Republican incumbent Michael Ward defeated Democrat Robert Shostak to win the position of Athens County Court of Common Pleas Judge in yesterday's election.
Ward received 15,806 votes, more than 65 percent, while Shostak received 8,327 votes, more than 34 percent.
We had a lot of people out there doing jobs for the campaign. We received some endorsements we were very proud of
Ward said.
Endorsements from key organizations were one of the reasons he was able to win the election, Ward said.
It is obvious people approve of the job he has done, Ward said, not just from the results of the election but from the letters to the editor that have been written during this election that showed their support for him.
The advantage of experience in office is the other reason Ward said he believes he won the election.
The 24 years he has spent in public office and running in six elections have given the public a chance to see the job he has been doing, Ward said.
I've received the support of Democrats Republicans and Independents alike and I think that shows that I treat people fairly and impartially
and I think that is recognized by the voters
Ward said.
Ward's future plans do not include the technology for video testimony that Shostak had suggested during his campaign. Ward said the plan would be too expensive.
We are going to look at ways to bring innovations to the court that are practical and inexpensive that we can do
Ward said. (Video testimony) is an expensive thing that makes no sense.
With the next election for Common Pleas Court Judge six years in the future, Shostak said he does not know yet if he will run for the office again.
His future plans include continuing practicing law in the area. Shostak said he hopes Ward will take into account the criticism about his policies and practices that was raised during the campaign.
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Katy Ganz
