Local attorney Eddie Czopur has announced he will be running for Judge of the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas. 
 
According to a press release, Czopur has worked as a prosecutor and public defender for over 17 years. Czopur currently serves the 7th and 11th District Courts of Appeals and is also a special prosecutor for Columbiana County. 
 
Czopur said he is running for judge, hoping to ensure the safety of Mahoning County residents. 
 
"I know what is at stake for victims, for defendants, and for our community. I am running to ensure that the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas remains strong, steady, and guided by the rule of law,” Czopur said in a statement. 
 
Czopur added that he fully understands what the role requires, and what it would ask of him.
 
"It demands a judge who understands the law, respects the Constitution, and is prepared to hold violent offenders accountable. Justice must be firm. It must be fair. And it must protect the public," Czopur said.
 
Czopur is a lifetime resident of the Valley and said he hopes to give back to the community by serving as a judge on 
the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas.