Category: Uncategorized

Office: Hamilton County Municipal Court

Age: 61

Residence: Loveland, OH

Email: heathersrussell123@gmail.com

Website: www.judgeheatherrussell.com

@keepJudgeHeatherSRussell

@JudgeHeatherrussell

Occupation: Judge

Education: Miami U of Ohio, A.B. French; B.A. International Studies (Cum Laude) UC College of Law, Urban Morgan Fellow

Work Experience: Hamilton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney 1984-2001. Elected to Hamilton County Municipal Court for a term beginning Jan 2002, serving continuously to present

Family: Married since 1985 with 2 grown children.

Affiliations: Jewish, Life Member Hadassah, Ohio State Bar Assoc, Cincinnati Bar Assoc, American Judges Assoc, Ohio Assoc of Municipal Court Judges, Ohio Jury Management Association, Loveland Women’s Club

Endorsements: Hamilton County Republican Party(hamiltoncountyrepublicanparty.org, FOP Lodge 69 (www.fop69.org), Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, AFSCME, Cincinnati Right to Life (CRTLPAC.org)

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

Ohio Municipal Court District 5, Jan 2002-present, Hamilton county Municipal court’s Mental Health Court 2010-2014, Hamilton county Municipal Court’s CHANGE Court (Human Trafficking) 2014-present.

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

What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? Practiced 17 years in Domestic Relations, Juvenile, Municipal, Common Pleas courts: appeared before approximately 64 different judges for bench and jury trials and capital murder trials, trial preparation, research, writing
and arguing memoranda and pre trial motions, dealing with victims of violent crimes as well as non-represented defendants. Grand Jury Chief, directed decisions on whether to charge as a felony or a misdemeanor, or whether to ignore a charge; supervised the Grand Jury support staff and victims’ advocates, and made budget decisions for that division. Domestic Violence Advisory Committee for Cincinnati and Hamilton County; Chief Justice O’Connor appointee to the Ohio Supreme Court Domestic Violence Advisory Committee. Planning committee for Cincinnati Childrens’ Hospital’s Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children; Tri-Health sexual assault trainer for SANE nurses.

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

Why are you running for this particular court seat? Elected in a contested election in 2001, continuously re-elected. 35 years’ court experience. A good listener and problem solver; rarely appealed and even more rarely reversed. I know the law and follow changing the law over 35 years. 14 of my 17 years as a prosecutor involved major felony prosecutions, so I have a good perspective on the less serious cases in Municipal Court. I’ve built 35 years of relationships; I’m a good community resource; I’ve a unique perspective on domestic violence: I see batterers as victims of their upbringing and I’m interested in helping them gain insight into their behavior so that they don’t pass on bad behavior to their children, protects everyone. I presided over a Mental Health Court; created a specialty court for Human Trafficked victims who commit crimes. Recipient of the CBA’s Womens’ Committee “Judge Julia Stautberg Award” for exemplary leadership and professionalism in a female counsellor; UC College of Law’s “Distinguished Law Alumni Award”, and Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center’s “Model of Justice Award.” Awards from these non partisan groups inspire me to keep being the kind of judge you want on the bench.

 

Office: Chillicothe Municipal Court

Age: 63

Residence: Chillilcothe, OH

Occupation: Chillicothe Municipal Court Judge

Education: J.D. from Washington and Lee University

Work Experience: Chillicothe Municipal Court Judge since 1996, attorney since 1981

Family: Married with 4 children and 7 grandchildren

Affiliations: Chillicothe Rotary Club, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Good Shepherd Anglican Church

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Chillicothe Municipal Court, 1996 to present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I was admitted to practice law in 1981. I have been a lawyer in private practice and an assistant prosecuting attorney.  

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I began my judicial career in 1996 on this court. I am seeking reelection to continue serving the community and administering justice.  

