I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Athens County Democrats for winning a six-year term prior to the election for Common Pleas Court Judge replacing the retiring Judge L. Alan Goldsberry. This is one position in county government that should be nonpartisan. There shouldn’t be a D, R or I beside any candidate seeking to be judge. Every Athens County voter should have the right to vote for judge seats. However, that’s another soap box.
Three Democrats have thrown their hats in the ring seeking to replace Judge Goldsberry. They are Bill Biddlestone, Pat Lang and Todd Grace. I urge each of you to vote for the most qualified candidate for this very important position. We don’t need anyone who has past proven public embarrassment via “Birdie Gate” or a candidate who’s part of the political machine seeking the next best position either by election or appointment. Surely a sitting judgeship would be a perfect launching pad for Pat’s next political venture.
One candidate, since his graduation from the University of Michigan Law School, one of the top public law schools in the country, has prepared himself to be judge. That is Todd Grace! Todd has served Athens County in private practice. He has been acting judge. He has served as magistrate in Judge Robert Stewart’s court for 11 years. Todd wants and deserves to be our judge.
Todd and his wife Sarah, both Ohio University graduates, are raising their four children in Athens County. Todd and his family have high integrity, fine moral character, and the honesty that Athens County needs in its courtroom.
I urge each of you to step up to the plate on May 6 and hit a homerun in electing Todd Grace as our next Common Pleas Court Judge.
Merv Davis lives in Nelsonville.
