Category: Uncategorized

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge (incumbent, 8+ years) – 20,000+ rulings with less than .001 reversal rate Presiding Judge, Geauga County Court of Common Pleas (3 times) Faculty, Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College (teaching other judges) Appointed by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice as Visiting Judge for Lake and Ashtabula Counties U.S. Supreme Court qualified U.S. Sixth District Court of Appeals qualified U.S. District Court qualified – Northern Ohio

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
11 years in Ohio Legislature, writing laws, including Chair of Senate Criminal Justice Committee President, Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges (OAJCJ) 2nd Vice President, Ohio Association of Probate Judges (OAPJ) Faculty, Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College Executive Committee, Ohio Judicial Conference (OJC) Executive Committee, National College of Probate Judges (NCPJ) Ohio Supreme Court Rules of Superintendence Committee Geauga County Bar Association Ohio Bar Association Partner at Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue and other firms Masters of Law – University of Virginia Law School Captain, U.S. Army JAG Corps Faculty U.S. Army JAG School Special Detail, DOD – U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Admitted to practice law in Ohio (41 years)

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
To use my 8+ years of experience as Probate/Juvenile Judge to continue to protect children, seniors, and families in Geauga County; to continue to give Geauga residents a return on their investment in the training and experience I have obtained as Probate/Juvenile Court Judge; and to continue to respectfully represent Geauga County to other judges statewide and nationally. As Judge, I have issued over 20,000 orders and judgments with less than .001 reversal rate; am Supreme Court qualified to rule on capital cases; have been recognized by the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges (OAJCJ) for my judicious handling of the 2012 Chardon High School shooting case; have been appointed by Chief Justice O’Connor to hear cases in Ashtabula and Lake Counties; and implement innovative, effective services for Geauga County residents.

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE, 2011 to Present

FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT, GENERAL DIVISION, 2011 to Present (Sitting by assignment of Presiding Judge on a case by case basis)

JUDICIAL AWARDS:
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Awarded by the Ohio Guardianship Association

On September 19, 2019, the Ohio Guardianship Association honored Judge Montgomery by giving him the Distinguished Service Award. This award was given to Judge Montgomery in recognition of his innovative guardianship programs he created and implemented in Franklin County. The Ohio Guardianship Association specifically mentioned Judge Montgomery’s pilot program in Franklin County where Judge Montgomery drafted the legislation which created the First Public Guardian in the State of Ohio. This program became so successful that the legislature took Judge Montgomery’s program and passed legislation making his Franklin County pilot program a statewide initiative. This allowed all of Ohio’s Probate Judges to implement the same public guardianship program Judge Montgomery started in Franklin County. The Ohio Guardianship Association also recognized Judge Montgomery for another new program, the “Limited Guardianship for Mental Health Care Purposes.” This new program has allowed parents to stay involved in their children’s mental health care needs after they turn the age of 18.

AWARD OF JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE
Awarded by the Ohio Association of Probate Judges On June 10, 2019, the Ohio Association of Probate Judges recognized Judge Montgomery as an outstanding jurist by giving him its Award of Judicial Excellence. This award was given to Judge Montgomery in recognition of the many innovative judicial programs he has created in the Franklin County Probate Court. It was awarded by a bipartisan group of his peers serving as judges in Ohio’s 88 counties. The first program lauded was the creation of the State’s first Pubic Guardianship Program where he drafted legislation creating the Franklin County Guardianship Service Board. This pilot program for Franklin County became a statewide model for other probate courts in March 2019 after the General Assembly adopted HB 595 at Judge Montgomery’s urging, with the Association’s support.The many other innovative programs developed by Judge Montgomery include the State’s first program for Limited Guardianship for Mental Health Purposes, the first full-time probate Mediation Program, plus the Assisted Outpatient Treatment and Outpatient Commitment Court, keeping mentally-ill citizens in their homes to receive treatment. Additionally, citizens needing help can now also turn to the Franklin County Probate Court Legal Resource Center, a legal clinic staffed by a contract lawyer to help them with small estates.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD
Awarded by the Ohio Association of Probate Judges Judge Montgomery received the Meritorious Service Award from the Ohio Association of Probate Judges in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. This award was presented to Judge Montgomery for his leadership and commitment to the many worthy causes he has devoted time and resources to with the Association, including establishing the State of Ohio’s first Probate Court Mental Health fund in Franklin County.

