Thursday, October 28, 1999
Family court candidates state cases
BY KRISTINA GOETZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BURLINGTON — One of the few contested races on Tuesday — in fact the only contested race in Boone County besides a symbolic race for railroad commissioner — is the race for Family Court Judge in Boone and Gallatin counties.
Incumbent Judge Linda Bramlage, who was appointed to the new court by Gov. Paul Patton in August 1998, is challenged by Boone County attorney Larry Crigler.
With Election Day less than a week away, both say they are making as many door-to-door stops as possible. Predictions of low voter turnout worry both candidates.
“I'm trying to touch every person that votes all the time,” Judge Bramlage said. “Those are the only people coming out.”
The court seat — called the Boone County Circuit, 54th Judicial Circuit, Second Division — was one of three formed last year by the Kentucky General Assembly.
The court deals specifically with family-related issues such as divorce, domestic violence, child support, paternity cases, adoption, and abuse and neglect in Boone and Gallatin counties.
In a poll conducted by the Northern Kentucky Bar Association that was released last week, Mr. Crigler was rated “highly recommended” or “recommended” by 81 percent of the 177 attorneys responding to the poll. Judge Bramlage was rated “highly recommended” or recommended by 65 percent of the lawyers.
Mr. Crigler said the poll shows that after 26 years as a prosecutor, his peers see he has integrity and good character.
“That kind of reputation among your peers is good for anybody,” he said. “You've got to be proud of that.”
Judge Bramlage said: “It's (the poll) like a popularity contest and he won, I guess. But that's not the race that counts.”
Judge Bramlage is the first woman to sit on the circuit court bench in the 54th judicial circuit and is one of only 17 women who hold circuit judge positions across the commonwealth. She began practicing law in 1989 and concentrated her practice in the area of family law.
Since her appointment 14 months ago, she has heard, on average, up to 500 cases each month.
“The position calls for someone who is well-organized and knowledgeable,” Judge Bramlage said. “I love the work. I feel like I can really help and make a difference in people's lives.”
Judge Bramlage also was instrumental in bringing Families in Transition, a divorce-education program for parents and children, to Boone and Gallatin counties.
This family court is the first of three statewide to adopt the program.
Mr. Crigler has served as the Boone County attorney for 22 years, and before being elected to that position, he was an assistant county attorney and a public defender. As county attorney, he prosecutes cases on behalf of the commonwealth in Boone District Court and represents the county, the fiscal court and county officials in civil cases.
He also has a private practice in Burlington.
Mr. Crigler said he has many years experience in the domestic relations field including domestic violence and stalking cases.
He has also coached youth sports.
“Whether it's coaching youth sports or something similar you get a perspective about how to handle family situations,” he said. “It's not practicing law, but it gives you insight.”
It's important for people to vote in this election since the court deals with family issues, Judge Bramlage said.
“I would think that they would want to choose the judge they come before,” she said. “Going out and voting is the only way to do that.”
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