Gargano for Niles judge

Four viable candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for judge in Niles Municipal Court in the May 2 primary election. Each carries a familiar name in Niles- area public-service and legal circles.

They include Gil Blair, Weathersfield Township; John Gargano, on leave from his post as director of the Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services; Chris Shaker, veteran private-practice attorney; and Terry Swauger, Niles interim law director.

Making Democratic voters’ decision more difficult in the court district that comprises Niles, Weathersfield and McDonald is the candidates’ similarity in views and goals. Most center on actions to lessen the opiate plague and on efforts to alleviate Niles’ financial crisis.

Shaker, an acting judge in the court since last year, demonstrated a strong commitment to seeking funding outside of city coffers to improve operations and to help extricate it from fiscal emergency. Shaker said he would explore initiating specialty drug and veterans courts, updating computer systems and enhancing court security.

Blair shares concerns for speedy intervention for those drug-addicted clients before the court. He also wisely proposes a docket to address housing blight. Offenders could receive alternative sentences of grass-cutting and other cleanup tasks in neighborhoods.

Similarly, Swauger supports sentences that require community service. He also would consider initiating a mental-health docket and increasing relatively low court costs as a means to make the court more self-sufficient.

Gargano, who has served 24 years as acting city judge, also advocates a specialized docket to provide intervention and rehabilitation for drug users, and he promises to explore any and all cost efficiencies to assist the cash-strapped city.

He, more than any other candidate, expressed his top priority as protecting residents from criminal activity.

Gargano’s well-rounded legal and administrative talents make him our choice to endorse in this important race.