FAIRMONT —
Michael John Aloi, incumbent judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit serving Marion County, won a decisive victory over his fellow Democrat candidates Jeffery Dale Taylor and Gregory Tyrone Hinton.
In an unofficial count, Aloi received 4,848 votes, for 52.36 percent of the total 9,259 votes cast; Taylor, 2,672 votes for 28.86 percent; and Hinton, 1,739 votes for 18.78 percent.
He said he was “very honored and humbled” by the support of his fellow Marion Countians.
He had been appointed to the post in July 2011 by then-acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to replace retiring circuit judge Fred L. Fox II. That in itself was an honor, Aloi said.
“But it’s another thing to get the support of your friends, neighbors and family,” he said.
He looks forward to continuing serving the people of Marion County.
“This (election) means a great deal to me,” he said. “I really believe a political campaign is a chance to build community. And I tried hard to build community throughout my campaign for all segments of society and corners of the county.”
Serving as judge has given him the chance to give people “their day in court, to make a difference. It is the most intimate and most powerful form of democracy.”
“As a lawyer, there is no higher calling than being a judge,” he said. “I am very aware of the great history of circuit judges in Marion County, following in Judge Fred Fox’s footsteps, the longest serving circuit judge in the state. Judge Janes is a wonderful mentor.
“This is an honor for me to be serving. I greatly appreciate it.”
He has no opponent in November, which will affect his campaign, he said. Gone will be the TV ads and glossy mailers.
“I really won’t be running against anyone, but I do expect to be out among the people as I always have. I certainly intend to remain extremely in the community as I have been.
“Every single case, every single person who comes before me in court, this is a chance for them to experience their constitutional right. That means when that person is in front of me, I know I have the opportunity to make sure they are heard, treated fairly and receive every benefit they’re entitled to under the law.
“This is a fundamental constitutional right. And to know I have a role in that is an honor.”
He said he appreciates the diverse support given by teachers, fellow lawyers, unions, friends, family and neighbors.
Email Debra Minor Wilson at dwilson@timeswv.com.
Politics
Aloi decisively elected judge
Has no opponent in November election
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