Recently retired Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge Elizabeth Thomakos says her successor has a challenging job ahead.
Thomakos retired last week after 27 years on the bench to dedicate more time to family and other pursuits. She is proud of her time, particularly helping to establish a drug court 20 years ago that directed offenders toward treatment and recovery. At least a dozen program graduates visited Thomakos during her final week on the bench.
However, she says the cases have gotten more difficult in recent years – from passing bad checks and stealing credit cards in her early days to drugs and more violent crimes. She knows the next Common Pleas Court Judge will need help to cope with the pain and heartbreak that crosses in front of the bench.
Retired Judge Ed O’Farrell will temporarily fill in until Governor Mike DeWine appoints a replacement. The appointed judge would then have to run for the seat in this year’s general election and again in two years when Thomakos’s term expires.
Up next for Thomakos is a role in the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County’s late winter production of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” She says the musical comedy will be a sharp contrast from some of the sad cases that have played out in front of her bench in recent years.
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