Vigorito wins Newton Falls judge race

The hotly contested race for Newton Falls Municipal Court judge was won by Democrat Phil Vigorito. Larry Turner, a Republican who was appointed by Gov. Bob Taft in September of 2006 to replace Judge Thomas L. Old. Judge Turner spent $34,629 on the race as of late October. Vigorito spent $14,180 at the same point. Vigorito will serve the remainder of Old’s term, until the end of 2011.

Among the controversies that brewed during Turner’s year as judge was a lawsuit filed against him by Newton Falls Law Director Richard Schwartz, who said Judge Turner was breaking the law by holding arraignments outside of the municipal court building.

Turner said he was doing it to save money. The practice eventually ended when a video arraignment system was put into place.

“I feel we ran a good campaign,” Vigorito said. “I like the way we handled the campaign.”

For more election results see Wednesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com.