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Marilyn B. Cassidy
Office: Cleveland Municipal Court
Age: 66
Residence: Cleveland, OH
Email: marilynbcassidy@gmail.com
Website: facebook: Judge MarilynCassidy
twitter: @MarilynCassidy @JudgeCassidy
Occupation: Judge Cleveland Municipal Court
Education: JD Cleveland Marshall College of Law, B.S. Magna Cum Laude (Nursing), Syracuse University
Work Experience: Judge Cleveland Municipal Court 2007 to present, Assistant County Prosecuter 1992 to 2007, Associate Counsel Medical Mutual of Ohio 1983-85, Registered Nurse 1976 -1983
Family: Divorced with two adult children
Affiliations: Member Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Assoc, Ohio State Bar Association, American Judges Association, NEOhio Municipal Judges Association, & National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Inducted Sigma Theta Tau National Nursing Honorary 1976
Endorsements: Cleveland Plain Dealer www.Cleveland.com; Northshore AFL-CIO, Laborers Locals 310, 860, 1099; Cleveland Port Council, Maritime Trades Dept; Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Assoc, Black Women’s PAC, Ironworkers Local 17, Cleveland Building &Constrution Trades Council, Pipefitters Union Local 120, Carl Stokes Brigade, Cleveland Firefighters Local 93, Cleveland Area Middle East Org, UAW Northeast Ohio CAP Council
Bar Association Ratings: Rated Excellent by all five bar Associans Judge4Yourself.com; www.,Judge4yourself.com
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Cleveland Municipal Court 2007 to present Most people who meet a judge will meet him/her in a municipal court. Most of the people that we see are ordinary people . Some have extraordinary problems. I have done the work to be where I am. I have demonstrated both the temperament and competence requisite to the position. I am enthusiastic about providing the best access to justice, a fair and impartial hearing where the rights of all parties are protected, and a resolution of conflict that is fair. I am engaged in community affairs. Most importantly, I will continue to do the work that the citizens of Cleveland elect me to do. I am the better candidate for this position and I respectfully ask for your endorsement. Judicial service in the Cleveland Municipal court is a problem-solving job, in addition to the legal challenges. I have enjoyed helping individuals and families through difficult times and re-directing them on a path to an improved way of life. For one person this may mean getting sober, for another it means successfully re-integrating with the community after incarceration, for yet another it may mean completing high school or further education and gaining employment that will support them and/or a family. It may be a small thing like gaining a valid driver’s license and insurance. I am in my thirteenth year of service as a judge on the Cleveland Municipal Court. I have worked hard to achieve this honor and I enjoy my work. I served as an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor for fifteen years before becoming a judge for a total of 28 years of public service. Over those years I have gained invaluable experience in dealing with people: defendants, their families, attorneys and judges. Cuyahoga County and Cleveland have invested in me by providing advanced education in domestic violence, addiction, human trafficking and a multitude of other subjects. In turn, I have shared what I learn not only by applying principles of best practice in the court room, but by training other professionals and citizens locally, statewide, and nationally. As a nurse I came to the law from a place of caring and protection. I am proud of our court’s problem- solving approach and our many programs including four Ohio Supreme Court certified dockets: Mental health; Drug court; Veterans Court, and Specialized docket for Human Trafficking which I chair. I initiated our specialized docket to assist victims of human trafficking recover from trauma and addiction in 2014. To date, 18 women have completed the program successful, 180 victims have been identified, with about 25 survivors participating actively in our program. Specialized dockets have proven successful in helping participants successfully complete programs. Our diversion programs help those with little to no criminal history learn new coping skills and to avoid a serious conviction such as domestic violence. My goal in sentencing is to help offenders to improve their lives, as well as protection of victims where necessary. This means that mental health issues, addiction issues and the like are squarely addressed in any sentence given. Treatment works. Many offenders succeed and that is the point: to regain a citizen who contributes to his/her community. I bring to the judiciary my experience as a Registered nurse with education and experience in understanding family dynamics, growth and development, mental illness, addiction, and treatment modalities. I have been admitted to the practice of law for 36 years with no disciplinary action (unlike my opponent whose license has been suspended while serving as a juvenile judge) from the Ohio Supreme Court and with 28 years of public service. I have experience with impoverished citizens and concerns with bail, fine and costs, sentencing alternatives; extensive experience with offenders and victims in the criminal justice system including trial practice, litigation both civil and criminal, proven judicial temperament and work ethic. I am committed to maintaining a neutral presence on the bench and providing a fair hearing to all who appear there.