Office: Akron Municipal Court

Age: 42

Residence: Akron, OH

Email: jonoldham17@gmail.com

Website: www.oldhamforjudge.com – Website
Judge Jon Oldham Committee – Facebook

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D. from the University of Akron; B.S. from Ohio University; Walsh Jesuit High School

Work Experience: Judge of the Akron Municipal Court (2015 to present); Summit County Probate Court Magistrate (2013 to 2015); Akron Municipal Court Part-Time Visiting Magistrate (2012 to 2013); Private Practice Attorney (2002 to 2013)

Family: Married with 3 children

Affiliations: Presiding Judge of Akron Recovery Court; Administrative/Presiding Judge of the Akron Municipal Court; Trustee of the Great Trail Council of the Boy Scouts of America; Trustee of CHC Addiction Services Foundation; Member of Oriana House Advisory Committee; Former Trustee of The Victim Assistance Program; Former Trustee of the Akron Bar Association; Former Committee Member of the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park; Former Volunteer Attorney for the Community Legal Aid, Open M Clinic; Member of Akron Bar Association; Fellow of the Akron Bar Foundation; NAACP Life Member, CYO Certified Soccer Coach

Bar Association Ratings:  Rated ‘EXCELLENT’ by the Akron Bar Association

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judge of the Akron Municipal Court (2015 to present); Administrative/Presiding Judge of the Akron Municipal Court (2019); Presiding Judge of Akron Recovery Court (2015 to present); Summit County Probate Court Magistrate (2013 to 2015); Akron Municipal Court Part-Time Visiting Magistrate (2012 to 2013).

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
The breadth of my legal experience in private practice provides me with a unique skill set to serve as a fair, efficient, and decisive judge. For over a decade, I represented practically all types of parties: criminal defendants and victims, large and small businesses, wealthy and indigent individuals, insurance companies and personal injury victims, landlords and tenants, and creditors and debtors. Such variability in perspectives has not caused me to be plaintiff oriented or defense oriented, or soft on crime or a hanging judge. Instead, I make fair decisions as justice requires. As a judge with a firm foundation in private practice, I can anticipate where a case is heading, and I can play an active role working toward a fair resolution for all parties. For example, I am able to identify client control issues, I have an understanding of what a fair result of a dispute should be, and I can appreciate the amount of work and money required to see a lawsuit through trial. Through my work representing clients, I also understand the emotional and financial stress many individuals face when they find themselves in the legal system. As a judge, I bring all these insights to the bench. With my experience, I understand a balance between a swift docket and depriving parties of due process or their day in court. Civil and criminal litigants need a judge who rules quickly, decisively, and consistently. However, the goal of a swift docket must be balanced with due process and adjudicating cases on their merits instead of ruling on a technicality, if the law so permits. Through my work as an attorney, I also understand the importance of a fair, even tempered, and compassionate judge. Judges must treat all people with dignity and respect. Judges do not improve a criminal offender’s course in life with indifference or yelling; but by taking the time to explain to an offender why he or she is receiving a sentence, and what future consequences they face if they do not change their current course. A judge achieves only public distrust when he or she is arrogant, entitled, shrill, or uses his or her title for self-advancement.  

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for re-election as Judge of the Akron Municipal Court because I thoroughly enjoy serving as Judge and I am committed to making our community as safe and strong as possible. I have never sought another type of public office and have served on the bench as a Magistrate in two courts before being elected as Judge in 2015. My judicial record shows that I make sound decisions and hold offenders accountable for their actions while utilizing the counseling and treatment resources available in our community. I am grateful to serve as Judge because I see firsthand the positive impact I am able to have on people appearing before me. In criminal matters, I strive to merge treatment with accountability in order to provide offenders with the proper tools to build a stronger foundation to be productive citizens. In civil matters, I work to make sure the cases are resolved efficiently in order to reduce financial and emotional stress on the parties. As Presiding Judge of Akron Recovery Court, I have the great opportunity to work closely with participants as they battle the disease of addiction. I embrace this opportunity with open arms because our community needs and deserves a Judge who is ready, willing, and able to use evidence-based practices to help people overcome obstacles and become better parents, spouses, siblings, children, and citizens. I am fortunate to work with a dedicated and talented Recovery Court Team and I hope to continue working with them for many years to come. As a father, husband, and life-long Summit County resident, I want the best for my family and yours. I am rated EXCELLENT by the Akron Bar Association. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 5.  

