Ray, Tischler seek judgeship

FREMONT — Two longtime public officials, each with 20-plus years of legal experience, plan to use their expertise to serve Sandusky County residents. This May, incumbent Sandusky County Common Pleas Court Judge Jeremiah Ray is running against Sandusky County prosecutor Beth Tischler for the judge seat. Both Republicans, GOP voters in the county will choose one of the two candidates in the primary this May 5. No Democrats, Libertarians or independents are running in the judge's race. Thus, the winner of the primary — which comes with a six-year term starting in February — will be the likely winner when the choice opens up to all voters for the November general election. In preparation for the primary, the Register reached out to both Ray and Tischler to ask them to share information about themselves and their reasons for running. Here is what each said: Q: What are the top three reasons that you want to run for judge? Ray: First, I care deeply about the integrity of the court and the importance of public trust in the judicial system. Second, I believe experience and sound judgment matter in this role, especially when people come before the court during some of the most serious and difficult moments of their lives. Third, I want to continue serving Sandusky County by applying the law fairly, treating people with respect and ensuring the court is run professionally and efficiently. Tischler: I am running for judge because we need change at our common pleas court. As prosecutor, my staff and I are in each court each day, and I am in a position to make the changes that victims and others who are involved in the court need. I will restore respect for all parties and a cooperative relationship with my fellow elected officials to better serve the community. Q: What is your legal background? How many years have you practiced, and what are your specialties? Ray: I have practiced law for more than 20 years, including approximately 16 years in private practice before taking the bench. My background includes substantial work in criminal law, family law, juvenile matters, civil litigation and general trial practice. That broad experience gave me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of people and legal issues and prepared me well for the realities of serving as a common pleas court judge. Tischler: I graduated from the University of Toledo with my juris doctorate and master of business administration. I passed the Ohio Bar exam and was sworn in in May of 2004. I returned to Sandusky County and joined Dewey & Dewey in Clyde, engaging in general practice. I then joined the Sandusky County prosecutor's office where I worked from 2006 to 2013. From there, I gained valuable experience as the first in-house law director for the City of Maumee. In February of 2020, I was appointed Sandusky County prosecutor. I was elected to the seat in November 2020 and re-elected four years later to my second term. Q: Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the judge position? Ray: I believe I am the best candidate because I bring the combination of real courtroom experience, proven judicial service and the temperament required for the job. Being a judge requires more than legal knowledge. It requires preparation, patience, fairness and the ability to make difficult decisions based on the law and facts, not outside pressure. I have demonstrated that commitment on the bench and would be honored to continue serving in that role. Tischler: I am the change that Sandusky County needs. I am balanced and patient. I will honor the rights of all victims and not restrict their access to the courts and process. Q: Do you feel that fairness and impartiality are important qualities for judges, and if elected, would you bring those traits to the court? Ray: Absolutely. Fairness and impartiality are essential to the rule of law and to public confidence in the court system. Every person who comes into a courtroom deserves to know that they will be heard, treated respectfully and judged based on the facts and the law, nothing else. Those principles are central to how I approach this job and would continue to guide me every day as judge. Tischler: Fairness and impartiality are absolutely important qualities for a judge. They must also follow the law with reason, common sense and respect for all. I believe, as prosecutor, I have used the power of my position in a fair and balanced manner. Developing relationships with law enforcement and victims to ensure appropriate outcomes. Q: What else would you like voters to know about you? Ray: Serving as judge has been one of the greatest professional honors of my life. I do not take the responsibility lightly. My goal has always been to approach the position with humility, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. I am proud of the work we have done, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Sandusky County. Tischler: As this is a Republican primary, I am a lifelong Republican and would mention that my opponent ran as a Democrat twice and this will be his first time running as a Republican.