Ohio Republicans have decided that now is not the time to try to make the Ohio a so-called Right to Work state.

The issue appears to be dead despite the recent introduction of two bills in the Ohio General Assembly that aim to prohibit public and private sector workers from being required to join a union as part of their employment.

Ohio General Assembly Republicans argue that workers should have the freedom to chose whether they want union representation.

Democrats aren’t letting the opportunity pass to use the issue to help them raise money and energize the party base.

They charge that the measures are an attack on collective bargaining and aim to weaken union membership.

A Cleveland-based political action committee named Keep Ohio’s Heritage even ran a recent television spot titled “Middle Class Minute.”

Democrats also say Right To Work comes with reductions to the average rate of pay for workers when compared to states that have a collective bargaining system like Ohio.

State Rep. Kevin Boyce, D-Columbus, who previously served as Ohio treasurer for two years starting in January 2009, recently sent out an email fundraiser appeal to Democratic supporters.

“This threat is real. The bills have been introduced and are just sitting there for Gov. (John) Kasich and his extreme Republican colleagues to bully through at a moment’s notice,” Boyce wrote. “Together we can win like we did against Senate Bill 5.”

The success of the Ohio Democratic Party and union members was evident when a galvanized effort spearheaded the repeal of Senate Bill 5 in November 2011.

It was precisely that fundraising effort that Ohio Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, referred to in deciding it was the wrong time to try to change the state law regarding Right to work.

A hearing on the issue that had been scheduled for last Thursday was cancelled.

My hunch is at some point the issue of Right to Work will appear on statewide ballots in some form.

I believe it would either be to repeal a bill that changes the state law making Ohio a Right To Work state or one that lets voters ultimately decide the matter.

Lake-Geauga YRs

The Lake-Geauga Young Republicans are the host club for the 2013 Ohio Young Republican State Convention on June 7-8 at LaMalfa Centre in Mentor.

Local speakers during the convention include state Rep. Matt Lynch and 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Colleen M. O’Toole. Keynote speaker for the dinner program will be U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta. U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce will be inducted into the local club’s hall of fame.

Contact Matt Jaworski or Brian Wollet for more details.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions in Lake County were David Anderson for Willoughby mayor; and Dennis Morley for Eastlake mayor.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions in Lake County are R. Robert Umholtz and Donald P. Webbe for Kirtland Council at large; and Geoffrey W. Weaver for Lake County Common Pleas Court; John R. Murphy for Painesville Council at large Jan. 3 term; Chuck Hillier for Painesville Township trustee; Joshua J. Strickland for Painesville Township trustee; and Mark Timm for Leroy Township trustee.

Deadline

The weekly deadline to submit information for this column is prior to 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 30 at S.O.S. Inc. in Munson Township. See Samide or Jacqueline Moskal.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

n Willoughby Hills Councilwoman Nancy Fellows hosts Flag Day Family Picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 at Campbell Park in Willoughby Hills. See Nancy or Dale Fellows.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

It still surprises me that so few people take the time to vote whenever there is a special election during which no candidates appear on a ballot.

In Lake County, there were 105,822 voters eligible to vote last Tuesday, but yet only 17,164 or 16.22 percent bothered to take the time to do so.

Folks, that’s fewer than two of every 10 registered voters or barely more than three out of every 20.

I realize that people have busy lives and it does take a little bit of time to vote, but not that much. I also understand that, despite the best of intentions, the opportunity to vote is missed.

But to make it much easier to make sure our rights as citizens can be accomplished, the voting process in Ohio has expanded in recent years.

No longer is a reason necessary to cast an absentee ballot as it can be done early by voting through the mail or in person at the county Elections Board.

Of course voting remains available on election day at voters’ respective polling locations. No long lines this time.

Perhaps people didn't realize they had an issue for which to vote or worse they didn't care and took the attitude to let someone else decide.

If that’s the case, then it’s especially hard to understand when someone wants to complain about a school district or the amount of property taxes they might pay when a school levy passes or fails.

When a municipality or township has an issue on the ballot these are questions that directly impact the community where you live. Why wouldn't a registered voter want his or her input to be a part of the process?

Statewide recognition

Madison Township Beverly Getzy, a Democrat who has worked as a precinct election official in Lake County for more than 40 years, was presented the PEO Red Carpet award Thursday by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

She was nominated for the award by the Lake County Elections Board.

The Precinct Election Official Red Carpet Award is given out by the Secretary of State’s office and recognizes the outstanding service and dedication of poll workers throughout Ohio for their work in helping to administer elections in their local communities.

Filed petitions

People who recently have filed candidacy petitions in Lake County are Chuck Klco for Leroy Township trustee and Christopher L. Biro for Willoughby Hills Council at large.

