David Berta, Kenneth Lieux running for Vermilion Municipal judge

David Berta Age: 56 Education: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, 1994; University of Toledo, 1991; Open Door Christian High School, 1987. Family: Wife, Dawn; 17-year-old son, Luke Job history: attorney in private practice, 2020-present; Spike and Meckler Law Firm, 2013-20; Lorain County Domestic Relations judge, 2006-2012; attorney, mostly in private practice, 1994-2006; law clerk, Lorain County Prosecutor's Office, 1992-94. Website: Berta-law.com Kenneth Lieux Age: 67 Education: Cleveland-Marshall College of Law; Ohio University; Elyria High School Family: Wife, Alisa; seven children; five grandchildren Job history: Attorney in private practice; acting judge, Vermilion and Elyria municipal courts; arbitrator, Lorain County Common Pleas Court; assistant prosecutor, cities of Elyria and North Ridgeville and village of Grafton; assistant public defender, Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office; member, Lorain County Metro Parks board; former chairman, Vermilion Civil Service Commission; member of the Lorain County Corrections Planning Board Website: lieuxforjudge.com Two veteran attorneys are running to become the next judge on the Vermilion Municipal Court. David Berta and Kenneth Lieux are the candidates in the nonpartisan race for a six-year term on the court. The winner will replace Judge Zack Dolyk, who can't run for reelection due to judicial age limits. The court has jurisdiction over the city of Vermilion and Brownhelm Township in Lorain County, and the townships of Vermilion and Florence in Erie County.What makes you the best candidate for the position? Berta: In my 31 years of practice I have handled many of the issues the citizens of this court have encountered. In addition to being a former judge in Lorain County, I have handled cases that required extensive legal analysis, including complex litigation. I sat as a judge before, have been elected by the public and care about the people who come under the Vermilion Municipal umbrella. My experience puts me in a superior position to address real issues immediately. I have made Vermilion my family's home, and I look forward to serving the community not only as an attorney but also as a judge. Lieux: My extensive, (40-year) legal career has been in the courtroom. I have practiced in every municipal and common pleas court in the North-Central Ohio area. I have conducted jury trials in most of them. I have held every role in the court, as prosecutor, defense lawyer, and acting judge. I have worked with dozens of judges, and know what it takes to be a fair minded, compassionate judge. I have always been active in community service, as current commissioner on the Board of the Lorain County Metro Parks, as well as member of the Lorain County Corrections Planning Board. I previously served as the chairman of the Vermilion Civil Service Commission, as well as the Legal Ethics and Grievance Committee of the Lorain County Bar Association. I was Rule 20 certified as lead trial counsel for capital cases. I was rated "highly recommended" by the Lorain County Bar Association, while my opponent was rated "not recommended." What is the biggest challenge facing Oberlin Municipal Court and how would you address it? Berta: By far the biggest challenge not only facing the Vermilion Municipal Court but of all citizens in the surrounding area is the explosion of opioid addiction and mental health crisis intervention. When I was a Lorain County judge, I helped establish a Juvenile Mental Heath Court which was only one of 11 in the state of Ohio at the time. Addiction and mental health issues often go hand in hand, and I will be looking into establishing either a mental heath court or an addiction recovery court depending on what state funding is available to be utilized. While my judicial philosophy has always been one of law and order and ultimate justice, resources are available to help deter crime before it happens. Lieux: I am a firm believer in fiscal responsibility, especially when it comes to taxpayer funds, so I will evaluate all systems and operations of the court to strive to make the court as user friendly as possible; to utilize available technology to improve efficiency, such as digital payment systems, text notification systems and improve the case management system. I recognize that the position is a part-time position, however I am winding down my law practice, and I intend to be available to the court, as needed, five days a week. I will seek to implement a diversion program and will place an emphasis on helping navigate the BMV, in an effort to help people get their license valid (a recurring problem I see in every Municipal Court I practice in). I will ensure that my probation department is equipped to meet the particular needs of the people, (i.e. drug issues, mental health issues, recidivism issues.) — Dave O'Brien