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Wende Cross

Office: For Judge of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Term Beginning 2/12/2021

Age: 53

Residence: Cincinnati

Email: wendecross4judge@gmail.com

Website: http://wendecross4judge.com

Social Media: @wendecrossforjudge

Occupation: Magistrate

Education:  J.D., Salmon P. Chase College of Law

Work Experience: Magistrate in Juvenile Court since 2012; Former Federal Prosecutor; Civil and Criminal Defense litigator

Family: 

Affiliations: Madisonville Community Council; Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati; Impact 100; NAACP, Christ Emmanuel Christian Fellowship

Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party; Equality Cincinnati PAC

Bar Association Ratings: 

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

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

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

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Margaret Scott

Office: For Judge of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
Term Beginning 1/4/2021

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 49

Residence: Copley

Email: margaretscottforjudge@gmail.com

Website: http://margaretscottforjudge.com

Social Media: www.facebook.com/ChiefMagistrateMargaretScott

Occupation: Chief Magistrate

Education:  J.D. from Ohio Northern University, B.A. from Marshall University

Work Experience: 
criminal and civil lawyer since 1994

Family: 1 child

Affiliations: Community Action Akron Summit; Akron Bar Foundation; Barberton Noon Kiwanis; Summit County Opiate Task Force; Ohio Association of Magistrates; Copley-Fairlawn PTSA; NAACP; Montrose Zion United Methodist Church; Copley-Fairlawn All Sports Booster Club

Endorsements: Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 109; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #306; Barberton City Councilwoman (Ward 5) Joyce Coburn; Pastor Gregory Harrison

Bar Association Ratings: 

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

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

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

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Rusty R. Rittenhouse

Office: For Judge of the Athens County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division
Term Beginning 2/9/2021

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 40

Residence: Athens

Email: rittenhouse2020@yahoo.com

Website: 

Social Media: fb.me/rittenhouse2020

Occupation: Attorney

Education:  J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law

Work Experience: Private Practice since 2005

Family: Married with 2 children

Affiliations: Rotary Club

Endorsements: 

Bar Association Ratings: 

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

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

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

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Timothy L. Williams

Office: For Judge of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division
Term Beginning 2/9/2021

Age: 61

Residence: Marietta

Email: 

Website: 

Social

Occupation: Probate-Juvenile Judge

Education:  1980 received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio. Received a JD Ohio Northern University 1984.

Work Experience: 
Probate-Juvenile Judge since February 9, 1997

Family: Married with two adult children

Affiliations: Licensed Attorney in Ohio and WV. Catholic faith.

Endorsements: 

Bar Association Ratings: 

 

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

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

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

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Kari L. Bloom

Office: For Judge of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division
Term Beginning 2/14/2021

Age: 33

Residence: Cincinnati

Email: kbforjudge@gmail.com

Website: votekaribloom.com

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/KBforJudge; @kbforjudge

Occupation: Felony Trial Lawyer, Hamilton County Public Defender

Education:  I graduated from the University of Cincinnati, College of Law in 2011 with a Public Service designation. In 2008, I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Political Science.

Work Experience: 
After graduating from law school I worked for the United States Air Force as a civilian. In 2012 I started as a trial attorney in the public defender’s office, where I’ve worked for 6 years. I also spent 3 years as a legislative liaison.

Family: Engaged

Affiliations: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Equality Cincinnati PAC

Endorsements:  Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio Senator Cecil Thomas, Hamilton County Democratic Party, Hamilton County Young Dems, Cincinnati Equality PAC, Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, Laborers Local 265, IBEW Local 212, Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, Bold New Democracy, and Wyoming Mayor Thaddeus Hoffmeister

Bar Association Ratings: 

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

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

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

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David Young

Office: For Judge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Term Beginning 7/1/2021

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 58

Residence: Dublin

Email: judgeyoung2020@gmail.com

Website: www.davidyoungforjudge.com

Social Media: 

Occupation: Judge

Education:  J.D. Washington University (St. Louis); B.S. Miami University Accounting and Finance

Work Experience: 
Domestic Relations Court Magistrate, February 2014- present; Attorney/Partner Judge from 2012; private practice for 26 years

Family: 

Affiliations: 

Endorsements: 

Bar Association Ratings: 

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

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

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

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Anne Barry Flottman

Office: For Judge of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division
Term Beginning 7/1/2021

Age: 62

Residence: Cincinnati

Email: FlottmanforJudge@gmail.com

Website: www.FlottmanForJudge.com

Social Media: www.facebook.com/pg/Anne4Judge; @FlottmanAnne (Twitter)

Occupation: Magistrate

Education:  B.A. University of Kentucky, M.A. Xavier University, J.D. University of Cincinnati College of Law

Work Experience: Domestic Relations Court Magistrate, February 2014- present; Attorney/Partner Wood and Lamping LLP, November 2007- February 2014; Law Office of Anne B. Flottman, November 2001-November 2007.