 

 

 

Office: Youngstown Municipal Court

Age: 61

Residence: Youngstown

Email: renee.disalvo@ymail.com

Website: www.retainjudgereneedisalvo.com

Occupation: Judge, Youngstown Municipal Court

Education: BA Youngstown State University 1993; JD University of Akron School of Law 1996

Work Experience:
Youngstown Municipal Court Judge (11/2018-present) Prior to taking the bench I had 21 years of working as General Practitioner/Trial attorney for both civil and criminal clients in firms and private practice settings. I taught criminal justice classes and women studies classes at YSU and Kent State Universities and was an OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) instructor. I served as a part-time Mahoning County Common Pleas Mediator and Assistant Prosecutor for City of Youngtown Law Department. I worked for firms, local government and owned a private practice.

Family: I am a recently married to Michael D. Ramun and we have a beautifully blended family of 2 sons, 2 wonderful daughter in laws and 5 grandchildren. We had one son, who recently lost his battle with substance abuse.

Affiliations: I am an active member of Victory Christian Center and New Life Church. I also am a member of the Association of Municipal and Judges of Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association and Mahoning County Bar Association and am active the bar association’s Access to Justice, Lawyers Assistance and Memorial Committees. I am Executive Director of the Meet Me At The Cross organization which is founded for the purpose of promoting unity, and on the Board of Directors for Bair Foundation, an organization which finds fostor homes for the most at risk and vulnerable children. I also am a member of the Latino Network of Youngstown, aimed at supporting and enhancing the lives of our Latino community.

Endorsements:I am proud to be endorsed by the UAW, Youngstown Warren Black Caucus and UAW.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
List your judicial experience (courts and years) Youngstown Municipal Court, 11/5/2018 to present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I always say I didn’t choose law, it chose me. As a victim of domestic violence, a single mother on public assistance and daughter taking care of aging parents I am personally and uniquely aware of the many struggles and pressures that could lead one into the criminal justice system. I also know how vital a positive support system is during these tenuous times. When deciding how I would support my son and myself one thing was certain, I needed to be a catalyst for change and a conduit for hope. Law was the avenue to achieve those things. Prior to taking the bench I was a multi-county trial attorney serving my clients in civil and criminal matters. The clients I served were representative of the diversity I see on the bench daily. Serving in many jurisdictions, before various judges has afforded me the opportunity to garner experience and knowledge of the law, procedure and alternative methods of dealing with problems. As an attorney I was involved in the formation of this area’s first Veteran’s Court and have utilized treatment courts for clients suffering from substance abuse and mental health disorders. As a juvenile guardian ad litem I became a voice for the voiceless. I have acted as a pro-bono attorney for many, providing them the equal access to justice they deserve. My integrity, character and reputation remain positive and solid in the legal community and community at large. My experience as an attorney has shown me poverty, drug abuse and the mental health disorders are primary root causes of the criminal behavior we see in this area. I have always taken holistic and a pro-active approach with my clients. I understand that treatment options must be considered in sentencing as well as other rehabilitative options to minimize repeat criminal behavior. While incarceration may be necessary for some individuals, treatment and support may be what works for others. I am able to discern and develop individual modalities to accomplish the purposes of sentencing while assisting these individuals to improve themselves and become productive citizens.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I was born and raised in Youngstown and have seen how vital a role the Court can play. Corruption, biases and poor decisions by local government officials and even the courts have shaken public trust and confidence. I believe I have and continue to help restore the integrity, trust and confidence that must be present in our Court. I have accomplished much since becoming judge and there are many more things I would like to accomplish to help keep our city safe while improving the lives of those who appear before me. I have formed our areas first Victims of Human Trafficking Court, and am awaiting Supreme Court certification as a specialized court. I developed a mental health pilot program and expanded my court’s existing suspended license intervention program so that more defendants can qualify for participation. Finally I organized local courts, agencies and the BMV in order to hold suspended license clinics for the community to assist them in becoming valid drivers. My future plans include developing a “Getting Ahead” program based on “Bridges Out Of Poverty” to help combat generational poverty which negatively effects our city. My character is founded on my Christian beliefs. I accept and see everyone equally regardless of race, religion, political or sexual persuasion or other socially defining characteristics. I possess the ability to apply the law to the facts and to understand how a judicial decision will affect the human beings appearing before the court and have the courage to uphold the law even if the result is not the popular one. My approach is a holistic one. I am able to communicate with counsel, jurors, witnesses and parties calmly and courteously, as well as listen to and consider what is said on all sides of a debatable proposition. I consistently demonstrate patience, open-mindedness, courtesy, tact, courage, punctuality, firmness, understanding, compassion, humility and common sense. As stated before, I desire to continue serving the citizens of Youngstown by seeking truth, justice and by offering help and assistance to those who need it most and do what is necessary to keep our community safe.  

