Athens law director believes he has the essential experience to be elected as common pleas court judge.
The city of Athens’ top lawyer announced his candidacy for Athens County Common Pleas Court judge at a reception Uptown Tuesday.
At the reception, held at The Pigskin Bar and Grille, 38 N. Court St., the city’s law director Pat Lang said he aspires to replace Athens County Common Pleas Court Judge L. Alan Goldsberry, who confirmed he will retire at the end of his term.
“There are three values (I think) are imperative for a good judge to have — competence, community and compassion,” Lang said.
The event was sponsored by several local Democrats including Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl, Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn and Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, among others.
Although Lang said his past positions were “not necessarily” building up to a judgeship, he said he has gained essential experience to be considered for the job.
Prior to his six-year run as the Athens city law director, he was a prosecutor and served as a member of the Athens City Council.
Lang added that in his past experience, he learned from working with others, such as recently-retired Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Ward.
“We’re excited about (his candidacy),” said Lang’s wife. “We’ve had a lot of support in Athens ... We’re not taking it for granted.”
In the past, Lang ran an unsuccessful bid for Congress, when U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Columbus, defeated him in 2012.
Lang graduated from Ohio University and began his law endeavors as a high school senior in Alexander High School’s mock trial. He said the “impact on people’s lives” kept him hooked on the field.
The primary election will be held in May and the position will be filled after the election in November.
@kellypfisher
kf398711@ohiou.edu
