PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHIEF JUSTICE SPEAKS TO OTTAWA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer of the Supreme Court of Ohio spoke to a record sized crowd at the monthly meeting of the Ottawa County Bar Association on August 9, 2004. The Sandusky, Ohio native was first elected Ohio Chief Justice in 1986 and has since been reelected twice, and is running for reelection to a fourth term this fall. He is the longest serving state Chief Justice in the country.

The Chief Justice spoke on three areas of interest to the members of the Bar Association. He began by speaking about Mediation Programs and the need for them in the courts in Ohio. All three of the Ottawa County Courts currently have Mediation Programs. The Chief Justice advised the Bar on the Racial and Gender Fairness Task Force recommendations and how they are being implemented throughout the Ohio Judicial System. He commented on the fact that Ohio needs to adopt judicial campaign finance reform especially at the Appellate and Supreme Court levels.

James Barney, President of the Bar Association, stated, “The Ottawa County Bar Association was pleased to have the Chief Justice attend our monthly meeting and advise the members on the issues that are current topics in the judicial system. We appreciate his willingness to take the time from his busy schedule to be with us. We wish to again thank the
Chief Justice for his time and comments.”

As Chief Justice, Tom Moyer chairs the Criminal Sentencing Commission that produced changes in juvenile and felony laws, and recommended changes in misdemeanor and traffic laws. In 1995-96, he chaired the National Conference of Chief Justices. In that role, he testified before Congress and briefed the U.S. Attorney General on issues facing the state justice system. Although a native of Sandusky, Chief Justice Moyer and his wife, Mary, currently reside in the Columbus area.