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Christian installed as judge
YOUNGSTOWN
Shirley J. Christian was sworn in as Mahoning County’s newest common pleas judge in a standing-room-only ceremony in the county courthouse rotunda.
Gov. John Kasich appointed Christian, of New Springfield, to complete the remaining two years in the term of Judge James C. Evans, who retired Wednesday.
Judge R. Scott Krichbaum, of common pleas court, administered the oath of office Thursday as the new judge’s husband, Atty. Robert Christian, held the Bible.
“I draw strength from the hard-working people of the Valley, who want nothing more than to raise their families in a safe environment, and for those who interfere with that to be swiftly held accountable,” Judge Christian said after being sworn in.
She also said she draws strength “from the people and businesses who have legitimate disputes, who look to the courts for a fair place for those to be resolved.”
“I appreciate the fact that many people will be impacted by those decisions, and I won’t take them lightly,” she said of the rulings she will make as a judge.
“From my new colleagues on the bench, I draw stability of many years of a wonderful tradition of a distinguished judiciary. I’m so proud to be a part of it,” she said. “The position is so much more important than the person in it,” she added.
“She immerses herself in the law and research, and, as a judge, she will approach each case before her with that same discernment,” Judge Theresa Dellick, of juvenile court, said of the new judge.
“What a great day for justice in our community,” Judge Krichbaum said.
“She’s a person of great background, a person of wonderful experience — a real trial lawyer. She’s someone who has competence that is unmatched,” Judge Krichbaum said, calling her “the perfect choice for this position.”
In the audience were municipal, common pleas and 7th District Court of Appeals judges, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kay Woods, U.S. Magistrate George Limbert and a host of lawyers, county workers and court personnel.