Nathan Manning, Tavia Galonski seek seat on 9th District Court of Appeals

Nathan Manning, 44Party: RepublicanEducation: Bachelor's in political science, Denison University; juris doctorate, Capital University School of LawJob history: licensed attorney; appointed judge, 9th District Court of Appeals, August 2026; partner/owner, Manning & Manning law firm, 2007-26; prosecutor, North Ridgeville, 2012-2014; prosecutor, Put-in-Bay Mayor's Court, 2024-2026; Ohio House of Representatives, District 55, 2015-2018; Ohio Senate, District 13, 2019-2026;Website: ManningForOhio.com *** Tavia Galonski, 60Party: DemocratEducation: bachelor's degree in psychology, Emory University, Georgia, 1987; law degree, University of Akron School of Law, 1995; master's of business administration, University of Phoenix online, 2011; education certificate, Ohio Association of County Clerks, 2024 and 2025.Family: husband, John. Two children, two grandchildren.Job history: licensed attorney; appointed Summit County Clerk of Courts, 2024; former magistrate, Summit County Common Pleas Court; Ohio House of Representatives, 35th District, 2017 to 2024; former flight attendant, Delta Airlines. Website: Galonski For Judge Incumbent Judge Nathan Manning, a Republican, and challenger Tavia Galonski, a Democrat, are in a race to fill an unexpired term on the 9th District Court of Appeals left when former judge Donna Carr retired this summer. Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Manning in August to fill Carr's unexpired term. Manning must win Nov. 3 to keep the seat and if he wins would have to run for reelection in 2028. Galonski is an attorney and former state representative currently serving as Summit County Clerk of Courts. Located in Akron, the 9th District Court of Appeals hears appeals of lower court decisions in Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne counties. The term is six years. What makes you the best candidate for the position? Galonski: My many years of experience hearing and presiding over hundreds of cases, while then adjudicating and disposing of hundreds of motions, while also making hundreds of evidentiary decisions over a 30-year career as an attorney, make me the most qualified person in this race.Manning: With nearly 20 years of legal experience and service in the Ohio Legislature, I am prepared to serve as a judge on the 9th District Court of Appeals with diligence, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. In private practice, I handled diverse matters common to Ohio appellate courts. My roles as both prosecutor and defense attorney have given me a balanced understanding of criminal law. As Criminal Justice Chair in the Ohio House and Judiciary Chair in the Ohio Senate, I led committees on complex legal matters, enhancing my judgment, legal knowledge, and appreciation for appellate court roles. What is the biggest challenge facing the court and how would you address it? Galonski: The biggest challenge facing the judiciary is the lack of a commitment to both the rule of law and to the fierce independence of the judiciary. As I have for so many years, I will continue to demonstrate that our liberty is won each time we hold true to our values: That every person is equal under the law and no one is above the law. Manning: Modernizing technology can improve access to justice by implementing virtual options for parties and lawyers, reducing costs, and enabling active participation in the judicial process. The Ninth District Court of Appeals currently lacks local rules for virtual options, an area needing improvement. Additionally, all Ohio courts should prioritize strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect private data. While this may seem obvious, it can be challenging for courts to afford, yet it is crucial for safeguarding all parties involved.Contact Dave O'Brien at 440-329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com.