Caring, Compassionate, Judge Terri Stupica Stands Up for the Law

January 2, 2014

The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as October lunch-goers talked legalese inside the Beans Coffee Shop on the Square.

Conversations paused as the front door swung open and a familiar public official sauntered inside followed by a stream of hellos and nods.

“I absolutely love my job,” Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica said. “At the municipal court level, and only the municipal court level, do you see many people on a daily basis; you really have the ability to help people, to make a difference.”

She added, “That’s what drives me. You give people a rope; they either build a bridge or hang themselves. I like to help people build bridges.”

Stupica is the first female trial court judge in the 207 year history of Geauga County presiding over Chardon Municipal Court since January 2012. She talked about what it takes to win a judge’s seat.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s impossible,” Stupica said. “Everything is possible. I know that sounds trite, but it’s true. Also, be goal oriented, have a plan and always be prepared. It takes hard work and dedication; you cannot take the easy road.

“I remember someone involved heavily in politics told my husband during my campaign that ‘Terri is campaigning hard, doing a great job, but she won’t win, not in this county.’ My husband replied, ‘you obviously don’t know my wife very well.'”

Stupica has the support of Chardon Mayor Phil King, who has been observing her since she took the bench.

“In my opinion, as a lawyer and mayor of Chardon, Judge Stupica has done a great job while sitting on the municipal court bench,” he said. “Judge Stupica has demonstrated her concern with compassion to those needing help while at the same time taking a hard stand against individuals who do not respect the law.”

Diners set down forkfuls of Romaine lettuce and spoons of homemade soup to share greetings as the judge zigzagged from table to table en route to order her own lunch.

Moments later, Stupica greeted more lunch-goers as she took her turn in back of the line.

“She visits often,” Colleen Lear said, owner of Beans Coffee Shop. “She knows everyone and their names, and makes a point to hug and, at the very least, to say hello.”

Her familiarity with the patrons, and others who might be surprised that she remembers them, is partly due to her talents as well as a real interest in everybody she meets.

“I am blessed to have a photographic memory, that’s how I remember names, etc.,” Stupica said. “But, when I meet people, because every person you meet is important and counts, I try to remember something unique about him or her, so that the next time I see him or her, I can comment about something personal to them, in a kind way.”

Stupica took a sip of Chai tea and shared another hello below the decorative quote “Not Just the Same Old Grind” and chose a table to enjoy her usual tomato soup and thoughts on timing.

“In 2003, then-Municipal Court Judge Craig Albert resigned from the bench, creating an opening in which then Gov. (Bob) Taft had to appoint a replacement,” Stupica said. “I put my hat in the ring then, having always wanted to pursue becoming a judge. As it turned out, timing is everything. It would not have been the right time.

“My children were only 8 and 9, and as a single parent, I could not have continued to be involved with them had I been appointed. The time was right when I ran in 2011, as they were finishing up with high school, knowing that if I was fortunate to win, they were young adults and capable of taking care of themselves for an hour or two after school.”

Speaking at schools or other forums, and meeting with other community leaders is part of the community work the judge includes on her schedule, if time allows, “because there is no such thing as a typical week.”

“When the Opiate Task Force first met, Judge Stupica immediately became involved and helped move the group forward,” King said.

The task force was created to address a substantial increase in illegal use of heroin, opiates and prescription drugs in the county and neighboring areas.

“Her passion for helping the community as judge from the personal perspective and legal are self evident.” King said.

Stupica left Beans, and seconds later greeted someone new outside.

“She is very influential, but takes the time to ask you about you,” Lear said. “She is very sincere. She does it because she wants to do it. She has a very nice aura.”

Although she was born in Cuyahoga County and lived part of her life in Lake County, Stupica sees Geauga as her home.

“I believe Geauga County is the best county (in which) to raise a family, which is why I chose to stay here,” Stupica said. “I am here to stay.”