Nancy Margaret Russo

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court/General Division, 1997-Present

Re-Entry Court Judge, 2007-present (created Re-Entry Court and preside over it)

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Question 2

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

I have been deeply involved in many community organizations as a volunteer; have an extensive background in civil issues before coming to the Bench. 

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Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

I wish to continue my work as a Judge and particularly to continue the work of the Re-Entry Court here in Cuyahoga County.  We have saved over $12 million in taxpayer dollars, and most importantly, over 650 years NOT served in prison.  I teach in the prisons voluntarily, and believe that re-entry should be available in every County in Ohio, and I am working towards that end, as well as working daily with local non-profits to advance the issues of re-entry and reform.

In addition to REEC, I handle civil and foreclosure cases.  I have presided over 33,000 cases and have the most efficient docket in our Court, with a consistent 101% clearance rate.  I have recently appeared on a panel at the request of the Ohio Judicial Conference to assist other Ohio Judges in case management techniques.

Experience matters in electing Judges.  The trial courts handle cases every day that affect the rights and liberties of every individual with a case in the Common Pleas Court. 

My heart is in the trial court, where I hope to remain.