Michael A. Bonfiglio
Sylvania Municipal Court
Full Term Commencing Jan. 1, 2024
*Top Vote-Getter in General Election
Candidate Details
- Residence
Sylvania - Email
info@bonfiglioforjudge.com - Website
bonfiglioforjudge.com - Social Media
facebook.com/bonfiglioforjudge - Age
68 - Occupation
Sylvania Municipal Court Judge - Education
THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO, Toledo, Ohio
J.D. 1985, Cum LaudeBOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY, Bowling Green, Ohio
B.S. Education 1977 - Work Experience
SYLVANIA MUNICIPAL COURT - Judge
2018 - Present
• Established first municipal court specialized drug docket in Lucas County.
• Established first municipal court specialized domestic violence drug docket in Lucas County.
• Created Magistrate’s position and hired first and only female magistrate in Sylvania.
• Reduced probation caseloads and focused on providing intensive supervision for violent offenders and drunk driving offenders.
• Restructured and reorganized Clerk’s office and probation department, reducing payroll and overtime costs and saving taxpayers over $260,000 in operating costs.
• Implemented new fines and costs collection system that increased Court collections by $250,000 from the year prior.
• Created batch texting to send text payment reminders and installed first credit card reader machines, resulting in the Court receipting over $420,000 in credit card payments and over $870,000 in online payments.
• Obtained over $200,000 in grant funding to upgrade Court’s software and security system.
TOLEDO BAR ASSOCIATION - Bar Counsel
2010 – 2017
Investigation and prosecution of attorney unethical conduct
CONNELLY, JACKSON & COLLIER LLP
1988 – 2010
Partner 1992 – 2010
Practice focused on civil litigation
LUCAS COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE – Ass’t. Lucas County Prosecutor
1987 - 1988
Felony Division
JOHN R. WANICK & ASSOCIATES
1985 – 1987
General practice with emphasis in probate law and criminal defense - Family
Married with 2 children - Affiliations
Ohio Association of Municipal and County Judges
Ohio Judicial Conference
Lucas County Community Corrections Planning Board
Sylvania Prevention Alliance Board
Sylvania Rotary
Sylvania Chamber of Commerce
Ohio Supreme Court New Judges Orientation Curriculum Committee
Ohio State Bar Association
Lucas County Bar Association
Toledo Bar AssociationUnited States Supreme Court 2009
United States Court Of Appeals, Sixth Circuit 1994
United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio 1986
United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan 1996
United States District Court, Western District of Michigan 1996
Ohio Bar Association 1985
Lucas County Bar Association 1985
Toledo Bar Association 1985 - Endorsements
Carpenters Local 351
Communications Workers of America Local 4319
Laborers International Union Local 500
Sheet Metal Workers Local 33
Teamsters Local 20
Toledo Federation of Teachers Local 250
Toledo Police Command Officers Association - Bar Association Ratings
coming soon
Michael A. Bonfiglio
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
Sylvania Municipal Court Judge - 2018-present
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersSylvania Municipal Court Judge - 2018-present
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
I began night law school in 1981, and worked during the day, first as a law clerk, then as a probate court statistician, and finally as a common pleas court bailiff. I passed the bar in 1985 and began my career by sharing an office with a well-respected solo practitioner. My caseload was primarily court-appointed criminal defense and probate. In 1987 I joined the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office and for approximately 2 years I prosecuted felony offenses. In 1988 I joined the firm of
Connelly, Soutar and Jackson, was promoted to partner 1991, and for the 22 years I was with the firm my practice focused on civil litigation. In 2010 I had the privilege to serve as Bar Counsel for the Toledo Bar Association, and for 7 years my primary responsibility was to prosecute attorneys who committed ethical violations. In November of 2017 I had the honor of being elected Judge of the Sylvania Municipal Court.
Prior to embarking on my legal career I held a variety of jobs, from working in a steel mill and on a truck farm to teaching high school and coaching high school sports.
My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a respect for others. I have carried these values with me throughout my various jobs and into my courtroom. My experiences have allowed me to see life through different lenses and to understand that many in our community are struggling with poverty, addiction, and mental illness.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersI began night law school in 1981, and worked during the day, first as a law clerk, then as a probate court statistician, and finally as a common pleas court bailiff. I passed the bar in 1985 and began my career by sharing an office with a well-respected solo practitioner. My caseload was primarily court-appointed criminal defense and probate. In 1987 I joined the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office and for approximately 2 years I prosecuted felony offenses. In 1988 I joined the firm of
Connelly, Soutar and Jackson, was promoted to partner 1991, and for the 22 years I was with the firm my practice focused on civil litigation. In 2010 I had the privilege to serve as Bar Counsel for the Toledo Bar Association, and for 7 years my primary responsibility was to prosecute attorneys who committed ethical violations. In November of 2017 I had the honor of being elected Judge of the Sylvania Municipal Court.
Prior to embarking on my legal career I held a variety of jobs, from working in a steel mill and on a truck farm to teaching high school and coaching high school sports.
My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a respect for others. I have carried these values with me throughout my various jobs and into my courtroom. My experiences have allowed me to see life through different lenses and to understand that many in our community are struggling with poverty, addiction, and mental illness.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the judge of Sylvania Municipal Court. Since day one I have worked diligently to fairly apply the law to each case before me and treat all people with dignity and respect. As a result of the many programs and changes I initiated during my tenure on the bench, our court is more responsive, more efficient, and more fiscally responsible than when I began. I take great pride in the Court's role in keeping our families and neighborhoods safe, and I would like the opportunity to continue to make a positive difference in our community.
Abbreviated Candidate AnswersIt has been a tremendous honor to serve as the judge of Sylvania Municipal Court. Since day one I have worked diligently to fairly apply the law to each case before me and treat all people with dignity and respect. As a result of the many programs and changes I initiated during my tenure on the bench, our court is more responsive, more efficient, and more fiscally responsible than when I began. I take great pride in the Court's role in keeping our families and neighborhoods safe, and I would like the opportunity to continue to make a positive difference in our community.