Candidate for
Judge; Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division; Democratic Party

As I began my legal career over 20 years ago, I had the pleasure to serve as a magistrate on the unofficial docket of the Hamilton County Juvenile Court. This was a tremendously rewarding experience as I could see parents and children coming together to rehabilitate youthful "mistakes." I look forward to the challenge of managing a courtroom and working toward rehabilitation of our areas most serious offenders.

My legal career and academic background speak for themselves. I have maintained a practice devoted to trial court litigation my entire career. I am a published author of a legal text, a frequent lecturer for the Supreme Court of Ohio, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. I have twice been named to the list of "Ohio's Top Lawyers." But, what many Hamilton County voters may not know is my passion for the healthy development of children.

For over 15 years, I have actively served in youth ministries in my Church. I have taught religious education, worked with special liturgies designed for children, and have been involved in Youth Group activities. But, perhaps my biggest challenge in recognizing the need for proper development and intervention for children came in 1988 when my daughter, Kelly was born profoundly Deaf. I, and my wife of 24 years, Carole immediately began to learn Sign Language and taught it to our other two children. We learned a great deal about children with difficult social and environmental challenges. I am committed to using these life-lessons in compassion and understanding to assist in the rehabilitation of Juvenile offenders.

But, the Juvenile Court is about far more than criminal activities. I pledge to use my background, education and compassion to issues of custody, placement, and preservation of the family and family values.