The race for the Miami County Common Pleas Court judge seat held by Robert J. Lindeman features lawyers from Tipp City and Troy.

Jeannine Pratt, an assistant county prosecuting attorney, faces Stacy Wall, Piqua’s city prosecutor and law director, in the May 6 Republican primary. No Democrat filed for the position. Lindeman, whose term expires in February 2015, is not seeking re-election.

Pratt holds a juris doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Lansing, Mich. She and her husband, Andy, have two children, Caroline and Nick.

Wall holds a juris doctorate from Ohio Northern University College of Law. She and husband, Richard, have three children, Ryan, Kayla and Samantha.

Pratt, 46, said she wants to serve as judge to give back to the community and use her experience to continue a tradition of judicial excellence in the county.

 “Public service is a high calling that comes with tremendous responsibility.  Miami County and its citizens provide a safe, conservative community in which to raise a family and to pursue a career as a prosecutor,” Pratt said.

Pratt said she wants to use 20 years of legal experience, 17 years as an assistant Miami County prosecutor, to give back to the community that has given “tremendous opportunity” to her and her family.

“I am in the Common Pleas Court trying cases on a daily basis.  I handle a special docket, protecting and caring for abused and neglected children,” Pratt said.  “I know how the Common Pleas Court works, having tried over 750 cases in our Common Pleas Court.”

Wall, 40, said she is seeking the office because of the preparation provided by past and current positions with tasks such as negotiating collective bargaining contracts; handling property claims; writing easements, right of ways, development agreements and service contracts; handling discipline/termination cases; and serving as legal adviser to city staff, boards and commissions and the local cemetery and TV consortium.

She also serves the community on the Tipp City Planning Board, Piqua United Way board, Rotary and YMCA board.

 “The judicial position is for the General Division of the Court, which means that everything from contract disputes to nuisance actions to property issues, employment law and many other civil matters are litigated as well as where felony prosecution takes place.” Wall said.   “It is this vast array of law that I practice rather than being narrowly focused that will allow me to transition to the Court of Common Pleas while being able to use my experience to serve the entire county.”

Each candidate also was asked to answer other questions. Among them:

What are the top issues this office faces (list at least three)?

Pratt:              

1- “The citizens of Miami County are very fortunate to have had an excellent Common Pleas Court under the leadership of judges Christopher Gee and Robert Lindeman.  The first and most important challenge will be to continue to ensure that the court meets the high expectations of voters to be an effective court that maintains the highest levels of efficiency and ethics.”

2- “We live in an electronic age and are at a point in time where most courts are modernizing their filing systems, moving away from paper, and moving towards electronic filings.  The modernization of our Common Pleas Court’s docket and filing system is critical to containing costs and the Court’s continued efficiency.”

“The current drug epidemic and its impact on our community are also of critical concern. “3- “The drug epidemic, which recently received attention from Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, affects literally everybody living in our community.  As our community continues to grow, our next Common Pleas Court judge must deal with this issue within the rule of law,” Pratt said.

Wall:

1- “The number one issue facing the courts across the state is the heroin epidemic and the crimes that result from the use of this and other illegal drugs. Many users are repeat offenders. Judge Gee leads the drug court, which is seeking certification from the Ohio Supreme Court. I will support Judge Gee and assist him in any way I can in implementing any changes made to drug court.”

2- “Secondly, there are general administrative issues such as continuing to make smart fiscal decisions, working with any necessary involved parties on jail space issues, and ensuring proper records retention and maintenance.”

3- “The court has been solidly administered by Judge Lindeman and Judge Gee, and before that Judge Welbaum, all of whom have created a high ethical, impartial and well managed court. There are not many present issues other than what any Court faces as changes are made in the law. My top issue would be maintaining the long and solid history of the integrity of the Court,” Wall said.

How would you address these issues?

Pratt;

1- “I pledge to work tirelessly to maintain high standards of ethics and integrity in our Common Pleas Court.  I will follow the law.  I will not hesitate to ask others for input on the workings of our Court.  I will not engage in judicial activism. I will work to make all of Miami County proud of our courts. Decisions will be timely and the docket with run on time.”

2- “I will initiate an immediate effort to bring our courts into the modern era by implementing a cost efficient, state of the art, electronic filing system.  I pledge to develop a system that is the envy of all courts in Ohio.  I will work with our elected officials to make sure that our system is efficient and that it saves taxpayer dollars. “

3- “I am aware of the current drug epidemic and its effect on our community.  I will follow the law, which focuses on community safety.  I will, when appropriate, encourage those who are deserving and willing to become productive members of our community through community controlled court programs. Make no mistake, as our community grows, safety through the Rule of Law will be my top priority,” Pratt said.

Wall:

1- “As to the heroin issue, assisting Judge Gee in any manner I can in the certification of the drug court and its implementation is a priority. The answers to heroin involve a joint effort from many agencies and participating in that dialogue would be essential.” “

2- “Through my job, a primary issue that I deal with is public records. I have already written retention policies and have a background in managing records. As the Law Director, one of my jobs is to serve on the Public Records Commission where record retention schedules are approved and public record issues are kept current. As to fiscal responsibility, I currently manage a budget and negotiate union contracts so I am fully aware of the need to balance a budget and make smart fiscal decisions as one department’s budget also impacts the entire organization. I will work with the court administrator and Judge Gee to ensure the court maintains its fiscal soundness. Finally, changes have been made in the law on sentencing so as changes continue to be made, it is important to work with the Sheriff’s Office and Adult Parole on any jail space or sentencing issues that may arise.”

3- “As to all of the administrative issues that may face the Court, communication with all involved parties is essential,” Wall said.

Why should the voter select you for office? What else would you like voters to know about you?

Pratt: “I will bring the highest ethical standards to the Miami Common Pleas Court.  I have the experience, integrity and commitment to the Rule of Law to ensure that Miami County Common Pleas Court remains a place of great integrity. I am a true conservative and lifelong Republican. My husband and I have chosen to raise our children in Miami County because the citizens of Miami County share our conservative values.  Miami County is a great place to live largely because of our outstanding elected officials.  I will bring an outstanding work ethic and strong conservative values to the Common Pleas Court.”

“I like to exercise and enjoy an occasional race.  I look forward to spending time with my family. I also enjoy other outdoor activities whether it be gardening or walking our 3 dogs, Zoe, Sally and Steve,” Pratt said.

Wall: “My experience and position as law director and prosecutor requires me to balance my career, community activities and personal life, which has provided me the perspective that is important in developing good judicial temperament.”

“I have always been very committed, striving to do my best and produce the best product I can. I devote myself to my commitments while reminding myself I am setting the example I want our children to live by. This standard is for my professional, civic and family life. I was taught a very strong work ethic from my family where my grandmother still owns and operates a business today at the age of 94.”

“That instilled work ethic will be with me on the bench as I strive to maintain the judicial integrity and skill that the court has established. My established relationships in the legal community as well as with social services will assist and continue in that endeavor. It would be an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Miami County as the next Common Pleas Court judge,” Wall said.

Where can voters obtain more information about you?

Pratt: Facebook.com/PRATTFORMIAMICOUNTYJUDGE

Wall: Stacywallforjudge.com where my resume and qualifications are listed; Stacy Wall for Judge on Facebook; Stacy Wall for Judge on Twitter @ stacywallforjud.