Judge Tone devoted to job

Editor's note: Several Erie County officials ran unopposed during the most recent election. The Register reached out to four of them, asking each about their recent achievements and upcoming goals. • Friday: Erie County Common Pleas Court Judge Roger Binette • This weekend: Erie County Common Pleas Court Judge Tygh Tone • Monday: Erie County auditor Rick Jeffrey • Tuesday: Erie County commissioner Steve Shoffner SANDUSKY — An Erie County judge reaffirmed an oath he first gave in 2005 to continuously serve his electorate dutifully and faithfully. Judge Tygh Tone, who presides in the Erie County Common Pleas Court, ran unopposed in the election earlier this month, guaranteeing him another six-year term. Tone answered several questions about the proudest moments recently taking place in his office. He also addressed some goals set for himself to accomplish during his next term, starting in 2023. • Why he's running again: "I am running for another term of office because I love my position as a judge and feel that I can continue to serve the community with fair and impartial justice in all the cases that come before me." • Biggest achievements, part 1: "My greatest achievements in the past term would probably depend on who you ask. I have handled most of the capital/death penalty cases effectively and efficiently." • Biggest achievements, part 2: "And I have continued to decide cases fairly and effectively. One recent example would be a decision that was found in favor of Cedar Point on the issue of how they handled their season passes during the pandemic. That decision was recently upheld by the Ohio Supreme Court unanimously." • Biggest achievements, part 3: "Lastly, as an administrative judge, I was in charge of handling the policies and procedures during the pandemic. I worked closely with health commissioner Pete Schade in an effort to keep the court accessible to the public during the crisis we all faced." • Top goals, part 1: "As the administrative judge, I have many responsibilities that include overseeing the adult probation department. I plan to continue to grow the adult probation department with better pay to ensure officers have longevity. I also will promote case plans for probationers that encourage accountability and self-sufficiency with the goal for individuals to become contributing members of our community." • Top goals, part 2: "Some of the goals I would like to achieve during my next term are to continue to find innovative methods to resolve cases whether civil, criminal or domestic relations in an expeditious manner." • Top goals, part 3: "I have helped begin and currently preside over Erie County's specialized drug court that helps high-risk/high-need individuals enter into sobriety and recovery. I hope to expand Erie County's specialized drug court to include not only people with substance abuse disorders but also the mental health aspect that is so often intertwined." • Top goals, part 4: "The biggest challenge in the future as an Erie County common pleas judge is to educate myself and my staff to stay current with policies and procedures that correspond with the ever-changing times and changing technologies. My goal is for the court to stay fresh and innovative." • In closing: "This job is a humbling experience. It comes with awesome responsibilities as each decision can affect so many. Because of that, I take this job very seriously. Every day presents itself with different issues to be resolved. My staff and I want this court to be a place that lawyers and their clients know that they get a fair shake. All parties in any case know that their story will be heard and that a reasoned decision will be made. I want jurors to know that their service is recognized as a huge commitment and, at the conclusion of their service, jurors leave feeling satisfied that they have accomplished a very important civic duty. Ultimately, this court should be viewed as a place where differences can be heard and resolved promptly."