Voters will find two outstanding candidates vying in the Democratic primary for a judgeship on the Summit County Common Pleas Court. They are John Fickes and Patrick Hart. Each has the makings of a most effective judge, in intelligence, temperament and experience.
The challenge is giving one or the other the edge. We recommend the election of John Fickes on March 6.
Fickes has practiced law with the Akron firm of Brouse McDowell since graduating from law school in 1985. He has worked in the area of general civil litigation, representing individuals and small businesses, most from the defense side. He also has been part of large, complex cases. He knows well the courtroom and has built a reputation as a lawyer who is reasonable, fair and strong.
What is distinctive about Fickes in this race is his broader community involvement, somewhat of a testing ground for the public decision-making of the bench. He has performed at a high level leading the board of trustees of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, an important organization in the life of the community and one with its share of formidable challenges. Fickes received similar high marks as the president and board member of the Humane Society of Greater Akron, the agency at the time facing its own tough circumstances.
In that way, a judgeship represents a logical step, Fickes having given the job much thought and having demonstrated the pertinent skills.
Patrick Hart has spent the past 24 years at the Scanlon Group, an Akron law firm, mostly representing plaintiffs in injury cases. He led the firm as its managing partner. He, too, knows the courtroom, and has earned the high respect of his peers. Before launching his successful private practice, he worked in the Akron prosecutor’s office. He currently serves as the executive board chairman for St. Vincent-St.Mary High School.
No question, Hart would bring the skills necessary to serve well on the bench. An election requires a choice. With that in mind, we give the nod to John Fickes.