 

Office: Barberton Municipal Court

Age: 60

Residence: Copley, OH

Email:judgefish22@gmail.com

Website:
https://www.reelectjudgefish.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/ReElectJudgeFish/

Occupation: Judge

Party: Non-Partisan

Education: Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, Double Major in Public Policy and Political Science, Bachelor of Arts, Graduated 1981 University of Akron School of Law, Juris Doctor, Graduated 1984

Work Experience: City of Barberton, Chief Prosecutor/Assistant Law Director, 16 years (1991-2007); City of Norton, Police Legal Advisor/Mayor’s Court Prosecutor, 15 years (1992-2007); Koch and Regal, Private practice attorney, 1990-1993Ohio Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Court Security, 2019-2021; Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College, Education Committee, 2019-present; Ohio Judicial Conference, Community Corrections Committee, 2018-2020; Association of Municipal and County Judges of Ohio, Trustee, 2017-2021; Summit County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, 2012-present; Akron Bar Association, Foundation Fellow; Jewish Family Services (serving the needs of the homebound elderly), Advisory Board (2007-present); Announcer, Copley High School Girls Soccer, (2009-present)

Family: Divorced, two daughters, Dr. Hannah Fish and Dr. Emma Fish

Bar Association Ratings:  Excellent, Akron Bar Association (2019), https://youbethejudgesummitcounty.com/

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Judge, Barberton Municipal Court (2008-present)

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Before I became a Municipal Court Judge almost twelve years ago, I served as a prosecuting attorney for sixteen years. I prosecuted cases for the cities of Green, New Franklin, Clinton, Barberton, and Norton, as well as the townships of Coventry and Copley. In my capacity as prosecutor, I participated in over 3,000 bench and jury trials. I negotiated resolutions in close to 20,000 more cases. Over that time I developed relationships with virtually every law enforcement officer representing the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Division of Natural Resources and Wildlife, Metro Parks and the Barberton, Norton, Copley and New Franklin Police Departments. I also developed good working relationships with countless attorneys from Summit, Stark, Wayne, Portage and Cuyahoga counties. After 28 years serving exclusively in this court’s jurisdiction, I have gained tremendous institutional knowledge of the families and businesses that are the backbone of our communities. I have dealt, oftentimes, with three generations of families as they have come through the court system, understanding their plight and hopefully applying the appropriate resources to correct and change destructive and unhealthy behaviors. As a prosecuting attorney in the Barberton Municipal Court system, I also served as my own appellate division. That meant that I handled all of the appeals that were filed on our cases, mostly in the Ninth District Court of Appeals, but sometimes in the Ohio Supreme Court. It required a comprehensive research and analytical effort in addition to a rigorous brief writing process to prepare the State’s arguments for appellate review. This experience helped me immeasureably when I took the bench twelve years ago as it trained my mind to anticipate and handle the critical evidentiary issues that come before the court on a daily basis. There is no better teacher than experience and repetition. I also took my experience as a prosecuting attorney to the University of Akron, where I served as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Legal Process and Criminal Evidence from 2001-2007. Preparing a semester long curriculum and presenting it to my classes also helped to further hone my communication abilities and powers of explanation, both vital skills that I use daily in court. I believe I came in well trained and qualified for the bench in 2008 after 16 years as a prosecutor and professor. The experience prepared me well.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have been your Municipal Court Judge for the past twelve years and your prosecutor for the sixteen years preceding. I have been dedicated to this community in all respects for 28 years, never once leaving to seek any other office. I have dedicated my life to keeping our communities of Green, Copley, New Franklin, Clinton, Coventry, Norton and Barberton safe while trying to offer a hand up to those in need. I have immersed myself in the issues of mental health (and often co-occurring drug addiction.) I started the first Ohio Supreme Court certified Mental Health court in Barberton in 2015 and continue this life changing specialized docket to this day. As Presiding and Administrative Judge of the Barberton Municipal Court, I am responsible for the court’s annual operating budget and future planning for computer and physical site updates. My work has been recognized by the Ohio Supreme Court as well as the Association of Municipal and County Judges of Ohio (AMCJO). Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor appointed me to serve on the Advisory Committee on Court Security, setting the standards for physical and cyber security for all courts in Ohio. The Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College has also selected me three times the past six years to mentor newly appointed judges as they make the difficult transition to the bench. I was elected by my municipal court colleagues in the AMJCO to serve as a trustee representing their interests in education and legislative outreach. Locally, I serve on the Summit County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, a group of public officials and administrators who meet quarterly to advise the Summit County Executive on criminal justice issues in order to provide guidance and direct policy-making. I also serve on the Jail Capacity sub-committee of that group which meets monthly to co-ordinate sentencing resources in an ever stressed community corrections system. I am passionate about the work of being your Municipal Court judge. As Copley, Green, and New Franklin continue their retail and hotel growth, I pledge to continue to protect our communities. With honesty and integrity, I hope I have rewarded your trust in me the past twelve years on the bench. I respectfully ask for your vote in November to allow me to continue to serve you for another six years.

