I strongly support the reelection of Judge Kuhlman. I know that a judge has an important responsibility to the community, but my experience showed me that justice can also be an opportunity for someone to rebuild their life.
Judge Kuhlman held me accountable. He didn’t excuse my behavior or tell me that my choices didn’t matter – but he also didn’t make me believe that I was a “lost cause” or that my mistakes were all I could become.
Judge Kuhlman gave me something that I desperately needed – a chance to change. Judge Kuhlman always treated me fairly, and most importantly, he saw me as a human being each time I stood in his court room.
Judge Kuhlman showed me that accountability and compassion can exist at the same time. Joel showed me that justice doesn’t always have to mean simply punishing someone – it can also mean giving someone the opportunity and responsibility to become better. That distinction made a tremendous difference in my life.
Judge Kuhlman did not allow my mistakes to become my identity – he gave me an opportunity that completely changed the direction of my life.
I am now a college graduate, a loving mother, and a productive member of society.
Judge Kuhlman’s decision affected far more than one case. It affected my life, my family, and now the people I am able to help through my work, who may be standing where I once stood.
I will always be grateful that Judge Kuhlman saw more in me than my case, and if it were not for him, I truly believe I would not be alive today. I am honored to support his reelection and to share my experience as an example of the difference a judge can make in someone’s life.
Crystal Newhouse
Toledo
