Fete declares candidacy for judge in Court of Common Pleas

Citing a need to fill the void being left by retiring Judge Edward E. O’Farrell, New Philadelphia law director Marvin Fete declared his candidacy for judge in the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas.

“I was always impressed with Judge O’Farrell’s integrity and how he treated everyone in his courtroom with dignity, respect and fairness,” Fete said. “That is something that I want to continue because it is how I have always treated the people that come to see me.”

Fete said he also is running to protect families. “My children face a much more dangerous world than the one I grew up in. As law director for the City of New Philadelphia, I work closely with police and safety forces, and I understand the importance of protecting our community and keeping it safe. I want that for all the families in Tuscarawas County.”

Elected New Philadelphia law director in 2011, Fete’s office prosecuted approximately 3,500 criminal cases each year. He said that is over seven times more cases than the county prosecutor’s office, and a large majority of those cases involve drug and alcohol abuse.

As law director, Fete is widely known for securing a grant to bring the first full-time crime victim’s advocate to the New Philadelphia Municipal Court. His other accomplishments include streamlining the legal procedures to make it easier to tear down dilapidated and unsafe buildings in the community and helping New Philadelphia to build the first new fire station in 111 years.

Fete brings nearly 20 years of courtroom experience to the position, having served on all sides of the bench as a prosecutor, public defender and private-practice attorney with his own law firm.

“I am the only candidate with that breadth of experience,” Fete said. “I want to bring that knowledge to the position of judge and serve the citizens of Tuscarawas County.”

A lifelong resident of New Philadelphia, Fete said public service and giving back to his community are values he holds.

“When I took the oath of office to become law director, my children held my grandmother’s Bible, and I placed my hand on the passage which read, ‘To whom much is given, much will be required,’” Fete said.

In addition to serving as law director, Fete has served for several years on the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee at First Baptist Church in Dover and coaches his children in the New Philadelphia Youth Soccer League. He also contributes and volunteers in the local school system and has been an adjunct professor.

“I love Tuscarawas County and welcome the solemn responsibility to help safeguard and protect it. As judge I will be tough but fair and protect the rights of all people,” Fete said.

Fete and his wife, Louisa, have two children: Buddy, age 8, and Ryder, age 6. The family attends Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Philadelphia.

Visit www.MarvinFeteforJudge.com to learn more about his campaign.