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
(2nd Award) Awarded by the Supreme Court of Ohio Judge Montgomery received this certificate most recently in December 2017 after previously receiving one in December of 2014. The Supreme Court of Ohio appointed Judge Montgomery to serve on the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence for Ohio Courts. This key group enacts rules regulating all of Ohio’s courts. Judge Montgomery served as a Commissioner from January 2012 through December 2017.

PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded by the National Association of Social Workers, Region 5 In 2016, the National Association of Social Workers, Region 5, selected Judge Montgomery to receive the Public Elected Official of the Year Award. This was done in recognition of Judge Montgomery’s innovative ideas in creating the State of Ohio’s first Public Guardian Program.

CHARLETA TAVARES CHAMPION AWARD
Awarded by the National Alliance on Mental Illness In 2016, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Franklin County gave Judge Montgomery the Charleta Tavares Champion Award. This recognized the new Assisted Outpatient Treatment and Outpatient Commitment Court developed by Judge Montgomery.

JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP:
Elected by peers in Ohio Association of Probate Judges to the following positions: 2019: First Vice President of OAPJ; 2017: Second Vice President of OAPJ; 2015: Secretary/Historian of OAPJ; 2014: Chair/Host Summer Conference of the Ohio Associations of Probate, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judges; 2013 to Present: Probate Law and Procedure Committee of OAPJ; 2012: At Large Officer/Executive Committee of OAPJ; Appointed a Commissioner by Supreme Court of Ohio to the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence: 2012-2017- Commissioners are responsible for reviewing and offering recommendations to the Supreme Court on all proposed superintendence rules and amendments from the Court’s various advisory bodies and other organizations Supreme Court of Ohio Subcommittee on Adult Guardianships.

OVERVIEW OF CURRENT DUTIES: 1) Largest single judge court in the state of Ohio, employs over 65 employees, including 14 magistrates, plus deputy clerks, licensed social workers, investigators, bailiffs and other staff; 2) Over 18,000 annual cases filed/active annually; 3) Serves as a Judge of the Probate Division of Common Pleas Court and may conduct jury trials; 4) Serves as Administrative Judge of the Probate Division of Common Pleas Court; 5) May be appointed to preside over civil or criminal cases in Common Pleas Court at the request of the Presiding Judge of the General Division; 6) Serves as the Clerk of the Probate Court; 7) Issues and administers marriage licenses (over 9,000 annually); 8) Jurisdiction in matters involving probating wills, administering estates without wills, and presiding over will contest actions and estate disputes; 9) Jurisdiction over guardianship of incompetent adults and conservatorships; 10) Jurisdiction for all mental illness cases for 15 counties (2000+ annually); 11) Jurisdiction over all adoptions, name changes and birth certificate corrections; 12) Jurisdiction in legal actions involving the disposition of human remains; 13) Jurisdiction over eminent domain matters; 14) Jurisdiction over trust disputes and matters involving powers of attorney; 15) Appoints and swears-in all Humane Society Agents in Franklin County; 16) Metroparks: Elected official in charge of the Franklin County Metroparks; 17) Has the power of appointment of vacancies to all school boards and township trustee boards in the county if the boards cannot agree on a replacement; 18) Serves as a member of the Finance Committee of the Columbus Foundation; 19) Administers oaths and affirmations to fiduciaries from other states; 20) Appoints members to Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities; 21) Appoints members of Franklin County Guardianship Service Board; 22) Appoints Board Member to the Columbus Foundation (7th largest charitable community foundation in U.S.)

