Garfield Heights Municipal Court Election 2011: Candidate Jennifer P. Weiler

Editor’s note: As part of Brecksville Patch’s local election coverage, we will provide profiles of each candidate running for office. These profiles will include biographical information and other relevant details to help the voters make informed decisions. For more election coverage, check our and like our Brecksville Elections page on Facebook.

Name: Jennifer P. Weiler
Age: 59
Education: Independence High School; bachelor of arts from Ohio University; juris doctorate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Occupation: Garfield Heights Municipal Court Judge
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Office Sought: Garfield Heights Municipal Court Judge
Previous Political Office Sought or Held: Garfield Heights Municipal Court Judge since January 1, 2000

Candidate Statement: The Garfield Heights Municipal Court District includes the communities of Garfield Heights, Brecksville, Cuyahoga Heights, Independence, Maple Heights, Newburgh Heights, Valley View and Walton Hills, as well as the portions of the Cleveland Metro Parks and the Ohio Turnpike. The court hears a wide range of cases from minor traffic infractions and small claims to driving under the influence, domestic violence, felony probable cause hearings, and various civil matters. It is a challenge and a privilege to work in this environment as well as with a very diverse population. I certainly welcome the opportunity to continue to serve. Over the past several years, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to do a considerable amount of teaching with the Ohio Judicial College, a part of the Ohio Supreme Court which offers continuing legal education for judges and magistrates. Also, I am co-author of a best-selling legal treatise, "Ohio Driving Under the Influence Law," published by Thomson-West. These activities have helped develop my abilities as a judge and contributed to the legal profession in general. I am currently working on adding a diversion program in our court for nonviolent first offenders who complete community service, payment of any restitution owing, complete schooling or obtain employment, and go a significant period of time with no further criminal violations. By successfully completing the program, these individuals can avoid incurring a criminal record and become contributing members of society. I am grateful for the support I have received from the citizens of Brecksville over the past twelve years.