Ken Walz
Lucas County Court of Common Pleas General Division
Full Term Commencing Jan. 6, 2025
Candidate Details
- Residence
Toledo - Email
vote@kenwalzforjudge.com - Website
kenwalzforjudge.com - Social Media
facebook.com/kenwalzforjudge - Age
50 - Occupation
Assistant Prosecutor - Education
Undergraduate:
The University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
Associate of Applied Science
Respiratory Care Technology
June 1996
Bachelor of ScienceMay 1999
Graduate:The University of Toledo College of Law
Toledo, Ohio
Juris Doctor
December 2003
- Work Experience
LEGAL EXPERIENCE:
Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Criminal Division, Toledo, Ohio, 2022 – present
Sandusky County Prosecutor’s Office, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Fremont, Ohio, 2015 – 2022
Skiver, Beier, Billmaier & Cuneo, LLC (NKA Billmaier & Cuneo, LLC), (FKA Stephen A. Skiver & Associates, LLC), Perrysburg, Ohio, 2007 – 2015. Criminal Defense and Medical Malpractice Defense
Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Criminal Division, Toledo, Ohio, 2005 – 2007.
Law Office of Kenneth C. Walz, LLC, Toledo, Ohio, 2004 – 2005 General Law Practice focusing on Criminal Defense
RECENT MEDICAL EXPERIENCE:
Bon Secours Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio, Respiratory Care Practitioner 2001 – present.
- Family
2 Adult Children - Affiliations
Professional Affiliations
Ohio Respiratory Care Board member, 2009-2018. 7 years as appointed Hearing Officer and
3 years as PresidentOhio State Bar Association
Lucas County Bar Association
Sandusky County Bar Association
Toledo Bar Association, 2004 - present.
Toledo Bar Association Fellow, 2021-present
Toledo Bar Association Bar Admissions Committee Member, 2008 - present
Toledo Bar Association Bar Admissions Committee Co-Chair, 2023 - present
National District Attorney Association,
Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Ohio Prosecuting Attorney Association, 2015 - present
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer, 2007 - 2015
American Association for Respiratory Care
National Board for Respiratory Care
Ohio Society for Respiratory Care
Ohio Society for Respiratory Care Judicial Committee Chair, 2023 - present
United Auto Workers Local 12 member, 2001 - present.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Boy Scouts of America, 2006 - present. 10 years as Scoutmaster for Troop 263, Current Advancement Committee Chairperson for Troop 263.
Boy Scouts of America Erie Shores Council, Wilderness First Aid Course Chairperson, 2022 - present.
Community Leadership Toledo, Class of 2009.
Christ the King School, Toledo, Ohio, Assistant Football Coach, 2009 - 2011.
Christ the King Church, Toledo, Ohio, Endowment Committee, 2010 - 2022.
Christ the King School, Toledo, Ohio, Assistant Volleyball Coach, 2012 - 2013.
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIPS:
University of Toledo Alumni Association – life member
WGTE member
Toledo Road Runners Club member
Toledo Metroparks member
Toledo Museum of Art member
- Endorsements
Lucas County Democratic Party
Toledo Police Patrolman's Association, Local 10
United Auto Workers
Teamsters Local 20
International Association of Fire Fighters Toledo Firefighters Local 92
Toledo Port Council Maritime Trades Division, AFL-CIO
Northwest Ohio Building & Constructions Trades Council
Carpenters Local 351
Toledo Federation of Teachers Local 250
Sheet Metal Workers' Local 33
LiUNA Laborers Local 500
Commercial Workers of America Local 4319
United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 8
Greater Northwest Ohio AFL-CIO
AFSCME Ohio Council 8
ET Community Action
- Bar Association Ratings
Toledo Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee, Highly Recommended rating, December 2020.
Highly Recommended by 40.66%, Recommended by 43.15% in the 2024 Toledo Bar Association Judicial Candidates Poll.
Ken Walz
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I do not have prior judicial experience.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI do not have prior judicial experience.
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
As a candidate for Common Pleas Court Judge in Lucas County, Ohio, my unique blend of legal experience, medical background, and commitment to community service shapes my vision for a judiciary that is empathetic, effective, and deeply committed to justice and fairness.
In my legal career, I’ve served in both prosecution and defense, affording me a balanced perspective on the law. This experience ensures I approach justice with both rigor and compassion, understanding the complexities of each case. My tenure as a Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney has honed my skills in navigating the legal system, while my background in criminal defense and civil law provides a comprehensive view that is critical for fair judgment.
My medical experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner has endowed me with insights into the intersection of health and legal issues, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health within the justice system. A perspective crucial for a more holistic and effective approach to law enforcement and rehabilitation.
Community service has always been at the heart of my personal and professional life. From mentoring youth in the Boy Scouts of America to coaching sports, I’ve been actively involved in fostering leadership and development in our community. These roles have deepened my understanding of societal challenges and reinforced my commitment to serving Toledo with integrity and compassion.
My candidacy represents a commitment to a judiciary that values justice, fairness, and community well-being, making me a uniquely qualified candidate for Lucas County Common Pleas Court.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersAs a candidate for Common Pleas Court Judge in Lucas County, Ohio, my unique blend of legal experience, medical background, and commitment to community service shapes my vision for a judiciary that is empathetic, effective, and deeply committed to justice and fairness.
In my legal career, I’ve served in both prosecution and defense, affording me a balanced perspective on the law. This experience ensures I approach justice with both rigor and compassion, understanding the complexities of each case. My tenure as a Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney has honed my skills in navigating the legal system, while my background in criminal defense and civil law provides a comprehensive view that is critical for fair judgment.
My medical experience as a Respiratory Care Practitioner has endowed me with insights into the intersection of health and legal issues, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health within the justice system. A perspective crucial for a more holistic and effective approach to law enforcement and rehabilitation.
Community service has always been at the heart of my personal and professional life. From mentoring youth in the Boy Scouts of America to coaching sports, I’ve been actively involved in fostering leadership and development in our community. These roles have deepened my understanding of societal challenges and reinforced my commitment to serving Toledo with integrity and compassion.
My candidacy represents a commitment to a judiciary that values justice, fairness, and community well-being, making me a uniquely qualified candidate for Lucas County Common Pleas Court.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I am running for this particular seat for two reasons. First, my legal experience is primarily within the Common Pleas Courts in Northwest Ohio. I have litigated most of the types of cases that I am likely to encounter as a judge. As a judge, I will have firsthand experience for the types of matters I will adjudicate. Second, I intend to create a Mental Health Specialty docket. This court is well positioned for this docket due to the need within the community and the Treatment Court docket already established in the Lucas County Common Pleas Court.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI am running for this particular seat for two reasons. First, my legal experience is primarily within the Common Pleas Courts in Northwest Ohio. I have litigated most of the types of cases that I am likely to encounter as a judge. As a judge, I will have firsthand experience for the types of matters I will adjudicate. Second, I intend to create a Mental Health Specialty docket. This court is well positioned for this docket due to the need within the community and the Treatment Court docket already established in the Lucas County Common Pleas Court.