Peeler, a Republican, was appointed to the common pleas bench and assumed the office in September 2009. He was elected to a six-year term in November 2010.
Before taking the bench, Peeler was Mason’s city prosecutor for 26 years and had a private law practice. He received a bachelor of science degree in business management from Murray State University and graduate with a law degree from Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University.
Democratic candidate Craig Newburger graduated with bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Cincinnati, a doctorate in public communication from Purdue University and a law degree from the University of Dayton.
Prior to becoming a practicing attorney, Newburger served more than 20 years as a university educator and has been a practicing attorney for 13 years representing clients in civil, criminal and appellate courts serving Warren County and throughout southern Ohio.
Longtime Warren County attorney Roger Staton is running as the Libertarian candidate. Staton received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a law degree from Ohio State University.
Staton has been practicing both civil and criminal law for 39 years and has also been a teacher for seven years.
Staton said he is seeking the office because he wants to deliver “honest, fair and compassionate justice.”
He noted honesty is the one quality that will make him a good judge.
“This quality should be the underpinning of our legal system,” Staton said. He also noted judges need to “roll up their sleeves” and be hands on.
“Judges need to be more involved in moving their dockets, settling cases that need to be settled and timely trying cases that are not settled.”
Newburger said his unique educational and legal background strengthens the perspective he will bring to the bench.
“My background makes me keenly sensitive to ensuring that no party before the court will be given or appear to be given an advantage over another by the court,” he said.
Peeler said when he took office five years ago, he saw there needed to be changes to the way “we had been doing things for the past 30 years.”
While homicide cases often catch the headlines, Peeler said the reality is 85 percent of what judges do is dealing with substance abuse and mental health.
Peeler initiated the Vivitrol treatment program for heroin addicts, which has become a model for programs in other parts of the state.
“It’s making a difference in people’s lives,” Peeler said, noting while the program offers medical help to those trying to beat heroin addiction, it is not without accountability from the court.
“I have found being a judge requires lots of patience. Many of the situations I face are frustrating. When you are deciding whether to take someone’s freedom away, it is important to exercise a great deal of patience,” Peeler said.
About the Author
