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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Qualifications,
Judicial Independence,
Administration of justice
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
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1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 word limit)
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Answer from Matthew Fellerhoff:
I left my law practice of 16 years to become Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge. In private practice, I handled all aspects of trial work, representing property owners and small businesses. I come from a family that prides itself in public service and I am carrying on that tradition.
Answer from Megan E. Shanahan:
I have practiced in Municipal, Common Pleas, and the Appellate Courts. I have more than a decade of experience as a trial attorney. During this time, I have developed a strong sense of fairness and respect for the law and learned the importance of sound judgment and even temperament.
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2. What programs do you support to maintain the independence of the judiciary? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Megan E. Shanahan:
I support the current system by which we elect our local and state judges as opposed to the appointment system. The public has a right to decide who should be on the bench. If a judge wins the election by popular vote, she is accountable to the public who elected her, regardless of race, color, creed, or political affiliation.
Answer from Matthew Fellerhoff:
My background as a private attorney distinguishes me from many judges in Hamilton County, whose only experience is as a government employee. I have represented employers, employees, property owners and small businesses. I believe that this diversity of experience is an asset to Hamilton County and is vital for an independent judiciary. It is vital for our judges to come from many backgrounds rather than from one source that has too much influence over the success of judges. A pool of judges from many backgrounds is a necessary element of judicial independence.
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3. What specific changes would you like to see in the administration of justice in Hamilton County? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Matthew Fellerhoff:
After overseeing thousands of cases as a municipal court judge, I believe that justice in Hamilton County is administered in a fair and efficient manner. I look forward to being reelected and continuing this important work. I hope to participate in our court budgeting process, including finding a solution for our jail problem. It is deplorable, that as a judge, I cannot feel confident that someone that I commit to jail will not serve that term.
Answer from Megan E. Shanahan:
The Municipal Court must ensure that cases are being decided in a timely manner. It is unfair to litigants for matters to be pending for lengthy periods. Additionally, tax dollars are being wasted when both criminal and civil dockets are backed up. I would like to see cases being resolved in a more efficient and timely manner.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits may apply. See individual questions for specific word limits. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. Please edit your work before submitting. We are unable to provide spell-check at this time.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
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League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
