Clark County GOP committee seeking applications for appointment to judge seat

The Clark County Republican Party is accepting nominations to replace a longtime local judge who recently resigned due to health problems.

Clark County Municipal Court Judge Eugene S. Nevius has served the area since 1981, but recently submitted a letter of resignation, citing health concerns. His departure will allow Ohio Gov. John Kasich to appoint a replacement, a move that is expected to occur before the end of this year.

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There will be a special election next year to determine who will fill the seat for the remainder of this term. Voters elect municipal court judges in odd-numbered years. Stephen Nevius,a local attorney and the judge's son, recently told the News-Sun it was the right time for his father to step down after a long career in Clark County.

The local Republican party has organized a judicial screening committee to gather applications for the position. That committee will make recommendations to the Clark County Republican Party Central Committee, nominating at least three potential candidates to serve as judge until the special election.

Information from the judicial screening committee shows applicants are asked to submit a completed application by 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29.

Voters elect municipal court judges in odd-numbered years.

Nevius was first appointed as a judge in 1981. He won subsequent elections, including to his latest six-year term in 2015.

“Due to ongoing health concerns, I have decided to retire from my position as Municipal Court Judge, effective Oct. 1st, 2018,” the judge said in a letter to the state. “It has been my honor to serve the Springfield and Clark County community in this capacity since 1981.”

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The resignation has been planned for some time, but the judge wanted to take the time to set a date for retirement and make sure everything was in order before officially submitting the letter, Stephen Nevius said.

Information from the Clark County Republican Party shows the screening committee conduct a background check on applicants including any public records that may be available from the Springfield Police Division and local courts. Candidates for Nevius’ position will be interviewed on Nov. 10, and no alternative dates will be provided.

The party’s central committee will have access to material compiled by the screening committee, said Dan Harkins, chairman of the Clark County Executive Committee. The Republican Party’s Central Committee is expected to meet on Nov. 15.

Harkins said any qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

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