Resnick confirms she plans to retire

1/15/2006

COLUMBUS - Ohio Supreme Court Justice Alice Robie Resnick confirmed yesterday she will retire at the end of this year after more than 30 years in the judiciary.

The Blade reported in Saturday's edition that the 66-year-old Ottawa Hills resident had opted not to seek re-election to a fourth six-year term on the state's high court, ending a career in which she was both embraced and villified for decisions on school funding, tort reform, workers compensation, and other controversial issues.

"It is with a combination of pleasure and sadness that I announce my decision not to seek a fourth term on the Supreme Court of Ohio," said Justice Resnick in a statement released by the Ohio Democratic Party. "It is a pleasure because, after 42 years spent on the bench, I eagerly anticipate the prospect of pursuing interests that I simple have not had the time to pursue," she said. "It is with sadness because I have always found my work very satisfying and fullfilling."

The justice is the only Democrat holding statewide elected office. Five Republican appellate judges have lined up for their party's nomination to replace her, setting up the potential that, the GOP could hold every seat at what Justice Resnick described as "one of the most gratifying and humbling tables in Ohio.

"I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to play a part in deciding a great many issues for Ohioans," she said.