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I bring to the judiciary my experience as a Registered Nurse with education and experience in understanding family dynamics, growth and development, mental illness, addiction, and treatment modalities. I have been admitted to the practice of law for 36 years with no disciplinary action (unlike my opponent whose license has been suspended while serving as a juvenile judge) from the Ohio Supreme Court and with 28 years of public service. I have experience with impoverished citizens and concerns with bail, fine and costs, sentencing alternatives; extensive experience with offenders and victims in the criminal justice system including trial practice, litigation both civil and criminal, proven judicial temperament and work ethic. I am committed to maintaining a neutral presence on the bench and providing a fair hearing to all who appear there.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Why are you seeking this office? What improvements would you make? What is your platform Judges are leaders. Integrity, accuracy, transparency, innovation and positivism begin with us and are passed on to our employees and to those doing business with the court. In addition to our primary responsibility as jurists, we are responsible for the administrative aspects of the court’s business including personnel, policy, specialized dockets, and community outreach. There is much work that has begun and much that is yet to do. Bail Reform & Pretrial Services Implementation and ongoing evaluation of the Arnold Foundation Public Safety Assessment (PSA) and the opening and development of our pretrial services department. These are tools that significantly impact a defendant’s experience and court administration. High Risk DV Docket Our court has initiated a high risk domestic violence docket which utilizes an 11-question questionnaire the answers to which can indicate a high risk for homicide. Expansion of this process is planned for 2020. . Specialized Docket for Victims of Human Trafficking. The specialized docket has proven effective in supporting individuals through recovery from addiction. It has proven to be successful with trauma survivors as well. Since 2014 we have identified 180 victims of HT, 7 healthy babies born drug free, 1 have participated in the program with about 25 currently active. Eighteen women have completed the two- year program. Many mothers have been reunited with their children. 7 have overdosed on opiates and died. It is important that this work continue. Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise behind drugs and illegal arms. Our children are at risk. The average age of induction into the sex trade is between 12 and 14 years of age. Traffickers are predators. Additionally, we need to develop an effective and consistent way to address consumers. Cuyahoga County Jail Nine deaths in the last year are unacceptable. Judges are part of the solution to a serious problem. The use of pretrial services has helped significantly reduce our jail population with use of pretrial supervision & reporting and GPS devices. Protection of the community and defendant rights priorities. As a result, jail is reserved for the most violent of offenders or others who present a danger to the community I enjoy work in our problem-solving court. It is gratifying to see someone get sober, get a GED or a valid driver’s license with insurance and move forward on a new path of productivity. These are the rewards of the job and the whole point of what we do.
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Katelyn Dickey
Office: Columbiana County Municipal Court
Age: 33
Residence: Lisbon, OH
Email: vote@dickeyforjudge.com
Website: www.dickeyforjudge.com
Occupation: Assistant Prosecutor – Columbiana County
Education: Juris Doctorate- The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, Bachelor’s Degree-Gannon University, Erie, PA
Work Experience: Staff Attorney, Columbiana County Court of Common Pleas, Probation Officer, Columbiana Court of Common Pleas, Columbiana Court of Common Pleas Magistrate, Adjunct Professor Kent State Salem Campus, Business Law
Family: Married with 3 children
Affiliations: Columbiana County Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Columbiana County Township Association, Business Professional Women of Columbiana County, Columbiana County Farm Bureau
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I served the citizens of Columbiana County as a Magistrate in 2018 in the Court of Common Pleas. I handled domestic relation cases where I have experience issuing domestic violence and civil stalking protection orders.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have served in nearly every aspect of Columbiana County’s criminal justice system as a staff attorney, probation officer, magistrate, and now an assistant prosecutor. This makes me uniquely qualified to be the next Municipal Court Judge. I have worked closely with our judges over the years conducting legal research and drafting legal writing with respect to many civil and criminal trials as a staff attorney. As a felony probation officer, I saw the effects of addiction first-hand. As a magistrate, I often protected women and children by issuing domestic violence and civil stalking protection orders. Currently, I prosecute criminal misdemeanor cases, which are the exact types of cases that I would be presiding over as the next municipal court judge.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I was born and raised in Columbiana County and am passionate about the future of our community. I want to ensure Columbiana County is a safe place to live and raise a family. I am committed to following the law and using the Constitution as my guide when giving criminals the sentences they deserve. My leadership qualities paired with my work ethic and values will allow me to make a monumental impact in Columbiana County.
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Andy Ginella
Office: Massillon Municipal Court
Age: 57
Residence: Canton, OH
Email: GinellaforJudge@gmail.com
Website: GinellaforJudge.com
Occupation: Attorney, private practice
Education: Juris Doctor, University of Akron, 1992; B.A. Accounting, University of Akron, 1986; Associate Degree, Criminal Justice, University of Akron, 1982; Certified, Ohio Police Officer Academy 1980
Work Experience: 10 years of combined Common Pleas and Municipal Court experience, private practice Attorney for 25 years, and a plumber’s apprentice through Local 94 for Spino & Co. as I worked my way through college.
Family: Married with 3 adult children
Affiliations: Domestic Violence, Board Member; Ohio Stark County Farm Bureau, Member; Schalmo Family Canal Fulton YMCA, Board Member; Northwest Stark Senior Citizens Center, Current Advisor & Volunteer/Former Board Member; Massillon Chamber of Commerce, Member; Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Jackson-Belden office, Member; Unique Club of Stark County, Member & Scholarship Committee Member; Stark County Bar Association, Member; Ohio State Bar Association, Member; National Italian American Bar Association, Member; Elder Law Committee SCBA, Member; Municipal Court Committee SCBA, Member; Heartland Behavioral State Institution, appointed counsel for patients; Portage Lakes Vocational School Criminal Justice Program in Summit County Former Advisory Board Member;-Knights of Columbus, Member; Stark County Catholic School/Holy Cross Academy, Board Member; Catholic Schools Education Development Committee, Board Member; MS Conversanese Italian Club of Akron, Ohio, Member; Sts. Philip & James Catholic Church Finance Committee, Board Member, Legal Advisor, and Finance Committee Member / Former President of the Finance Committee, Former Parish Council Member, and Former Renovation Committee Member; Boy Scouts of America Buckeye Council, Volunteer Troup 94 in Canal Fulton; Northwest Jackson Soccer League, Former Soccer Coach; Building Industry Association of Stark County, Member; Stark County 4-H Club, Current Volunteer
Endorsements: AFL-CIO Hall of Fame Central Labor Council, Votes for Women, and WestStark Republican Women’s Oganization
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judicial Law Clerk/Magistrate for Judge V. Lee Sinclair in the Stark County Court of Common Pleas, 1995-1997 Worked for numerous Canton Municipal Court Judges, 1990-1995 Personal Bailiff/Judicial Law Clerk for Municipal Court Judge Anthony Flex, 1986-1990
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have dedicated and invested my time in our community for over 30 years volunteering with multiple organizations and serving on numerous boards, such as the Portage Lakes Vocational Law Enforcement Training Board, Domestic Violence Board, Northwest Stark Center, etc. Coupled with my 25 years experience representing business owners, landlords, tenants, and individuals that make up our community, of which I am also a business owner and a landlord, has provided me firsthand knowledge and experience, as well as a clear perspective of the court’s role and the impact on the individual appearing before the court, and the affect it has on our community.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Because, I want to keep our community safe and continue making lasting positive changes in our community and strengthen the bond between the courts and the individuals it serves. Because, my deep roots to the community and extensive community involvement stem from my passion to initiate change and my desire to help others and see them overcome and succeed. Because, I will hold those that appear before the court accountable while dispensing justice with fairness and compassion, which I learned from the 10 years of experience working for several Judges in the Stark County Common Pleas and Municipal Court, as well as professionally advocating and assisting individuals for the past 25 years. Because, my combined firsthand experience, knowledge and understanding of the community provides me with a clear perspective of the court’s role and the impact on the individual appearing before the court, and the affect it has on our community, which enables me to better serve the people and the needs of our community, and continue to make lasting, positive changes in our community.
