Judges dedicate appeals court building

Judge Nathaniel R. Jones called the new court 'a temple of justice.'
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Even on the day of the dedication of their new court building on West Federal Street, the 7th District Court of Appeals judges can't quite believe their new surroundings.
There were plenty of smiles, sighs of relief and pats on the back to go around Friday as Presiding Judge Gene Donofrio, Judge Joseph J. Vukovich, Judge Cheryl L. Waite and Judge Mary DeGenaro welcomed many distinguished guests and cut the ribbon on the new court under bright, sunny skies.
"The day we thought would never come is finally here," said Atty. Robert Budinsky, court administrator.
"I told the other judges to pinch me," said Judge Donofrio, prompting a ripple of laughter through the crowd gathered in front of the new courthouse.
"This is the end of a 10-year journey to find space for the court," he said. "We are happy to be a part of the redevelopment of downtown Youngstown."
Judge Donofrio lauded the efforts of Budinsky, who in addition to his regular duties, took on the task of construction facilitator for the two-year process.
"Judges are accustomed to making decisions every day, but not about building design," Donofrio said.
Guest speaker
Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, retired judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, called the new court "a temple of justice."
Judge Jones is a Youngstown College and South High School graduate who is known nationally and internationally for his civil rights work. One of the two federal courts in downtown Youngstown bears his name.
"I have a great affection for this city that has been so good to me," he said. "I look at the pictures of the judges on the walls of this new court and find they are all my friends."
He said he was proud to return to Youngstown to speak at the dedication. "When I received the invitation, I knew nothing else would do but for me to appear, even if it meant canceling other engagements," Judge Jones said.
Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer of the Ohio Supreme Court lauded the efforts of county commissioners to assist in the planning and construction of a new court. He said new court buildings are often at the bottom of the priority list in budgeting, and choosing to build a new one is often a difficult and unpopular decision.
Chief Justice Moyer said the new court building was important for judges to be able to carry out justice in an age when various special-interest groups are challenging the courts and don't think they should be impartial.
"Courts define and store our strengths and weaknesses," he said.
Cramped for space
Judge Donofrio said the Mahoning County Courthouse has been the court's only home for its 94 years of existence, representing Mahoning, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Jefferson, Harrison, Monroe and Noble counties.
He said in the Mahoning County Courthouse there were 20 people crammed into an office space appropriate for one trial judge. Adding a fourth judge in addition to the need for more adequate space prompted the search for expansion.
tullis@vindy.com