Skip Menu
Judicial Votes Count
Tom Puffenberger

Tom Puffenberger

For Judge of the Sixth District Court of Appeals
Full Term Beginning 2/10/2023

Candidate Q&A

Candidate Details

  • Residence
    Ottawa Hills
  • Email
    votepuff@gmail.com
  • Website
    votepuff.com
  • Social Media
    facebook.com/puffenbergerforjudge
  • Age
    40
  • Occupation
    Senior Attorney - City of Toledo
  • Education

    Ottawa Hills High School - 2000

    Denison University - 2004

         B.A. - History

    University of Toledo, College of Law

         J.D.

     

  • Work Experience

    City of Toledo - Senior Attorney (civil) / Felony Prosecutor (criminal)

    6th District Court of Appeals - Staff Attorney

    Lucas County Prosecutor's Office - Assistant Prosecutor

    Lucas County Public Defender's Office - Assistant Public Defender

    Waggoner and Steinberg, LLC - Associate Attorney

    McHugh and McCarthy, Ltd. - Attorney

  • Family
    Married with 4 children
  • Affiliations

    Toledo Bar Association

    Lucas County Bar Association

    Old Newsboys Goodfellows Association Scholarship Committee

    Pat Miller Foundation (funds the Eleanor Kahle Senior Center)

    Toledo Police Athletic League Board Member

    Ottawa Hills Joint Recreation Board Member

    Hope Lutheran Church (member, sunday school teacher, call committe member)

  • Endorsements

    U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur

    Ohio Federation of Teachers

    Ohio AFL-CIO

    Northwest Ohio Building Trades

    United Auto Workers (UAW) Cap Council Region 2B

    Toledo Police Patrolman's Association Local 10

    Toledo Firefighters Local 92

    Ironworkers Local 55

Photo of Tom Puffenberger Tom Puffenberger

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

n/a

Question 2

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?

My diverse legal background uniquely qualifies me for this judgeship. I have worked on all sides of the law. After working in private practice, I went on to work for the Lucas County Public Defender's Office, and the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office. This is crucial because I have worked with both sides of criminal cases. This allows me to have a unique understanding of both sides of the argument to make fair and unbiased decisions. I now work for the City of Toledo as a senior attorney prosecuting criminal cases in the mornings and working on civil and appellate matters in the afternoons. I have extensive courtroom experience which includes numerous trials, including criminal and civil jury trials. I also worked at the 6th District Court of Appeals (where I am now asking to be elected judge) as a staff attorney. I worked closely with the judges, researched the same issues that I would be deciding as a judge, and drafted opinions based on my research and discussions with the appellate judges. I have a first-hand understanding of how the court operates and would be ready to serve the citizens of the 6th district on day one. 

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

My diverse legal background uniquely qualifies me for this judgeship. I have worked on all sides of the law. After working in private practice, I went on to work for the Lucas County Public Defender's Office, and the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office. This is crucial because I have worked with both sides of criminal cases. This allows me to have a unique understanding of both sides of the argument to make fair and unbiased decisions. I now work for the City of Toledo as a senior attorney prosecuting criminal cases in the mornings and working on civil and appellate matters in the afternoons. I have extensive courtroom experience which includes numerous trials, including criminal and civil jury trials. I also worked at the 6th District Court of Appeals (where I am now asking to be elected judge) as a staff attorney. I worked closely with the judges, researched the same issues that I would be deciding as a judge, and drafted opinions based on my research and discussions with the appellate judges. I have a first-hand understanding of how the court operates and would be ready to serve the citizens of the 6th district on day one. 

Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I am extremely proud of my background as a public servant, and an experienced litigator. I have represented people accused of crimes, and I have represented the State of Ohio in prosecuting those individuals. I've represented parties on both sides of civil matters. I understand that everyone, no matter their situation, deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. The courts must serve the people, protect their rights, and guarantee equality under the law. I want to guarantee that everyone, whether a criminal defendant, a government entity, or a civil litigant, received a fair trial and that the issues involved in their cases were properly decided.

Abbreviated Candidate Answers

I am extremely proud of my background as a public servant, and an experienced litigator. I have represented people accused of crimes, and I have represented the State of Ohio in prosecuting those individuals. I've represented parties on both sides of civil matters. I understand that everyone, no matter their situation, deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. The courts must serve the people, protect their rights, and guarantee equality under the law. I want to guarantee that everyone, whether a criminal defendant, a government entity, or a civil litigant, received a fair trial and that the issues involved in their cases were properly decided.