Karen Lutz Kowall

8/4/2019 Karen Lutz Kowall

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PLEASE B E AWARE TH AT T HIS Q UES TIO NN AIR E W ILL B E PU BLIS HE D.

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Education:School/city/state Years Degree-Subject or Certificate

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Q- Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you'd like to change, address,improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?As Judicial candidates we are prohibited from stating an opinion as to how wewould decide specific types of cases that may come before the Court; this prohibition is

essential to maintain the public's trust in the impartiality, fairness and independence ofthe Judge. We are permitted to discuss in general our experience and general areasconcerning the Court.My decision to run for Judge of the Willoughby Municipal Court was based on myexperience in working with the criminal court system, local law enforcement and victimsof crime. My professional career has been devoted to public service with the LakeCounty Prosecutor's office; I am the Chief Assistant of the Criminal Division. I believe

that the Municipal Courts can have a significant role in making positive changes inindividuals and for our communities. If we as a community support changing the lives ofyoung adults and other first time offenders by requiring an acceptance of responsibilityand a commitment to overcoming obstacles, we will make a positive change.

A recent change in the law will mean that more offenders with longer criminalrecords will remain in municipal court. My goal is to utilize existing financial resources toaddress safety concerns of the community and to discourage recidivism. These are notpie-in-the-sky goals - they will protect the community and lower the cost of fighting crime

To accomplish this goal the court needs to establish structured supervisionprograms for offenders that will require them to complete their education or job trainingand to utilize essential drug treatment and mental health services. My experience in thecourts of common pleas has demonstrated that intensive supervision will result inreduced recidivism.

A second area of focus will be to identify and address the silent victims ofcriminal offenses: children of offenders who often are silent witnesses to alcoholism anddomestic violence. These children are often saddled with the burden of dysfunctionalparents. The court can help to address their needs through successful completion ofparenting classes, anger management classes and alcohol and drug treatment withcommunity resources already in place with no added cost to the communities.


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Q-Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?As a candidate for Judge, I have the most extensive experience over other othercandidates in three critical areas:Trial and courtroom experience: During the course of my 27 years in the Prosecutor'soffice, I have prosecuted over 100 criminal jury trials. I have never been reversed onappeal. I have successfully argued four cases before the Ohio Supreme Court. My lastcase established a rule of law throughout Ohio that aids victims of Domestic Violence. Ihave tried several death penalty cases and prosecuted numerous aggravated murdercases, including the mass murder of a family of five by Jeffrey Lundgren; the murder ofa popular and much loved dentist, Dr. Robert Kalina by Jasmin Miljkovic; and thesenseless murder of housewife Karen LaSpina by Donald Soke. I have extensiveknowledge of courtroom procedure and the rules of evidence.Supervision and administration: I supervise fourteen lawyers in three divisions of theLake County Prosecutor's Office: criminal, appellate, and juvenile. I administer dailyroutine legal matters as well as monitoring cases for strict compliance with statutoryrequirements concerning speedy trial.Commitment to Safety: My experience in evaluating criminal cases; formulatingsentencing recommendations and responding to probation violations are part of what aJudge does everyday. I have experience in responding to offenders who have drug andalcohol addictions and addressing violations that come before the court. My priority is toaddress and meet the safety needs of the community.

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Karen Lutz Kowall