Judge Rice seeks to replace Judge Stuard

Staff report

WARREN

Judge Ronald J. Rice of Central District Court in Brookfield has filed nominating petitions to run for judge of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Rice will seek the Democratic nomination for the judgeship that has been held by Judge John M. Stuard since 1991.

Judge Stuard, 72, also a Democrat, would not have been eligible to run for another term because of the Ohio law that prevents judges from assuming office after age 70.

Judge Stuard, of Burghill, served as a county court judge in Cortland from 1981 to 1991 and practiced law in the Warren area between 1965 and 1981.

No Republican has filed for the seat.

Paul Heltzel, a Trumbull County commissioner, has filed to run for re-election, and a Republican challenger from Hubbard, John Hull, also has filed.

Albert J. Haberstroh Jr. of Southington and Roger M. Peterrson Jr. of North Bloomfield have filed to run as Republicans for the 64th District Representative in the Ohio House.

Incumbent Democrat Tom Letson also has filed for re-election to that seat.

Incumbent Trumbull County Sheriff Thomas L. Altiere of Howland and a former employee at the sheriff’s office, James R. Phillips of Farmdale, have filed to run in the Democratic primary.