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Ronald J.H. O’Leary
Office: Cleveland Municipal Court-Housing Division
Age: 49
Residence: Cleveland, OH
Email: rjoleary99@aol.com
Websites: Facebook: Re-Election Housing Court Judge Ron O’Leary
https://re-elect-housing-court-judge-ron-oleary.business.site/
Occupation: Judge, Cleveland Municipal Court, Housing Division
Education: Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (B.A., M.A.); Case Western Reserve University School of Law (J.D.)
Work Experience: Judge, Cleveland Municipal Court, Housing Division, 4/2017-present; Director, City of Cleveland Department of Building and Housing, 2014-2017; Assistant Director, City of Cleveland Department of Building and Housing, 2006-2014; Adjunct Professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, 2006-2014; Associate Attorney, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, 1/2006-10/2006; Judge, Cleveland Municipal Court, 9/2005-12/2005; Chief Assistant Director of Law, City of Cleveland Department of Law, 1999-2005; Assistant Prosecutor, City of Cleveland Department of Law, 1998-1999.
Family: Married with three children
Affiliations: St. Patrick’s Church, Cleveland, Ohio
Endorsements: Cleveland Plain Dealer https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2019/10/ronald-jh-oleary-for-cleveland-housing-court-judge.html; Cleveland City Councilman Tony Brancatelli; Cleveland Port Council Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Auto Mechanics Local 1363; Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 310; Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council https://cbctc.org/2019-endorsed-candidates/; Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local No. 19; Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association; Cleveland American Middle Eastern Organization; International Association of Firefighters Local 93;
Bar Association Ratings: All five bar associations: Excellent (Top rating) https://www.judge4yourself.com/judicial-candidate-ratings/
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Cleveland Municipal Court- Housing Division: April 2017 to present Cleveland Municipal Court- General Division: September 2005 to December 2005 I first served as a Judge in the Cleveland Municipal Court from September 2005 through December 2005. I now serve as the Judge of the Housing Division of the Cleveland Municipal Court (more commonly known as a Housing Court), a position to which I was appointed in April 2017, after the death of Judge Raymond L. Pianka. I was elected in November 2017 to serve the remainder of the unexpired term ending January 1, 2020. As the sole Judge of the Housing Court, I am responsible for the adjudication and disposition of the 12,000 to 15,000 civil and criminal cases filed in the Housing Court each year. The Housing Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil and criminal actions to enforce local building, housing, air pollution, sanitation, health, fire, zoning, and safety codes applicable residential and commercial structures, as well as exclusive jurisdiction over landlord-tenant matters and certain actions brought to abate public nuisances. This broad subject matter jurisdiction, combined with its unlimited monetary jurisdiction (unusual for a municipal court), and its incidental jurisdiction (which enables the Court to decide all claims in any case properly brought in the Court), give the Housing Court the tools we need to fulfill the Court’s purpose as a problem-solving court, and improve the quality of daily life for the residents of the City of Cleveland.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As an assistant prosecutor, then Chief Assistant Director of Law for the City of Cleveland, I routinely reviewed evidence, analyzed possible courses of action, determined the type of civil action or criminal charges to file, and then prosecuted those actions to their conclusion. The majority of the cases I brought or approved as the Chief Assistant Director of Law for Code Enforcement were brought in the Housing Court. I am well-versed in the types of cases and claims brought in the Housing Court, and experienced in assessing the validity of those claims. My service as Assistant Director and then Director of the City of Cleveland’s Department of Building and Housing reinforced my knowledge of the City’s Codified Ordinances, many of which serve as the basis for Housing Court actions. During my tenure with the Department of Building and Housing, I also learned of the City’s processes involving demolition, permitting, plans approval, etc., as well as the programs available to assist residents in repairing and maintaining their properties. This information is invaluable to me as the Housing Court Judge, as I work to encourage property owners to comply with City codes. The Housing Court Judge is responsible for a staff of approximately fifty employees, and so must be capable of managing a large staff and routinely addressing personnel issues. As Director of Building and Housing, I developed extensive experience in managing personnel. The Housing Court bailiffs are members of a union; my work with the City of Cleveland included the supervision of union employees, and the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. Finally, my non-judicial experience gave me the opportunity to work with the residents of the City, and deepened my commitment to public service. I have met with members of the community, listened to their concerns, prosecuted cases bearing those concerns in mind, and often called members of the community as witnesses to express the impact on the community’s well-being of the offenses charged. I am an active member of the community in my own Cleveland neighborhood as well; my wife, children and I participate in church, school and theater activities in Cleveland. I have experienced the concerns and comforts of Cleveland’s neighborhood communities, which enable me to bear those factors in mind, while serving as Cleveland’s Housing Court Judge.