Office: Youngstown Municipal Court

Age: 62

Residence: Youngstown, OH

Email: mhume1@ameritech.net

Website: www.martyhume.com
https://www.facebook.com/MartyHumeforYoungstownMunicipalCourt/

Occupation: Prosecutor

Education: J.D. from The Ohio State University College of Law 1981

Work Experience: Assistant Mahoning County Prosecutor-2018-Present and 1997-2014, Law Director, City of Youngstown-2014-2018, Martin S. Hume Co., L.P.A, 1985-Present, Special Counsel to Ohio Attorney General-1990-1995 Northeast Ohio Legal Services-1995-1997

Family: Wife- Kim Rexroad Hume, Son-Jonathan Hume, Daughter-in-law- Meghan Levine, Son- Jeremy Hume, Daughter-in-law-Samantha Hume

Affiliations: American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Mahoning County Bar Association, Past-President-Mahoning-Trumbull Counties Academy of Trial Lawyers

Office: Hamilton County Municipal Court

Age: 39

Residence: Norwood, OH

Email: keepjudgeberkowitz@gmail.com

Website:
Website: https://www.judgeberkowitz.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudgeBerkowitz
Twitter: @JudgeBerkowitz

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D., Capital University. B.A., Ohio State University.

Work Experience: Judge, Hamilton County Municipal Court, since April 15, 2015. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Hamilton County, 2008-2015. Law Director, City of Norwood, 2012-2015. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Franklin County (Columbus, Ohio), 2007-2008. Law Office of Robert F. Krapenc & J. Scott Weisman, 2006.

Family: Married to wife, Beth, with 3 children.

Affiliations: Hamilton County Law Library Resource Board member. Hamilton County Courthouse Centennial Committee member. Yellow Ribbon Support Center volunteer. Cincinnati Bar Association. Ohio Judicial Conference. Association of Municipal/ County Judges of Ohio.

Endorsements: Fraternal Order of Police, Queen City Lodge 69. Cincinnati Right to Life PAC. Hamilton County Republican Party. Plumbers, Pipefitters, & M.E.S. Local 392. Ironworkers Local 44.

