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Detling nominated to
replace McClurg
By Bob Robinson
Editor
The Darke County Republican Party Central Committee heard the arguments
of three applicants seeking to replace retiring Juvenile Probate Courts
Judge Mike McClurg at its Jan. 24 meeting at Shawnee Prairie.
The official position to be filled is Darke County Common Pleas Judge,
Probate/Juvenile Division.
During open session, following comments by Common Pleas Judge Jonathan
Hein, the candidates made their presentations. Areas of interest by
Committee members included – but weren’t limited to – the candidates’
knowledge of the duties of the position, the Court’s operating budget
and staffing, and their perception of future electability.
The Committee then went into Executive Session to discuss their recommendation to Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
The
Central Committee’s nominee was chosen by one secret ballot vote during
open session. The Committee took voice votes regarding two motions made
on the floor (also during open session) and both of those motions
passed unanimously. One motion was to send three names to the Governor
indicating the top nominee, as the Governor had requested. The other
motion was to send a second letter with strong wording in support of
the Committee’s nominee.
Several individuals questioned later why two votes had been taken. They
indicated that wasn’t the usual process. However, no explanation for
that decision was given.
The three applicants were local attorney Jason Aslinger, Detling and
Job & Family Services Staff Attorney, Candy Foley.
Prior to the presentations and Central Committee vote, Judge Hein
offered a brief “civics lesson.”
He said Probate/Juvenile is a division of Common Pleas Courts under his
jurisdiction, and next month he will be taking over McClurg’s duties
until such time as a replacement is appointed.
He noted the responsibilities of this position included working with
juvenile delinquents, and neglected and abused dependent children.
“The judge has to step in when the family falls apart,” Hein said.
“Unfortunately that’s a big part of the job now. The goal is to help
these kids so they won’t be a mess when they’re adults.”
He added responsibilities also include probate of wills, trusts and
estates; and guardianships for individuals from infants to adults in
their 80s. He said jurisdiction over Michael’s Resource Center also
falls on McClurg’s court.
“I’ll be putting out fires,” Hein said. “My job will be to keep
everything running until an appointment is made.”
Aslinger was the first applicant to speak to the Committee. He noted 15
years experience as a practicing probate and juvenile attorney, with
experience in guardianship, trusts, conservatorships, criminal cases
and adoptions.
He said the position requires courage and creativity, noting that there
are critical moments in the life of a young person and that often their
appearance in juvenile court is a “last chance” to turn their direction
around.
Aslinger said the County annual budget for the court was $600,000 and
Michael’s Home $500,000, plus a number of outside grants. He added that
he had a long history of working with the Republican Party.
Detling was the second person to speak. He said he had his degree from
the University of Toledo where he was first in his class, then spent
four years in Toledo representing clients in the criminal field. He
returned to Greenville 15 years ago, and has since been handling
juvenile, probate, divorce cases and more.
He noted he is the only candidate with judicial experience, having
served the past four years as Magistrate in McClurg’s court. He added
that during that time not one of his decisions has been overturned.
Detling said he has an excellent working relationship with the staff
and noted the court’s county budget was $600,000. Outside grants
brought the total budget to slightly under $2 million. He added that
although as a sitting magistrate he was not allowed to participate in
politics, he was a Republican and felt that his integrity would play a
major role in his electability.
Foley was the third to speak. She noted a long history with Job &
Family Services, adding she had been working in areas of child abuse,
neglect and dependency for 19 years. As JFS Staff Attorney, she works
in – or has worked in – child support enforcement, children’s services,
adult services, including probate and guardianship.
Foley discussed her role dealing with families in these areas, noting
that her decisions often weighed around situations that included drugs,
alcohol and anger management. She said she’d been involved in multiple
court hearings and had written opinions used by the court.
Foley added that she was respected by her peers, but noted she wasn’t
sure about the court’s budget. She said her position didn’t allow her
to participate in politics, but if appointed, she would work tirelessly
during the election cycle.
Republican Candidate for Municipal Court Judge Jesse Green also spoke
briefly with the Committee, seeking its support in the coming election
cycle. Green is an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Darke County
Prosecutor’s Office.
McClurg’s term isn’t due to expire until 2015, but the appointment is
for 2011. Darke County will elect its Juvenile Probate Judge in
November to complete McClurg’s unexpired term.
Bob Robinson is the
retired editor of The Daily Advocate, Greenville, Ohio, a Senior
Scribe, a Member of the Senior Scribes Scholarship Fund and Editor of
County News Online. If you wish to receive a daily notification of his
comments, opinions and reports, send your email address to: countynewsonline@gmail.com. Feel free to express your views.
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