For judge of the Athens County Common Pleas Court, a man with experience, tact and attention to detail is needed. In the race between incumbent Republican Mike Ward and Democratic challenger Robert Shostak, it is fairly clear that Ward is the best choice.
Ward, fighting now for his third six-year term for judge of the Common Pleas Court, brings a well-rounded background as both a judge and as Athens County prosecuting attorney, where he dealt with cases ranging from murder to drug trafficking. That is not to say Shostak is a poor candidate -he is a skilled attorney with a strong background in environmental law and he has practiced in West Virginia, California and Ohio. However, while his specialization in environmental law is certainly noble, he simply cannot match Ward's broader legal experience.
Ward has been endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and this is a badge of honor for a public employee and proof that he is well respected both by his peers and those working in his office. Ward has been an effective judge during the past 12 years and has come up with several innovations, including permitting jurors to ask questions.
Shostak has proposed some changes to the court, but many seem to be little more than cosmetic. He said he would not be averse to having less jurors in specific trials provided the two parties could agree to it, but that is not necessarily something new. And using less jurors as an indirect way to save money might end up doing one side a disservice; but again, it is not as if the judge could wave his hand and reduce the number of jurors, making this particular proposal little more than window-dressing in the grand scheme of the court.
Some of Ward's personal traits make him the more attractive candidate in this particular race. When meeting with him, it is clear that he is very effusive and detail-oriented. He has run an extremely active campaign, and it is obvious that he not only has a great personal stake in this race, but also cares deeply about retaining his position. Additionally, Ward is quick to respond to questions and is supremely confident in his knowledge of the facts.
For all these reasons, it is clear that voters should re-elect Michael Ward for judge of the Common Pleas Court on Nov. 2.
The choice between incumbent Democrat Mark Sullivan and Republican challenger Fred Davis for Athens County commissioner is a difficult one. Both men are competent, thoughtful and affable. However, in a year in which changes are needed in local, state and national government alike, Athens County voters would be wise to support Fred Davis.
Davis by a hair
Sullivan has been on the job since 1998, and the Athens poverty rate has dropped from 33 percent to 28 percent, which, though an improvement, is still unacceptable. Sullivan was a party to the commissioners' decision to propose a sales tax increase ostensibly to fund the renovation of the courthouse. After it was defeated, the commissioners went ahead with the renovation. The commissioner's office needs a shake-up, and Davis would be a fine choice.
Davis, though lacking the experience of Sullivan, has long served on the Alexander school board, helping to enact change in that district and helping transform it into one of the more successful districts in the region. Davis has played a key role in the planning of the new Alexander school building project, which will cost about $32 million, and, according to Davis, is the most expensive school construction project in Athens County history. Clearly, this is a man who is not a stranger to the rigors of working within a budget.
Both candidates for commissioner would be good choices, but in the end Fred Davis is a slightly better candidate. Vote Fred Davis for county commissioner.
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