Dec. 3, 2009
Common Pleas Judges Talk Budgets at Winter Meeting
Common pleas judges from around the state shared how they are responding to the current budgetary crisis at the group’s winter meeting Wednesday.
Panelists provided an overview of the county budget process and specifically discussed county fiscal situations and their impact on the judiciary. Judges also were exposed to some of the challenges faced by county commissioners in attempting to balance countywide budget priorities.
Several judges expressed their resolve to cooperate in the process but also emphasized the important role of the judiciary in difficult budget times. Judges in the audience also had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel and share their budget experiences with colleagues.
The panel – moderated by Hancock County Judge Reginald J. Routson – included Union County Judge Don W. Fraser, Montgomery County Judge Michael T. Hall, Jean Atkin, retired Lucas County Common Pleas Court administrator; Rick Dove, assistant administrative director with the Supreme Court of Ohio; Larry Long, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio; and Kevin Nye, Henry County auditor.
The three-day conference concludes Friday and features sessions on bankruptcy law, U.S. and Ohio constitutional criminal procedure case law, judicial ethics and substance abuse.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250.