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My legal career prior to serving as Franklin County Probate Judge involved serving clients who were individuals, families and small-businesses who needed advice and counsel in the areas of probate, estate planning and business matters. As Probate Judge, I am the Clerk of my own Court and supervise dozens of employees. My skill set as experienced public and private-sector administrator uniquely qualifies me to continue to serve as Probate Judge.

My legal experience includes the following positions: Attorney at Law Robert G. Montgomery Law Offices Columbus, Ohio 1997 – 2010, Practiced in the areas of integrated probate, estate and business planning; Counseled individual citizens and small business clients on start- up issues. Assistant Solicitor/Prosecutor Office of the Solicitor & Prosecuting Attorney Village of Hartford Croton, Ohio 1997 – 1999, Attended Village Council meetings and provided legal advice & counsel; Prosecuted traffic and misdemeanor crimes in the Municipal and Mayor’s Courts; Appointed Special Assistant Prosecutor in county seat city for investigation and prosecution of government employee misconduct. America One Title Agency, Ltd. Founder & Vice President Columbus, Ohio 1998 – 1999, Successfully started, grew and sold a land title insurance agency; Licensed by Ohio Department of Insurance as an insurance agent. Attorney at Law Moran & Montgomery, Ltd. Columbus, Ohio 1997 – 1999, Private law practice focused on integrated estate planning, business, corporate, municipal & real estate law; Advised small businesses on numerous legal and start-up issues.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
As you can see from above in Question No. 1, the position of Probate Judge of Franklin County is unique because it is as much a social services administrator and senior executive position as a judicial office. I am running for re-election so I can complete the work of important new innovative programs that I have started at the Court. These programs include the state’s first public guardianship program called the Guardianship Services Board, the Limited Guardianship for Mental Health Care Purposes, and the Outpatient Commitment Court. These are Pilot Programs that I started in Franklin County and would like to ensure their continued success. Finding funding for these programs will be one of the biggest challenges that I have much experience and success with. As Probate Judge I am called the “superior guardian” for over 8,000 people. These are society’s most vulnerable people. Often, the least, last and lost of our community.

I want to continue the transformation from an attorney-based to a licensed social worker based guardianship system to ensure these vulnerable people get the care and service they need and deserve. Working with families in crisis following the death or incapacity of a loved one to navigate the legal system is an honor and privilege. Providing fair and just adjudication of their disputes is a cornerstone of our legal system.

