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Submitted by Judge Kathleen M. Rodenberg
Seeking Re-election as Domestic Relations Court Judge
November 5, 2015
Screening Committee - Questions for Candidates
Because of your request for an endorsement from the Clermont County Republican Party,
the Screening Committee has asked that you would answer the following questions.
Brevity is completely fine with your comments, since we are not looking for anything more
than a sentence or two for each question; however, feel free to expound on a questions if
you feel necessary.
1. Do you agree with the Clermont County Republican Party’s “Principles and
Values Statement” (available at ClermontGOP.com)? Is there anything in our
Principles and Values Statement with which you disagree?
As a judge, I must comply with the Ohio Judicial Conduct Rules. One of those rules
discourages judges from taking public stands on issues that are likely to be brought
before the court. In your Principles and Values Statements, you define a traditional
marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Although I agree that your
definition is the traditional definition, the US Supreme Court has mandated that all
states recognize same sex marriages as legal marriages.
If a same sex couple living in Clermont County seeks a divorce, they do so through
the court in which I sit as a judge. Any statements I make about same sex marriage
could be grounds for disqualifying me from such cases. If I am disqualified, the
proceedings would be delayed. The Supreme Court would have to appoint a visiting
judge at an additional expense. Therefore, I decline to state whether I personally
agree or disagree that marriage is limited to a union between a man and a woman.
Otherwise, however, I agree with the Principles and Values Statements.
2. In what ways do you consider yourself to be a conservative?
I strongly believe in personal responsibility and individual freedom.
3. Have you voted consistently in the Primary Election? Why, or why not?
I have voted consistently in all elections, including primary elections. I believe it is
the right and responsibility of all eligible citizens to take an active role in the
operation of our government.
4. What have you done that demonstrates your commitment to conservative
values?
I have actively participated in community agencies that provide support without
relying on government funding, such as CASA for Clermont Kids. I have actively
campaigned on behalf of conservative candidates. My husband and I have also
given financial support to conservative candidates.
As a judge, I give the parties who appear before me every opportunity to work out
their issues by agreement. I believe that parents are in the best position to determine
what will work for their children.
Since I took over as judge, I have instituted several programs at no cost to the tax
payers. These programs assist litigants in exploring their options. The programs
allow the parties to meet informally, discuss their options, and work towards an
agreement. I have made staff changes and redistributed the workload so that all
employees are working to their full capacity.
Our oldest son followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the US Marines. I
supported his decision to dedicate five years of his life to defend our country.
5. What organizations have you been involved in, or donated money to, that share
your conservative views?
I have provided financial support to public service agencies such as the
Development Disability Board, Lifepoint Solutions, The Boys and Girls Club of
Clermont County, and CASA for Clermont Kids. All of these agencies believe in
supporting individual rights and promoting individual responsibility.
6. Have you ever been convicted of a crime or filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please
explain.
No.
7. Why are you running for this office?
I am running for re-election as the Domestic Relations Court Judge because I know I
make a positive difference for the families going through a divorce in Clermont
County.
8. What are your strengths that would enable you to do this job effectively? Do
you have weaknesses that you need to overcome in order to do this job more
effectively?
I write concise and understandable decisions. I strive to treat all parties and their
attorneys with respect and patience. I do my best to keep the case on track and the
parties focused toward a resolution.
9. How would your friends/co-workers describe you? (Circle all that apply.)
Honest, fair, respectful, manipulative, patient, kind, shrewd, tough, polite, rude,
cooperative, intelligent, punctual, harsh, reasonable, impatient, passionate,
informed, analytical, dignified, arrogant, knowledgeable, conscientious,
deliberative, short-tempered, humble, diligent, thorough, inconsiderate,
organized, cranky, caring, articulate, pessimistic, consistent, stubborn, friendly,
hard-working, cheerful, ethical, flexible, unyielding, responsible. Do you agree
with their assessment?
