MANSFIELD — Two Lexington residents seek to become one of two new judges on the Mansfield Municipal Court.
David Badnell and M. Lore’ Whitney are competing for one of the two local bench seats that are open on the Nov. 7 ballot for candidates seeking new six-year terms.
Judge Jerry Ault, first elected in 1999, is prohibited by the Ohio Constitution from seeking another term since he is past age 70. Republican Michael Kemerer and Democrat Cassandra Mayer are vying to replace Ault for a term that begins Jan. 1.
Either Whitney or Badnell will replace former Judge Frank Ardis Jr., who was first appointed to the bench in 2010 and was subsequently re-elected. Ardis died in office in September at age 74.
Despite the fact Badnell (Republican) and Whitney (Democrat) were nominated through the party process, the general election is considered non-partisan and their party affiliations will not be listed on the ballot.
(Below is the first evening of Richland Source Candidate Conversations. The live interview with candidates for Mansfield Municipal Court judge begins at 59:06. It was recorded on Oct. 25 at Idea Works in downtown Mansfield.)
A Mansfield Municipal Court judge earned $151,377 in 2023, a salary paid through state and local funds, according to the City of Mansfield finance director’s office.
Mansfield Municipal Court has jurisdiction over all of Richland County, with the exception of Shelby, Shiloh, Plymouth (Richland County), and six northern townships. The court handles traffic, misdemeanor criminal and smaller civil cases.
It also handles initial phases of some felony criminal cases.
Here is a look at Badnell and Whitney.
David Badnell
The 55-year-old Badnell lives on Woodside Boulevard in Lexington. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from The Ohio State University in 1991 and a law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1994.
He has operated a private legal practice for more than 20 years. His wife, Kelly, is the current Richland County Probate Court Judge.
“The Mansfield Municipal Court is a high-volume court, seeing approximately 20,000 cases per year,” Badnell said.
“It is this high volume of cases that makes the position attractive to me.
“Whether it is diverting a person away from more serious crimes, or insuring that a person receives a fair trial in a civil matter, each case presents an opportunity to make a positive impact on that individual’s life,” Badnell said.
In his private practice, Badnell has been admitted to work in courts that include Ohio, Kentucky, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. District Courts of Northern and Southern Ohio.
He has specialized in cases such as social security disability, personal injury, divorce, and civil litigation.
If elected, Badnell said he will focus on three “A’s:” — Attendance, Accountability and Accessability.
“I will work full-time to make certain the court is staffed five days a week,” he said.
“Criminals will be held accountable for their actions. I do not support revolving door justice,” he said.
“My door will be open, and friendly, for attorneys and officials to access me,” Badnell said.
He cited his experience as the biggest difference between he and his opponent.
“I have over 20 years of experience managing a practice with multiple offices and 20-plus employees,” Badnell said.
“My private practice encompasses vast trial experience, representing both plaintiffs and defendants.
“As the parent of two teenage children, I am deeply invested in the safety and security of this community. I look forward to serving the residents of Mansfield and Richland County,” Badnell said.
M. Lore Whitney
The 61-year-old Whitney lives on Maxwell Road in Lexington. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology/health/physical education from Heidelberg College in 1984.
Whitney then earned a master’s degree in animal science from Murray State University in 1986 and a law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1991.
While maintaining a private practice with the firm of Inscore, Rinehardt, Whitney and Enderle, Whitney said she is familiar with the workings of Mansfield Municipal Court, having worked as a part-time magistrate in the court since 2019.
“I have had the opportunity to practice a variety of law,” Whitney said.
“Being a magistrate, I understand the workings of Mansfield Municipal Court. I have handled many aspects of Municipal Court, including civil, criminal, traffic and felony matters,” she said.
“The learning curve to take over (as judge) would be small,” Whitney said.
An active member of the Lexington Athletic Boosters Club and the family farm, Whitney said she wants to make an impact in the courtroom and beyond.
“As a judge, I have the ability to impact people’s lives, not just in the case in front of me, but in the things I choose to do off the bench,” she said.
Whitney also cites the fact she is a life-long area resident, saying she is “from the area, for the are.”
Whitney said treatment courts will be a key issue for her as judge, “specifically to encompass more providers for mental health court.”
She said she would work to educate defendants who need assistance with getting a valid driver’s license and insurance needed to operate a vehicle.
Whitney said she would also work with either Kemerer or Mayer to “make the court more cohesive.”