Dan Petticord and Giovanna Scaletta-Bremke are vying for the Lorain County Common Pleas Court seat

Two candidates are running in the Nov. 5 general election to replace Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge James Miraldi.

The candidates are Dan Petticord and Giovanna Scaletta-Bremke.

The Morning Journal submitted questionnaires to Petticord and Scaletta-Bremke and they responded.

Then Petticord

Dan Petticord wrote in his Morning Journal questionnaire that if elected, he will work with the other judges, law enforcement and community leaders to address the increasing burden placed on our justice system by addiction and substance abuse issues in the community.

“I plan to be closely involved in our Court’s transition to an electronic filing system to both increase the efficiency of trials and provide access and transparency for our community,” Petticord wrote. “Finally, I plan to establish an Inn of Court for our legal community in the province to promote professional growth and development within the bar.”

Petticord wrote that he has practiced law for the past 31 years and has significant experience in state and federal courts throughout the United States “as well as here at home.”

“This is unique, both in this race and in our region in general,” he wrote. “I have dedicated my professional life to the principle that the fair and just application of the law is fundamental to our society. I believe that the role of a Common Pleas Judge is critical in ensuring that this happens.

“In my current job as head of the Civil Division of the Public Prosecution Service, I represent elected officials of the provinces and municipalities of both political parties and have done so to the best of my ability, without bias or favoritism and regardless of my own personal views on policy . or politics. I will bring this same sense of professionalism to the court if I am elected as your next Common Pleas Judge.”

Giovanna Scaletta-Bremke

Giovanna Scaletta-Bremke wrote in her questionnaire that, if elected, she would strive for role efficiency.

“The next judge will be tasked with managing the docket efficiently so that both civil and criminal cases can be heard in a timely manner,” Scaletta-Bremke wrote. “I have represented individuals over the years and understand the stress that ongoing litigation can cause. I am the only candidate with experience in managing large case files in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines for efficient case management.

She wrote that she has been an attorney for the Lorain County Drug Recovery Court since 2018.

“I have also served as a magistrate at the Elyria Municipal Drug Recovery Court,” Scaletta-Bremke wrote. “Graduates from these programs range from lifelong criminals who are in and out of prison to productive members of society who are employed, involved with their families and sober.

“The recidivism rate for specialized cases is much lower than for those on traditional probation. With both Judge Jim Miraldi (who presides over the mental health docket) and Judge John Miraldi (who presides over the drug recovery court) retiring, the future of these roles is uncertain.

“I will make a commitment to invest in specialized files.”