Francine (Frankie) Goldberg rancine (Frankie) Goldberg has been an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor for 22 years and has a proven record of protecting our families and children. She served as a member of the Major Trial Unit, prosecuted child abusers and Internet predators as director of the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and prosecuted major crimes committed against seniors as a member of the Elder Abuse and Exploitation Unit. Goldberg also prosecuted hundreds of felony rape, murder and aggravated robbery cases as a member of the Community Prosecution Unit. After graduating from Beachwood High School in 1982, Goldberg attended The Ohio State University, followed by the Cleveland Marshall College of Law. Goldberg served as a University Heights councilwoman from 2002-2013; and was appointed vice-mayor, serving from 2010-2013. Additionally, she served on the boards of Hebrew Academy, Cleveland Jewish News, Fuchs Mizrachi School and Project Love. Goldberg was elected to a 2-year unexpired term as Domestic Relations Judge that began December 22, 2014. Her ceremonial swearing-in ceremony will take place January 29, 4:30 p.m., at the Old Courthouse on Lakeside Avenue, and she would be honored for residents to attend and show their support. (For more information visit GoldbergforJudge.com.) Here’s more information about Goldberg: Why did you decide to run for public office? I was involved with B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) and student council at BHS, and worked for State Senator Lee Fisher while I attended OSU. I’ve always felt that, as an elected official, one could make positive change for issues that mattered to the community. I never wanted to be a spectator. I wanted to be engaged in my community to make it a better place. Why did you choose to run for this judicial seat? I believe that a domestic relations judge can have a major impact on protecting the integrity of our families while promoting the well-being of our children. My professional career in public service, in addition to being a mother of four, have made me recognize that healthy families and children are essential to our future. A judge’s involvement in domestic relations court is that of a dispute arbitrator who promotes the best interests of our families. I possess the good judgment, fundamental common sense, and responsiveness that must be qualities of every domestic relations judge. I hope to make a difference in the day-to-day lives of families for not only the short term, but to ensure that fair, F compassionate and balanced judgments will have a long term impact on the families before this court. Explain the responsibilities in your newly elected position. As a domestic relations judge, I will be dedicated to promoting the most beneficial, compassionate, and legally sound resolution to the issues that face the families that appear before me. I will work hard to explore all alternatives and attain the legal and social objective of protecting the integrity of the families of Cuyahoga County. A domestic relations court judge must promote the best interests of our families. How do you feel that your previous experience will enhance your capabilities as a judge? As a prosecutor, I have met and worked with litigants and victims for over 22 years. I have resolved thousands of cases that have involved protecting the rights of children and seniors. I have always felt a deep sense of responsibility in making sure that there is a just result for all litigants. There are no words to describe the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes with helping our most vulnerable victims. My legal experience and my sense of compassion are qualities that I will bring to the bench. Being a career prosecutor has truly been a mission for me – to enhance the lives of families and children and to improve the quality of life for the citizens of our communities. What measures do you feel you’ll take to improve the court system? I would like to make domestic relations a more family-friendly court by providing alternative times to working families and counseling for children to help them deal with these emotional issues. Since most litigants are not familiar with these proceedings, it is important for a judge to bring them in for an initial conference to explain the proceedings; work closely with magistrates at every stage of litigation in order to ensure a prompt, equitable, and compassionate resolution; enhance technology; and allow litigants to file documents online to ensure access to all participants. Additionally, I would like to offer individuals who are concerned about domestic violence an opportunity to secure a protection order during hours when the courthouse is normally closed. What’s interesting about you that people don’t know? I played violin for 12 years, ran cross-country in high school (and lettered!), worked at Jack’s Deli, met Shaquille O’Neal and came up to his knee caps, and ran the Rite-Aid half-marathon in 2013 and plan to do it again. What’s one more interesting fact? I have been married to David for 25 years and have four children, two of whom are living in Israel. Tell me a favorite memory of growing up in Beachwood. I enjoyed playing girls softball in the summer. My dad, who was the team’s coach, took all of us out to DQ for ice cream after every game – win or lose! How did your Beachwood education help you get to where you are today? Beachwood provided a top-notch education. I felt empowered by the teachers, guidance counselors and school personnel; and felt that if I was determined and tenacious, anything was possible. Teachers like Bill Flaherty, Charlene Factor and Barbara Shultz were role models who set high standards, and believed in their students’ abilities and strengths. They left an indelible impression on me. I am proud to have been recognized and inducted into the Beachwood High School Gallery of Success in 2009. What is your favorite BHS memory? Prom at the Crawford Auto Museum. What really gives you peace of mind? Ironing! On a more serious side, I look forward to Friday night Shabbat dinners with my family. What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Run or walk in the Beachwood Park. What’s your favorite sports team? The Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv Basketball Team. Continued on page 9 8 Beachwood Buzz n January 2015