Judge candidates trade jabs

Findlay Municipal Court judge candidate Stephanie Bishop cited her endorsements, Republican activities and appointment by Gov. Mike DeWine while challenger Garth Brown said he was more qualified. The two Republicans, vying for election to the judgeship on Nov. 2, squared off Friday in a forum before local Republicans. Bishop was appointed judge by the governor in April. She succeeded Mark Miller, who left the Findlay bench after being elected judge for the Ohio 3rd District Court of Appeals, Lima, in 2020. Bishop came out swinging, describing the thorough process she went through to be appointed by DeWine: a lengthy questionnaire, interviews with gubernatorial staffers and submittal of letters of recommendation. Then came the jab. "Two other individuals applied for the position as well as my opponent (Brown)," Bishop said. "I felt very fortunate that the governor's office felt that I was the most qualified individual and that he appointed me." Bishop went on to discuss her efforts in nearly 11 years as a prosecutor with the Findlay law director's office and time on the bench. She also mentioned serving on the Hancock County Republican Central Committee and serving as treasurer before becoming judge. She cited an extensive list of local endorsements. Brown, an attorney who has practiced law in Hancock County for over 28 years, dismissed Bishop's endorsements as a routine product of someone well-connected among the local political elite. "My opponent has quite the endorsement list, but I think you could expect that from an individual coming from the prosecutor's office," he said. "We've had a prosecutor on the bench for more than 35 years. I think it's time for a change." "I come from a different background. I come from a background spent with people of all walks of life, trying to be represented with wisdom and experience so that the rule of law controls and that a fair and appropriate outcome is the result," Brown said. "Is this about who spent more time in the Republican Party punching a time clock? I hope that's not how we pick judges," Brown said. "This race should be about strength of character, experience, commitment to a community, a level temperament, a willingness to serve with integrity and balance. I most certainly exemplify those characteristics and most certainly am prepared to serve." "I am the most qualified candidate. I will do the job you expect with professionalism and integrity," he said. "I'm ready. Ask around. Please, ask around." Bishop said the transition to being a judge has been a smooth one for her after her years of involvement in municipal court as a prosecutor. She has helped implement a driving under suspension program and a program seeking to help people with drug problems. Bishop has been involved in researching an alternative sentencing center that would enable low-level, nonviolent offenders to work at jobs and get treatment for substance abuse and mental health. Brown cited his extensive experience representing both sides of cases in a variety of circumstances. He said he has averaged nearly 225 days of court per year over 28 years. "I come to this drive toward the municipal court bench with among the most diverse and vast experience on a broad-based scale of any attorney seeking the bench, and in fact any attorney in Hancock County," he said. He said he would seek to expand service opportunities for offenders to pay back and benefit the community. Wilin: 419-427-8413