Gov. Strickland to let voters pick judge

Staff report

LISBON

Gov. Ted Strickland has decided not to search for a replacement for retiring Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge David Tobin.

Judge Tobin is retiring July 2, which allows Strickland to choose a judge to fill the remainder of Judge Tobin’s term, which runs through the end of this year.

Under a program created by Strickland, potential judicial replacements are screened by a panel that makes a recommendation to him.

Judge Tobin had asked three judges from outside the county — one is still on the bench, and two are retired — to handle cases until the end of the year.

Amanda Wurst, Strickland’s press secretary, said the governor ultimately decided to use Judge Tobin’s plan and not pick a replacement.

Democrat Judge Melissa Byers-Emmerling of East Liverpool Municipal Court is seeking Judge Tobin’s seat in the November election as is Republican Juvenile Court Magistrate Scott Washam.