Robert Montgomery ... the only candidate with judicial experience.

Photo from February, 2021

Experience Matters

Former Judge Montgomery was responsible for the probate needs of approximately 1.4 million people of Franklin County.
Former Judge Montgomery created the first public guardian in Ohio, the Franklin County Guardianship Services Board, which became a model program for other counties in Ohio.
Former Judge Montgomery created the first Court Legal Resource Center where a licensed independent attorney helps others with probate matters with no legal fees charged.
Former Judge Montgomery created the first Limited Guardianship for Mental Health Care Purposes.
Former Judge Montgomery created the first Outpatient Commitment Court to support people receiving mental health treatment in the community
As the former Probate Judge, Rob Montgomery managed 8 full-time magistrates, 2 part-time job sharing magistrates, 4 special magistrates, a staff of approximately 50 probate clerks, and a rotation of students participating in internships.
During his tenure as the sitting Probate Judge from 2011 through 2021, former Judge Montgomery and his team presided over 168,971 individual cases, and issued 82,698 marriage licenses.
Former Judge Montgomery developed a business continuity plan to ensure the Probate Court remained open during the pandemic.
The plan included employees working a split shift remotely to ensure the Probate Court remained open to serve the public, while keeping the public and employees safe.

WHY VOTE FOR ROBERT MONTGOMERY?

How would you describe your judicial philosophy? My judicial philosophy revolves around interpreting the law not making the law. Judicial restraint is one of the most important qualities a judge must possess. Judicial officers must treat others how they would want to be treated. Judicial officers must conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on the judicial process.
What professional experiences, qualifications, accomplishments, character traits, and/or training do you have that would be helpful for this office? My professional experience as a Common Pleas Judge for over 10 years is most helpful because as an Appellate Court Judge I would be reviewing the work of lower court judges. Having been a lower court judge is an important experience that would serve me well as an Appellate Court Judge. While serving as a Common Pleas Judge I received several awards (local, state and national). I received the Isabella award in Savannah, GA February of 2021. I was the only judge in the state of Ohio to receive this national award for a new innovative guardianship program I started that has become a statewide model for other judges. I have a good educational background, having graduated from law school with distinction. I also received the ”American Jurisprudence Award” for finishing #1 in my class for business/corporate law. In addition to my previous judicial background and educational background, I also have extensive private sector business experience. While attending law school in the evenings at Capitol, I founded a wireless cable company to help offset my growing student law school debt. I started with 1 employee (me) and grew the company to 12 offices in 5 states and in the Virgin Islands, employing 230 people and average $5- $8 million in annual gross sales. I was still able to graduate with distinction despite working long hours. I have a deep appreciation for the private sector and all the challenges that come with it. In short, I have a good mix of judicial, administrative and private sector business experience.
Are there any qualities you think you excel at? If so, please list which ones below: INNOVATION! My record is strong and speaks for itself. I have won numerous awards for innovative judicial solutions during my years in office. In 2019, I was the only judge in the State of Ohio to receive the Judicial Excellence Award. I received the Distinguished Service Award in 2019 from the statewide Ohio Guardianship Association. I created the first Outpatient Commitment Court program in Franklin County for which I was awarded the Charleta Tavares Champion Award in 2016.I received the Public Elected Official of the Year award in 2016 from the National Association of Social Workers of Ohio, Chapter Region V for developing the first public guardian system in the state of Ohio – the Franklin County Guardianship Service Board. I received the Meritorious Service Award from the Ohio Association of Probate Judges in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

ROBERT MONTGOMERY ... the beginning

Born the third of three children to Bill & Sue Montgomery, Robert had the benefit of growing up in a small, rural community (McComb, OH) while also experiencing (briefly) life in a big city (Houston) during middle school.

He graduated from McComb High School in 1984, received his Bachelor's degree in 1989 from Bowling Green State University and in 1996, received his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School. While working toward his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate, he began a wireless cable company that employed over 200 people in 5 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. After completing his studies, he had a title company, and had a private law practice.

His public service work began in 1998 after winning election to the Republican State Central Committee for the Ohio 3rd Senate District. In 2000 he won his first countywide race as Recorder and won re-election in 2004 and 2008. He served as County Recorder until 2010.

His tenure as Franklin County Probate Judge began in January of 2010, and concluded in December of 2021.