GOP interviews three for judge's slot

NEWTON FALLS -- The Trumbull County Republican Party has decided to interview three attorneys hoping to replace retiring municipal Judge Thomas L. Old.
Craig Bonar, county Republican chairman, said Attys. Larry Turner, Tracey Leslo and Scott Bowman either have or will submit applications seeking the appointment.
The judicial district covers Lordstown and Newton Falls and the townships of Newton, Braceville, Southington, Bristol, Farmington, Bloomfield and Mesopotamia.
The person, selected by Gov. Bob Taft, must live in the district.
Bonar said Turner lives in Lordstown. Leslo lives outside the jurisdiction in Alliance, and Bowman, a former Trumbull County resident who ran for county auditor four years ago, lives in Atlanta.
Both Leslo and Bowman will move into the jurisdiction if selected to replace Judge Old, who retires Sept. 1, the chairman said.
The Republican party will recommend one of the three to the governor after they are interviewed by the party screening committee.
Bonar said the party will make its recommendation to Taft in July because the governor wants to make the selection by early August.
Judge Old, who turns 60 in August, is in the first year of a four-year term.
Kelly Pallante, director of the county election board, said she has asked the Ohio secretary of state to determine if Judge Old's replacement will run for the judgeship during this November's general election or in November 2007.
Judge Old and his wife, Corky, have bought a house in Top Sail, N.C., where they have vacationed for 20 years.