Candidate Statement

By Ronald Suster

Judge Ron Suster is a candidate for Associate Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court for the term commencing January 2. 1999. He is a lifelong resident of greater Cleveland, where he lives with his wife, Patricia, and their three children, Jennifer, Joseph and Michael. A practicing attorney for over 30 years, Judge Suster received his B. A. in history and economics from Western Reserve University and J. D. from Case Western Reserve University Law School.

Judge Suster currently serves as a Common Pleas Court judge of Cuyahoga County, one of Ohio's most active courts. As a trial judge, Judge Suster presides over civil and criminal trials.

Prior to his election to the bench. Judge Suster served eight consecutive terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. He was first elected in 1980 after serving as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and Assistant Ohio Attorney General. During his 15 years in the Ohio Legislature, he served as chairman of several key committees, including the House Judiciary and Ethics Committees. He also authored legislation that created the Commission on Dispute Resolution and served an the Criminal Sentencing Commission

Judge Suster is a candidate for the Ohio Supreme Court because he wants to improve public access and confidence in Ohio's court system. He believes that an Ohio Supreme Court Justice must not only decide cases in a fair and just manner but also ensure that the people of Ohio have access to Ohio's courts and receive justice in a timely manner.

Judge Suster also views the role of Associate Justice as one in which the law should be interpreted and not made He believes that the judiciary must make decisions which are founded upon principles of objectivity and constitutionality. Judge Suster believes writing laws is the prerogative of the legislature, not the judiciary.

Judge Suster's experience as a legislator and trial judge will bring a unique and balanced perspective to the Ohio Supreme Court.

Judge Suster has received many public service awards, including the Ohio Supreme Court Public Policy Leadership Award (1989), and the Ohio State Bar Association Distinguished Service Award (1991).