Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr. this fall faces a challenge for the Mahoning County Probate Court bench from David L. Engler, a lawyer and ex-county commissioner.

The five-year term begins in 2021.

Rusu of Canfield was appointed probate court judge to fill the unexpired term of ex-Judge Mark Belinky in July 2014 by then-Gov. John Kasich. Later in 2014, Rusu won the general election.

Since being in office, Rusu has added the probate court docket to the county’s website. He’s hoping to add marriage licenses to be purchased virtually, which “would save time, money and court costs by utilizing modern technology that I already obtained through a grant.”

Throughout his career, Rusu has assisted senior citizens with rental transactions, guardianships and powers of attorney, having handled 1,200 in the probate court system.

His goals are to continue moderinizing the court; expanding the Guardian Angel program; and expanding mental health court, “Fresh Start Court.”

Engler of Youngstown, a former county commissioner and Youngstown city councilman, said he will use his experience from working as an attorney to “make decisions that are fair and explained clearly to all.”

His goals are to protect senior identities who have died or are in nursing homes; draft wills and power of attorneys; help the court system work efficiently to better aide senior citizens.

If elected, Engler said he will ensure that the probate court works with the public through “an army of volunteer lawyers” two Sundays a year to help others draft wills and power of attorney documents at no or reduced costs.

He also said he’d “put fear into” any caregiver who seeks to exploit senior citizens.

Rusu has been married to Sheryl for 28 years. Together, they have four children and two grandchildren.

Engler has three adult children and two grandchildren.

Robert N. Rusu Jr.

AGE: 53

POLITICAL PARTY: Independent

EXPERIENCE: Mahoning County probate judge, 2014-present. Attended Youngstown State University for political science, then Thomas Cooley Law School for his juris doctorate. Practiced with Lane and Rusu Co. LPA from 1993 until 2014.

GOAL: Continue modernizing the court

QUOTE: “Looking back, I didn’t know I was preparing my whole career to become a judge. It’s how it turned out. I’ve always been in the field of estate-planning probate law.”

David L. Engler

AGE: 60

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

EXPERIENCE: Youngstown City Council, 1998-1991; Mahoning County commissioner, 1992-1999; Engler Law Firm, 35 years; attended Case Western Reserve, obtaining both a bachelor degree as well as his juris doctorate.

GOAL: Help the court system work efficiently to better aid senior citizens.

QUOTE: “I’ve spent a lifetime fighting for people going through difficult times. I understand that when someone comes before the court their issue is the most important matter before me.”