Monday, November 19, 2012
YOUNGSTOWN — State Rep. Robert Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, announced Monday that he and state Rep. Ronald V. Gerberry, D-59th of Austintown, will introduced a bill Tuesday to abolish the third Youngstown municipal judge seat.
Hagan and Gerberry made the announcement at a Monday morning news conference outside Youngstown City Hall.
A vacancy in municipal court was created when Judge Robert A. Douglas Jr. retired July 31 — 17 months before his term was to expire.
County Court Judges David D’Apolito and Diane Vettori sat as part-time visiting judges between July 31 and Oct. 31, and the Ohio Supreme Court has approved the continuation of Judge Vettori as a visiting judge through Jan. 31.
The judge position has been in limbo, waiting until Gov. John Kasich appoints a replacement or the Ohio Legislature abolishes the seat.
Last week, the Mahoning County Bar Association announced it believed the court can operate efficiently with two full-time judges.
For details, watch Vindy.com and see Tuesday's Vindicator.