Ohio Supreme Court must reevaluate elections We need government to resolve economic disparity
The recent announcement that Franklin County Municipal Court Judge James O’grady is switching parties to run for reelection is the latest proof that our method of electing judges is a disaster. He is going to run as a Democrat because he knows very well that Republican judicial candidates, regardless of credentials, have little chance of being elected in Franklin County.
Giving party-generated slate cards to voters helps ensure the continuation of the party in power keeping “their” candidates on the bench regardless of merit. Judges should be selected using a bipartisan methodology that will help ensure keeping a qualified individual on the bench.
My friends ask me for recommendations, which I often cannot make as I have never heard of some of the candidates. Does anyone honestly believe this system is working? It is time for the Ohio Supreme Court to reevaluate judicial selection.
Jeffrey Grossman, attorney, Bexley
For years we have all been witness to (and a number participating in) the partisan politics that continue to affect us. All three branches of government have been affected, and this has been visible on federal, state and local infrastructures. Its inherent distaste has soured and angered — yet motivated — many.
Some questions: How do we make sense of all that continues to transpire as 2021 approaches? What will we hope to see in all elected and appointed officials, in all branches, toward deescalating divisive rhetoric and moving our country ahead? Will we see and hold them accountable to proactively address the intertwining complexities of how our democratic republic must better resolve the economic disparities of our residents, along with our responsibility as a leader on the global stage?
Obviously, answers are not easy, especially when we appear to be split politically so deeply.
However, before passing from this Earth, each of us, acting collectively, can move government toward making decisions in a manner that will result in constructive actions toward whom we aspire to be.
Charles Weiden, New Albany