Title
To Congratulate Judge Scott D. VanDerKarr on His Retirement, Countless Accomplishments and his Commitment to Franklin County and the Columbus Community.
Body
WHEREAS, Judge Scott D. VanDerKarr has served on the Franklin County Municipal Court bench for 20 years and as an assistant prosecuting attorney for 15 years; and
WHEREAS, Judge Scott D. VanDerKarr established Franklin County’s first mental health docket in 2004, then, five years ago, a municipal drug court and later, a docket focused solely on opiate addiction; and
WHEREAS, Judge Scott D. VanDerKarr’s specialty dockets work to “stop the revolving door” of repeat offenders. VanDerKarr’s dockets also save money in court costs and jail stays, which amount to approximately $400,000 a year in savings for the county; and
WHEREAS, Judge Scott D. VanDerKarr was one of the first judges in Ohio to give drug offenders a second chance through redemptive-justice programs, which have saved numerous lives, reduced incarceration and recidivism rates, while maintaining a graduation rate of 70%; and
WHEREAS, Judge Scott D. VanDerKarr has committed to continue his work on Ohio’s drug epidemic outside of the criminal system through starting new drug courts and working with families seeking help with drug issues; therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby congratulate Judge Scott D. VanDerKarr on his retirement and thank him for his dedication and continued service to the citizens of Franklin County, the Columbus community and beyond.