I struck through the adjectives that I hope do not describe me. It is my goal to
always be honest, fair, respectful, patient, kind, tough, polite, cooperative,
intelligent, punctual, reasonable, passionate, informed, analytical, dignified,
knowledgeable, conscientious, deliberative, humble diligent, thorough, organized,
caring, articulate, consistent, friendly, hardworking, cheerful, ethical, flexible, and
responsible.
My friends and co-workers have seen me at my best and at my worst. I hope that
they would use only positive adjectives to describe me.
10. Is there anything you have done that demonstrates that you can stand up
against opposition?
I have practiced domestic relations law for 32 years, as a private attorney, as a
magistrate, and, for the past five years, as a judge. Domestic Relations cases are full
of conflict and opposition.
When I took over as judge in January, 2011, I found that the court was overstaffed.
Although laying people off is not something anyone enjoys, I knew I had to make
changes to the staff in order to run more efficiently. In addition to making staff
changes, I have also introduced new programs to the court and new ways of doing
the work. Although change can cause opposition and angst, I felt it was necessary to
make the court operate more efficiently.
11. What do you get passionate about?
I am passionate about my family. Because of that, I am passionate about a positive
outcome for the children in a conflict ridden divorce. I am passionate when I can
make a difference in a situation in my courtroom because of my approach,
knowledge, and experience. I am passionate about running an efficient, productive
court. I am passionate about finding ways to do more with less.
12. What makes you angry?
I dislike waste and laziness. I believe that all people were put on this earth for a
reason and I am frustrated by people who lack convictions or a sense of curiosity
about the world. I get angry when people squander opportunity, blame others when
they fail to meet their own goals, or give in to peer pressure.
13. What has been the most significant accomplishment in your professional
career? In your personal life?
Becoming a judge has been the highlight of my professional career. Personally, I am
most proud of maintaining a 36 year marriage and raising two independent and
caring sons.
14. What are the major influences in your life?
My parents and my siblings are my earliest major influences. My parents raised
eight children, two of whom are mentally challenged. They always emphasized that
we all had to pull our own weight, but we also had to take care of each other.
My husband and my sons are also major influences. They help me see the other side
of issues and challenge me to do my best.
15. What is the proper role of government?
Government should ensure the safety of its citizens and provide a structure in which
people can live, work, and flourish.
16. Where do our rights come from?
All of our rights ultimately come from our creator. Our rights and responsibilities
come from our ability to think and reason.
17. Do you think government regulations have become too onerous? If so, how?
Government regulations can become onerous when they are used to control private
actions that have no impact on the common good. For example, the federal tax code
is impossible to understand, even with a CPA. The Affordable Care Act is likewise
unworkable.
18. What is your interpretation of the 2
nd
Amendment?
The Second Amendment allows citizens to keep and bear arms without onerous
government regulation, interference, or restriction.
(Questions below are only for judges seeking the endorsement)
19. In what ways is the court able to protect citizens’ property rights?
If a citizen is improperly losing his/her property he/she can pursue his/her rights
through a law suit.
20.What existing laws or regulations provide the most challenges for our judges
and why?
My jurisdiction is limited to divorce and civil domestic violence. Generally, I have
found that poorly worded legislation, at times hastily passed to address the
complaint of a limited group of constituents, can present serious challenges and
unintended consequences.
21. Please rate your judicial philosophy regarding the U.S. Constitution on a scale
of 1-10 with “living/evolving document” being 1 and “strict constructionist”
being a 10:
Ten
22. What is justice?
In my court, justice means that both sides had the opportunity to present all relevant
evidence and argument and that the decision was based solely on the facts as applied
to the law. It also means that, although the parties may not be happy with the
decision, they understand it and feel they were heard.
23. In what ways can judges protect the rights of the individual while upholding
laws enacted to protect the common good of the population?
My decisions affect individuals, not the common good of the population.
24. How should emotion affect/not affect a judge’s ruling on a case?
Emotion should not affect a judge’s ruling on a case.
25. Clermont County’s jail is often overcrowded and at times cannot accept
additional inmates. As a judge, what alternatives would you pursue to handle
this situation?
Domestic Relations Court uses jail only as a last resort. Typically, the Domestic
Relations Court uses fewer than two jail beds per day.