I pride myself on my track record of using my many years of private-sector entrepreneurial experience to tackle complex societal problems. At the Franklin County Probate Court, I have assembled an outstanding staff of public servants who provide courteous, prompt and efficient service to the public for their needs, including obtaining marriage licenses, birth certificate corrections and copies of important public records. In the past nine years I have been in office, I created and implemented the Court’s first Mediation Program which averages a 70% success rate. This Program has allowed families and other litigants in conflict to resolve hundreds of disputes themselves, without the time, heartache and expense of going to court. I have created the first Legal Resource Center designed to help those families that cannot afford an attorney. We have served over 450 people in 2019. Continuing to grow these programs and serve the people of Franklin County has been a tremendous honor and I would love to continue helping people as their Probate Judge.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Having served as a full-time judicial officer for almost 19 years, I’d now like to take my experience, my skills and my passionate commitment to justice to a higher court. Most judges go their entire careers without ever having a decision officially reported as Ohio precedent; I’ve had 21. I’m the only non-incumbent Democratic candidate for a Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas seat this year who has actually presided over jury trials. I am ready for, and would welcome, the challenges and opportunities of public service offered by a Common Pleas judgeship. I believe I can make a positive impact for all the people of Cuyahoga County, seeing that justice is done without fear or favor, and building on the reforms already underway in this court.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My entire career reflects my strong commitment to public service. As a staff attorney for Southeastern Ohio Legal Services for two and a half years, I represented indigent clients who desperately needed civil protection orders in domestic violence cases, and people whose utilities had been illegally shut off. Through class action lawsuits resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements, we helped thousands of people left in the cold by major Ohio utilities. As an assistant prosecuting attorney of Cuyahoga County for six years, appointed by the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones, I served primarily in the felony trial unit, handling serious crimes including thefts, gun offenses, physical and sexual assaults, and drug offenses, and also worked on capital cases.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
The Court of Common Pleas handles the most serious trial-level cases under state law, both criminal and civil. I would like to take my judicial experience, my skills and my passionate commitment to justice to a higher court, and be of service to the entire county.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have been a Probate Court judge since February, 2009. I was a magistrate for the Medina County Probate/Juvenile Court for seven years.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to being elected to the bench I was an assistant county prosecutor in Cuyahoga County for a total of nine years, an assistant county prosecutor in Medina County for six years and a Juvenile/Probate Court magistrate for seven years. I have over thirty-two years of public service in many areas of the law with a focus on family law issues.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am the incumbent judge for this seat. For the past eleven years I have worked hard to serve the attorneys and clients who have come before the probate court. During my tenure the court has made great strides in the use of technology, including an online docket and e-file capability. We have also initiated an out- patient mental illness docket, a legal resource center for self represented clients and a guardian visitor program. I have a passion for probate jurisdiction including adoptions, guardianships, mental illness, trusts and estates. I am active in the Ohio Probate Judge Association and am a frequent presenter at Judicial conferences. In the past year I succeeded in having my courtroom renovated to improve accessibility, including the availability of equipment to assist those with hearing impairment.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have been licensed in the State of Ohio since 1996 and the State of Pennsylvania since 2003. I am also licensed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. In 1997, I moved to Cincinnati to be closer to family and started a solo law practice. My solo practiced consisted mainly of taking appointments in juvenile court, the public defender’s office and the court of appeals. In 1998 I worked as a Guardian Ad Litem in the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office. In 1999 I was hired by the Hamilton County Prosecutor office, where I worked for the next 6 years. At the County Prosecutor’s Office I started in the dependency division and worked my way up to juvenile delinquency, municipal prosecution and finally to felony prosecution. In 2004 I joined a mid-sized law firm in Cincinnati where I worked mainly as a civil litigator but also did criminal defense in federal and local state courts. In 2007 I came back to the public sector where I have spent the bulk of my career. In 2007 I joined the City of Cincinnati Law Department starting out as an Assistant Solicitor, eventually rising to be the interim Chief of the City Prosecutor’s Office and a Senior Assistant Solicitor. I currently defend the City in federal and state court as a Senior Assistant Solicitor in the Labor and Employment Section.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
During my career I have served a variety of clients: poor, rich, business owners, those actively suffering addiction, victims of horrific crimes, juveniles and families in crisis, criminal defendants and governmental entities representing the public trust. Understanding how the court system affects each client has led me to have an unbiased, fair and caring approach to the law. For most of my career I have been a trial attorney and litigator. My trial experience along with my extensive and varied experience (both criminal and civil) and my fair and caring approach to the law makes me qualified to be a good judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for a seat in Hamilton County Common Pleas because I have the experience and because the Court needs judges who have a wide array of experiences. In addition to my varied legal experience outlined above, I bring the perspective of a mother and wife. My husband was born and raised in Mexico and came to Cincinnati to earn his PhD in material science. Our son attends a Cincinnati Public school. The Hamilton County Common Pleas Court has been controlled and dominated by one group for decades. Many of the judges have followed similar paths to the bench and have been on the bench, uncontested, for many years. The citizens of Hamilton County should have judicial candidates from differing backgrounds and legal paths to chose from when deciding who their judges will be.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
As a first time judicial candidate, I do not have prior judicial experience. However, I have extensive courtroom and litigation experience.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have nearly thirteen years of litigation experience. My entire legal career has been devoted the pursuit of justice and serving the people of Hamilton County. I currently lead a team of trial attorneys, social workers, an investigator, paralegal, and administrative staff. I am also the point of contact for a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to implement a holistic defense team project. The project includes the implementation of a participatory defense model in Hamilton County. The model is the first of its kind to be established in the State of Ohio. I have worked on policy issues, such as ending the practice of shackling children in courtrooms and advocating for the rights of victims of human trafficking. I have given presentations on various legal topics to a variety of groups at the local, state and national level.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
My extensive experience as a trial attorney and as a leader in the Public Defender’s Office has provided me with a unique perspective on how the justice system can better work for all of Hamilton County. I understand how important our justice system is, and how deeply and permanently it can affect the lives of those who come in contact with it.

