“I am Living the American Dream"
Judge Sharon Kennedy Addresses GOP Women
By Lyn Bliss, Senior Scribe 

Photo: Judge Sharon Kennedy at the Darke County Republican Women’s Club. L. Bliss photo. 

GREENVILLE –  “I am living the American Dream. I realize that many people believe that the way things are going in this country, and in this state, that the American Dream is about to be extinguished. But, I am here to say that I am living proof of the American Dream. And, I am, because my parents were working people. 

“If anyone had once said, when I was in junior high school, you have the ability to become a lawyer, become a judge and go to the Ohio Supreme Court, I would have told them, look, I think you’ve got the wrong girl. My parents aren’t doctors, my parents aren’t lawyers, I think that is beyond my roots. But, you know what? It’s not. Anything you want to do in this country, you can do it. And that is the blessing of living the American life.” said Judge Sharon Kennedy, of the Butler County Domestic Relations Court. 

Judge Kennedy, vying for the Republican endorsement to be its Ohio Supreme Court candidate in 2012, was the featured speaker at the September meeting of the Darke County Republican Women’s Club. 

Judge Kennedy, a native of Hamilton County, was previously a police and crime prevention officer for the City of Hamilton, and Director of the Victim/Witness Division of the Common Pleas Court. 

Judge Kennedy earned her law degree from the University of Cincinnati. After obtaining her Juris Doctor degree, she maintained a private practice from 1991 to 1999, during which time she served as: General Counsel for Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #38, Special Counsel for the Ohio Attorney, General’s office, Warrant and Compliance Officer for the Butler County Juvenile Court, and Magistrate and Warrant Officer for the Butler County Area Courts. 

Judge Kennedy has been active in the community as a member of the following: Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ADAS) Board, Butler County Bar Association, Senior Citizens Board, FOP Lodge #38, Lindenwald Kiwanis Club, YWCA Board, and St. Julie-Billiart Church. 

Judges are very limited regarding what they may speak about in public. They may not speak about any topics that may come before them in court. Judge Kennedy said, “I can’t tell you policy decisions. I can’t tell you how I’d rule on cases. Because, I would breach the rules of ethics…….people say, oh you can tell me. And I say, if you would have me violate the canons what good would I be to you as a judge? So, I spend my time telling you about who I am, where I came from and my path on this journey. And, the fact that I will not give up on this American Dream.” explained Judge Kennedy. 

“At the end of 2012, the Republican seat where Strickland appointed a Democrat will be Republican again, and the name on that will be Kennedy, and it will be because of all of you!” Judge Kennedy told the audience. 

The Darke County Republican Women’s Club meets on the second Monday of every month (except January and August). Meetings are open to the public and include an optional dinner. The October 10 meeting will feature the Republican candidates appearing on the November general election ballot. For more information regarding the club, reservations or membership, please contact President Sally Hole Zeiter at (937) 423-2391 or by email at DCRWPresident@darkegop.org, or visit the club’s webpage at www.darkegop.org/womens-club.html