Delaware County residents will have the choice between a long-time incumbent and a public service newcomer in the race for clerk of municipal court.
Current Delaware Municipal Court Clerk Cindy DiNovo, a Republican, is being challenged in her reelection bid by pharmacist Tyler Frederick, a Democrat. The city of Delaware funds and operates the Municipal Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal and civil cases as well as traffic violations.
Ohio’s general election is Nov. 4, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may also cast their ballots early at the Delaware County Board of Elections at 2079 U.S. Highway 23 North.
The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.
Cindy Dinovo
Age: 66
Campaign website: Re-Elect Cindy Dinovo Municipal Court Clerk (Facebook)
Key issues:
Background: Dinovo began her journey in Delaware Municipal Court as a deputy clerk, gaining firsthand experience in the daily operations and challenges of the clerk’s office. Through “hard work and a deep commitment to public service,” Dinovo said she rose to become the final appointed clerk before the position transitioned to an elected role following the 2000 U.S. Census. Dinovo was elected Delaware County Clerk of Municipal Court in 2007 and has served for three consecutive terms.
Why are you the best candidate? “With decades of hands-on experience and deep institutional knowledge, I bring a level of dedication and expertise that sets me apart. I understand the responsibilities of this office because I’ve lived them — every day, with integrity and commitment. I am humbly asking for your vote so I may continue serving our community with the same passion and professionalism that have guided me throughout my career.”
Tyler Frederick
Age: 30
Campaign website: electtylerfrederick.com
Key issues:
Background: Frederick is a licensed pharmacist with a doctorate of pharmacy degree and a master’s degree in pharmaceutical outcomes and policy. He holds active licenses in 20 states — each requiring passage of a state-specific law exam. He said he has “built deep expertise in compliance, regulation and accountability.” His career includes leadership roles in long-term care and independent pharmacies, “developing strong management, budgeting and operational skills.” Frederick says he is prepared by these experiences to bring professionalism, transparency and efficiency to the clerk’s office.
Why are you the best candidate? “I am running for Clerk of Municipal Court because Delaware County deserves better than our current clerk, who has been marked by repeated scandals that have cost taxpayers over $100,000 in legal settlements, while the office itself continues to run in the red. At the same time, the current clerk has failed to embrace technologies that would both save money and improve efficiency for residents, attorneys and staff.
“There is no way to be a ‘conservative’ or ‘liberal’ clerk — there are only effective clerks and ineffective ones. I bring a track record of managing complex operations with precision, accountability and transparency. With my background as a pharmacist and in management, I know I can properly lead the office, manage the records, improve the budget and serve the public in high-pressure environments where accuracy and trust are paramount.
“I believe Delaware County deserves leaders who reflect the values of their constituents, and if we truly want to tackle fraud, waste and abuse, then I think the best place to start is in our very own municipal court clerk’s office.”
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Incumbent faces newcomer for Delaware County Clerk of Municipal Courts in Nov. 4 election
Reporting by Samantha Hendrickson, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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