July 30, 2009
Governor Appoints Jerry Larson to Akron Municipal Court
Gov. Ted Strickland appointed Jerry Larson to the Akron Municipal Court on Wednesday.
Larson, 44, of Akron, fills the seat vacated by the death of Judge Linda Kersker on July 2. He will take the bench on Aug. 10. To retain the seat, he must run in November’s judicial election.
Larson was one of six names recommended to the governor by the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel (OJARP) that made recommendations to him in February regarding three vacancies on the court. In order to quickly fill the vacancy, the governor relied on the previous OJARP review and recommendation of candidates for this court.
“Jerry is a community leader who has exemplified competence and professionalism throughout his career,” Gov. Strickland said. “His long tenure and outstanding service to the Akron Law Department and local community organizations make him an exceptional addition to the Akron Municipal Court.”
Larson has served as the chief assistant city prosecutor for the law department since 2008. He had previously served the department as a police legal advisor from 2000 to 2008 and as an assistant director of law from 1992 to 2000.
Larson is also an active member of his community. He serves as a committee member for the Akron Art Museum. He previously served as a member of the Child and Family Leadership Exchange and serves on the steering committee of the Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation.
“This vacancy occurred due to the tragic and untimely passing of Judge Linda Kersker, a great lady, scholar, lawyer and judge who is greatly missed,” Larson said. “I look forward to using my knowledge, training, and experience in the Akron Municipal Court to build upon the sound legal foundation that Judge Kersker was able to establish in her brief time as judge in the Akron Municipal Court.”
Larson received a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Akron in 1987 and 1991, respectively.