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I have served as Judge of the Hamilton County Municipal Court for 4.5 years. I’ve presided over more than 20,000 cases and earned a reputation as a Judge who treats everyone in the courtroom with dignity & respect, always follows the law as written, and works hard to do justice, one case at a time.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As a felony prosecutor, I fought for justice for the victims of crime. I worked hard to make our community safer by taking dangerous criminals off our streets. I also served as Law Director, or chief legal officer, for the city of Norwood. This allowed me to serve the community where I live by providing legal advice to city employees and elected officials on a wide range of legal issues including civil litigation, contract negotiations, economic development, and public safety. I also previously worked in criminal defense, representing individuals facing criminal charges. As your Judge, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and follow the law, and to treat all people fairly and with respect. I am the only candidate in this race with a proven record of service as a Judge, a felony prosecutor, in civil litigation, and in criminal defense. These experiences have shaped and informed my approach to serving as a Judge. I am proud of my record of service and I am honored to serve as your Judge!

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Hamilton County Municipal Court is truly the People’s Court. It is one of the busiest courts in Ohio, and serves the broadest cross-section of the public of any of our courts. Every day there are 30-50 cases on my docket, each involving unique individuals, evidence, and disputes. It is critically important to our community and to our country that people have confidence that justice is administered fairly and efficiently in our courts. That is why I believe it is important for judges to be actively engaged with the public we serve, by participating in community groups & meetings, speaking at schools and civic organizations, and using social media. I am proud of my record as a Judge who treats everyone with respect, always follows the law as written, and works hard to do justice in each case, one case at a time. I humbly ask for your vote for re-election to the Hamilton County Municipal Court.

Office: montgomery county municipal court

Age: 67

Residence: brookeville, OH

Email: jpiergies@yahoo.com

Website: keep judge james piergies@gmail.com

Family: married 30 years with 2 children

Occupation: judge montgomery county municipal court

Education: jd dayton school of law

Work Experience: attorney since 1980, judge 24 years

Affiliations: bar associations, masons, non-denominational

Endorsements: county sheriff rob streck (republican), state rep. phil plummer (republican), Dayton Miami Valley Afl-Cio, afscme counci, Nontgomery county dem0cratic party,etc

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
5 years acting/visiting judge Miamisburg muni court, Urbana Muni court, Miami County muni Court, Dayton muni Court, Xenia Muni Court: Judge Montgomery County muni Court 24 years since 1996.

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

I have a degree I psychology that is useful in my Court every day. Honorably discharged Veteran where I was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for my work as a behavioral science specialist. My 25 years in private practice prepared me to deal with the everyday problems of people in crisis. I have worked with several local elected officials to enact legislation to convert the Montgomery County Court from a part-time Court to full-time Court. Have successfully worked with local law enforcement, County Commissioners, and administrative officers from Montgomery County to keep the County Muni court in the communities they service. I have always been a hard worker and as a judge I have shown up for work every day except when I have been ill.

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

I have worked for 24 years as the “‘go to’ judge in this Court. I understand the needs of the Court and I am presently in the middle of planning for building a brand new courthouse in Trotwood, Ohio and renovating the Huber Heights Courthouse. The citizens I have served for over 20 years deserve a Judge who, as a resident of the County for 40 years, understands their needs.

Office: Hamilton County Municipal Court District 2

Age: 65

Residence: Cincinnati, OH

Email: attorneytyronekyates@fuse.net

Website: WWW.TYRONEKYATES.COM
FB.COM/JUDGEYATES2019
TWITTER.COM/JUDGEYATES2019

Occupation: Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge District 2 -since January, 2010

Education: B.A., History, University of Cincinnati, 1978. Juris Doctor, March 1981, University of Toledo College of Law, Certificate, Program of Instruction for Lawyers, Harvard Law School, 1986

Work Experience: Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge 1990-present, Ohio House of Representatives 2003-2010, 2000-2003 Trial Counsel, Hamilton County Public Defenders Office, 1990-1999 Cincinnati City Council

Affiliations: Vestry, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Board Soteni International, Treasurer, The Argus Club, Cincinnati Bar Association, Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati, Ohio State Bar Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Endorsements: Hamilton County Democratic Party, Equality Cincinnati PAC, Ohio Enviornmental Council PAC, AFL-CIO Labor Council, Bold New Democracy

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
I have been a Judge of the Hamilton County Municipal Court since 1990. In those 9 years, I have presided over numerous jury and bench trials which give a judge a great insight into the experience of jurors as they consider cases and citizens and people as they come before the court. Municipal Courts are courts of record whose jurisdiction is over criminal misdemeanor offenses, including drug possession and OVIs and civil matters, like financial disputes, up to 5,000.

