Feb. 25, 2009
Judges Appointed in Clermont, Sandusky Counties
Gov. Ted Strickland followed Tuesday’s announcement of six judicial appointments with two additional appointments today to fill vacancies in Clermont and Sandusky counties.
W. Kenneth Zuk was appointed to a seat on the Clermont County Court of Common Pleas. This seat became vacant when Judge Robert Ringland was elected to the 12th District Court of Appeals.
Zuk, 62, of Cincinnati, currently serves as the assistant public defender for Clermont County and in a private law practice. He was appointed Clermont County Court Judge in 1987 and elected to a six-year term as judge in 1990. Zuk has also served as the assistant prosecuting attorney for Clermont County.
“Kenneth has shown his commitment to Clermont County through his experience on the bench and his community activities,” Gov. Strickland said. “I have no doubt he will serve the common pleas court with the same dedication to public service that he has exemplified throughout his career thus far.”
An active community member, Zuk serves as a board member and past chairman of Child Focus, Inc., pro bono counsel for the Animal Rescue Fund, and the past president of the Clermont County Bar Association.
Zuk received a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in 1968 and a law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 1972.
Zuk, who will take the bench on Friday, said: “I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve the people of Clermont County in this important role.”
John P. Kolesar, 43, of Fremont, has been appointed to the Sandusky County Court. He fills the seat vacated by the election of Judge John P. Dewey to the Sandusky County Common Pleas Court.
“In his years as a public servant and attorney, John has demonstrated a sincere commitment to serve his community,” Strickland said.
Kolesar has served as the assistant county prosecutor for Sandusky County since 2001. Previously, he served as the assistant county prosecutor for Seneca County from 1999-2001, and as an assistant public defender for the Seneca County Public Defender's Office from 1997-1999. Kolesar also served as an associate attorney for the law office of Larry Denny.
Kolesar has served as a board member for the Sandusky County Council for Persons with Mental Retardation since 2003. He has also served on the board of directors for the Sandusky River Chapter of the American Red Cross since 2003.
“I am deeply honored by this appointment and I look forward to continuing to serve Sandusky County in this new role,” Kolesar said.
Kolesar received a bachelor's degree from Drexel University in 1988 and a law degree from the University of Dayton in 1994. He will take the bench on March 23.