3 Democrats facing off for open Lake County Common Pleas Court judge seat

tread@news-herald.com

Three Democrats are vying to become the newest judge on Lake County Common Pleas Court to replace retiring Judge Richard L. Collins Jr.

On May 8, about 23,558 voters are eligible to decide whether Chuck Cichocki, Dennis N. LoConti or Paul E. Miller will go on to challenge one of three Republican candidates in November.

The six-year term begins Jan. 1 and currently pays $140,550.

Here is some of what candidates had to say on the election questionnaires sent to them by The NewsHerald:

Cichocki

Cichocki, 63, of Concord Township, has been an assistant Lake County prosecutor since 2007. He also served seven years as an assistant Lake County public defender.

If elected judge, Cichocki would like to create a separate docket for drug offenses so recovering drug users can receive more individualized treatment and attention. However, he believes in lengthy prison sentences for drug dealers.

“I have been on the front line of the opiate epidemic for the last eight years,” he said. “It has been a scourge that has taken people’s lives and nearly overwhelms the entire criminal justice system. More emphasis must be placed on education and making treatment more readily available.”

He wants to see state law expanded to give police more powers to check on felons who aren’t legally allowed to have guns.

“I have seen an increase in gun violence,” Cichocki said. “Too often, our local businesses are being robbed at gunpoint. Likewise, senseless shootings are routinely occurring for a variety of reasons, leaving a trail of victims, both innocent and otherwise. Guns must be taken out of the hands of criminals who have lost their right to possess them.”

Cichocki said he is the most qualified candidate because of his diverse experience, which includes twice arguing before the Ohio Supreme Court.

“I have both defended and prosecuted death penalty cases,” he added. “As an assistant prosecuting attorney for the last 11 years, I have helped keep all the residents of Lake County safe, prosecuting defendants ... on the most serious of charges, including murder, rape, armed robbery and burglary. I have had hands-on training on how to be a good judge and have learned from some of the best.”

LoConti

LoConti, 61, of Mentor, is a trial attorney with 35 years of experience in both criminal and civil cases. He also has served as an acting Mentor Municipal Court judge since 2016.

He would like to research ways to pay for a county Drug Court, as well a Mental Health Court and Veterans Court to help reduce the prison population.

“We have a population of veterans whose service to our country has resulted in unfortunate emotional damage and often shows itself in conduct that lands them in court,” LoConti said. “Effective special dockets can be utilized to address these issues in a manner that respects the great sacrifice these military veterans have made and work to help them on the right path.”

As for the increasing number of drug-addicted people going through the court system, LoConti would like to see a partnership with employers to provide work opportunities during recovery.

LoConti said he has always had a strong commitment to the community and would use his position as judge to help better the lives of citizens of all ages.

“One of my proudest moments occurred when I represented and recovered compensation for several mothers and severely autistic children who were sexually molested at school by an employee who was one of the worst child molesters in Ohio history,” he said.

“I believe in the rule of law and our constitutional rights. Every citizen who comes to court should leave feeling that they have been afforded their right to be heard and to present their arguments, win or lose. A judge is the gatekeeper and safeguard for every individual’s legal rights.”

Miller

Miller, 52, of Mentor, is a self-employed attorney and part-time magistrate and acting judge in Mentor Municipal Court.

He also would like to see the Common Pleas Court have a dedicated Mental Health Court and/or Drug Court.

Another priority would be to make sure litigants and attorneys with disabilities have full access to the courthouse and all records of the court.

Another goal is to upgrade current technology to allow attorneys and litigants to appear remotely for certain hearings.

Miller, who has extensive experience in both legal issues and budgeting at his law practice, is also a former assistant public defender.

In addition, he serves as court-appointed counsel and guardian ad litem in Lake County courts.

“These roles have given me extensive trial experience as well as an education into the human side of the issues faced by the litigants,” Miller said. “My commitment to community service has taught me a great deal about Lake County and keeps me grounded in Lake County values.”