Gary Bennett

Candidate for Judge, Elyria Municipal Court Non-Partisan gbennett@stmarielawfirm.com 440-323-1808
Employment:
For the last 32 years, I’ve practiced law in Elyria. During my legal career, I’ve engaged in private practice and am currently employed by the St. Marie Law Firm. In addition to maintaining a private practice. I’ve also served as Solicitor and Prosecutor for the Village of LaGrange (22 years), served as Assistant County Prosecutor under Greg White, and I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Lorain County Prosecutor. I currently serve as Magistrate for the Elyria Municipal Court. For the last ten years, I’ve had the privilege as serving as Acting Judge of the Elyria Municipal Court for Judge George Ferguson, Judge Lisa Locke-Graves and Judge John Musson. This position has given me tremendous insight and unmatched actual experience performing the duties of a Municipal Court Judge.
Education:
I was born and raised in Elyria, Ohio. I graduated from Elyria High School in 1970 and Wittenberg University in 1974. I received my Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1977. I’ve also attended the courses offered by the Ohio Judicial College for Acting Judges and Magistrates for the last ten years.
Community Involvement:
I think a real means of assessing an individual’s commitment to his community is to look at what he does beyond the work day and outside the work place. Throughout my adult life, I’ve displayed a life-long commitment to our community. In addition to my professional credentials, I served on the Elyria Board of Education for 18 years, the Lorain County Children Services Board for 11 years, the Joint Vocational School Board for 3 years, the Mental Retardation and Development Disability Board for 4 years and the Elyria Summer Theater. I have received the following awards for my community service: Outstanding Alumni (Elyria Schools Alumni Association), Northeast Ohio Outstanding Board Member (Ohio School Board Association), Outstanding Service Award (Elyria Jaycees) and Outstanding Service Award (Continental Cablevision).
Family:
I am married to Marjory Machock. We have five children: Jennifer, David, Mark, Kevin and Kyle and seven grandchildren. My parents, Reed and Helena Bennett, have lived in Elyria for over 50 years. I’m proud of all my children, but I am especially proud of my son, David, who is a Major in the United States Army currently serving in Afghanistan. Those of you reading this who have children know what I mean when I say my “Greatest Joys and my Biggest Disappointments” have all been given to me by my children. But those experiences have taught me some important lessons: I’ve learned to be patient; I’ve learned to listen; I’ve learned to make someone take responsibility for their actions; I’ve learned to make someone accept the consequences of their actions; and I’ve learned to be firm but fair. These are the qualities and the attributes that make excellent judges.
Why would you like to be elected?
I believe that if you carefully examine my outstanding legal experience, my demonstrated commitment to our community and experiences gained as a father to 5 children, I offer the community a full multidimensional resume. My legal career and life experiences have been varied and full, making me the best candidate for this position. My parents taught me to appreciate what I have. They also instilled in me a sense of giving back. I’ve had a rich and full career and life. I believe that serving as Municipal Judge is another opportunity to give back to the community that I care so much about. I actually have had the privilege of serving as the Acting Judge in Elyria Municipal Court. My colleagues have seen me at work performing the duties of the Judge. In the Lorain County Bar Association Judicial Poll, I received the highest rating possible that being “Highly Recommended”.
What would you like to accomplish if elected?
Judge Locke-Graves and Judge Musson have created what I believe is one of the best Municipal Courts in the State of Ohio. Having proudly served with both of them, I would like to continue that tradition. There are a number of programs in place that I would like to see continued and enhanced including the Defensive Driving Diversion Program and the License Intervention Program. With jail closings, the Judge will need to be more creative in sentencing individuals found guilty. Statewide there are Municipal Courts that have established special DUI Courts which require intensive probation goals and monitoring. I believe to be effective, the Judge must take an active role in monitoring and be prepared to impose suspended jail time if the defendant does not meet the program requirements. Given incentives to be successful such as completing a GED course for individuals who have not completed high school should allow the Court to improve our community one defendant at a time.
How do you think Internet technology will impact government services?
The Municipal Court has been impacted by the use of technology. It allows for a more efficient method of record keeping and docketing. The current Clerk of Courts, Eric Rothgery, has a great working relationship with the current Judges which has facilitated several advances in technology in the Court. I would continue that good working relationship as we all work to improve productivity through technology. However we must never lose sight of the personal nature of the Court. Judges must continue to have direct contact with the individuals appearing in Court. It is and must remain the job of the Judge to personally educate the public about their rights, the operation of the Courts and the consequences of misdeeds.
What one bit of information do people not normally know about you?
My life is pretty much an open book. Having a full career and raising five children and now having the joy of seven grandchildren has not allowed much time for me to pursue personal hobbies. When our children were growing up, I chose to spend time with them on the soccer fields as opposed to a golf course. We skied as a family and took family vacations. Now that our children are grown and we have grandchildren, our spare time is consumed with enjoying and being a part of our grandchildren’s lives.