As a Public Defender, I have helped hundreds of families navigate our current justice system. As a judge, I will facilitate the systemic change that our justice system in Hamilton County desperately needs. Everyone who is affected by the criminal justice system should be treated fairly and with the utmost respect, which doesn’t always happen. As a judge, I will require that every professional who appears in my courtroom treat every person with dignity and respect. I would be committed to conducting thorough research, and fairly and justly weighing the evidence presented. Everyone’s rights are important and should be protected. I want every person who goes through our court system in Hamilton County to be treated justly, fairly and with respect throughout the entire process. It’s time for “Smart Justice,” which means that when appropriate, working to find alternatives to incarceration and utilizing programs that promote accountability, but also work to rehabilitate offenders and restore victims. My approach has always been and will always be to act thoughtfully, fairly and effectively.

As Judge, I will work with other Judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and court administrators to promote firm but fair and equal enforcement of the laws; reform the cash bail system; ensure that punishments are proportionate to the crime; and create programs that will rehabilitate, deter crime, and reduce recidivism.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have been a Domestic Relations Judge since 2009 and am currently the Administrative Judge of the Domestic Relations Court.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to my judicial experience, I was employed as registered nurse. I still maintain my nursing license. The experience of caring and assisting others, is a unique quality that has served me well as I identify the needs of the families that appear before me.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for re-election to my seat as I am compassionate, empathetic and a fair and impartial Judge. The Court has made great strides with its’ programs that offer assistance to the people that we serve and I look forward to further initiatives, programs and community outreach for the citizens of Cuyahoga County.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Juvenile Court Judge – Montgomery County Common Pleas Court – July 12, 2018 – December 31, 2018; Dayton Municipal Court, Dayton, OH (January 2009 – 2012) – Jeff Rezabek was a substitute magistrate for Dayton Municipal Court from 2009-2012 where he conducted full dockets including arraignments, criminal minor misdemeanor trials and civil trials.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Jeff Rezabek served as State Representative for the 43rd District in the Ohio House of Representative from 2015 until his appointment by Governor Kasich to be Montgomery County Juvenile Court Judge. Jeff has returned to his successful private practice that he had for over twenty years, which focuses on juvenile, custody, and family law, as well as criminal defense work. Jeff was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2014 and reelected in 2016. In the 132nd General Assembly, Jeff was the Vice-Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee and sat on the Civil Justice, and Agriculture and Rural Development, Reclaim Advisory Committees. Additionally, I served on several commissions, the Ohio Sentencing Commission, Juvenile Sentencing – Sub-Committee, Interstate Compact for Juveniles, Correctional Institution Inspection Committee. In the 131st General Assembly, Jeff was the Vice-Chair of the Government Accountability and Oversight. He sat on Judiciary, Local Government, Agriculture, and Rural Development, Finance, and the Joint Legislative Committee on Multi-System Youth, as well as on the Commission, Interstate Compact for Juveniles. Jeff Rezabek was admitted to the Ohio, New York, and Federal Bars in 1998, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015. In 1997, he graduated and received his J.D. from the University of Dayton, School of Law, and his B.A. in Psychology and History from the University of Dayton in 1991.

Jeff has been the recipient of several awards. They include The Image of Hope Award for Youth Advocacy(2013), the CASA Guardian ad Litem of the Year(2003) award, as well as the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court Appointed Counsel of the Year Award in 2000 and 2009.

