To the editor:

I have received multiple campaign fliers at my home from a Danielle Menning, candidate for county municipal court, claiming that she has been endorsed by “the Columbiana County Republicans.” This claim is accompanied by the Republican Party elephant logo, making the claim of endorsement appear official.

I have looked into this matter, however, and have found that this claim is absolutely false. In fact, the County Republican Party has a process for vetting candidates and endorsing them. And the County Republican Party actually endorsed Judge Kelly Linger for this seat, the incumbent Columbiana County Municipal Court Judge. Judge Kelly won this endorsement with 84% of the committee’s vote.

Ms. Menning has also been making exaggerated claims as to how many years of legal experience she has as an attorney alleging that she has 15 years of “legal experience.” The facts of the matter are that she has only seven years of “practicing legal experience.” So, she actually only has one year more than the minimum number of six years required by Ohio law to even serve as a judge.

Judge Linger, on the other hand, has 18 years of “practicing legal experience.” She has presided in over 3,000 judicial hearings and has handled over 1,000 felony cases. She is heads and shoulders more qualified for this position of county court judge than her opponent.

It disturbs me that a candidate running for the office of judge would stoop to these levels of deception. Now more than ever, I would expect more of somebody wanting to be elected as a judge at any level.

Gary D. Bonnell

East Liverpool