Family: Married since 1981 to Thomas R. Flottman; we have three wonderful sons; two lovely, smart and patient daughters-in-law; one perfect grandson, and one beloved grand-dog.

Affiliations: Immigration and Refugee Law Center Volunteer, Board Member of Ohio Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Ohio Association of Magistrates, Ohio Bar Association, Ohio Women’s Bar Association, former member (while in practice) of Cincinnati Academy of Collaborative Law Professionals, former member of Xavier University President’s Advisory Council.

Endorsements: Cincinnati Federation of Teachers; Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus; AFL/CIO; IBEW Local 212; AFSCME; Equality Cincinnati; Bold New Democracy; Thaddeus Hoffmeister, City of Wyoming Mayor; UCFW Local 75; Hamilton County Democratic Party

Bar Association Ratings: 

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

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

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

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Jennifer McElfresh

Office: For Judge of the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, General Division


Term Beginning 1/1/2021

Age: 48

Residence: Fairfield

Email: 

Website: 

Social Media: 

Occupation: Judge

Education:  J.D., University of Cincinnati; B.A. with Honors, Certificate in Business Spanish, University of Cincinnati

Work Experience: 
Judge, Butler County Common Pleas Court, General Division October, 2013-present (Administrative Judge, November, 2016-December, 2018) (Presiding Judge Felony Nonsupport Specialized Docket, October, 2014-Present); Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Butler County Prosecutor’s Office, April, 1998-October, 2013 (Division Chief, Child Assault Division, August, 2000-October, 2013)

Family: Married with one child

Affiliations: Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission Member; Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association Member; Ohio Judicial Conference Public Policy and Community Outreach Committee Member; Ohio Judicial Conference Criminal Law and Procedure Committee Member; Ohio Judicial Conference Judicial Ethics, Professionalism, and Diversity Committee Member; Court Security Committee, Past Member; Butler County Criminal Justice Advisory Board Member; Butler County Bar Association Criminal Law Committee Member; Butler County Bar Association Bar Applications Committee Member; Butler County Bar Association Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee Member; Butler County Bar Association Notary Committee Chairperson; Ohio State Bar Association Member; Fraternal Order of Police Member; Ohio Justice Alliance for Community Corrections Member; Ohio High School Mock Trial Judge; American Mock Trial Association Judge; Bunker Hill Haven for Boys Board Member; Miami Valley Health Services Board Member; Lindenwald Kiwanis of Fairfield/Hamilton Member; Animal Adoption Foundation Volunteer

Endorsements: Butler County Republican Party

Bar Association Ratings: 

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

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

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

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Sheryl Munson

Office: For Judge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Unexpired Term Ending 1/5/2023


Party Affiliation: Democrat

Age: 51

Residence: Columbus

Email:  sherylmunsonforjudge2020@gmail.com

Website: www.sherylmunsonforjudge.com

Social Media: Facebook: Sheryl Munson for Judge; Instagram: #sherylmunsonforjudge

Occupation: Attorney with the Franklin County Public Defender Office

Education:  J.D. from The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law

Work Experience: Franklin County Public Defender since 1994

Family: Single with two teenage daughters

Affiliations: The Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Women Lawyers of Franklin County, Franklin County Democratic Lawyers Club, The Franklin County Democratic Party

Endorsements: 

Bar Association Ratings: 

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

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

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

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Sheryl Munson

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

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

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

Office: For Judge of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, General Division
Unexpired Term Ending 1/5/2023

Age: 51

Residence: Columbus

Email:  sherylmunsonforjudge2020@gmail.com

Website: www.sherylmunsonforjudge.com

Social Media: Facebook: Sheryl Munson for Judge; Instagram: #sherylmunsonforjudge

Occupation: Attorney with the Franklin County Public Defender Office

Education:  J.D. from The Ohio State University, Moritz College of Law

Work Experience: Franklin County Public Defender since 1994

Family: Single with two teenage daughters

Affiliations: The Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Women Lawyers of Franklin County, Franklin County Democratic Lawyers Club, The Franklin County Democratic Party

Endorsements: 

Bar Association Ratings: