The people of Wood County are about to lose an exemplary public servant. To the dismay of many, Donna Jackson is about to retire from her post as Wood County Magistrate.
I have had the privilege of practicing law in this community for over 35 years and during that time have had the opportunity to appear before many different magistrates and judges throughout West Virginia and Ohio. In my experience, Donna Jackson has demonstrated everything the public and the bar should expect from a jurist. She is knowledgeable, fair, understanding, and compassionate. Her decisions have always been well thought out and have been made without favor or prejudice. Her demeanor on the bench has always reflected the importance of the legal process and the respect that all of us should have for our system of justice.
Our magistrate courts are on the front lines of the judicial system in West Virginia. The magistrates handle everything from felony preliminary hearings to landlord-tenant disputes. Even though they are not required to have formal legal training, they are asked to make important judgments that significantly affect people's lives. Mrs. Jackson has always carried out her responsibilities in the most proper fashion. The citizens of Wood County were fortunate that she decided to serve and she will be missed by those of us who have worked with her.
George J. Cosenza
Parkersburg
