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Judge Frost will seek re-election to Muni Court

LISBON – Judge Mark A. Frost, who has presided for the past 12 years in the Columbiana County Municipal Court, announced today that he intends to seek re-election to that position as a candidate for the term beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

Judge Frost, who was elected to serve three consecutive terms as County Court Judge before being chosen by the voters in 2001 to be one of the first two judges of the Municipal Court said, “It has been very satisfying and rewarding to serve the people of this county as judge for the past 24 years. I hope that I have been able to combine a good knowledge of the constantly changing law with a sense of justice and fairness. I have always felt that a judge’s job is to be firm in applying the law, while still treating everyone with dignity and respect.”

During his tenure, Judge Frost worked with first with Judge Robert Roberts and more recently with Judge Carol Robb to make the transition from the antiquated system of three store fronts and part-time County Courts to a two-judge, full-time Municipal Court housed in a modern building.

“The most important thing is that we made the switch without any additional cost to the taxpayers, with the new building and equipment funded entirely by the people who use the court,” Frost said in a press release. “Not one penny of property tax or sales tax was used in the construction and equipping of the court. And I am very proud that our building was finished on time and within our budget.”

Frost, who served as presiding judge in 2012, said, “I am also proud of what we have done to increase services while cutting staff and keeping costs in line, but there is still much to be done.”

He explained that with the help of Clerk Anthony Dattilio, he and Judge Robb are in the process of implementing a new software system which should save time and money while speeding up the time it takes for paperwork.

He also stated that he feels very privileged to have served with Judge Robb, who is also seeking reelection in November.

“We have been able to share and implement some very good ideas, like the court’s special program for mentally ill offenders, which has been cited as a model program by the Ohio Supreme Court, our diversion program for young alcohol offenders, and the series of BMV workshops designed to get suspended drivers legal and insured.”

When asked about the financial difficulties which have faced the county, Judge Frost responded, “I love Columbiana County. I was born here. My wife, my daughters, and their families still live here. This county will always be my home. But our county will never be rich. Taxpayers have a right to expect us to stretch where we can and cut where we must so we can work cheaper, harder, and smarter. As long as I am entrusted with the job as judge, I will do what I’ve always done administer justice fairly with the money we have available.

Frost graduated from Salem High School, worked his way through college and law school at The Ohio State University, and lives in Columbiana with Sharon, his wife of 43 years. He is the proud father of two grown daughters, who are making their careers in Columbiana County, and he has been very active in community and church work.

He is a founding member and Trustee of the Columbiana Community Foundation, former president of the Ohio State Alumni Association, has served as a trustee at Salem Community Theater, is active in other church and local organizations, and is an avid snow skier.

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