Lakewood Needs A Judge Who Can Connect To The People And Progress The Court

Tess Neff, Candidate for Lakewood Judge

Please let me tell you what type of person you will get as judge if I am elected. I am the eldest of seven siblings. My father worked at the Brookpark Ford Plant. My mother was a waitress amongst other things. When I was twelve, I bussed tables at her job and have been working ever since. I was the first person in my extended family to go to college. I put myself through undergrad and law school without a dime of help from my family. I worked as a police officer for three years after college and saved and borrowed enough to graduate from law school.

     My first jobs as an attorney were working for a law firm, representing clients in municipal and state courts, and then working as a staff attorney for two Common Pleas Judges. In 1997 Nancy McDonnell, a long time Lakewoodite, was a Judicial Magistrate here in the Lakewood Court. She was elected and became a Judge downtown. Judge Carroll appointed me to take her place in Lakewood. For 10 years I wore the judicial robe and served our community as a Magistrate, and many times Acting Judge of the very court I am seeking election. I was trusted to hear important cases and make difficult legal decisions on every type of case before the court. My ability to be fair and impartial was never questioned.

     In 2007, my fellow Lakewood Court Magistrate, and longtime Lakewood resident, Tom O’Malley was elected to be a County Juvenile Court Judge. I was honored when he asked me to be his Judicial Magistrate and I wore the judicial robe again for 8 more years. My breadth of experience was complemented by working with underprivileged individuals, mental health, addiction, homelessness, and trauma. All these issues exist in our community. Being a judge in Lakewood Court is much more than “hearing” cases. Decisions that impact lives must be thoughtful, follow the law, and consider external factors such as family, addiction and mental health.

     In 2015, the six Judges of the Juvenile Court unanimously selected me to be their Court Administrator. My responsibilities are numerous and very challenging. I manage over 500 employees, a $50 million budget, and the complex legal issues the court faces daily. The everyday decisions I must make are incredibly difficult to say the least. I stay true to my morals, and always do what is right. Impartiality and integrity are of the utmost importance. Further, I have led policy and programming change to equalize opportunity and access for everyone coming to the court. This experience is invaluable in a single judge court like Lakewood.

     My plan if elected judge includes strengthening partnerships with our nonprofits, police, schools, and faith-based organizations as support systems for the Lakewood individuals involved in the court. Yes, people that enter the Lakewood Court system are our neighbors. A Help Kiosk, data collection, and evening court hours are a few of my many ideas for Lakewood Court. I believe my record as a knowledgeable and experienced Magistrate, Acting Judge, Attorney and Court Administrator, has prepared me well for the Judgeship. I will bring unique and very relevant experience to the job that will greatly and positively impact the court and community. My 28-year career in public service has been dedicated to helping others and keeping the community safe. It will be my privilege to serve our community at a greater level if I am elected on November 2nd.

Tess Neff is a 33-year Lakewood resident. She and her husband Rich raised their children here and love being a part of the community.

Tess Neff

I am a 33-year Lakewood resident. My husband Rich and I raised our children here and we love being a part of the community. My public service career expands 28 years and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to help people and have a positive impact on their lives. My ten years as a magistrate in the Lakewood Municipal Court and my time on Lakewood City Council has allowed me to engage with residents and understand the community needs. The relationships I have fostered with community partners over the years are invaluable to Lakewood's continued success and progression. 

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Volume 17, Issue 20, Posted 1:25 PM, 10.20.2021