Studer and Elgin facing off in race for Shelby municipal court judge
Two people want to be the municipal court judge for the city of Shelby.
Jonathon "J.C." Elgin is challenging Sheree L. Studer, who is the incumbent.
The race is nonpartisan.
Studer graduated from Pioneer Career and Technology Center and Buckeye Central High School in 1996. She went to North Central State to become a paralegal, then Ashland University to earn a bachelor's in criminal justice. She earned her juris doctorate from Cleveland Marshall College of Law.
Elgin graduated from Shelby High School in 2006. He went to the Ohio State University to earn a bachelor's in English, then Regis University for a master's degree in IT Management. He earned his juris doctorate from Ohio Northern University.
Studer has 11 years' experience as a paralegal and 13 years as an attorney.
Elgin has six years' experience with IT in public schools, nearly three years as an assistant county prosecutor and four years as a private attorney.
Studer believes her successes as a judge make her a good choice for reelection.
"My experience, stability and integrity are the reasons voters should reelect me," Studer said. "Over my past six years as judge, I have successfully obtained four grants on the court's behalf for separate projects being case management updates, metal detector, camera system and laptops. I allowed easier public access by obtaining an online docket and record system for the court. And recently achieved successful recertification of our drug court, to allow our participants advanced assistance with their treatment needs. My first six years as Shelby Municipal Court Judge have been a success, and I look forward to many more years together building our court and our community."
Elgin believes his experiences as a Shelby attorney make him a good choice to unseat the incumbent.
"I'm a litigator, business owner and advocate," Elgin said. "I've prosecuted juvenile delinquency and unruly cases. I've represented both the state and parents in Children Services proceedings. I've defended the accused. I have handled nearly every type of probate case under Ohio law. I have a proven track record of protecting elderly and disabled individuals from abuse, exploitation, and neglect through both Adult Protective Services and guardianship work."
Studer said she believes the court needs to keep focusing on the needs of residents.
"The safety of our community is the most pressing issue over the coming term," Studer said. "I am dedicated to keeping our community safe for your family and mine. I have enjoyed my position as Shelby Municipal Court Judge, and I am dedicated to rendering firm but fair decisions. I will continue to treat every individual with dignity and respect."
Elgin said he believes the court needs someone with a better administrative mind to adjust office procedures.
"The court must do a better job at keeping records," Elgin said. "The Ohio State Auditor has found 'significant deficiencies' in the court's accounting practices for six years in a row (2017 through the most recent 2022 audit). Additionally, annual reports to the Shelby City Council and the County Commissioners were not timely filed for the years covering 2017-2021 (5 years of past-due reports were filed in 2023) and unclaimed funds have not been accounted for in a timely manner."
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Sheree Studer, J.C. Elgin vying for Shelby municipal court judge
