Voters will choose between two candidates for judge in the Licking County Domestic Relations Court, where Judge Richard Wright is running for reelection.
Wright, a Republican, faces a challenge from Democrat Robert Essex.
Ohio's general election is Nov. 3, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Licking County Board of Elections
, located at 20 S. 2nd St. in Newark.The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.
Robert D. Essex
Age: 58
Party: Democrat
Campaign website: EssexForJudge.sitesab.com
Background: Robert D. Essex has been an attorney in good standing for more than 32 years, practicing criminal, juvenile, domestic and appellate
law.
Why are you the best candidate? I have practiced law for more than 32 years and have gained a wide range of experience necessary for this position. I’m currently an attorney with the Franklin County Public Defender’s Office, representing underserved and underprivileged members of our community. I have always fought for my clients’ rights to be treated fairly in the justice system and will continue to make sure all parties are treated fairly in my courtroom.
What do you see as the most important aspect of the role of a judge in the domestic relations court and why? A judge must always strive to make sure all parties are treated fairly. Each family is different, and a judge must recognize these differences in trying to achieve a fair and equitable outcome. Additionally, when children are involved, the court must always act in the best interests of the children.
What is your approach to justice in the context of the domestic relations court? My approach would be to treat everyone fairly and with respect. I would make sure everyone has a fair opportunity to be heard. Many parties in Domestic Court may not be represented by counsel, and I would make sure everyone, regardless of their ability to hire an attorney, understands the process, the impact of the court’s rulings and what is expected of them. If there are issues that could be dealt with without court intervention, I would always encourage the parties to seek alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation.
What do you see as the role and responsibility of the domestic relations court? When parties come to Domestic Relations Court, they are already in a very stressful situation, and the anxiety of the courtroom and the court process only exacerbates this stress. While the Domestic Court generally can’t repair the situations that led to the parties being in court, it can try to make the situation a bit easier. While the court should not intervene excessively in the litigants’ family lives, it can try to support the parties who are trying to improve their relationships, especially relationships involving their children.
Richard P. Wright
Age: 66
Party: Republican
Campaign website: Richard Wright for Judge Facebook
Background: Richard P. Wright has served as judge of the Licking County Domestic Relations Court since 2009. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1982 with a Bachelor's degree in agricultural economics and received his law degree from Capital Law School in 1987. Wright practiced law for 21 years as a sole practitioner in general practice, handling criminal defense, family law, probate and business cases.
Why are you the best candidate? I have served as judge in the Licking County Domestic Relations Court since 2009. I have 18 years of experience handling family law cases, including divorce, dissolution, child support and domestic violence. I am involved with the continuing education of Ohio judges and magistrates and have taught at Ohio Judicial College seminars. I have served as president of the Ohio Association of Domestic Relations Judges and currently serve as secretary of that organization. Currently, I serve as chairman of the Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence for the Ohio Supreme Court. This committee makes recommendations on best practices for courts and other agencies involved in domestic violence cases. I also serve on the Law and Procedure Committee for the Ohio Judicial Conference, where we review new laws being introduced by the Legislature and make recommendations on best practices. I have been a lifelong resident of Licking County. I grew up on a family farm and still operate it with my family. I formerly served as a township trustee, and I have served as a volunteer firefighter and AEMT since 1992 in my community. I believe I bring experience, expertise, family values and common sense to the bench and ask for your vote on Nov. 3.
What do you see as the most important aspect of the role of a judge in the domestic relations court and why? A judge has to be a good listener as well as a leader. My job is to set a direction for the court and staff and encourage them to do their jobs with compassion and patience while at the same time getting the job done in a timely manner. People appearing in Domestic Relations Court are generally not having a good day and can be difficult to deal with. I try to lead by example and make decisions based upon the law of Ohio, but recognize that if a judge does his job, in all likelihood, neither party will be completely satisfied, but hopefully will recognize that both sides were heard and taken into account in the decision. A judge should be experienced and well-versed in the issues that come before the domestic relations court, including child development, property valuations, tax considerations when dividing property, domestic violence and other issues that commonly come before the court.
What is your approach to justice in the context of the Domestic Relations court? I try to listen to both sides and make suggestions that may allow the parties to reach a settlement or agreement. I try to guide the attorneys and/or parties as to what type of evidence I will be looking for at trial to make a fair and equitable decision. I do my best to minimize the conflicts between the parents so as to craft an agreement or order that serves the best interest of the child. I do my best to apply common sense and the law to my decisions in the case before me.
What do you see as the role and responsibility of the domestic relations court? The role of the Domestic Relations Court is to help people get through a very tough time in their lives. Their marriage or relationship is ending. They will be living separately. How will they parent the children moving forward? Who will get what assets and debts? Is domestic violence involved in the relationship? The court should try to encourage the parties and attorneys to resolve as many issues as they can, but on the issues that are not resolvable, the court must make the hard decisions in a fair way that takes both parties' concerns or positions into account.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Meet the candidates in the Licking County Domestic Relations Court judge race
