Brown recommends Pearson for judge post
YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is recommending U.S. Magsitrate Benita Pearson of Solon as the federal court judge for Youngstown.
The position became open with the decision by Peter C. Economus to take senior status, effective July 3, to take senior status after 14 years as a full-time judge.
Pearson was among three finalists for the job interviewed by Brown on Sunday.
Brown told The Vindicator today that all three were great candidates, but Pearson’s experience as a magistrate, a position she’s held since August 2008, and her background as an assistant U.S. attorney made her his choice.
The two other finalists, recommended to Brown by a 17-member judicial advisory committee, were Judge Gene Donofrio of the Youngstown-based Ohio 7th District Court of Appeals, and Geoffrey Mearns, dean of Cleveland-Marshal College of Law.
Brown has recommended Pearson to President Barack Obama. She must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, a process that could take a few months.
Pearson, 48, said she plans to move to the Mahoning Valley if she is confirmed by the Senate.
“I’m humbled and greatly honored” to be recommended, and “I look forward to the confirmation,” she said.
For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com