Smiley Ousley, Bobette
Candidate for Judge, Cleveland Municipal Court Full Term Commencing 1/5/06
Biographical Information
Address:
9006 Empire Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44108
Current Occupation:
Attorney/Magistrate, Cleveland Municipal Court
Education:
Glenville High School, Cleveland, Ohio
Howard University, Washington, D.C. BA, Political Science
Howard University School of Law, Washington, D.C. JD
Please answer the following questions in no more than 300 words.
1. Why are you the best candidate for office?
Because of my extensive experience with the Cleveland Municipal Court. I have been an attorney for 30 years. I began my career with the Cleveland Municipal Court in l976 as an Assistant City Prosecutor, trying cases for the city before the Judges of the Cleveland Municipal Court. In l984, I was appointed by the Judges as Small Claims Referee, hearing small claims matters and any other civil matters referred by the Judges of the Cleveland Municipal Court. In l987, I was appointed Traffic Referee/Magistrate, hearing traffic cases daily, along with criminal misdemeanor arraignments. As a magistrate, I have substituted for Judges at the Court, hearing their criminal dockets. In l994, I was appointed a Judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court, where I served the City of Cleveland, hearing all cases assigned to me, criminal and civil, presiding over jury trials and performing marriages. I currently serve a General Magistrate, hearing primarily traffic matters again. I have a reputation as a very fair, open, conscientious judicial officer who treats everyone equally, but definitely. I pride myself on my ability to educate those who appear before me about the justice system. I'd like to continue my public service as an elected Judge.
2. If elected or re-elected, what are your top three (3) priorities and why?
1. Participate in the training and assignment of employees, especially bailiffs. 2. Become acquainted with the new Case Management System (to be instituted in 2006) which hopefully will consolidate all named parties' cases to the same Judge, and ensure all cases are present in the courtroom on the specific court date. 3. Establish a few new programs or projects that will help make the court more public user friendly and more efficient.
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