RICHLAND COUNTY, Ohio—Both Marilyn John and Brent Robinson had nothing but appreciation and gratitude to extend to those who supported them throughout their campaigns during their swearing-in ceremony held Dec. 29.
Family members, elected officials and community leaders watched Monday as John was sworn in as Richland County commissioner and as Robinson was sworn in as Richland County common pleas judge.
Judge Robinson administered John’s oath of office. Her husband, Kevin, stood alongside her as she was sworn in as the county’s second female commissioner.
“I can’t thank everyone enough,” she said to the crowd.
She attributed her success to her family’s support, noting, “It’s because of them that I’m here.”
John has served as Shelby’s mayor since 2009. She announced her campaign to run for county commissioner in October of 2013.
In the May 6 primary election, she edged out Republican candidates Keith Markley and David Morgenstern. She then went on to challenge Democrat candidate Phil Scott in the Nov. 4 general election, ultimately obtaining a majority of the votes.
She is replacing Commissioner Ed Olson, who served as county commissioner for 28 years.
Councilmember-at-large Steve Schag will fill John’s place as the mayor of Shelby.
John’s term as mayor will end on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at noon. She will take office as Richland County commissioner effective Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015.
Judge Philip Alan B. Mayer administered Robinson’s oath of office. Robinson said he wanted Mayer to administer his oath as an honor to the late Jim Mayer, with whom he served in the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office.
“As you know, we lost Jim, my mentor and one of my biggest supporters and someone I looked up to and learned from. The two people I learned from the most in my legal career have been my dad and Jim Mayer, so I wanted Phil to do this as an honor to Jim. I miss him every day,” said Robinson.
His father, Charles Robinson, used to serve at the Mansfield Municipal Court. Charles Robinson said he’s proud of his son’s accomplishments and believes he will serve the county well as common pleas judge. “I’m very proud of him,” he said excitedly. “I think he’ll do a great job.”
Robinson was sworn in as common pleas judge in February of this year when former Common Pleas Judge James Henson retired. He was officially elected judge in the November general election, in which he challenged Mansfield Municipal Court Magistrate Phil Naumoff.
His term begins Jan. 1 of 2015 and he will continue to serve the remainder of Henson’s unexpired term that ends Jan. 1, 2017.
Robinson previously served as chief criminal assistant prosecuting attorney in the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, criminal assistant prosecuting attorney in the Richland County Court of Common Pleas, and as juvenile assistant prosecuting attorney in the Richland County Juvenile Court.