In Geauga County, Michael Farrell for Claridon Township trustee, Jim McCaskey for Munson Township trustee,

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions in Lake County are Suanne Sines for Perry School Board, James R. Fodor for Painesville Council at large, and Mitch Kallay for Painesville Township trustee.

In Geauga County, Claudine Steinfurth and Michael Troyan for Auburn Township trustee; David Brockway for Claridon Township trustee; Jim Baker and Nancy Saunders for Huntsburg Township trustee; Randal C. Peterson and Lu Ann Burger for Montville Township trustee; Charles Walder for Russell Township fiscal officer unexpired term ending March 31, 2016; Erwin M. Leffel for Thompson Township trustee; Carl Sanborn for Troy Township trustee; Scott Klein and Ronald W. Wiech for Middlefield Village Council.

Deadline

The weekly deadline to submit information for this column is prior to 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Willoughby Mayor Dave Anderson, 5 to 7 p.m. May 14 at Willoughby Panini’s. See Rick Hart or Anderson.

n Fundraiser for Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 30 at S.O.S. Inc. in Munson Township. See Samide or Jacqueline Moskal.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

National observers believe Ohio’s 14th Congressional District has the potential to play out as a fairly competitive race when compared to many around the country.

So far, there doesn’t seem to be an abundance of candidates lining up to run next year, but it’s still early.

Running for Congress usually requires a significant amount of money and time to operate a successful campaign, so people who want to jump in the race might need to make some decisions fairly soon.

The seven-county district in Northeast Ohio includes all of Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula counties, plus portions of Summit, Portage and Trumbull counties.

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, most likely seeks re-election and he’s got more than $463,000 cash on hand, according to his latest campaign filing with the Federal Elections Commission.

Joyce is in the middle of his first term, typically a time when an incumbent can be more vulnerable.

It remains to be seen if another Republican would step up to seriously challenge Joyce at this point as the incumbent congressman has a headstart on the fundraising process and appears to be working hard attending events, meeting with community leaders and learning about his constituents.

Democrat Michael Wager of Shaker Heights continues to raise money to run for the position. A quick check with the FEC shows that Wager’s campaign committee has more than $174,000 cash on hand.

Wager’s last FEC filing shows the bulk of his contributors have come from Cuyahoga County, which is a relatively small portion of the district.

Meanwhile, many folks are watching Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy, a Willowick Democrat contemplating a potential run next year for the 14th Congressional District seat.

Troy, whose four-year term as commissioner ends next year, appears to be weighing whether he will run for re-election to his county post or if he might have something else in mind.

I don’t think Troy would run for a seat in the Ohio General Assembly in Columbus especially after he won a Democratic Party primary for state representative in May 2012, but then decided to withdraw as a candidate and remain a county commissioner.

Probate update

After Lake County Probate Court Judge Ted Klammer died March 13, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor assigned retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk to serve a three-month assignment on the Probate Court bench.

Sitting judges of the county Common Pleas Court also have helped cover the Probate Court docket until a judge is appointed by the Gov. John Kasich.

I’m hearing that the Lake County Republican Party soon plans to send a list of recommendations to the governor.

Favorites to appear on that potential list are said to be (in alphabetical order) Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta, Lake County Probate Court Magistrate Lora Lynne Krider, Lake County Assistant Prosecutor John O’Donnell and Jim O’Leary, a Painesville Township attorney.

Across the state there are at least 15 other judicial vacancies that need to be filled by the governor, so it may be a while before Kasich makes the Probate Court appointment.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions with the Lake County Elections Board was Kimberly Evers for Eastlake Council at large.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions are Matt Jaworski for Wickliffe Council at large; Greg Sasse for Mentor Council at large; Ashley Hacking for Perry School Board; Matthew G. Shultz for Kirtland Council at large; and Bob Fiala for Willoughby Council Ward 3.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Willoughby Mayor Dave Anderson, 5 to 7 p.m. May 14 at Willoughby Panini’s. See Rick Hart or Anderson.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Now that Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald has announced he’s running for governor — does he have a chance to win?

FitzGerald certainly has a shot although at this point he would have to be considered an underdog against incumbent Gov. John Kasich, who has not officially announced a re-election bid.

A Quinnipiac Poll published April 18, before FitzGerald made his gubernatorial announcement, had Kasich with a 46-37 percent lead against FitzGerald. Right now, it’s Kasich’s race to lose.

The same poll also showed Kasich with a 45-38 percent lead over U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray, who has not announced a gubernatorial bid, and who might choose not to get into the race now that FitzGerald has announced.

Not well-known outside the Cleveland media market, the challenge for FitzGerald will be for him to get his message across in the central and southern portions of Ohio.

The Quinnipiac poll showed that 76 percent of voters don’t know enough about FitzGerald to form an opinion. For Cordray, 66 percent don’t know enough.

