DEAR EDITOR:
I am writing this letter in response to an editorial published by your paper on June 26. The editorial incorrectly stated that local Democrats are opposed to consolidating Eastern and Central District courts and are using politics to stop a merger.
This is simply false. Rep. Tom Letson and I introduced House Bill 556, the consolidation of the Eastern and Central District courts. This legislation would, without delay, create a new court, launch a new judgeship, and establish a new term of office. The current sitting judge Thomas A. Campbell, a Republican, would hold the new position until the November 2013 election.
The Republican dominated Ohio House of Representatives and Senate introduced a bill and an amendment to a bill mirroring House Bill 556. The Republicans, however, added one caveat to our legislation. Their bill and amendment ensures a Republican judge will ascend to the judgeship of the new court and will remain in the position until 2017.
I fervently believe in the principle, upon which our form of government is based, it is the people to decide who represents and who judges them. Since we are creating a new court, a new term of office and a new judgeship, we should have a new election. The winner of this election, Republican or Democrat, will be chosen by the will of the people and not the Ohio General Assembly, the Trumbull County Commissioners or the Warren Tribune.
Sean J. O'Brien
State Representative
65th House District
Southeastern