Kevin Dunn holds on to Juvenile Court judge seat

MEDINA — Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Dunn retained his seat Tuesday night against Democratic challenger Kimberly Oliver, a private attorney and Medina Township resident. Dunn defeated Oliver 57 percent to 43 percent, or 47,019 votes versus 35,553, according to unofficial results from the Medina County Board of Elections. Dunn, a Republican from Westfrield Center, has served as judge since his 2013 appointment. Prior to becoming judge, he maintained a private law practice for 22 years. His career has also included stints as an assistant Medina city prosecutor and acting judge for the Wadsworth Municipal Court. "I'm very appreciative that the people of Medina have granted me the ability to do another six-year term," he said. "In this very unusual year, it's been very difficult to get yourself out there and meet people because of COVID. We did what we needed to do and I think this is a mandate that says we're doing a good job. I'm ready to get back to work." Probate and Juvenile Court presides over matters including adoptions and guardianships, estates, trusts, marriage licenses, neglected and abused children, custody disputes and juvenile traffic matters. Medina County's Juvenile Drug Court has repeatedly been commended and certified by the Ohio Supreme Court, blending traditional legal measures, counseling and family involvement. Dunn said areas of focus for his new term will include expansion of the county's TI-180 teen intervention and Take Control safe driving programs, helping volunteer guardians find new ways to connect with the community amid COVID-19 protocols, and implementation of a new case management system. "We're working on some new juvenile justice measures and some new things to bring into our detention center," he said. "Some development has been delayed with everything going on. On the probate side, the push with volunteer guardianship is very important because many people have been left out in the cold by COVID. We need to develop some new alternatives so they can feel involved with the people they're working with." The judge also wished his opponent well. "She ran a very good, clean race that anyone can be proud of," Dunn said. "I wish her the best of luck. I hope we get an opportunity to work together in the future." Oliver has practiced as a private attorney in Medina County for a number of years and became a Medina Township resident in 2012. That move from Akron came with the start of work as a public magistrate in Medina and Summit County courts. In addition, she's held positions with numerous local organizations including the American Association of University Women Medina Branch, the Medina Community Police Academy Alumni Association and Medina Diversity Project. This was her first time running for public office. Oliver's 43 percent share of the vote ended up as the best showing for any Democrat in a Medina County partisan race and represented an 8 percent gain over Dunn's 2013 opponent. "While ultimately disappointed with the result, I think this vote shows that people in Medina County want options and that no one can look at an elected position as a right or legacy," she said. "I feel like it was a good showing against an incumbent and for anyone's first time running for office." "I'm encouraged by the process and the support from the community," Oliver added. "I congratulate Judge Dunn on a hard fought race. Who the voters want in office can change at any time, so I think it's the responsibility of any judge to recognize themselves as a public servant." Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330) 721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.