Tallmadge municipal judge Cynthia Curtin introduces herself to council

Cynthia Curtin, the newly appointed municipal judge for Tallmadge Municipal Court, introduced herself during the public-input portion of the council meeting Thursday.

Curtin said Governor Mike DeWine appointed her following Memorial Day and that she has been on the bench since mid-June. She described 35 years of litigation experience across jury trials, appellate work, motion practice, arbitration and a range of civil matters, and said she is licensed to practice in Ohio federal and state courts, including the U.S. District Courts in the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. She told council she has already handled arraignments related to a July 4 homicide and that the court docket is moving.

Curtin said she is running for a new term in November and asked residents to support her. She introduced her bailiff, Dawn, who attended the council meeting with her.

Why it matters: Tallmadge residents will see Curtin at arraignments and in municipal-court proceedings; an incumbent judge running for election may appear on the November ballot and will preside over local criminal and civil cases in municipal court.

Next steps: Curtin will continue to serve on the bench and candidates for the November election will be vetted and appear on the ballot as required by election rules; no action by council was required.