Rated “Excellent” by the Akron Bar Association Commission on Judicial Candidates, and having served as its President, my over 27 years of legal experience is unmatched for this legal seat. My “Excellent” rating by my peers was based upon the seven evaluative categories I discussed above: Integrity, Legal Knowledge and Ability, Professional Experience, Judicial Temperament, Diligence, Personal Responsibility, and Public and Community Service. Access to justice, diversity concerns and rehabilitative sentencing remain priorities of mine. As Co-Chair of the Collaborative Against Human Trafficking, Education/Outreach, I educate the public on the realties of human trafficking. With these efforts, I am able to make a difference in people’s lives. I remain dedicated to ensuring that each person has equal access to justice. I have a solid reputation as an attorney and now a Judge and received a peer review rating of “AV Preeminent,” the highest rating available, prior to becoming a Judge. I effectively manage my docket, yet firmly dispense justice and protect our neighborhoods and communities. I work to protect vulnerable persons who are lured and trapped by economics, psychological, physical and/or sexual coercion or abuse, addiction and substance abuse, and threats against loved ones or actions taken against family pets. My over 27 years as a trial attorney has provided me with the distinct ability to experience first-hand the real world of court proceedings, having experienced those of many counties and court levels. I have represented civil plaintiffs and defendants, juvenile court parties, as well as indigent defendants in criminal felony matters. I volunteered my time to serve as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) to young children, who were confusedly navigating the foster system, an incredibly rewarding and emotionally touching experience. I continue to devote myself to community causes. I collaboratively work with my fellow judges to increase services and programming to those individuals that our Akron Municipal Court serves. Serving as your Akron Municipal Court Judge allows me to serve the people, while providing firm but fair consequences. I listen to everyone and seek to see all persons remain healthy and successfully complete their programming. I respectfully ask that you vote to retain the experience, and integrity of Judge Ann Marie O’Brien.
Education: J.D. from Capital University Law School
Work Experience: Judge Environmental Court Division Appointed January 2019
Affiliations: Columbus Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Christian Non-Denominational
Family: Married with 2 children
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judge, Franklin County Municipal Court Environmental Division- Appointed January 2019.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As an attorney my first years of practice were devoted to serving the most vulnerable citizens of Franklin County in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. In my capacity as a Guardian Ad Litem, I represented the best interest of children who were the subject of custody cases due to divorce or abuse and neglect. This experience exposed me to the trauma that families in crisis experience every day in Franklin County. Many of the cases involved some issue of mental health, drug abuse, poverty, unemployment and/or lack of adequate housing. Similar to the defendants that come before me each day in Environmental Court, these individuals represented the most vulnerable among us. The experience was nothing less than a master class education on the importance of compassion and appreciation for the many diverse citizens that come through the legal system with a wide range of issues. As an officer of the court it is paramount that we approach each and every day with compassion and understanding for those most in need. In my position as Assistant Chief Legal Counsel for the Ohio Auditor of State, I developed a compliance skill set that has allowed me to seamlessly transition from public practice to presiding on a bench focused on compliance. In this role I was responsible for providing legal counsel to over 200 field auditors performing audits of public entities throughout the state of Ohio. This position allowed me to develop as a highly qualified, experienced compliance attorney. The position also created within me, a profound appreciation of the importance of compliance in the success of any entity, organization or agency. The primary goal for the outcome in all Environmental Court cases is compliance. My skill set in this regard is sharper than most and lends to my successes on the bench. As an Assistant Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney, my case load required m to practice in Environmental Court on behalf of the County. This experience most certainly enhanced my qualification for presiding on the bench.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Honesty, integrity, and consideration for our fellow citizens and respect for the rule of law are woefully missing in the current environment of which we live. Elected officials and most especially members of the judiciary must be standard barriers of these virtues as we move into the future. While imperfection is a part of my life, the pursuit of these standards is a high priority and is reflected in the way that I have lived publicly and in the private relationships and experiences that I have enjoyed. Of all of my professional experiences that have led me to retain my position as Judge, none is more important than the last nine months that I have spent as the Environmental Court Judge. As the first woman to preside over the Division since its creation in 1991, I have presided over more than 3,000 cases. As the current Environmental Court Judge, I manage a docket larger than any courtroom in Franklin County Municipal Court. My experience over the last nine months, successfully streamlining and adjudicating over Franklin County’s housing, building and zoning code violation cases, qualifies me as the most prepared and best choice for this position. As the current Environmental Court Judge, I have sought to meet with interested civic associations and community groups throughout Franklin County to ensure that they are acquainted with the work of the court on behalf of residents and view the court as a partner in creating and maintaining safer and cleaner communities. To that end, I am committed to reaching out to all of the court’s community partners to provided education and feedback from on the . state of environmental issues as they relate to housing and building code compliance.
