Voter Guide: 9th District Appeals Court features 3 races on 2022 ballot

Welcome to the 2022 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and Akron Beacon Journal with funding from the Knight Foundation.

There are three races for six-year terms on the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals on the Nov. 8 ballot. The Akron-based court serves Summit, Lorain, Medina and Wayne counties. Appellate judges review judgments of common pleas, municipal, and county courts; appeals from Board of Tax Appeals and have original jurisdiction in select cases.

Responses are not edited, vetted or corrected by the League of Women Voters or Beacon Journal to allow candidates to speak in their own words.

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2022 Election: Summit County Voter Guide

Court of Appeals Judge

This six-year term begins on Feb. 9, 2023.

Scot Stevenson

Current Occupation: Chief Magistrate Summit County Domestic Relations Court

Training/Experience: 2017 to present Summit County Domestic Relations Court Trial Magistrate for Judge Katarina Cook, Chief Magistrate since 2021, 2016 Judge Summit County Court of Common Pleas presiding over Felony Criminal trials and Civil proceedings, 1994-2016 Attorney in private practice representing parties in Juvenile, Probate, Domestic, Common Pleas, Municipal Courts and Courts of Appeals throughout the State of Ohio, Approximately 2010-2016 Law Director Twinsburg Township, Approximately 2009-2014 Part-time Magistrate in Cuyahoga Falls Mayor's Court hearing traffic and Misdemeanor cases, Approximately 2007 Adjunct Law Professor University of Akron Para-Legal program teaching Wills, Trusts and Estate class, Approximately 2000 through 2006 Part-time Hear

Education: 1992 Magna Cum Laude Graduate University of Akron School of Law, 1988 Honor College University of Akron Graduate, Bachelor of Arts, History Major, 1984 Graduate Barberton High School

List your judicial experience (courts and years). I am currently the Chief Magistrate at the Summit County Domestic Relations Court, and have served at the Court since 2017. Prior to that I was a Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge hearing Felony criminal trials and Civil proceedings in 2016. While I ran a full time legal practice, I also had a number of part-time positions to prepare myself to be a Judge. I served as a Magistrate in Cuyahoga Falls Mayor's Court hearing Traffic and Misdemeanor cases. Before that I was a hearing officer for the State of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles hearing disputes between automobile dealers and manufacturers. My first Judicial position was as a small claims Magistrate in Barberton Municipal Court. In part based on this experience and my conduct in this offices, the Akron Bar Association rated me excellent, its highest rank for this election.

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? I believe my non-judicial experience makes me well qualified to serve as a Judge in any Court. As public servants, Judges need to recognize their primary role is to help resolve cases for the litigants as quickly and fairly as possible. Throughout my professional career, I have strived to find ways to serve the public. While in private practice, I emphasized working with the Volunteer Legal Service Project providing Pro Bono Legal Services to clients in the Summit County area. I was recognized by their Board as Pro Bono Attorney of the year in 2004, 2008 and 2013. Further as an Attorney in private practice, I learned how intimidating court appearances can be for clients who have little or no experience with courts and that delay in the resolution of their cases causes them continuing anxiety. This insight has helped me as a Judge or Magistrate make sure all clients are treated with respect and dignity and have their cases resolved as quickly as possible. Lastly, by serving on various

Why are you running for this particular court seat? I am running for this seat as I am the most qualified Candidate and I wish to publicly discuss the proper role of Court. With the Court decisions this year, there was a lot of criticism from writers that focused on the policy results of the cases. That criticism is misplaced. Our Courts operate in a three branch government that diffuses governmental power between the branches. In short, the Legislaure passes laws, the Executive enforces laws and the judicial branch interprets laws. A Judge's job is to interpret and follow the Constitution or the law in question to arrive at the result. A Judge is not charged with substituting the Judge's opinion of what is the right policy over the clearly expressed will of the people found in the Constitution or law. If the people want to change the law they can elect legislators to do so. Further, our government shares power between the states and the federal government to diffuse power even more. The United States Constitution creates a federal gove

Thomas A. Teodosio

Current Occupation: Judge, Ohio Court of Appeals, Ninth Appellate District

Training/Experience: Judge, Ohio Court of Appeals, Ninth Appellate District. February 2017 - present Presiding Judge 2022 and 2019; Administrative Judge 2018 Sat by assignment on Ohio Supreme Court, State v Craig, March 27, 2019 Sat by assignment with the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th Appellate Districts Highly Recommneded rating in 2022 Lorain County Bar Association Judicial Poll Martindale Hubble Rating: AV Preeminent Judge, Summit County Common Pleas Court, General Division, May 2007-February 2017 Felony Drug Court Judge 2009 - February 2017 Chairman Judicial Advisory Board 2011 - 2015 Presiding Judge 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 Administrative Judge 2016 Summit County Council, District 2 Representative 2001-May 2007 President of Council 2003 / Vic

Education: University of Akron School of Law 1979 to 1982, Juris Doctor degree May 1982Akron Law Review 1981-1982; Published, Fall 1981: Federal Income Tax DevelopmentsOutstanding Alumni Award 2016, University of Akron School of Law Alumni AssociationUniversity of Akron 1975 to 1979. Bachelor of Arts degree May 1979Walsh Jesuit High School, 1975 graduate

Website: www.keepjudgeteodosio.com/

List your judicial experience (courts and years). Ohio Court of Appeals, Ninth Appellate District February 2017 - present, Presiding Judge 2019 and 2022, Administrative Judge 2018, Sat by assignment with the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th Appellate Districts, Supreme Court of Ohio - sat by assignment on State of Ohio vs Steven Allen Craig, Case No. 2018-0146, March 27, 2019, Summit County Common Please Court, General Division May 2007 - February 2017, Presided over Felony Drug Court 2009-2017, Administrative Judge 2016, Presiding Judge 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015, Chairman, Judicial Advisory Board 2011-2015.

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? I was in private practice as a trial attorney for 25 years before being elected as a judge. My practice was a general practice which has served me well as an appellate judge where we decide a broad range of issues. I had trials in state and federal court as an attorney, including serious felony/death penalty trials. My areas of practice and trial experience included representing individuals and small businesses in matters involving criminal defense, personal injury and civil disputes, business law, probate, juvenile, domestic relations, bankruptcy, workers compensation and appearances before administrative agencies. I also gained valuable legislative experience when I served on Summit County Council from 2001 to 2007. At the time Summit County was the only county in Ohio with a Charter form of government with home rule authority. I have been extremely active in the communities I serve and have taught at Continuing Legal Education programs for the Akron and Lorain Bar Associations.

Why are you running for this particular court seat? I enjoy my work on the Ninth District Court of Appeals and bring an wealth of experience as a trial attorney, a county council person with legislative experience, a trial judge who undertook the added responsibility of presiding over a drug court and an appellate judge who has participated in over 1350 cases, authored over 850 cases and sat by assignment in the Ohio Supreme Court and the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th District Courts of Appeal. The court of appeals is often the last opportunity for litigants to have their case heard so experience is an important quality for an appellate judge. I have a reputation as a fair and impartial judge as reflected in my receipt of the 2021 Saint Thomas Moore Award which is presented to a lawyer who demonstrates outstanding personal integrity and professional excellence, the 2019 Liberty Bell Award for promoting a better understanding and greater respect for the rule of law and the 2016 Akron School Law Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award.

Court of Appeals Judge

This six-year term begins on Feb. 10, 2023.

Donna J. Carr

Education: Kent State University 1981 University of Akron School of Law 1984

Website: www.judgedonnacarr.com

Current Occupation: Judge, 9th District Court of Appeals

Training/Experience: Assistant Prosecutor for Summit County from 1984-1993 Chief Counsel-Civil Division from 1993-1995 Interim Summit County Prosecutor January 1995

List your judicial experience (courts and years). I have served for over 24 years as your Judge on the 9th District Court of Appeals, for Summit, Lorain, Medina, and Wayne counties. As an appellate judge I have authored over 2400 appellate decisions and participated in around 7,500 appellate decisions. I have served as presiding and administrative judge on the court many times over the years. I have also served as a visiting judge with the Ohio Supreme Court on at least 9 occasions, including January 29, 2020, April 4, 2017, January 9, 2008, November 28, 2006, September 14, 2004, March 12, 2003, March 11, 2003, November 13, 2001, and December 1, 1999.

