News
Biddlestone Officially Files As Candidate For Common Pleas Court Judge
By: Athens Messenger staff reports
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Bill Biddlestone, of Athens, officially filed his petition for candidate for the position of Athens County Common Pleas Court Judge on Tuesday. The position is currently held by Judge L. Alan Goldsberry, who will be retiring at the end of his current term, which ends in February of 2015.
“I believe that with my nearly 30 years of trial practice and experience working with the Courts and clients, I can be a valuable member of the Athens County judiciary,” he said in a news release.
As previously reported, Goldsberry’s seat is also being fought for by Todd Grace, who currently works as a private attorney along with his work as the county juvenile and probate magistrate, something he was asked to do by Juvenile Court Judge Robert Stewart.
Athens City Law Director Patrick Lang may also run, but he could not be reached by The Messenger’s deadline.
Herman Carson, of Millfield, is running for the unexpired term currently being filled by acting Judge George McCarthy. McCarthy was appointed to the seat when Michael Ward announced his retirement. Carson is currently with the Athens County Public Defender’s Office. McCarthy said Tuesday he has not yet filed, but he also intends to run.
Due to the age limitations, Biddlestone would only be allowed to serve one term as judge, if he were to win the seat, but he said he would make the most of his term in Goldsberry’s place.
“I think I’m qualified to perform those duties, more qualified than the other candidates,” he added.
According to a news release, Biddlestone, a Democrat, has been practicing law in Athens County since 1989 and has been admitted to the Ohio bar since 1984. Biddlestone, 62, has served as the Athens County Prosecuting Attorney and as an Athens and Nelsonville City prosecutor. He has been engaged in the private practice of law representing civil and criminal clients for more than 15 years.
Biddlestone is a past president of the Athens County Bar Association, was a Democrat appointee and chairman of the Athens County Board of Elections, board member and past chairman of the Athens County Red Cross Chapter, has served on the board of the United Seniors of Athens and was one of the founding members and chairman of the Athens Area Mediation Service. While an Athens County Prosecutor, Biddlestone was recognized for his outstanding victim advocacy by My Sister’s Place.
Biddlestone states he would like to continue to provide a fair and impartial bench to the citizens of Athens County. Furthermore, Biddlestone would like to provide increased online access to the court and court documents by citizens as wells as attorneys.
According to the Athens County Board of Election, the deadline to for partial candidates is Feb. 5. The deadline for an independent candidate is May 5.