Website: Website: www.sperlazza4judge.com Facebook: William A. Sperlazza for Judge Instagram: @Sperlazza4judge
Occupation: Senior Attorney, Columbus City Attorney’s Office
Education: JD from The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law, 2006. BA from Youngstown State University, 2003.
Work Experience: Environmental Court Attorney, 2012-present. Prosecutor, 2007-2012. Over 14 years working in the Franklin County Municipal Courthouse. Head Girls Basketball Coach, Thomas Worthington High School. Worthington, Ohio.
Affiliations: Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Central Ohio Labor Council AFL-CIO, Columbus Fire Fighters Union Local 67, Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Columbus Chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, A. Phillip Randolph Institute, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, AFSCME Retiree Chapter 1184, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 189, Franklin County Democratic Party, Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio, Ohio Young Democrats.
Family: Two sons, ages 14 and 12.
Bar Association Ratings: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by the Columbus Bar Association. http://www.judgethecandidates.org/candidate/sperlazza.php?fbclid=IwAR2XpH9gZOT01MsQKQVMmK1rB8V6ahXjAkh3kcrk8iXSQW4UUXKQUAYJAGM
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
No judicial experience.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My substantial experience in Environmental Court and my command of the law practiced there makes me an exceptionally qualified candidate for this distinctive judgeship. I would bring a uniquely high level of qualification and experience to the bench. I’ve spent over 14 years practicing law in the Municipal Courthouse, conducting countless jury trials, court trials, and evidentiary hearings. Most importantly I’ve spent the past seven years practicing exclusively in the Environmental Court. I have reviewed, filed, and litigated hundreds of cases in Environmental Court. In addition to advising dozens of municipalities around Ohio on the laws and techniques I’ve used in Environmental Court over the years, I have also been a guest presenter all around Central Ohio, and beyond, lecturing various groups, municipal attorneys, and law enforcement entities, about how we use the Environmental Court to keep our neighborhoods safe. For my work in the Environmental Court I have received several awards over the years, including the Ohio Crime Prevention Association Special Projects Award, the City of Columbus Mayor’s Award of Excellence, the Northland Community Council President’s Award, and the Columbus Division of Police Meritorious Public Service Award.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have experienced firsthand what this courtroom means to our communities and business districts. The cases I’ve filed in Environmental Court over the past seven years have helped shut down the worst hotels, drug houses, bars, and massage parlors in Central Ohio. I know from hard work and experience that this courtroom is vital to the safety and viability of our neighborhoods and businesses in Franklin County. My passion for the Environmental Court has been fostered by the countless cases I have filed and litigated in it; the types of cases that make our neighborhoods safer. Protecting our neighborhoods is my passion, and I hope to continue that mission as Judge of Environmental Court. For these reasons, I ask for your vote on November 5th.
Education: B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame 1995, J.D. from The Ohio State University 1998
Work Experience: Franklin County Public Defender’s Office 1998 – 2006 (Municipal division from 1998-2005); The Sutton Law Firm 2006 – present
Family: Two sons, ages 14 and 12.
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I currently serve as an Acting Judge by appointment in the Licking County Municipal Court and have done so since 2011. This is the very seat for which I am seeking. As an Acting Judge, I have heard cases involving domestic violence, violent crimes, drunk 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, bond hearings, and many others, while working alongside the prosecutors, defense attorneys, probations officers, and the court staff in the Licking County Municipal Court. I have also presided over both OVI Court and Drug Court, our specialized dockets in the Licking County Municipal Court. I have also presided over the eviction cases in Licking County Municipal Court as an Acting Judge and I have handled other civil cases involving debt collection, breach of contract, and personal injury.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Over 20 years ago, I started my legal career practicing exclusively in Municipal Court I have practiced law in front of over 50 different Judges, learning their best practices. I have handled thousands of cases in various Municipal Courts throughout Ohio as an attorney. I have practiced in every Court in Licking County and have travelled to courts throughout central Ohio. I have established a good professional relationship with many attorneys, Judges, and court personnel 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. My dedication to understanding the nature of addiction and mental health, and how it impacts all of those in the criminal justice system, will help me to be the best Judge I can be. 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. I have established a good professional relationship with many Judges, attorneys, and court personnel by being respectful and approachable. I understand that I do not have all the answers; there are many smart, good people doing difficult work on a daily basis, and through a commitment to collaboration, we can help change 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, learn to live the same wonderfully imperfect 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 want to be, and have wanted to be for some time, our next Licking County Municipal Court Judge. 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, most importantly, I have the personal experience of what it feels like to struggle with and 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. I feel our community is moving in the right direction with all of the positive changes we can see. But I know that people still struggle. Every day. I am tired of seeing the destruction that alcohol and drugs has on our individuals and families and I am dedicated to doing my part to help more people overcome this struggle.
