Judge Belinky’s expertise in probate law is evident

Judge Belinky’s expertise in probate law is evident

Since he was appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland to the important position of Mahoning County probate judge, Mark Belinky has been a man on a mission.

As a probate lawyer for almost 30 years, he watched with concern and trepidation as his predecessor, Judge Timothy Maloney, turned the court into his personal domain.

Belinky was so appalled by Maloney’s heavy-handed administration of justice that he voiced his concerns to the Offfice of Disciplinary Counsel.

It is no surprise, therefore, that when he took over the bench on Dec. 3, his first order of business was to scrap the 80 pages of local rules (over and above the statutory ones) that Maloney had developed and release a 15-page guide.

Belinky next reviewed the 3,000 delinquent cases on the court’s docket, and in the first two months reduced the number by 10 percent.

He then experienced baptism by fire when he had just weeks to prepare for budget hearings and had to persuade the county commissioners to give the court at least as much as it received last year. However, the budget was cut by 7 percent.

Rather than indulge in judicial gamesmanship, as other judges have done, Belinky accepted the appropriation and then proceeded to institute some changes to ensure that the court lives within its means.

The most significant requires employees for the first time to pay a portion of the health insurance premiums.

Given what he has done thus far and considering his vast experience in probate law, The Vindicator endorses Belinky for the Democratic nomination for judge in the March 4 primary.

Challengers

He is being challenged by Struthers Municipal Court Judge James Lanzo and Atty. Susan Maruca. Both are well known lawyers who have good reputations, but when it comes to the probate court, neither can match Belinky’s credentials or expertise.

His appointment by the governor to the bench after an exhaustive review process that included an evaluation of all the applicants by a special committee should not be dismissed.

Even though there may be a political element involved in the gubernatorial selection, as it is in all such appointments, Strickland would not have named Belinky if he weren’t qualified.

Lanzo and Maruca both argue that their practices of the law have prepared them for the probate judgeship, but their candidacies would have been more compelling had they been running against Judge Maloney.

Neither can run against Belinky’s record on the bench to date because an objective evaluation of his performance since Dec. 3 shows a level of commitment that is impressive.

Maruca’s recent allegations about the judge practicing law after taking the bench does not warrant serious consideration — unless the Supreme Court decides to investigate.

Lanzo’s contention that Belinky is not managing the court’s budget properly because he has three part-time magistrates on his staff would have credibility if not for the fact that the judge inherited the staff from Maloney.

Belinky responded to the criticism by noting that he has had conversations with Trumbull County Probate Judge Thomas Swift about the full-time magistrates in his court.

While we do not question the reasons offered by Lanzo and Maruca for running for the office, we do not believe they have made a strong enough case for why the incumbent should be voted out.

We, therefore, endorse Belinky for the Democratic nomination.

The winner of the primary will face Republican Scott Hunter, a Mahoning County Court judge, in the November general election.