By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
The intimidating judge’s bench and the black robes of Crawford County Common Pleas Court will soon be donned by a new – but familiar – face.
Sean Leuthold beat out his opponent Robert Neff Jr. 8,392 votes to 3,099 for the seat of the Common Pleas Court Judge.
It had been tough political season for both men, who each serve a function within the judicial system of Crawford County. Leuthold currently presides over the Municipal Court while Neff serves as magistrate within Common Pleas Court.
“I want to first congratulate my opponent for running a good campaign. He put in a tremendous amount of work,” Leuthold said.
“I am very pleased that the overwhelming amount of people in Crawford County put their faith in me. I will do everything in my power to live up to that faith,” he continued. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work in order to make Crawford County a better place.”
Leuthold will replace current Common Pleas Court Judge Russell Wiseman, who had been appointed to that post by Gov. Bob Taft in 2002. He ran again in Nov. of 2002 and 2008 for six-year terms. Wiseman will be retiring at the end of his current term.
Governor John Kasich will appoint someone as the Municipal Court Judge before Leuthold takes office on Feb. 10, 2015.