Endorsed by the Akron Beacon Journal

For the Akron Municipal Court: Annalisa Williams

"Judge Annalisa Williams has spent the past eight years on the Akron Municipal Court. She now is seeking her second, full six-year term. She has put together a strong record, reflecting, more than anything, the understanding that here is a venue for redirecting lives — before they plunge deeper into trouble with the law. Many candidates for the municipal court talk about such a purpose. Few judges seek to fulfill the role with the determination and commitment of Williams.

We recommend the re-election of Annalisa Williams on Nov. 8.

Ask Williams about her work on the bench, and, more than likely, she will talk first about her role presiding at the mental health court. This is a challenging area for the criminal justice system as a whole. Williams understands the complexities, for instance, defendants not only afflicted with mental illness but often dealing with drug problems. She brings a solid combination of compassion and practicality, embracing the contribution such specialty courts and alternative sentences can make for individuals and the community.

A large part of the municipal court is making the process run smoothly. Williams does her part in this realm, too, handling well those who come before her and seeing fully the mission of the court. She has earned another term.

Her opponent is Candace Kim Knox, an Akron attorney with a private practice largely involving criminal defense work. She is smart, engaging and involved in the community, for instance, as a board member of the Community AIDS Network and White Hat Management. What Knox does not have is a persuasive case for ousting a judge as effective as Williams.

The Akron Municipal Court covers the cities of Akron and Fairlawn, the townships of Bath, Richfield and Springfield, the villages of Richfield and Lakemore and part of Mogadore." - ABJ