Representative Rezabek was recognized with an Ohio Public Image Award in 2016, presented by the Ohio Association of County Boards of Serving People with Developmental Disabilities(OACB) and the Ohio Superintendents of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities(OSCB). The award recognized elected officials who consistently champion causes for people with developmental disabilities, protecting the rights of individuals and supporting community programs that improve the lives of individuals and families; while supporting public policies that promote inclusion and acceptance. Additionally, Jeff was selected as the Public Children Services Association of Ohio 2018 Legislator of the Year. He was honored because of his commitment and leadership for children and families involved in the children’s services system, and Jeff is a true champion for children.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I believe that I am uniquely qualified for the 2nd District Court of Appeals because of my experience as Judge, a State Representative, and my trial experience across all of the counties encompassed by the district. I served as Montgomery County Juvenile Court Judge. The experiences that one gains from sitting on the bench are unmeasured and very important to an individual that is seeking to move up in the judicial system. The direct practical and trial experience from serving as Judge is a necessary component to performing as an excellent Judge on the Court of Appeals. Additionally, I believe that the uniqueness of having a Juvenile Court Judge on the Court of Appeals would provide a new perspective to the Court of Appeals.

Likewise, my work as a State Representative adds a different and distinctive experience that enriches my qualification to the 2nd District Court of Appeals. I served as Vice-Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee and Vice-Chair of the Government Accountability and Oversight. Additionally, I served on the Committees of Civil Justice, Agriculture and Rural Development, Reclaim Advisory, Judiciary, Local Government, Finance, and the Joint Legislative Committee on Multi-System Youth. Additionally, I was appointed to several Commissions which included, the Ohio Sentencing Commission, Juvenile Sentencing – Sub-Committee, Interstate Compact for Juveniles, Correctional Institution Inspection.

Finally, with my over twenty-three years of experience as an in the courtroom litigator with over 70 felony jury trials, I am qualified to serve as an appellate court judge. I have handled complex and challenging criminal cases, including death penalty situations, as well as others in the areas like appellate, juvenile, domestic relations, probate, and personal injury law. My practice includes cases in Municipal, State, and Federal Courts. I am an active member of our community through several organizations, as well as coach for Vandalia Butler High School. I continue to help and provide to our disadvantaged communities and children.

With my leadership and experience as a Judge, State Representative, trial attorney, and community leader, I am qualified and will add these unique qualities to the 2nd District Court of Appeals.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Magistrate, Cuyahoga County Probate Court (2015-Present). Magistrate, Rocky River Municipal Court (2008-2015). Psychiatric Magistrate, Probate Court (2007-2015).

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
For over 32 years, I engaged in a diverse general practice of law in the areas of Civil law, Criminal Law, Probate law, and Trust law. I practiced in municipal courts, county common pleas court, state appellate courts, federal appellate courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court. As a private practitioner, I devoted my legal practice to protecting the rights of my clients through zealous advocacy. This was important to me especially because many of my clients were marginalized and were victims of mental, physical, and financial exploitation. I am confident that my almost four decades of combined legal experience both as a private practitioner and as a Magistrate in various courts provides me with the experience necessary to be a Judge.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running to become a Judge on the 8th District Court of Appeals because my multi-faceted, diverse legal experience best qualifies me as an appellate judge. The 8th District Court of Appeals presides over cases from a variety of courts concerning legal issues from various areas of civil and criminal law. As a private practitioner and Magistrate, I have handled and decided a multitude of such civil and criminal issues that can be subsequently reviewed on appeal to the 8th District Court of Appeals. Furthermore, as a lifelong resident of Cuyahoga County, I believe that I have the ability to understand the strengths and weaknesses of our community and how they relate to our citizens. It is my strong desire to become an appellate Judge as a way to give back to the legal profession and citizens of Cuyahoga County by applying an equitable implementation of the law and setting precedent to protect the rights of current and future litigants. In conclusion and based on my overall experience, I am confident that I will be a Judge who can utilize the law as a tool of justice in providing the citizens of Cuyahoga County with honest, fair, and impartial appellate decisions.

(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 candidates. 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 the Democratic Nomination for 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. No other candidate 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 for the Democratic Nomination for the Athens County Juvenile/Probate Judge on March 17, 2020.