JOHN POWELL

John Powell of Wheeling is seeking the office of magistrate in Ohio County in the June 9 election.

Powell has dedicated his life to protecting public safety and has an extensive background in law enforcement and management including criminal investigations, arson investigations, drug interdiction operations in the United States and Europe, anti-terrorism operations (pre- and post 9/11), SWAT team, dignitary protection and police operations management and police academy training.

Powell was born and raised in Wheeling and graduated from Wheeling Park High School with the class of 1978. After high school, Powell joined the U.S. Navy, where he spent the next 20 years and retired at the rank of chief petty officer — a rank that less than 10% of Naval recruits ever reach.

Powell believes that to be a good magistrate, one must not only have to be very knowledgeable of the law, but also possess an excellent personal, professional and ethical skill set. He said the first contact an individual has with the judicial system is typically an appearance in Magistrate Court.

“You only get one chance to make a good first impression, an impression that will cement the individual’s perception about the judicial system,” Powell said. “Were they treated fairly? And were they treated with respect regardless of their background or the circumstance that brought them to Magistrates Court? Magistrates must remain unbiased and make decisions based on the rule of law and on the facts of the case and circumstance that are presented to them.

“These are characteristic traits that I have embraced throughout my entire adult life. I have the experience of working with people who have different backgrounds and different perspectives and who are capable of leaving their differences at the door.”

Powell said he has always strived to treat everyone as though he would expect to be treated by them if the roles were reversed — with dignity and respect.

“Many voters are unaware of just what a magistrate’s duties include,” Powell said. “Magistrates use their training and sound judgment to oversee the application and enforcement of state laws, municipal laws, and court procedures. Magistrates have jurisdiction over civil cases in which the financial amount in dispute is less than $5,000.

“They hear misdemeanor cases and conduct preliminary examinations in felony cases. In criminal cases they issue and record affidavits, complaints, arrest warrants and search warrants, as well as set bail and make decisions concerning proposed plea agreements, the collection of court costs, cash bonds and fines. They are also assigned to sit on the Adult Drug Court which includes the Veterans Court.”

Magistrates also issue emergency protective orders in cases involving domestic violence, according to Powell. Immediately entering domestic violence petitions into the Domestic Violence Database and Registry is an important part of the work.

That is why Powell believes to be a good magistrate, one must first have a good basic understanding of the law and how it applies to all.

“I really enjoyed teaching law classes during Police Academies,” Powell said. “Hearing students argue both sides of a law, whether it was for or against the issuance of a search warrant or probable cause for an arrest — is one of the more memorable times of my law enforcement career.”

Powell thinks the county needs a veteran to lead the Magistrate Court. Powell served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, and is the only candidate who is a military veteran.

As a veteran with a service connected disability, he has first hand experience dealing with the Veterans Administration. As an active member of the American Legion, Powell is familiar with the struggles that many of our veterans face when leaving active duty.

“Community is very important to me,” Powell said. “I’ve spent my entire life in service to the community, and I feel as though serving as a magistrate is the best way that I can serve the citizens of Ohio County.”