After consulting with a number of local attorneys and people familiar with our courts, we have found some consistent and interesting arguments for candidates in the upcoming Nov. 6 elections.
Justice of the Supreme Court: Consensus is that Terrence O’Donnell is a good justice and should prevail over Mike Skindell, who is well thought of, but we are told he has no judicial experience.
Justice of the Supreme Court: We back William O’Neil and his perspective on not taking money from those litigants who might appear in front of him, and he has the necessary experience. However, we have been urged by some attorney acquaintances that “Justice Robert R. Cupp has done a good job and you don’t change horses without a reason.”
Justice of the Supreme Court: Yvette McGee Brown, a political appointment of former Gov. Ted Strickland (she was his 2010 running mate), has not served on the bench for roughly 10 years. We are told she never practiced law other than for the government, which some may consider a negative. Brown was the first African-American to become a Supreme Court Justice in Ohio, and many believe her life experience brings a needed perspective to Ohio’s highest court. She is running against Sharon Kennedy, who was endorsed by the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. Kennedy is a sitting judge who practiced privately, though it really is a shame that neither Brown nor Kennedy has court of appeals experience. Our sources urge a vote for Kennedy.
Lucas County Court of Common Pleas: Myron Duhart has performed well enough to retain his seat. We are told he appears to have the ability and personality to be a good judge. A number of our business community friends, especially Republicans, are supporting Ken Phillips. Phillips also came highly recommended by our source, but they maintain the “don’t change horses without a reason” philosophy and recommend Duhart.
Running unopposed for Lucas County Court of Common Pleas are James D. Jensen (who was opposed in the primary), Stacy Cook, David Lewandowski, James D. Bates, Connie F. Zemmelman, Linda J. Jennings and Gary G. Cook.
As one of our sources said, “It is a sad day that none of the other common pleas court judges have any competition. Contested elections have a tendency to keep judges grounded in the real world (having to be nice to people). After running a couple of times unopposed, their robes tend to get so tight that it cuts off the circulation to their brain.”
Clerk of Court of Common Pleas: Veteran Democrat J. Bernie Quilter is a clear, experienced, competent choice over Republican challenger Constantine Stamos. In other related races, prosecutor Julia Bates and sheriff candidate John Tharp are running unopposed.
Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Michael S. Miller is editor in chief of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star.
