Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O’Donnell made a stop at the Ohio State chapter of Sigma Chi to encourage students to vote.
During his speech, O’Donnell focused on leadership and the importance of education. He talked about his background extensively, how he graduated from Kent State University, not sure of what he wanted to do with his life and how he got involved in the judicial system.
“When I was in college, I had no idea about service on the Supreme Court,” O’Donnell said.
He talked about his 25 years of service on the common pleas and appellate courts, and how he spent the last four years on the Ohio Supreme Court. He encouraged the brothers in attendance to consider a career in the legal field, but said whatever they do, they need to “take advantage of the opportunities in your field.”
He talked briefly about the judicial system in Ohio. He said he knew many young people do not know much about the judiciary but that it was perhaps the most important of the branches of government, and used the issue of eminent domain as an example of its importance. He said the Ohio Supreme Court decided against it in Ohio, and that decision has affected citizens.
O’Donnell said it was important to be involved in the political process and to vote, also stressing the value of higher education. He ended the speech with a declarative statement: “You are our future.”
Before giving his speech, O’Donnell said he thought the reason more college students did not vote because they get so caught up in their lives, but he said it is important that they get involved. “College students have a lot to contribute,” he said.
The reason O’Donnell spoke at Sigma Chi is because one of the chapter’s brothers, Peter Fromknecht, is his assistant campaign manager and invited him.
Fromknecht, a junior in political science, said O’Donnell has many of strong attributes, including his experience and integrity, and that he is very down to earth. He said O’Donnell is a great teacher and has taught him much about judicial restraint and the economic stability the courts can bring. As for reasons why students should vote for O’Donnell for re-election to the court, Fromknecht cited the justice’s care for students and education.
“I think he has an honest desire to help us understand,” Fromknecht said.