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have dedicated my career to public service. Since I joined the Cleveland Department of Law in 1998, I have worked to make Cleveland a better place. Whether prosecuting domestic violence, drunk driving or other crimes, or through improving the City’s building stock and closing nuisances like drug houses, I have applied my legal and management skills to making Cleveland a safe place in which to live, work, and raise a family, enjoying all that the City has to offer. Cleveland Housing Court is a fitting place for me to apply my knowledge and experience, and continue my public service, as a judge. Judges must apply the law impartially while understanding the people who appear before the bench. My experience as a prosecutor, municipal attorney, judge, and municipal administrator has given me the perspective to understand the challenges that face Cleveland and its residents. I can continue to serve by being a judge who knows the law and understand the people who appear before him. I am one of the many people who greatly admired the passion that Judge Ray Pianka brought to the Housing Court. I had the opportunity to work with Judge Pianka for many years. As Cleveland’s Chief Assistant Director of Law I prosecuted criminal and civil cases before him; as the Director of Building and Housing, we frequently conferred about policies and projects. I saw the energy and creativity he brought to the Housing Court, causing it to become nationally recognized for its innovative programs. I am committed to ensuring that the Housing Court maintains its character and reputation as a knowledgeable, proactive Court. The Housing Court is a unique court. The Housing Court Judge must know and apply the relevant statutory requirements and City ordinances, and follow the Code of Judicial Conduct, Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, Rules of Evidence and case law, like any other Judge. In addition, in this problem-solving Court, the Judge must ensure that the Court is accessible and responsive to the parties who appear before it, and the community as a whole. The Court and its staff must be knowledgeable and resourceful. I am committed to applying my legal and managerial experience, as well as my knowledge of the City’s housing stock, and, more importantly, its neighborhoods and residents, to this critical position on the municipal court bench.
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Joseph Russo
Office: Cleveland Municipal Court
Age: 61
Residence: Cleveland, OH
Occupation: Attorney
Education: J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Work Experience: Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge (1998-2012), Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor (1987-1998), Rauser and Associates LLC, Private Practice of Law (2013-2019)
Family: 5 grandchildren, 3 children
Affiliations: St. Leo’s Parishioner, Olmsted Falls Travel Baseball Association
Endorsements: Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Teamsters Union Local 436
Bar Association Ratings: Excellent
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I served 14 years as a Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge, with 7 years experience as Administrative Judge and 3 years expererience as Presiding Drug Court Judge. 1998-2012
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have over 32 years legal experience. !2 years I served as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor with extensive trial expererience. I have tried serious criminal cases such as murder, rape, and robbery. In private practice I have expererience in criminal defense, family and juvenile law, bankruptcy and civil litigation. In addition , I have a B.B.A. degree with a major in accounting and experience working as a credit analyst at a bank. The business experience is helpful in civil litigation and having constructive input into the court’s administrative functions including the best ways to utilize the court’s resources.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I aspire to be judge at Cleveland Municipal Court because I believe I am the right candidate to move the court forward on day one and into the future. I was born and raised in Cleveland and I care about the people that live here. I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of the people who may appear before the court. If elected to the Bench, I would like to utilize and apply my 14 years of judicial experience, with 7 years as Administrative Judge, to successfully move the court forward. The Court needs tighter management controls and more efficient processes and procedures as it pertains to scheduling, case management, and implementing result driven cost effective programs in the court system. It is even more imperative when using taxpayers funded limited resources. I also believe the court needs to ultimately address the issues contributing to overcrowded jails, the conditions at the jail, the lenghty wait time for drug treatment and mental health services to begin, and to finalize bail reform.
