Pat DeWine
Residence: Columbus
Organizations, boards, previous elected positions: Cincinnati Bar Association, 1995-present; Ohio State Bar Association, 1995-present (various years); NAACP, 2012-2016; United Way, Board Member, 2005-2009; Cincinnati Special Improvement District, Board Member, 2005-2009; Talbert House, Board Member, 1997-1999; Mt. Lookout Civic Club, Board Member, 1997-1999; Over the Rhine Foundation, Board Member, 1997-1999; Founder, Build Cincinnati Charter Reform Effort, effort successfully amended City Charter to provide for direct election of mayor and other reforms, 1997-1999.
Education: Miami University, B.A., B.S., Summa Cum Laude; University of Michigan Law School J.D., Order of Coif (top 10% of class)
Current employment: Ohio Supreme Court Justice
Why are you seeking elected office: I care deeply about this state and its legal system. If we are going to prosper as a state, we need communities where people feel safe. Without safe communities, people will not want to live, invest or create jobs in our state. As Justice, I can plan an important role in making sure that the rule of law is protected in Ohio.
I also believe strongly that a stable and predictable legal environment is critical to our economy. Judges should strictly apply the law as it is written. We may not impose our own personal viewpoints but must adhere strictly to the law and the constitution. When we act in the manner we ensure fairness and equal treatment because the same rules apply to everyone. We also create a stable and predictable legal environment that encourages people to want to live and create jobs in this State.
Credit: amy@amyburkephotography.com
Credit: amy@amyburkephotography.com
Why should voters elect you: I bring a unique perspective to the Ohio Supreme Court because of my service in other branches of government and every level of Ohio courts. As a Cincinnati City Councilmember, I dealt with some very difficult issues involving our legal system and the community. I served as Chair of the Law Committee immediately following the riots in Cincinnati and was deeply involved in a collaborative process that made significant and sustained improvements in police-community relations. My service on City Council and the County Commission has given me a keen understanding of the role of the other branches of government and the impact of our judicial system on these branches.
I have also served as a judge at all three levels of Ohio’s courts, something very few judges can say. This has helped me understand how the supreme court can work with and improve judicial functions across every court in Ohio.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities?
1. Protect the rule of law so that Ohioans may live in safe communities.
2. Maintaining a predictable and consistent set of legal rules so that people may order their lives and make decisions with confidence about the legal backdrop.
3. Ensuring that all who come before the court are treated fairly and consistent with the rule of law.
What specific plans do you have to address those top priorities? Fairness, access to justice and a predictable legal environment are things that have to be worked on each day in the Ohio Supreme Court. I’ve done that during my time as justice and will continue to work on the issues with my fellow justices when I’m re-elected.
Additionally, I helped create and lead the iCourts Taskforce that helps further access to justice and improve court efficiency through the use of technology. I hope to further streamline Ohio courts and make them more efficient.
Anything else you would like voters to know? I’m thankful for the trust they placed in me six years ago and look forward to continuing to earn that trust for another six years.
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Marilyn Zayas
Residence: Cincinnati
Organizations, boards, previous elected positions:
• Commissioner on Ohio Supreme Court Board on Character & Fitness, December 2018-February 2022;
• U.C. College of Law Dean’s Advisory Board, 2020 - Current
• Board member of Beech Acres Parenting Center, 2015 - Current
• Board member of The Refugee and Immigrant Law Center, 2020 – Current
• Board member of Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio, 2011 - 2014
• Cincinnati Ballet Board, 2005 - 2008
Education: University of Cincinnati College of Law, 1997, J.D.; CUNY, The City College of New York, 1987, B.S. in Computer Science; FBI Citizen’s Academy, Class of 2011
Current employment: Judge, Ohio’s First District Court of Appeals
Why are you seeking elected office: I am running for the Ohio Supreme Court because politics have no place at the highest court of our state. All of the justices at the Ohio Supreme Court should strive to be accountable, transparent, and to serve everyone throughout our state.
