Trending
WARREN -- In the race for Trumbull County's Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court judge seat, candidates Dave Engler and Kara Leonard Stanford bring distinct perspectives shaped by their experiences in the courtroom and their vision for the future of the family court system.
Both candidates are vying for the seat of Judge Sandra Stabile Harwood, who reached the mandatory retirement age, and is stepping down from her position.
Engler, a seasoned trial attorney with a long history in litigation and public service, talked about his desire to make a significant impact on children and families. Engler believes his experience, particularly in tackling powerful institutions and handling complex domestic cases, makes him uniquely suited for the role.
"My actions tend to have an impact beyond just political boundaries," Engler said, referencing his time as a county commissioner, City Councilman, and on the school board for over two decades.
His focus is on strong leadership, ensuring accountability for those in positions of power, and introducing a more efficient judicial process.
One of Engler's core proposals is increasing speed and efficiency in court decisions, especially in child custody and support cases. He argues that the current system allows magistrates to take too long to issue rulings, harming families in the process.
"You can't manage what you don't measure," Engler said, explaining his plan to hold magistrates accountable through improved tracking software that monitors case timelines.
Engler also calls for stronger consequences in cases involving repeat offenses or continued parental neglect.
"At some point, you have to have consequences," he said, stressing the need for supervised visitations or loss of custody for parents who fail to meet their responsibilities. Engler's tough stance on addressing the opioid crisis and its devastating impact on families is a key part of his platform. He has advocated for stronger penalties for drug dealers and has long been vocal about using the family court as a platform to address these issues.
"The only thing that gets to the dealers is significant hard time," he stated, expressing his belief that change must come from both judicial and legislative efforts.
During the interview, Engler mentioned that his Christian faith plays a significant role in his approach to public service.
"My faith has always guided me to do what's best for families, to stand up for the vulnerable, and ensure justice is served," Engler said.
When asked about this, Stanford responded that while she respects Engler's faith, her focus remains on treating every individual and family that comes before the court with fairness and impartiality, regardless of religious or personal beliefs.
"I think it's important to recognize that every family is different, and it's our job as judges to provide a balanced approach that serves the best interest of the children and families in our community," she said.
Stanford brings her own extensive experience to the race as a magistrate in the very court she is hoping to lead. Stanford highlights her deep knowledge of the court's operations and her commitment to helping families navigate the most difficult moments of their lives. She said her approach is rooted in compassionate, practical solutions to family disputes, focusing on conflict resolution and mediation.
Stanford said part of her aim will be to strengthen existing programs that provide support for families, especially those dealing with addiction or mental health issues.
"We have to focus on the whole family, not just the legal issues," Stanford said, advocating for more comprehensive approaches that address the root causes of familial conflict. She said her focus on supporting rehabilitation and providing resources for struggling parents offers a more restorative approach than Engler's call for stricter consequences.
The two candidates also differ in their views on what it means to lead the court. Engler said there's a need for a more proactive approach, using the role as a "bully pulpit" to drive legislative change and hold powerful entities accountable. Stanford, in contrast, focuses on the day-to-day work of helping families, prioritizing empathy and fairness.