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Joel C. Fichter
Office: Massillon Municipal Court
Age: 60
Residence: Massillon, OH
Email: fichterlaw@sssnet.com
Website: www.joelfichter.com
Occupation: Magistrate, Massillon Municipal Court
Education: J.D. from The University of Akron 1984; B.A. from Bowling Green State University 1981; Massillon Washington High School 1977.
Work Experience: Magistrate, Massillon Municipal Court 2008 – present; private practice 2004 – 2007; Stergios & Kurtzman Co., LPA 1984 -2004.
Family: Married to Christine for 28 years, 3 sons.
Affiliations: Catholic; numerous civic/community/professional affiliations, including Western Stark County Homeless Task Force, Community Hospice, YMCA, and youth sports.
Endorsements: AFL-CIO Hall of Fame Central Labor Council; United Steelworkers of America Local 1124; International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2280; Coalition of Women Voters; Stark County Prosecutor John D. Ferrero, Jr.; Retired Judges Richard T. Kettler and Richard D. Reinbold, Jr.; Stark County Association for Justice.
Bar Association Ratings: Recommended by the Judiciary Committee of the Stark County Bar Association.
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Full-time Magistrate of the Massillon Municipal Court since January 1, 2008; Acting Magistrate and Acting Judge of the Massillon Municipal Court June 2004 – December 2007.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Prior to becoming the full-time Magistrate of the Massillon Municipal Court in 2008, I practiced law for nearly 24 years in western Stark County.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for this position because Hon. C. Roland Centrone is retiring on December 31, 2019. My experience and understanding of the workings of the Court and our community make me qualified to fill this seat. I have been a resident of the Massillon Municipal Court district my entire life and I have been active in our community, and I want to continue to serve our residents and make a difference in western Stark County.
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Heaven Guest
Office: Columbiana County Municipal Court
Age: 48
Residence: Minerva, OH
Email: heavenguestforjudge@gmail.com
Website: http://heavenguestforjudge.com
https://www.facebook.com/pg/HeavenGuestforJudge
Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Education: JD from the University of Akron, 2001; Masters Degree in Public Administration; Masters Degree in Urban Studies; Masters Degree in Elementary Education
Work Experience: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the past 16 years; Appellate Judicial Attorney 2001-2002
Family: Married with three step children, four step grandchildren, and three dogs.
Affiliations: Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association member; National District Attorneys Association member; Columbiana County Bar Association member; FOPA, Akron Bar Association member; Law Library Resources Board member, ATHENA, Women’s Network, Women’s Impact Inc., Stark County NAACP, Member of the Summit County Collaborative Against Human Trafficking
Endorsements: State Representative Tavia Galonksi, Hall of Fame Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO,and Columbiana, Mahoning & Trumbull Counties United Auto Workers-Commuity Action Program Council
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judicial Attorney for Judge Robert Nader, 11th District Court of Appeals 2001-2002
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have the commitment, compassion, and experience necessary to serve the court with integrity and fairness to all. Over the last sixteen years as a prosecuting attorney, I have handled cases involving misdemeanor and felony charges. I have prosecuted cases involving child support enforcement, administrative matters, and civil issues. In addition, have prosecuted delinquency cases as well as dependency, neglect and abuse cases at juvenile court. I have experience with specialty courts, including: mental health court, drug court, and domestic violence court. I am an active member of a collaborative against human trafficking and advisory board member of a municipal court’s human trafficking court. I have argued appeals in the 7th, 8th,and 9th District Court of Appeals as well as the Ohio Supreme Court. I am admitted to the Northern District Court of Ohio and the Supreme Court of the Unites States of America, where I recently filed a brief in opposition to petition for writ of certiorari in a death penalty case. In addition to my juris doctorate degree, I have three masters degrees from the University of Akron. I taught undergraduate, law-related courses at the University of Akron for fifteen years and currently teach at the Police Academy. In addition, I have presented a variety of continuing legal education presentations on a variety of topics ranging from child support, driving under the influence, and advanced appellate practice. I have excellent communication skills and am dedicated to helping people. I treat people with fairness and respect. My education, experience, and work ethic qualify me for the position of municipal court judge.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for judge because I am qualified for the position and I want to make a difference in our community. As a prosecuting attorney, I have experience in handling a wide-variety of criminal, juvenile, civil, and appellate matters. I am committed to the members of our community and I will serve our courts with integrity and fairness for all.
