Maley seeks Common Pleas bench in Nov. 3 election

Latoya S. Maley, a magistrate at Hamilton County Juvenile Court, is running for Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division, in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Robert A. Goering.

Asked why she is seeking the bench, Maley said in our candidate questionnaire: "I believe that the bench needs to have individuals from the community who understand the realities faced by the people they serve and who will approach each case with fairness, integrity, compassion, and respect for the law."

Candidate information

Occupation and work history: "I have worked in the Hamilton County Courts for more than 13 years. I began my legal career as a legal intern with the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts. After becoming licensed to practice law, I served as a trial attorney with the Hamilton County Public Defender's Office, representing members of this community for more than 8½ years in both Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas. For nearly four years, I have presided as a Magistrate in Juvenile Court, where I hear cases involving youth and their families," Maley said in our questionnaire.

Education: "As a Cincinnati Public Schools alumnus and graduate of Withrow High School, I have deep roots in the community I seek to serve. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Kentucky University and my J.D. from Salmon P. Chase College of Law."

Family: "Proud mother of both little boys and pups."

Previous elected or appointed office: "None. I am a first time candidate running for a Judicial seat in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas."

Party affiliation: "I have been endorsed by the Hamilton County Democratic Party."

Experience and public service

Asked what sets her apart from other candidates, Maley said in our questionnaire: "Prior to serving on the bench as a Magistrate, I spent several years working as a trial attorney for the Public Defender's Office in Hamilton County. In that role, I represented thousands of people in this community and tried hundreds of cases, including jury trials, in both Municipal Court and the Court of Common Pleas."

On the issues

How Juvenile Court experience carries over to Common Pleas: "Serving as a Magistrate in Juvenile Court has strengthened my judicial temperament and the importance of making thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions because those decisions can have a lasting impact on the lives of children, families, and the community," Maley said in our questionnaire. "This experience has reinforced my commitment to listening carefully, applying the law fairly, and approaching every matter with patience, compassion, and accountability."

Reducing delays and improving fairness: "I believe that I currently operate a very efficient docket, and I would bring those practices to the Hamilton County Courts to reduce delays and improve fairness. Specifically, I would continue to use technology, scheduling orders, and stagger dockets as I do now," Maley said in our questionnaire.

Best advice: "Treat all people with respect because people will remember how you treated them."