“After 47 years as a lawyer, (i) a former President of the Dayton Bar Association, (ii) appointed by the Sixth Circuit to five merit selection panels to recommend attorneys to be considered for appointments as federal magistrates and bankruptcy judges, and (iii) serving six years as a commissioner on the Ohio Supreme Court Board of Grievances and Discipline hearing evidence concerning alleged misconduct by lawyers and judges, I think I have acquired the wisdom to know the essential characteristics of a good judge and whether the person I am endorsing has those characteristics.

In my endorsement of Cassandra Rice, I am convinced that Cassandra possesses a high degree of knowledge of the established legal principles in the probate and estate areas of law. I know that Cassandra will act with the utmost professional competence and always maintain the appropriate judicial temperament. Furthermore, she will act with integrity, diligence and fairness in interacting with the public and in supervising all employees who will be under the supervision of the Probate Court.

Moreover, Cassandra’s record of public and community service was established long before seeking the probate judge position and I have every confidence that she will continue to engage in professional activities, public service, and civic and community service.

While the professional characteristics are important, I do not think anyone should hold the office of the probate judge unless that person is a kind and caring person. Will they treat the least among us the same as those with great wealth and power? Are they willing to listen and acknowledge that it is impossible for one person to have all of the answers? Cassandra is wise enough to know that kindness and humility are qualities of strength and that it is impossible for one person to know everything. Can the person seeking the office be trusted to be free from deception and dedicated to the search for truth at all costs?

Cassandra will always protect the sacred trust of “We the People.” She will act with integrity, fairness, predictability, and show compassion to those suffering a loss and respect all who come before the Probate Court regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or privileged status. To act otherwise would be unjust and a violation of her oath of office and the judicial canons.

I have faith and trust that Cassandra will never become insensitive to the needs of the everyday working people who come before the court because in the end, the Probate Court, like all courts, belongs to the people and judges are at most temporary keepers and servants of the public trust.

These are the reasons I am endorsing Cassandra Rice for Montgomery County Probate Judge. I trust her and I think you too can do the same. She will be a good judge for all the people.”