Though perhaps the most unknown race among the CWRU community—due to its local scale and its non-partisan runnings—is that for the Court of Common Pleas. This is the main county-level trial court, responsible for felony, divorce and juvenile cases. The Observer gave candidates the opportunity to write a brief statement, no more than 100 words, about why students should vote for them. The statements of those who gave comment are below:
Joy Kennedy (Endorsed Democrat): “Hello, CWRU students! I’m Magistrate Joy Kennedy, and I’m running to serve as a Common Pleas Court Judge. I believe in spreading J.O.Y.—Judicial Optimism for our community—where the court is transparent, accessible, and empathetic to everyone it serves. I envision a court where students, and every citizen, feels heard and respected, ensuring justice is fair and accessible. Your vote is vital in building a courtroom that values the community’s voice and fosters trust. Join me in shaping a judiciary that reflects our values—because this court should serve you.”
Ami Imbrogno (Endorsed Republican): “Not only do I bring experience in a wide variety of areas of law to the bench, but I am also intelligent and determined. As a full-time litigator, I became frustrated with the lack of attention judges pay to my clients and decided to run so that I could be the change I’d like to see. My campaign is not based on buzzwords or cute slogans, but I have specific plans, shaped by my experience as a magistrate, for ensuring that each person before the court gets the attention he or she deserves, and in a timely fashion.”
Joan Synenberg (Endorsed Republican): “The reason I went to law school was to learn how to help people. Thirty-five years later, I gratefully reflect on 16 years as a trial lawyer and 20 years as a Common Pleas Judge in Cuyahoga County. In my tenure on the bench, I have presided over Mental Health court, pioneered expungement education programs, established a Pro Bono Collaborative, to which I invite all law students to participate, and preside over the first Ohio Supreme Court certified Human Trafficking Recovery Court. I invite CWRU students to call (216) 443-8671 if they wish to obtain first-hand experience working with clients, and to visit my website www.reelectjudgejoansynenberg.com.”
Daryl T. Dennie (Endorsed Democrat) did not provide a comment to The Observer.
Cassandra Collier-Williams (Endorsed Democrat): “1. Experience: I have been an attorney for 33 years. I have been a judge for 12 years. Before I ascended to the bench, I had a well-rounded practice in civil and criminal law. That experience helps me to know the issues that come before me as a judge.
- Ground breaker: I am just the second African American male or female to be elected to the Court of Common Pleas, General Division without having first been appointed by the Governor, or served on a different judicial bench. I am just the fourth African American female to ever be elected to the Court of Common Pleas, General Division in the history of the court.
- Mentor: I act as mentor to new judges and lawyers and law students across the State of Ohio. 4. Educator: I teach Continuing Legal Education classes for Attorneys and Judges. I teach for the Ohio Judicial College.
- Compassionate: I believe in being fair and impartial and exercising common sense.”
Jason Ralls (Endorsed Republican) did not provide a comment to The Observer.
Kira Krivosh (Endorsed Democrat): “For over three years I served as a magistrate, presiding over complex civil and quasi-criminal cases that can change the course of families’ lives. I always strive to find the best outcome for the entire community. Over the course of my nearly 15-year legal career, I have developed a deep understanding of the law and how to apply it. I also serve on several nonprofit boards and use that experience to connect the people who come before me to supportive services. My unique experience will allow me to be an effective, fair, and efficient judge.”
Timothy W. Clary (Endorsed Republican): “I was appointed to this seat and took office in January 2024. I am running to keep this position. Students should vote for people who have valuable EXPERIENCE serving in the courtrooms over which they seek to preside. My experience as a trial attorney for more than a decade in this courthouse is significant and unmatched by my opponent. In fact, my opponent has NEVER handled a felony criminal court case or civil case in this division. I’ve handled and presided over thousands of civil and criminal matters in this court. First in civil litigation, representing real people, businesses, and labor and law enforcement groups. Next as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Office of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, handling the same kinds of cases I preside over now. After eight years there, I served as a member of the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office, representing people accused of a crime. As judge in this court, I now preside over the very matters I handled for so long. And I’m proud that lawyers from all political backgrounds agree I am doing the job well.”
Antonio S. Nicholson (Endorsed Republican): “Throughout my career, I have worked to uphold fairness, integrity, and respect for the law. I believe that a judge’s role is not just to administer justice but to uphold the law with compassion and firmness—ensuring public safety while also recognizing when rehabilitation is the best path forward. Our community deserves a judge who can strike the right balance—one who holds offenders accountable while also offering second chances to those ready to make positive changes.”
My experience has prepared me to assess each case thoughtfully, looking beyond charges to consider the full context and potential for productive futures.”
Kevin J. Kelley (Endorsed Dem and CWRU alumnus) did not provide a comment to The Observer.
Mollie Ann Murphy (Endorsed Democrat) and Tim Hess (Endorsed Republican) did not provide a comment to The Observer.
There are also many positions in the Court of Common Pleas and one for prosecuting attorney that are not competitive and only have one individual running. Those individuals were not asked for comment since they’re running unopposed.