Cynthia Curtin

Cynthia Curtin earned a high school diploma from Hudson High School, a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1983, and a law degree from Cleveland State University in 1988. Her career experience includes working as a magistrate judge.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am currently a magistrate at the Summit County Domestic Relations Court and a former judge of the Stow Municipal Court. I was appointed by Gov. DeWine to fulfill an unexpired term at the Stow Municipal Court. I have over 35 years of litigation experience, having appeared in many courts throughout Ohio including federal court. I have handled a variety of legal matters representing individuals, small businesses, large corporations, national retailers and insurance companies. I owned and managed my own certified woman owned law firm in Akron. I have served as Chairman and Vice-chairman of the Hudson Planning Commission which over saw the new downtown development. I have volunteered in the schools and organized fundraisers. I am 50 year resident of Hudson

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Not a career politician.Judicial philosophy is to follow the Constitution and not legislate from the bench.Over 35 years of combined legal and judicial experience.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Due process and constitutional rights protecting citizen rights guaranteed by the state and federal constitution. Also Victim's Rights and court efficiency and timely resolution.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor because she was the first woman justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Fairness, integrity and approachability.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Follow the constitution. Exhibit fairness and impartiality and preparation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy that I was a fair judge who followed the law and wrote easily understandable opinions. I would also like to go into our classrooms to educate our young people on the basics of law and our court system.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked at Sea World of Ohio during the summer before I started college and continued to work there every summer during college.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Coping with the unexpected, premature death of my husband who was also my law partner.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is simple: follow the Constitution and do not cross over into legislating from the bench.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

No, because a judge must treat each individual and case with fairness and impartiality. If empathy entered into the thought process, then the impartiality is lost. Alternatively, I believe a judge can be empathic when not sitting on the bench.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Sheriff of Medina County

Sheriff of Wayne County

U.S. Senator Jon Husted

Congressman Bob Latta

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose

Ohio State Sen. Al Landis

Ohio State Sen. Kristina Roegner

Ohio State Rep. Meredith Craig

Ohio State Rep. Steve Demetriou

Ohio State Rep. Gayle Manning

Ohio State Rep. Bill Roemer

Bob Golic, Talk Show Host and Former Cleveland Brown

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

When I was in middle school, my father's job was transferred to Cali, Colombia, so our family moved there for nearly 3 years. Starting a new school, learning a new language, and learning a new culture were all very challenging and impressionable.

What concerns, if any, do you have about the legal system in your state?

Not getting opinions out in a timely fashion.