Education: J.D. University of Cincinnati College of Law; B.A., Saint Mary’s College (Notre Dame, Indiana)
Work Experience: Municipal Court judge (2 years); 23 years as Assistant /Chief Assistant Prosecutor
Family: Married with 2 sons
Affiliations: Hamilton County Republican Party; Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge 69; Cincinnati Right to Life PAC
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years): I was appointed to the Municipal Court bench in February, 2017 and subsequently elected to serve the remainder of that unexpired term. I am running for the full term of this same seat in this election.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? Prior to becoming a judge, I served my community as an assistant prosecutor for over 23 years. I prosecuted at all levels of that office, including appellate, felony, juvenile and municipal. These cases included murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking and crimes against the most vulnerable in our society. In my capacity as Chief Assistant Prosecutor of the Municipal Division, I worked closely with all of the law enforcement agencies that serve Hamilton County, the public defender’s office and with the members of the Hamilton County judiciary. I also served as a substitute magistrate for over 15 years for local mayors’ courts, handling criminal and traffic matters. Over the course of my career I have always shown a respect for the Constitution and for the dignity of the parties appearing before me. From all of these experiences, I have developed the patience, dedication and recognition that municipal court cases vary in degrees of seriousness, requiring a judge to make informed decisions as to punishment, rehabilitation and recognition and protection of the rights of victims.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat? I am a lifelong member of this community. I grew up here, married here, and raised my children in this community. I am dedicated and committed to working as a public servant to have this community remain a safe environment for all. Municipal court requires judges that are dedicated to preserving the rights of all before the bench, as well as preserving the safety of the community. I have the ability and desire to work steadfastly and in a timely manner to provide justice to those that appear before me, on either civil or criminal matters.
Education: JD from The University of Toledo, College of Law, BA from Bowling Green State University
Work Experience: Full-time Magistrate since January 2008
Family: Married with three children
Affiliations: Ohio Association of Magistrates, Ohio State Bar Association, Dayton Bar Association and Greene County Bar Association
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years): On January 2, 2008, I was appointed as Magistrate at Fairborn Municipal Court, where I preside over various criminal, traffic, civil, eviction, and small claims matters. In addition to my full-time profession, I have served in many volunteer roles collaborating to improve our system of justice. In 2012, I was elected to the board of the Ohio Association of Magistrates where I have served as second vice-president, editor of the newsletter, and chairperson of the municipal practice area. In 2016, I was one of two Magistrates serving on the Ohio Supreme Court Judicial Conference’s Criminal Law and Procedure Committee. I continue to work with the Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College mentoring, teaching and planning education programs for Magistrates throughout Ohio.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? Prior to serving as Magistrate, I had extensive experience in courtrooms having worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney and also as an assistant public defender. The opportunity of working from both sides, prosecution and defense, has allowed me to provide a well-balanced approach to administering justice as Magistrate. These positions were also high volume caseloads and prepared me for the demands of a busy municipal court.
I strive to keep the docket running on time and write timely decisions. During these earlier years, I had appeared before many different Magistrates and Judges. I observed and learned from them how to conduct trials, protect the record, and communicate effectively. In 2015, I was honored by my colleagues when they elected me to serve as President of the Greene County Bar Association. I am a devoted public servant with over twenty years of legal experience. I plan to continue to serve in leadership roles on various committees and associations to improve our justice system.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat? My family and I reside in Montgomery County and a Judge serves in the jurisdiction where she lives. This is my first time running for an elected office and I am so thrilled to be on the ballot. I decided to run for Judge for the opportunity to make a difference. I have the desire, experience and leadership skills to administer justice and resolve disputes while applying the highest standards of ethics. It is important for a Judge to be free from political influence and make independent decisions based upon a fair and impartial assessment of the facts and understanding of the law.
To strengthen public trust in the judiciary, I plan to transition the Court to an electronic case management system. This will increase efficiency and public access especially because the Court consists of two separate buildings. I will apply for a grant from the Ohio Supreme Court to help cover the cost of the technology. I plan to implement a traffic intervention program that assists defendants with obtaining a valid driver’s license with insurance. This makes for a stronger community. I strongly believe that the Court should create a specialized docket to address the growing issues with drug abuse.
Magistrates and Judges make decisions in the courtroom, but Judges also have the opportunity to bring the community together to design solutions to improve the administration of justice. There have been many changes that effect municipal courts such as victim’s rights were recently added to the constitution, the Supreme Court has recommended changes to improve the bail/bond system, there has been success with specialized drug treatment dockets, and new initiatives for the use of technology to improve the operation of the Court. It would be an honor to serve as Judge of the Montgomery County Municipal Court.
