To the editor:

Voters of Auglaize County,

Regarding the election for Auglaize County Municipal Court judge. We should choose the right person. I know Andrew Augsberger as a friend and colleague. I have handled over 3,000 cases with him. He is always well prepared, extremely competent and knows the law. He is honest; exhibits the highest level of integrity and legal ethics; has a calm demeanor and carefully considers all of the evidence before acting. Andrew is a hardworking family man who has lived in our community for over 20 years.

Candidate Weilbacher has had only one case in an Auglaize County court. For the last 15 years he has lived and worked in Cleveland where his office has been located. He spent his juvenile years in St. Marys, but as an adult, he chose to live, work and pay taxes in Cleveland. His prodigal return to Auglaize County is only to run for judge. His website says all the right things, but you cannot believe everything you read. A simple check of public records convinced me that it was just an illusion of the truth.

In 1992, Weilbacher was indicted in Hancock County for felonious assault, an offense that involves causing serious physical harm to another. He eventually pled to misdemeanor assault. A civil suit was filed against him for his actions and a judgment ordered against him.

In 1996, Weilbacher was convicted in Celina Municipal Court of DUI and DUS. He blew a BAC.132, well over the limit.

In 2011, Weilbacher was charged in the Parma Municipal Court with allowing dogs to run-at-large and disorderly conduct. He was convicted on the dog charge. In that case, he failed to appear for a hearing on Sept. 23, 2011, and the judge issued a warrant for his arrest and suspended his driver’s license. Two years later Weilbacher decided to go to court.

Candidate Weilbacher has demonstrated a disregard for our law. He appears to act impulsively without thinking about the consequences of his actions. Are these the qualities you want from our judge? Maybe someday he might present himself as a viable candidate for public office, but not now and certainly not for our judge.

Please support Andrew Augsberger for judge. He has earned his place on the ballot with hard work and integrity right here in Auglaize County making our home a better place to live. Augsberger deserves your vote.

S. Mark Weller

Wapakoneta