In 2017, I first became concerned that outside influences may be at play in our Ohio Supreme Court. After my opponent joined the court, the state filed motions for reconsideration in two cases that had been decided in December 2016. To my astonishment, my opponent voted to grant both motions and the Ohio Supreme Court reversed itself. As stated by Justice O’Neill, the “motion[s] for reconsideration [are] a transparent attempt to win [these cases], not based on the merits of its arguments, but based on the change in the makeup of this court following the 2016 election.” Reconsidering cases based on a change of the composition of the court undermines the integrity of the court and public confidence in the court.
My judicial philosophy is to faithfully apply the law and our constitution, equally to all, independent of outside influence or partisan pressure. My priority is to ensure that the law is applied fairly and consistently, with integrity, independence, and common sense.
Growing up in a neighborhood and family circumstances where I was expected to be a statistic, all I wanted was a fair chance. Now as a judge, I am committed to ensuring that everyone who comes to the court has a fair chance.
Why should voters elect you: I had no political background or connections when I ran for the court of appeals in 2016. What I had was a passion and conviction that the law should be applied equally to all. My judicial record shows that I faithfully apply the law and constitution fairly and impartially to all, understanding that each decision affects people of all walks of life in communities as varied as Ohio’s 88 counties.
Ohio has a Judicial Candidates Rating Coalition, Judge4Yourself, consisting of 5 northeastern Ohio bar associations that provides non-partisan, independent ratings based on a candidate’s integrity, diligence, experience, and knowledge. After interviewing the candidates, reviewing their work and questionnaire answers, and assessing their ability to be fair and impartial, respectful, and even-tempered judges, the coalition members rate each candidate.
I recently earned an “Excellent” rating from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and the Norman S. Minor Bar Association, a premier organization for black attorneys. Overall, my rating was higher than my opponent’s.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities? My top three priorities are to restore confidence in our courts, ensure the integrity and independence of our courts, and ensure that our courts work for everyone. The Supreme Court has the authority to set policies and procedure for all state courts throughout our 88 counties. I am committed to collaborating with my peers and moving our courts forward to continually strive to serve everyone in our state. You deserve a justice who has the courage to take on the important and challenging issues we are facing in Ohio, and who strives every day to maintain the integrity of our courts.
What specific plans do you have to address those top priorities? Transparency, Accountability, and Access: I will support and advance the justice reform initiatives introduced by our current Chief Justice to enlarge accountability, transparency and access. This includes creating a state-wide, public access sentencing database where you can review sentences across the counties for similar offenses with similar circumstances. I am also interested in advancing initiatives that work towards eliminating bias in our justice system.
Justice Reform Initiatives: I will seek ways to support and increase the use of specialized dockets that have proven to be successful in helping people get on their feet and to reduce crimes in our community. This includes the mental health, veterans, and drug courts. I support additional training for criminal defense attorneys to ensure quality and consistent representation statewide and minimize wrongful convictions
Expand Student Programs: In 2021, I was recognized by ABC’s Good Morning America for my work with students. I will enlarge student programming at the Ohio Supreme Court to foster understanding of our courts and inspire students to dream big regardless of the obstacles they face.
Anything else you would like voters to know? I am honored to be a judge on Ohio’s First District Court of Appeals, and the first and only Latina elected to an Ohio appellate court. I have decided over 1,200 cases, and was appointed to sit on the Second, Sixth, Eighth, and Tenth District Courts of Appeals. I was also selected by Ohio’s Chief Justice to sit with the Ohio Supreme Court for a case in place of a recused justice
Growing up in a neighborhood devastated by drugs and crime taught me the value of hard work, community, and education. My passion for law began as a teenager when I accompanied my mom to family court and served as her ad hoc interpreter. At that time, my mom, who was born in Puerto Rico, had a seventh-grade education, limited English language skills, and worked in a sewing factory. Through this experience, I realized the profound impact courts have on people’s lives.
I moved to Ohio 34 years ago to work for Procter & Gamble as an IT Manager. After six years, I enrolled in law school. As an attorney, I worked in the trenches advocating for clients in state and federal courts, representing families, business owners and the impoverished.
I bring a unique perspective, which comes from my 6 years of experience as an appellate judge, my 20 years of experience advocating for clients, and my underprivileged background. It would be a great honor to serve you at our Ohio Supreme Court.