That’s where the timing of FitzGerald’s announcement came into play, because he still has plenty of time for voters to learn about him and to establish himself as the Democratic Party’s choice.

If the state economy doesn’t continue to show improvement it will hurt Kasich, who has made jobs his top priority.

It also remains to be seen whether Kasich’s state budget proposal that contained Medicaid expansion and an broadening of the sales tax base may impact his standing with conservative Republicans. Both proposals were eliminated in the Ohio House of Representatives’ budget bill.

The major factor I think comes into play in the race for governor is whether both parties can find a way to get their voters to the polls. FitzGerald will have a strong Democratic base in Cuyahoga County, can he get those voters to support him enough to bring the heavy voting turnout he will need?

When a referendum of Senate Bill 5 was on the ballot in November 2011 it got Democrats energized and their presence was felt and the bill was soundly defeated.

Kasich’s popularity at the time was at an all-time low, but he has rebounded solidly.

So, as we can clearly see, 17 months is an eternity in politics.

Legislative update

State Sen. Capri S. Cafaro will hold a community meeting at 6 p.m. April 29 at the Chardon Municipal Center to provide residents with a legislative update regarding work in the Ohio Senate.

Bolton Republican Women’s Club

Mother’s Day Event, “Honoring Our Mothers” at 6 p.m. May 6 at The Painesville Area Senior Citizens Center with special guest speaker Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson. See Heidi Callender or call Lake County GOP headquarters.

Graduation day

The Cleveland Area Campus of National College in Willoughby Hills will hold its graduation ceremony at 7 p.m. May 16 at Willoughby Hills Community Center with special guest state Sen. John Eklund.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions with the Lake County Elections Board was Amy Cossick for Painesville Township trustee.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions are Jerry Ranally for Willoughby Council Ward 5 and Steve Norris for Willoughby Council Ward 2.

Fundies

n Lake County Treasurer-elect Lorraine M. Fende will host “Fende’s Victory” spaghetti dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Dino’s Restaurant and Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Diane Fox.

n Willoughby Hills Councilman Kevin D. Malecek’s Annual Cinco De Mayo Fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 1 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Malecek or Nora Colburn.

n State Rep. Ron Young fundraiser, 2 to 4 p.m. May 5 at Perry Community Center. See Young.

n Fundraiser for Willoughby Mayor Dave Anderson, 5 to 7 p.m. May 14 at Willoughby Panini’s. See Rick Hart or Anderson.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The Ohio Young Republicans congratulated Ohio Republican Party Executive Director Matt Borges on his election to become the new chairman for the Ohio Republican Party.

Borges was elected Friday after winning a majority vote from the 66-member Ohio State Central Committee. He will succeed Chairman Bob Bennett who will retire.

Mentor resident Brian Wollett, who is Ohio Young Republican chairman, said Borges was an excellent choice to lead outreach efforts headed into next year’s gubernatorial election.

“He has worked diligently to explain his plan for the Ohio Republican Party and we look forward to being part of that effort.” Wollet said in a statement. “While we are sad to see Chairman Bennett retire, we are confident the Ohio Republican Party is headed in the right direction.”

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The Ohio Republican Party’s State Central and Executive Committee of Ohio met today in Columbus and elected Matt Borges of Columbus as the new Ohio Republican Party chairman and Kay Reynolds as vice chairwoman.

Borges, who received a majority of the vote, defeated Tom Zawistowski, a businessman and leader of the Portage County Tea Party.

Borges will officially begin his new term as Chairman on June 1. He succeeds Bob Bennett, who after 23 years service is the longest serving chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, will officially step down May 31.

“I am honored to have the trust and confidence of the Committee and proud to lead our Party heading into the next critical election cycle,” Borges said in a statement. “I also want to thank Bob Bennett for his over two decades of service to our party. Our Republican leaders led by Gov. John Kasich need our full support as we continue to build Ohio into the best state to live, work and raise a family.”

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce voted in favor Friday of the bipartisan Reducing Flight Delays Act, H.R. 1765, aimed to reduce flight delays due to Federal Aviation Administration furloughs.

The legislation is anticipated to be signed by President Barack Obama and it would allow the Secretary of Transportation to transfer $253 million from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program account to the FAA’s Operations account, said Joyce, R-Russell Township. The transfer authority is necessary to prevent reduced operations and staffing at the FAA during the remainder of fiscal year 2013.

The bill requires the Secretary to notify the House and Senate appropriations committee prior to the transfer, the congressman said.

“Significant flight delays hurt the economy and penalize passengers who pay more than $12 billion in FAA taxes and fees annually,” Joyce said in a statement. “I’m pleased to be part of the bipartisan effort to stop these delays, prevent further economic damage, and relieve Ohioans of a giant travel headache.”

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah