The OAM is very proud to report that Magistrate Diane Palos, appointed last month by Governor Ted Strickland to replace Anthony Russo as Judge of the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court, has taken the bench. Judge Palos was one of the most respected Magistrates in the State of Ohio. She served and chaired numerous Committees and Task Forces of the Ohio Supreme Court and served as the OAM representative on the Board of Trustees of the Ohio Judicial College. Diane also served several terms on the OAM Board and has been a presenter at countless Spring and Fall Conferences as well as many Judicial College Courses. For these efforts, she was presented the Association's 2002 Education Award. In the view of OAM President David Jump, Governor Strickland could not have made a better appointment. To read the Supreme Court press release which contains more information concerning Diane's impressive resume, click here...

The OAM is pleased to announce that the 2008 OAM Salary Survey has been completed and is now available for viewing and download from this Website. Two versions are available in pdf format, one sorted by Practice Area and the other by Full Time/Part Time. To view the Survey, click on the top link "Member Services" and scroll down to "Salary Surveys". You will need your Username and Password to open the pdf. If you don't remember it, please email us. Many thanks to Magistrate Barbara Porzio for compling this valuable information

Magistrate Matt Reed of the Butler County Common Pleas Court and Magistrate Ken Roll of the Lake County Common Pleas Court are the co-chairs of the 2009 Spring Conference which will be taking place Wednesday, April 22-24, 2009 at the Embassy Suites-Blue Ash in Cincinnati. Registration materials were recently mailed to OAM members.

The OAM is pleased to report that OAM Member, Magistrate Bruce Winters, was sworn in as Judge of the Ottowa County Common Pleas Court succeeding retiring Judge Paul Moon. Judge Winters had the rare fortune of being unopposed in both the Primary and General Election. Bruce was recognized for his success at the 2008 Spring Conference. To read more about his swearing in, click on the following article from the Port Clinton News Herald...

At its recent Mid-Winter Meetings, the OAM Board received presentations about the latest developments at the Ohio Supreme Court from Adminstrative Director, Steve Hollon, and Director of Judicial and Court Services, Doug Stephens. Both expressed great appreciation for the contributions of Magistrates to the many Commissions, Committees and Task Forces of the Court.

At its recent Mid-Winter Meetings, Judicial College Director, Milt Nuzum, and several members of his staff were pleased to report that the College is expanding its services to the Association to not only include the printing of its Spring and Conference Programs, but to also assist the OAM in negotiating future conference sites and upgrading of the OAM Newsletter. The Board expressed great appreciation for the assistance of the College Staff.

At its recent Mid-Winter Meetings, the OAM Board adopted a Mission Statment for the Assoociation. The statement reads as follows: "The mission of the Ohio Association of Magistrates is to assist Magistrates through education and professional development to serve the justice system with integrity."

The OAM is proud to report that former Magistrate Kathleen Romans has retained her position as Judge of the Butler County Juvenile Court, a position to which she was appointed by Governor Ted Strickland back in September following the death of Judge Deavid Niehaus. Judge Romans, a Democrat and former long term Magistrate, defeated Attorney Tim Evans by a 53 to 47 percent margin. In commenting on her victory, Judge Romans stated "What I look forward to is continuing the traditions established by Judge David Diehaus. I worked for his office for 25 years and I'm very proud to be part of it." Judge Romans attended the Association's recent Fall Conference and expressed great appreciation for all our efforts.

The OAM is proud to report that former Magistrate Glenn Derryberry has retained his position as Judge of the Allen County Juvenile and Probate Court, a position to which he was appointed last year to replace retiring Judge David Kinworthy. Judge Derryberry, a Democrat, defeated Magistrate Deb Drexler by a 59% to 41% margin. In commenting on his victory, Judge Derryberry stated "I just think that the amount of support I received, I'm gratified by that. He also said, " I had great support from all accross the political spectrum. I emphasized the experience in dealing with juvenile and probate court matters and that was recognized by the voters." Judge Derryberry served nearly 19 years as a Magistrate under Judge Kinworthy and was an active member of the OAM.

At the 2008 Fall Conference Banquet, the OAM bestowed Life Memberships upon Tom Bamburowski (Wood County DR), Karen Harvey (Athens County DR) and Bill Melvin (Hamilton Juvenile) for their distinguished service to the OAM. Tom is a Past-President, Karen is a prior Education Award Winner and Bill has played a central role in our Newsletter and the development of our Website. They join Barbara Norton and Mike Bernstein as the Association's only other Life Members. We wish them well in their retirements.