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? I served as an Assistant Prosecutor for Summit County from 1984-1993 and Chief Counsel of the Civil Division from 1993-1995. I was also appointed as the Interim Summit County Prosecutor - January 1995. This experience at the prosecutor's office provided me with invaluable experience in almost every area of the law, including civil and criminal. Besides serving as a county prosecutor, I also practiced law as a private attorney representing clients in federal, state and local courts. This experience in both the public sector and private sector laid a solid foundation for my role as a judge.

Why are you running for this particular court seat? I have been on the 9th District Court of Appeals for over 24 years and still am passionate about the work I do. I am experienced and have demonstrated my fairness, integrity, impartiality, and judicial ability over these years. I would be honored to continue to serve on the court.

Erica D. Voorhees

Education: Manchester High School, 1998 -University College (Bath/Oxford, England) - Study abroad, Spring 2001 -Denison University (Granville, Ohio) - May 2002, Bachelor of Arts, English and political science (double major) -The University of Akron School of Law (Akron, Ohio) - May 2005, Juris Doctor

Website: vorheesforjudge.com

Current Occupation: Magistrate & Judicial Attorney at the Summit County Court of Common Pleas, General Division

Training/Experience: Summit County Court of Common Pleas, General Division – Akron, Ohio; Magistrate and Judicial Attorney for Judge Kathryn Michael (2019-Present). -Akron Municipal Court – Akron, Ohio; Magistrate (2016-2017; 2017-2018; 2018) and Judicial Attorney (2016-2018) for Judge Kathryn Michael. -Summit County Legal Defender’s Office - Akron, Ohio; Staff Attorney (2012-2016). -Erica Pruitt Voorhees, Attorney at Law - Canton, Ohio; Solo Practitioner (2012-2013). -Stark County Public Defender Office - Canton, Ohio; Staff Attorney (2005-2012).

Instagram: Instagram.com/voorheesforjudge

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078669255748

List your judicial experience (courts and years). Summit County Court of Common Pleas – Akron, Ohio; Magistrate for Judge Kathryn Michael (2019-Present). Akron Municipal Court – Akron, Ohio; Magistrate (2016-2017; 2017-2018; 2018) for Judge Kathryn Michael.

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? As a practitioner, I saw people at the worst times of their lives. These experiences broadened my personal perspective in considering individuals more comprehensively. I also have significant jury and bench trial experience as a lawyer. As a judicial attorney, I research, prepare, and revise judicial opinions with consideration toward possible appellate review.

Why are you running for this particular court seat? I am running for the Ninth District Court of Appeals because appellate procedure and judgeships need demystified. Many members of the community - even members of the legal community - do not know or understand what appellate courts do. Judges, as community representatives and leaders, are responsible for educating the public about the courts in which they serve. To educate the community, however, judges must be present in and involved with their communities, both professionally and personally. I am committed to understanding the communities within Summit, Wayne, Lorain, and Medina Counties toward a meaningful judicial and personal relationship with their citizens.

Court of Appeals Judge

This six-year term begins on Feb. 11, 2023.

Amber Crowe

Education: The University of Akron School of Law | Akron, OH J.D. - Litigation And Alternative Dispute Resolution 12/2013 · Awarded Certificate in Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution (2013) The University of Akron-Main Campus | Akron, OH Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Pre-Law, cum laude 05/2010 · Certified in Political Conflict Management by The Center for Conflict Management

Training/Experience: Summit County Juvenile Court, Honorable Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio | Akron, OH;Magistrate, 09/2021 – Current

Current Occupation: Magistrate-Summit County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division

Website: votecroweforjudge.com

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078109376466

Instagram: instagram.com/letsgovotecroweforjudge

List your judicial experience (courts and years). Magistrate, Summit County Juvenile Court (2021-Present). Magistrate/Judicial Attorney, Akron Municipal Court (2020-2021).

