Tess Neff Running For Lakewood Municipal Judge

LAKEWOOD, OH — Councilperson Tess Neff has announced her candidacy for judge of the Lakewood Municipal Court.

Neff is currently the Ward 1 City Council representative. She has also served on the Lakewood Preschool PTA, the Lakewood YMCA Board and the Beck Center for the Arts Engagement Committee. She also has legal experience in multiple Northeast Ohio courts.

"As a magistrate for 10 years in the Lakewood Municipal Court and 12 years in the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Juvenile Division Court I have made many difficult and important judicial decisions on criminal and civil cases that directly impact individuals’ lives," she said. "Like a judge, a magistrate must apply the law, consider community safety and victims' rights, all while ensuring equal and fair treatment to the individuals appearing in court."

Neff noted her experience as a court administration for the Juvenile Court, saying it would help her manage expenses in a single-judge municipal court. She also touted her experience coming from a low-income family and feels she can ensure everyone has a voice in court.

"My well-rounded legal career as a practicing attorney, police officer, magistrate, court administrator and councilwoman, all required skills that will be directly applicable if I am elected the first woman judge in Lakewood. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the community in a judicial capacity," she said.

Neff has lived in Lakewood for more than three decades with her husband Rich. The couple raised three children in the city.

The Lakewood primary election will be held Sept. 14, 2021.

Sara Fagnilli announced her candidacy for Lakewood Judge in December.