By Erica Solvig
Enquirer staff writer

MASON - Council members are making it clear that from here on out, their inquiry into having another type of court system is separate from any grievances against the municipal judge.

That was the consensus expressed during Monday night's work session. It was the first chance for the entire council to focus on the mounting complaints some members have heard about Mason Municipal Judge George Parker since the idea of disbanding the court was raised by council's court liaison committee last week.

Councilman Victor Kidd said Monday night that at first, the two issues were blended together. But now council wants to keep the topics separate and maintain the city's neutrality - especially if the Ohio Supreme Court investigates the court.

The liaison committee, which has heard complaints from law enforcement and others, is now looking into the idea of eliminating the Municipal Court in favor of a mayor's court or countywide court system.

The city could only recommend such a change, which would ultimately need to be made by state lawmakers.

It is not ruling out the idea of hiring an expert to help weigh the benefits of each choice. But because of vacations, the bulk of the research might not get done until next month.

Parker has asked the Ohio Supreme Court's grievance committee to investigate the complaints council members have heard.

City Council has asked the law director to draft a resolution that says council members will cooperate with that investigation should the court pursue Parker's request.

Parker took the bench in 2002, and has bumped heads with police and city officials over everything from pay raises to court rules. The Municipal Court serves Mason and Deerfield Township.

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E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com