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? I have legal experience which spans across all areas of a courtroom including child protection and criminal felony prosecution experience, experience in private practice representing clients in various courts (municipal, juvenile, appellate, domestic relations, probate, and general division courts of common pleas), experience as a guardian ad litem (with an emphasis on working with victims of human trafficking), and a mediator. Not only do I have litigation experience, but I have also represented clients regarding varying personal concerns outside of the courtroom. I have served as an extern for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, as well as worked for the Summit County Juvenile Court assisting with program development and truancy prevention. I have had the pleasure of serving on various boards of directors for non-profit organizations, and even chaired the Board of Zoning Appeals for my hometown of New Franklin, Ohio. My history demonstrates that no task has ever been too big for me

Why are you running for this particular court seat? I am seeking election to the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals for three main reasons: First, I am running for the Ninth District Court of Appeals because people are entitled to have a well-rounded jurist review their case independently and impartially while applying the law in a fair, equitable, and consistent manner. Citizens rely on intermediate courts of appeals to make sure their constitutional rights were not violated at the trial court level, which is why my background as a prosecutor, practitioner, and magistrate are critical. Additionally, I am seeking election to the Ninth District Court of Appeals to help inform citizens about what the Ninth District Court of Appeals does, the importance of the appellate court process, and why it is important to be informed about the members of your local judiciary. Finally, I intend to work tirelessly to restore the faith of the district’s citizens in the idea that a judge can be honest, integral, and committed to ensuring fair acce

Jill R. Flagg Lanzinger

Education: Judge Jill graduated from the University of Akron School of Law, cum laude (2004). In law school, Judge Jill was a member of the Law Review, an honor reserved for students in the top of their class. Judge Jill graduated from Heidelberg University with a degree in Political Science and Psychology. Judge Jill is also a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College.

Training/Experience: Judge Jill is the judge of the Barberton Municipal Court. She began her service in the Barberton Municipal Court in February of 2015. She served at the Barberton Municipal Court from Feb. 2015 to March of 2017. In 2015, Judge Jill founded and presided over the Barberton Municipal Drug Court. Judge Jill resumed her service at the Barberton Municipal Court in January of 2020 to the present. Judge Jill now presides over the Barberton Muncipal Mental Health Court. She presides over criminal hearings and trials every day. From April of 2017 to May of 2019, Judge Jill served as a judge of the Summit County Common Pleas Court. During her service at the Summit County Common Pleas Court, Judge Jill presided over criminal and civil trials, inc

Current Occupation: Judge

Website: judgejillflagglanzinger.com

Facebook: facebook.com/Jill4Judge

List your judicial experience (courts and years). Judge Jill is the judge of the Barberton Municipal Court. She began her service in the Barberton Municipal Court in February of 2015. She served at the Barberton Municipal Court from Feb. 2015 to March of 2017. In 2015, Judge Jill founded and presided over the Barberton Municipal Drug Court. Judge Jill resumed her service at the Barberton Municipal Court in January of 2020 to the present. Judge Jill now presides over the Barberton Muncipal Mental Health Court. She presides over criminal hearings and trials every day. From April of 2017 to May of 2019, Judge Jill served as a judge of the Summit County Common Pleas Court. During her service at the Summit County Common Pleas Court, Judge Jill presided over criminal and civil trials, including but not limited to Murder, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Robbery, Burglary, and, Child Endangering. Prior to her service as a judge, Judge Jill served as a magistrate of the Akron Municipal Court.

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge? Judge Jill was a private practice attorney for 10 years. She was a Guardian at Litem in Juvenile Court. Judge Jill worked in the Stark County Prosecutors Office. While practicing law, Judge Jill won a case at the Ohio Supreme Court that enhanced the rights of childhood sex abuse victims.

Why are you running for this particular court seat? Appellate courts are responsible for hearing and reviewing appeals from the trial court. I have more than 17 years of combined experience as a trial lawyer and trial judge. I want to use my experience as a trial attorney to make reasonable and intelligent rulings at the appellate level. At times, the appellate court may decide whether a law is constitutional. I take an oath to follow the law, not to act as a judicial activist. I take that oath very seriously and will follow the law with the appropriate judicial restraint. For many people, the Ninth District Court of Appeals is a court of last resort. I will review the cases thoroughly and thoughtfully. I will ensure a timely conclusion to a dispute.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Meet 6 candidates for Ohio's Ninth District Court of Appeals