Taft appoints Sweeney as common pleas judge

Sweeney was chosen from a field of three candidates.
By BOB JACKSON
and DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITERS
YOUNGSTOWN -- Atty. Maureen A. Sweeney said she intends to "hit the ground running" on her new job as Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judge.
Sweeney, 41, of Poland, was appointed Thursday by Republican Gov. Bob Taft to replace Judge Robert Lisotto, who resigned from the bench July 1 because he has Alzheimer's disease.
Sweeney was among three candidates recommended by the county Republican Party for consideration by Taft. The others were attorneys Leonard Hall and Paul Scarsella.
Sweeney said she received a telephone call from the governor's office late Thursday afternoon informing her of the appointment.
Mark Munroe, vice chairman of the county Republican Party, said the governor's office is expected to issue a press release formally announcing the appointment sometime today.
Under state law, the governor is responsible for filling common pleas judicial vacancies. Because the governor in this case is a Republican, the county Republican Party got to nominate the candidates.
Swearing in
Sweeney, a private practice attorney since 1993, said she'll go to Columbus on Monday to get necessary paperwork, and will be sworn in as the county's newest judge Wednesday. She was not sure who will administer the oath, but said she intends to begin working immediately afterward.
"I'll hit the ground running, hopefully," she said. "I don't see any reason to wait."
Munroe said the local GOP's precinct committee members will most likely meet July 31 to name Sweeney as the party's candidate in the November general election.
She will face Judge Elizabeth Kobly of Youngstown Municipal Court in an election to fill the balance of Judge Lisotto's term, which expires Jan. 1, 2009. It will be the first time in the county that two women will face off for the same common pleas seat.
Positive about choice
"We feel confident in the selection," Munroe said. "Not only will she make a terrific judge, but she has proven to be a great campaigner."
Sweeney ran for county probate court judge in 2002, losing to Judge Timothy P. Maloney.
"I'm going to campaign as hard as I can this fall," Sweeney said. "I'm going to work hard while I'm on the bench."
Judge Charles J. Bannon, who retired from the common pleas court in 1996, has been serving by special assignment from the Ohio Supreme Court in Judge Lisotto's absence. Sweeney said she will rely on Judge Bannon to help with her transition to the bench.
Sweeney said she has not decided who will work on her staff. Common pleas judges can hire a bailiff and secretary.
bjackson@vindy.com