Candidates for Washington County Common Pleas Judge Mark Kerenyi and Randy Burnworth declared after filing to run that their race would be a friendly one.
We also think it will be a close one.
Both men are intelligent, capable and have a wealth of experience they can bring to the bench.
They're both invested in the community and give a lot of their time and energy to local organizations and causes.
With two strong contenders, we think no matter who wins, the court will be left in capable hands when Judge Susan Boyer retires.
However, we think Kerenyi would be the ideal person for the job.
He has a calm, steady personality and even-keeled temperament we think will serve him very well as a judge. We think he'll be fair, thorough and tough when needed.
Having spent eight years as a magistrate for the Washington County Common Pleas Court in the probate and juvenile division, Kerenyi does have more judicial experience than his opponent, particularly when it comes to criminal cases. He also previously spent six years as a Washington County assistant prosecutor.
As a magistrate in the juvenile court, Kerenyi works on cases with youth offenders that are sometimes very similar to cases with adult offenders that take place in common pleas court. They're of varied topics, across the board. We think his experience there will greatly aid him if he makes the transition to common pleas judge.
Burnworth, though he has tried more varied cases as a private practice attorney, has spent his four years as a magistrate overseeing mostly divorces and dissolutions, domestic and anti-stalking protection orders and custody hearings. While important and also good experience, it may not be as broad of an experience as Kerenyi has had.
Serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, including time in Operation Desert Storm, Kerenyi said he understands the importance of freedom and the constitution, and that will help make him a good judge.
We think he would serve the people of Washington County well.