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I began my legal career with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in 1981, eventually being appointed an Assistant Attorney General in 1983. I served as an Ohio Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and an Ohio Assistant Attorney General for Workers Compensation where I gained a great deal of experience with jury trials and jury trial preparation, appellate practice in the 10th District Court of Appeals and I have argued 2 cases before the Ohio Supreme Court. In 1988 I joined the law firm of White, Getgey and Meyer Co. LPA where I performed general litigation services for our clients. I loved my experience in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and at White, Getgey and Meyer. In 1990 I was appointed to Cincinnati City Council where I remained until 1999. While a Member of Council, I chaired the Law and Public Safety Committee for 4 years from 1995 through 1999. In 2000, I had the great fortune to joined the Hamilton County Public Defenders Office where I served as a Trial Counsel in the Juvenile Division until 2003. In 2003 I was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives where I served on many committees including serving as Chair of the Committee on Criminal Law and Chair of the Bi-cameral Prison Inspections Committee. As a result of that service I received the highest award given by the Ohio Department of Corrections, The Gold Star Award. Through many of my years in public service, I carried a private law practice focusing on Probate Law. All of these experiences combine to give you a wide range of experience with people. These experiences give you the sensitivity and human feeling to understand people’s problems and dilemmas and I have focused on being a problem solver dedicated to helping people.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am seeking re-election to the Hamilton County Municipal Court because I believe I can make a difference in the lives of the people who come before me and the cases I have to help solve and decide. We are facing a large opioid epidemic in Hamilton County and I strive to treat these challenges to people in a humane way that prioritizes effective treatment over harsh punishment and incarceration. There has been a wide debate over Bail settings for non violent misdemeanor defendants in the Hamilton County Municipal Court. I believe that I have been a leader in the Court in sharply reducing Bonds and Bail at initial hearings at Arraignment and in my Courtroom where warranted. As I look at the national economic landscape and the financial challenges that people face in Hamilton County, I am deeply sensitive to what ability or non ability that people have to bail and bond settings. Of course, where a defendant is a threat to others and public safety, especially persons with multiple OVIs or dangerous weapons offenses, that must be weighed appropriately-consistent with the strength of the criminal complaint, their prior record, and public safety. I feel my background in public life gives me a band of trusted public service across Cincinnati and Hamilton County to insure equal and fair and balanced judgement for the citizens of Hamilton County for the Hamilton County Municipal Court. Hamilton County and Cincinnati are in the middle of a development and housing boom. Many citizens are doing well and many are not. If order for the region, county and cities, villages, and townships to thrive, it is vital that all citizens, no matter what their background is, to feel when they enter the court system that they will be treated fairly. My charge is to uphold the law, interpret the law and to do justice, fairly. I put myself into the shoes of the people who face me every day and I try to shape sentences that restore victims to being whole again and defendants who return to society after punishment or treatment with improved chances of never coming back to court again.

Office: Stow Municipal Court

Age: 65

Residence: Silver Lake, OH

Email: Kimhoover29@hotmail.com

Website: Judgehoover.com
Fb Re-elect Judge Kim Hoover

Occupation: Judge

Education: J.D. University of Akron

Work Experience: Judge for 24 years

Family: Married for 38 years with four adult children

Affiliations: Methodist

Bar Association Ratings:  Rated Excellent by Akron Bar Association Commission for Judicial Elections

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Cuyahoga Falls Municipal Court 1995-2009 Stow Municipal Court 2009-present

(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
Served in the legislative branch as a Council representative including President Civil Service Commissioner Prosecutor Private practice attorney for 15 years Boards including Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
Continue my work bringing non partisan justice without regard for party politics We are the only court in the State that not only operates in the black, but also has paid the construction costs of a new courthouse for 10 years, reducing that debt from 2m to less than .7m.