The tug of war between individual rights and corporate power dates to at least the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. In recent years we have seen wave after wave of “tort reform” insulating large corporations and insurance companies from accountability to those who are wronged.

Regardless of whether it’s 1812, 1912, or 2012, our Courts have always been the last, best means for regular citizens to be heard, and to have their claims be treated with the same regard as those of a celebrity or CEO. As Harper Lee put it in To Kill a Mockingbird:

“There is one institution that makes a pauper the equal of a Rockefeller… That institution, gentlemen, is a court. Our courts have their faults, as does any human institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird. 218 (1960)

Given the current political trend toward requiring less accountability, it is more important than ever for judges to recognize that they are the last line of defense for the common citizen being denied a fair chance to seek justice.

Here in Summit County there is an important judicial race we want to bring to your attention. This race comes as a result of Judge Patricia Cosgrove retiring this year. She was a strong advocate for individuals, and will be sorely missed. A local attorney, Pat Hart, has stepped forward and is running for her seat. He’s running this March in a primary for the right to run for the seat in November. It will be a hard fought race. We know Pat Hart. He has been in private practice for many years protecting injured individuals and defrauded consumers. He would make an excellent addition to the bench. He has spent his years in private practice with the law firm of Scanlon & Gearinger and has been awarded some of the best verdicts on behalf of individuals in Summit County. He has all the qualities that we look for in a judicial candidate. He is not a career politician. He has never run for office before. He comes from a private practice where he understands he has to work to earn a living. He’s not afraid to work hard. He’s not afraid to stand up for individual rights. He won’t bend to public pressure and has no fear of making an unpopular decision if it’s the right decision. Not only do we urge you to vote for Pat, we would ask you to tell your friends and family to vote for Pat as well. We’d also appreciate it if you’re willing to put a yard sign for Pat in your yard. If so, please contact us and we will get you a Pat Hart yard sign. You may find out more about Pat Hart at his website: voteforHart.com.

The other races will be this fall and we will discuss them in upcoming newsletters.

Please vote March 6.