In Juvenile Court, I prosecuted serious youthful offenders charged with offenses such as murder, rape and robbery. I also served as a criminal trial prosecutor in Municipal Court and the Felony Division of our Common Pleas court, successfully prosecuting violent offenders. I have literally tried hundreds of cases in my career. As the Chief Prosecutor of the Grand Jury Division, I directed the felony review process for approximately 10,000 criminal cases a year in Hamilton County. Each of these posts were instrumental in my development as an attorney and now as an aspiring judge. Each case I prepared as a prosecutor has helped me in gaining the perspective necessary to make the tough decisions that I will encounter in Juvenile Court.

During these assignments, I witnessed first hand the extraordinary cost of criminal conduct in our community. In Juvenile court, I saw the incredible suffering that takes place when young people inflict harm on one another and the damage that is caused by adults who abuse and neglect their children. I will never forget my experiences in the Felony Trial Division. The pain endured by victims of violent crime or the unspeakable sadness of a family's loss.

I have gained a keen understanding of the difficulties in rehabilitating adults who in many cases have long records, or severe alcohol or drug addictions. Based on my experience, it is clear that intervention at the beginning of this vicious cycle will give us the best chance to reduce adult crime. I know how important it is to have strong institutions, like the Juvenile Court to provide guidance not just punishment to young people who have gone astray. Our goal in Juvenile Court must be to encourage young people to be good and productive members of our society. To do any less would be a disservice to our children and waste an opportunity to cultivate our most important assets. My commitment to the citizens of Hamilton County is to be a firm but fair judge never forgetting the decisions I make will have a lasting impact on our young people and our greater community.

I would appreciate your support on November 2nd.