We could use more Gary Tyacks

When is The Dispatch going to tire of bashing Judge Gary Tyack? I refer to the Wednesday editorial and other articles that have portrayed Franklin County Court of Appeals Judge Tyack in an unfavorable light. I am not commenting on the merits of the state funding of charter schools, as the outcome of that issue is yet to be decided. But as a retired lawyer, I have known Tyack in professional capacity for more than 40 years, both as a judge and a practicing lawyer. He is a passionate and compassionate barrister who knows the law.

Before taking the bench, Tyack was the kind of lawyer who would take on clients and causes that were unpopular and that other lawyers would decline. He is part of a family that has been on the legal scene for more than three quarters of a century. His father, George, was both lawyer and judge, his brother, Tom, was one of best trial lawyers for 50 years in the courts of Franklin County, and he has two nephews who continue the family tradition of legal excellence.

So, we should not be too hasty in defining Tyack on the basis of comments he made in one case, whether he be right or wrong. I have witnessed his body of work in the legal profession and he has distinguished himself, his profession, and the proud family name.

The residents of Franklin County would be well-served to have more Gary Tyacks around.

Tom Twyford Columbus