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Tom Puffenberger
Office: Toledo Municipal Court
Age: 38
Residence: Toledo, OH
Email: puffenbergerforjudge2019@gmail.com
Website:
facebook – Puffenberger For Judge
www.electpuff.com
Occupation: Sr. Attorney for the City of Toledo
Education: J.D. from the University of Toledo
Work Experience: Assistant Public Defender, Assistant County Prosecutor, Staff Attorney for the 6th District Court of Appeals, Current Senior Attorney for the City of Toledo
Family: Married for 12 years with 4 children (10, 9, 5, and 1)
Endorsements: Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association, United Labor Committee, Toledo Federation of Teachers, Northwest Ohio Building Trades, Toledo Port Council, Iron Workers Local 55, Insulators Local 45, IBEW Local 8, IBEW Local 245, Sheet Metal Workers Local 33, Carpenters Local 351, Cement Masons Local 886, National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 100, AFSCME – Power in Action, Laborers’ Local 500, Communication Workers of America Local 4319
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
This is my first time running for judge.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I believe a Judge should have a well-rounded and diverse background of legal experience before taking the bench. My non-judicial legal experience uniquely qualifies me for this position. I have served as an assistant public defender where I have defended individuals accused of crimes. I went on to serve as an assistant prosecutor, representing the State of Ohio to protect our communities. I have worked as a staff attorney at the 6th District Court of Appeals, reviewing the work of attorneys and judges throughout the 6th District. I currently serve as a senior attorney for the City of Toledo’s law department where I represent the City of Toledo in our capacity as a plaintiff and a defendant. Experience on both sides of criminal and civil matters will allow me to truly understand the arguments presented in court and will give me the ability to make fair, impartial decisions.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am proud of the fact that I have spent the majority of my legal career serving the community. I believe that with my experience in nearly every aspect of the law, the Toledo Municipal Court is where I could be of best service to the City of Toledo. The vast majority of the citizens of Toledo have their first experience with the court system at the municipal court level. People come in front of the court facing misdemeanor charges and small civil actions. The decisions that come out of the court have massive impacts on the lives of the citizens of the City of Toledo, and the community as a whole. The people of Toledo deserve to have a judge that is willing to look at every case individually, listen to every argument, and make fair and thoughtful decisions. My prior legal experience will allow me to do just that.
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Mike Peck
Office: Hamilton County Municipal Court District six
Age: 42
Residence: Cincinnati, OH
Website: peckforjudge.com
@peckforjudge
Occupation: Hamilton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Education: Franciscan University of Steubenville, B.A., Ave Maria School of Law, J.D.
Work Experience: 15 years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 4 years as an elected Law Director, nearly a decade as hotline attorney for Proseniors, Inc.
Family: Married, 7 children.
Affiliations: Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Catholic
Endorsements: Hamilton County GOP http://hamiltoncountyrepublicanparty.org, Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge #69, http://fop69.org, Cincinnati Right to Life, https://cincinnatirighttolife.org, Buckeye Firearms Association,
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
This is my first campaign for Judge. I have not served in this capacity before.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I have handled cases for the last 15 years in Hamilton County Juvenile, Municipal, and Common Pleas Courts. I have tried over 40 jury trials ranging from OVI cases to Aggravated Murder. Outside of the courtroom I have served my community as an elected Law Director, and I give free legal advice to seniors on a hotline. My commitment throughout my career is to serve others with competence and compassion. I have great respect for our legal system and will bring my experience to bear in making decisions based on the law and common sense.
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Municipal Court is considered by many to be “the peoples court.” This court reaches the most people and arguably has the most impact in our everyday lives. Municipal Court deals with misdemeanor crimes and lower level civil cases. In my pursuit of ensuring a safe community and the protection of individual rights, this court provides a forum to make the greatest impact in that regard.