Sandusky Co. sets vote for judge of new court

10/5/2012

FREMONT — Despite an appeal pending before the Ohio Supreme Court over the constitutionality of the new Sandusky County Municipal Court, the Sandusky County Board of Elections has set a special election on Dec. 11 for voters to elect a judge to the court.

The elections office said it will accept nominating petitions and declarations of intent to be a write-in candidate for the judgeship of the combined Woodville and Clyde courts until 4 p.m. Oct. 12.

In the meantime, Sandusky County commissioners have filed a motion with the Supreme Court asking that the election be postponed until the high court rules on an appeal filed by the police chiefs and mayors of Woodville and Gibsonburg, who contend the state legislature’s consolidation of the two county courts is unconstitutional.

The 6th District Court of Appeals last week upheld creation of the combined court but agreed with the plaintiffs’ contention that the legislature cannot appoint the judges whose terms expire at the end of this year to remain on the bench. The appeals court said a special election must be held before the end of the year.