Farah Emeka, Richard Ramsey running for Oberlin Municipal judge

Farah Lillian Emeka Age: 49 Education: law degree, Seattle University School of Law; bachelor's degree, Oberlin College Family: Husband, Justin; sons King and Jabir Job history: Current chief prosecutor, Oberlin Municipal Court; senior associate attorney, Gertsburg Licata Co.; former managing assistant prosecuting attorney, Family Law Division, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office; former senior associate attorney, Fauver Co. LPA.; former assistant prosecutor, Tacoma, Washington. Website: farahforjudge.com; Farah L. Emeka for Judge on Facebook Richard Ramsey Age: 47 Education: Law degree, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law; bachelor's degree, Capital University Family: Wife, Helen; sons Matthew and Joseph. Job history: Managing partner/owner, Richard S. Ramsey Co. LLC law firm, Amherst, 2003-present; elected treasurer, city of Amherst, 2014-2025; law clerk for attorney Barry L. Sweet, Euclid, 2002-2003; law clerk for attorney Harvey M. Samuels, Columbus, 1998-2000; law clerk, U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Cleveland; law clerk, Fair Housing Law Clinic, ClevelandWebsites: www.ramseyforjudge.com; Ramsey for Judge on Facebook; Farah Lillian Emeka and Richard Ramsey are running in the nonpartisan race to replace retiring Judge Thomas Januzzi on the Oberlin Municipal Court.Emeka is the current chief prosecutor in the court, while Ramsey is an attorney in private practice. Januzzi is retiring after serving on the bench since 2001. The term of office is six years.Oberlin Municipal Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes and minor civil matters in Amherst, Oberlin, Kipton, Rochester, South Amherst and Wellington, and the townships of Amherst, Brighton, Camden, Henrietta, Huntington, New Russia, Penfield, Pittsfield, Rochester and Wellington.What makes you the best candidate for the position?Emeka: Voters should elect me because I know this court, and I care deeply about this community. For the past eight years, I've served as chief prosecutor in the Oberlin Municipal Court, gaining firsthand experience with how the court works and what people need from it. I've also served as president of the Oberlin school board and led local nonprofits, always working to make our community stronger and fairer. This mix of courtroom experience and community service has prepared me to be a judge who listens, who leads with integrity, and who makes sure everyone is treated with fairness and respect.Ramsey: I have the most relevant experience, working in the Oberlin Municipal Court for more than 20 years and as a small business owner, operating my own private practice for more than 20 years. I have managed two government departments, the Treasurer's Office and the Income Tax Department, for the city of Amherst. I will not let the power of the judiciary change who I am. I have proven as the tax administrator for the city of Amherst that I can handle judicial power with reason and control. I can explain things to people without talking down to them. What is the biggest challenge facing Oberlin Municipal Court and how would you address it?Emeka: As chief prosecutor representing 13 of the court's 16 territories, I am well aware of the challenges it faces. Mental health and substance use issues are central to much of the crime in the court's jurisdiction. Breaking the cycle of crime requires proper resources, which are available in our community. I would collaborate with stakeholders and community partners like Riveon, its Rural Response Network, and the MHARS board to provide necessary services. Also, I would reinstate the court's diversion program for eligible parties with the goal of establishing a specialized docket to offer a means to break the cycle.Ramsey: Mental health in our community is the biggest challenge facing our court. I will research the use of specialty dockets. Courts use specialty dockets to address some of the underlying causes of criminal behavior. Those underlying causes may stem from mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and disabilities. In addition, our veterans face their own unique issues of which we must be cognizant. I will research the use and potential benefits of specialty dockets for the Oberlin Municipal Court. Additionally, I would be receptive to any diversion program proposals made by any of the prosecutors in the Oberlin Municipal Court. — Dave O'Brien