Sunday, October 25, 1998
Common Pleas judge candidates offer experience
By Jefferson Wolfe
Staff Writer
Both the Democratic and the Republican candidates for Seneca County Common Pleas judge offer a wealth of experience as attorneys, but from opposite backgrounds.
Democratic candidate Francis Marley Jr. has spent 27 years as an attorney, acting often as a defense attorney. Republican Steve Shuff served 15 years in the county prosecutor's office, including five as the county prosecutor.
Marley said he has been in private practice involved in domestic relations, criminal, real estate and personal injury cases. About 80 percent has been criminal and domestic violence work, he said.
''That's what the judgeship is all about,'' Marley said.
The state has taken power from judges through things like mandatory sentences, Marley said. He would like to see more freedom returned to the bench.
He said being a defense attorney will not mean he will be sympathetic toward criminals.
''In a sense, it could be better, because I've heard all the excuses and I wouldn't buy it,'' Marley said.
Shuff said he will bring his background as a former prosecutor to the bench.
''I don't think you can separate yourself from your background,'' he said. ''You can still be fair, but you are what your background is.''
Shuff said he is not limited to his work as a prosecutor, as he has been in private practice for 10 years.
''I think it gives me both sides,'' he said.
While campaigning door-to-door, the two men report finding the public wants different things from a judge.
Marley said people typically go to court asking for something.
''They are looking for someone who is responsive to their needs,'' Marley said.
Judicial wisdom is bringing together of two parties, Marley said. Seneca County has a tradition of working out settlements and compromises and plea bargains in criminal cases.
Shuff has had a different experience with county residents during his campaigning since August 1997.
''The number one issue is crime, from my discussions with folks,'' he said.
He, like Marley, said a judge's role is different in criminal and civil cases.
''In a civil case the judge has more leeway to negotiate a settlement,'' he said. ''In criminal cases the judge doesn't have as much leeway because he pronounces sentences.''
Shuff said he would work in civil cases to ensure disputes are resolved as quickly as possible.
''It has been my experience that the sooner the dispute is resolved, the happier the parties are,'' Shuff said.
Marley and Shuff share several things in common, including:
* Both said becoming a judge has been a career goal.
Marley said he has considered being a judge since becoming an attorney.
''I've always thought that was the way an attorney should end his career,'' he said.
Shuff said he first thought seriously about becoming a judge in 1988 and considered running then.
''I personally thought I wasn't ready,'' he said. ''I wanted to get more experience.''
* Both say they highly respect former Seneca County Common Pleas Judge Harry L. Bozart.
''I've always modeled myself after him,'' Marley said.
Shuff said Bozart would pull him aside when he was a young attorney and offer guidance, which has proven very helpful during his career. He hopes to be able to do the same with other young attorneys.
* Both men say they would be active in seeking a role as a community leader, especially in working with children.
''I think it is important that whoever is successful at getting elected judge works with youth,'' he said.
Shuff also plans to work with the elderly.
''A judge should be a community leader,'' Marley said. ''You just can't be up on the bench, you've got to be part of the community.''
Marley also favors going to the schools and bringing youth to the courtroom.
* Both men have deep family roots in the county.
Shuff is a fourth-generation Seneca County resident. His father owned a grocery store in Tiffin. He is a graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School and Heidelberg College.
His wife, Kathy, is a fourth-generation Bascom resident.
Marley's father was a prominent attorney in Fostoria. He said he was suprised that, while campeigning door-to-door, people remembered his father so well.
''The knowledge out there is far beyond what I dreamed it would be,'' he said.
* Both men are experienced as judges, with Shuff serving as a visiting judge in Tiffin Municipal Court, and Marley serving in the same capacity in Fostoria Municipal Court.