At the 2008 Fall Conference Banquet, the 2008 Education Award was presented to Judicial College Director, Milt Nuzum. In presenting the Award, OAM President David Jump commented that, under Milt's tenure, relations between the College and the OAM have never been stronger and the Award was an expression of the Association's great appreciation. Milt has continued to insure that all Spring and Fall Conference C.L.E. qualifies for Judicial College Credit and he has extended the Supreme Court's Judicial and Court Services to the printing and mailing of OAM Programs.

Judge Beth Root of the Fairborn Municipal Court was one of three recipients of the Association's 2008 Judicial Award, an honor extended to former Magistrates who have gone on to success on the Bench and have been greatly supportive of Magistrates and our Association. Other 2008 winners who were unable to attend were Judge Carol Dezso of the Summit County Domestic Relations Court and Judge Denise McColley of the Henry County Family Court.

The OAM was once again honored to have the Keynote Address of the 2008 Fall Conference delivered by Chief Justice Thomas Moyer of the Ohio Supreme Court. He delivered an enlightening message on the beauty of the law. Justice Moyer has been a great friend of the Association and has been our Keynote Speaker for nearly a decade. The Association also received an update on developments at the Court from Administrative Director Steve Hollon, another great friend and strong supporter of our Association. The Conference was a great success with 203 Magistrates in attendance and a near record 154 members attending the Wednesday Judicial College Course.

The OAM is proud to report that Governor Ted Strickland has appointed Magistrate Kathleen Romans as Judge of the Butler County Juvenile Court. Judge Romans replaced Judge David Niehaus who died on August 1. Judge Romans was appointed as a Magistrate of his court in 2003, prior to which she was a private attorney in the general practice of law. Judge Romans was a member of our association and we are very proud of her accomplishments. We wish her well in hr upcoming election.

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The OAM is pleased to report that Chief Justice Moyer has appointed Magistrate Charles Lawrie of the Medina Municipal Court to the new Supreme Court Commission on Technology and the Courts. Magistrate Lawrie is a Past President of the Association, was the developer of the first OAM Website and is one of our Association's most knowledgable members in this area. Chuck joins the following other distinguished OAM Members currently serving on Supreme Court Commissions, Advisory Committees and Task Forces: Bill Rickrich (Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure), Diane Palos (Advisory Committee on Children, Family and the Courts), Nancy McMillen (Commission on the Rules of Superintendence), Ken Roll (Advisory Committee on Court Security and Emergency Preparedness), Michael Lawson (Advisory Committee on the Mentally Ill and the Courts, Jeff Ginsburg (Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence) and Kathleen Graham (Task Force on the Code of Judicial Conduct).

The OAM is proud to welcome as new members all of four Magistrates of the Mahoning County Probate Court which include: Richard Burgess, Gary Philibin, Vincent Wloch and Richard Macucha. Judge Mark Belinky, appointed to his position in January by Governor Ted Strickland and who successfully defended his seat in the March primary against two strong opponents, is a strong supporter of Magistrates and an innovative judge who has won wide praise for his open door policy. With the addition of the Probate Magistrates, Seventh District Representative Mark Huberman is pleased to report that all of the Magistrates of the his District are now members of the OAM.

The OAM celebrated another successful Spring Conference on May 14, 15 and 16, 2008 at the Deer Creek State Park and Conference Center. One of the highlights of the sessions was the presentation by Federal District Judge Greg Frost of the Southern District of Ohio in the area of Civil Procedure. More highlights will appear in the next issue of the OAM Newsletter.

The Board of Trustees is proud to announce that, effective April 1, 2008, our image has been updated to not only create a more dynamic look for the Association name but to also include the new tagline “The Voice of Ohio Magistrates”, a phrase that more properly and powerfully expresses the strong leadership role the OAM has played in promoting the interests of Magistrates during our 19 year history. With Association membership now approaching 500, we believe this is the appropriate time to trumpet our success.

March 30, 2008 marked the retirement of Magistrate Karen Harvey of the Athens County Domestic Relations Court. For her great contributions to the OAM, the Board of Trustees at its February 8, 2008 Board Meeting voted to extend Karen an Honorary Life Membership in the Association, a recognition she will formally receive at the 2008 Fall Conference in September. Karen's replacement as Fourth District Representative is Linda Warner, of the Galia County Common Pleas Court.

March 5, 2008 marked the retirement of Magistrate Bill Melvin of the Hamilton County Juvenile Court. Bill started with the Court on April 9, 1984 and remained there for nearly 24 years. Bill was a dedicated member and officer of our Board of Trustees who regularly provided Newsletter reports of our Spring and Fall Conferences and was one of the co-developers of our updated Website. Bill is undoubtedly the most traveled Magistrate in the world, having just returned from a trip to Dubai. For his great contributions to the OAM, the Board of Trustees at its February 8, 2008 Board Meeting voted to extend Bill an Honorary Life Membership in the Association, a recognition he will formally receive at the 2008 Fall Conference in September. Bill’s replacement as First District Representative is Joe Schnieders, a veteran Magistrate of the Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court Magistrate. For pictorial highlights of Bill’s Retirement Party at the Court, click here.

