YOUNGSTOWN MUNICIPAL COURT Douglas chosen by colleagues to continue as presiding judge

YOUNGSTOWN -- Municipal Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. has been chosen again by his colleagues to serve as the court's presiding/administrative judge.
"A high degree of cooperation among the judges, combined with maximizing each judge's special skills, has resulted in great strides in the administration of the court," Judge Douglas said. "We have come a long way, but we see all of our challenges as a work-in-progress."
Judge Douglas said the highest priority is getting a new court facility. The current location in the police building is inadequate in terms of space, separation of powers, decorum, health, safety and security, he said.
Youngstown residents are entitled to and the employees deserve this important capital improvement to administer justice, he said. Substantial planning progress has been made with the strong support of city council, other city officials, an architect, Community Improvement Corporation and Youngstown State University, he said.
Judge Douglas said he is proud of the court's efforts to address recurring problems. He presides over drug court and mental health court; Judge Elizabeth A. Kobly presides over the Suspended License Intervention Program; and Judge Robert P. Milich presides over housing court.