Several Magistrates found success during the March 4, 2008 Primary. Magistrate George Reynolds of the Greene County Common Pleas Court, and a member of the OAM Board, easily won the Republican Primary nomination for a seat on the 2nd District Court of Appeals amassing 71% of the vote. He will face a Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge in November. On the Democrat side, Judge Glen Derryberry of the Allen County Probate/Juvenile Court soundly defeated his primary opponent and will face DR Magistrate Deb Drexler in the Fall. Judge Derryberry, a former Chief Magistrate of that Court was appointed to the position last November by Governor Strickland. Also enjoying success on the Democrat side was former Lake County DR Magistrate, Patrice Denman, who topped a field of four for the Juvenile Judgeship being vacated by Retiring Judge William Weaver. She will face Karen Lawson, a former Public Defender/Special Prosecutor in the FAll. We regret to report, however, that Chief Magistrate Mary McElwee of the Clinton County Common Pleas Court, and also a member of the OAM Board, failed in her bid to be the Republican Nominee for a seat on the 12th District Court of Appeals.

As evidence of the continuing high regard with which the OAM is held, the top administrative leadership of the Ohio Supreme Court, Ohio Judicial College and Ohio Judicial Conference attended the two day OAM Think Tank meetings at the Ramada Plaza and shared with the Board the latest developments in their areas. Pictured from left to right are Kristina D. Frost, Clerk of the Court, Doug Stephens, Director of Judicial & Court Services, Mark Schweikert, Director of the Ohio Judicial Conference, Milt Nuzum, Director of the Ohio Judicial College and Steve Hollen, Administrative Director of the Ohio Supreme Court.

During the recently concluded two day OAM Think Tank meetings at the Ramada Plaza, Milt Nuzum, the Director of the Ohio Judicial College offered to expand the services of the College to the OAM in such important areas as printing, mailing and conference site location and contracting. The OAM has enjoyed a strong relationship with the College over the years and works closely with its staff to insure that all education offered at our Spring and Fall Conferences qualify for Judicial College Credit. Pictured from left to right are Lindsey Schmitz (Education Assistant), Patti Fisher (Registrar), Melissa Pierre-Louis (Education Assistant), Phil Schopick (Program Manager), Sara Stiffler (Education Services Specialist) & Milt Nuzum (Director).

Message from the President

Magistrate David Jump

November 2008  PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Magistrate David Jump
President, Ohio Association of Magistrates

THE GOLD MEDAL STANDARD

Did you stay up late at night and get up early in the morning during the middle two weeks in August to watch Team USA go for the gold? I did and I enjoyed many of the most exciting moments of the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Athletes who have trained for a lifetime gave their all representing their countries in hopes of winning a Gold Medal. Michael Phelps led the way. He set a new standard for Gold Medal performance. Phelps left China with a treasure chest full of gold, millions of adoring fans and presumably enough endorsement contracts to make him financially secure for the rest of his life.

We need not span the globe to look for Gold Medal performances. Ohio’s magistrates and judges give Gold Medal performances every day in every court in every county and municipality in Ohio. We are not motivated by shiny trinkets to wear around our necks and we are not greeted with standing ovations from thousands of fans every time we write a decision. We are certainly not rewarded with vast wealth. Instead, we are motivated by the knowledge that our work helps to maintain the rule of law in our society.

Like elite athletes, we draw on a lifetime of education and experience in performing our judicial duties. Like members of Team USA who support and encourage each other to give their best performances, we support, aid and encourage our colleagues to do the same on the bench. Just as sports fans expect Herculean efforts from their athletes, our public -- the citizens of Ohio -- expect and deserve our best performances.

The OAM is made up of nearly 500 of the best, brightest and hardest working magistrates and judges in Ohio. The OAM and our partners at the Ohio Judicial College provide Gold Medal CLE to magistrates and judges throughout Ohio. The OAM also provides resources, networking opportunities and hospitality that are second to none. The OAM’s goal is for our members to achieve Gold every day, not for our own personal glory, but for the benefit of the citizens of Ohio.

Let the OAM Board know what we can do to support you as we strive to meet the Gold Medal Standard for judicial service. That’s how we as an organization can maintain our gold standard. Although we, as individuals and as an organization, might never achieve the same glorious gold as Michael Phelps, we are Champions none the less. We are Champions for justice in our society. And we should always “Go for the Gold!”