It is possible there could be changes next year on the three-member board of Lake County commissioners.

Two commissioner terms will be on the ballot in Nov. 2012 — those of Raymond E. Sines and Robert E. Aufuldish. The term of Commissioner Daniel P. Troy doesn’t expire until 2014.

Growing speculation within county circles is that Sines won’t seek re-election.

Some point to a sign that Sines, a Perry Village Republican, didn’t conduct his annual campaign fundraiser at his farm this summer, like he usually does.

If Sines decides he doesn’t want to run, that would open the door for many candidates both Republican and Democrat to run for that office.

Fans of Willowick Council President Judy Moran, a Democrat who ran against Sines in 2008, want her to again run for commissioner.

How about state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, D-Willowick, who is term-limited from seeking re-election, or Willoughby Hills Council President Kevin Malecek, a Democrat?

What about Republicans Jamie Callender and Concord Trustee Christopher Galloway, who are both running for Ohio Senate next year?

Both would like to be appointed to the Ohio Senate if state Sen. Tim Grendell, R-Chester Township, is appointed as Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge.

But since only one person can get that possible appointment and (don’t forget it could be state Rep. Ron Young, R-Leroy Township or someone else) that leg up on a potential Republican primary, perhaps one changes his mind and runs for commissioner?

Wickliffe Republican Bob Murphy sought the office in November, when he lost against Troy. Maybe he gives it another try?

Leroy Township Trustee Linda Burhenne, a Republican, expressed interest in 2003 to become commissioner when the county Republican Party appointed Sines to succeed former Commissioner Mildred M. Teuscher, who left office midterm.

Perhaps there will be a Democratic primary next year, if Aufuldish seeks re-election. Would Fende or another Democrat challenge Aufuldish?

There’s always talk of Troy running for Ohio Senate, a position he ran for in 1996, but lost against former state Sen. Robert Gardner, a Madison Township Republican. Troy could run for cover, meaning if he lost a state Senate bid, he would still have two years remaining as commissioner.

Fundies

n Nicholas Valeri, a candidate for Mentor Ward 1 City Council, will hold a fundraiser from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hooley House in Mentor. See Greg Valeri or Nicholas Valeri.

n Labor Day picnic for Wickliffe Mayor Bill Margalis from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Wickliffe Italian American Club Picnic Pavilion with special guest entertainer Tom Todd. See Sue Margalis.

n Lake County Coroner Dr. Lynn Smith, a picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at Painesville Elks Club. See Dr. Ron Taddeo or Sheila Smith.

n Kimberly Evers, Eastlake Council candidate, hosts a fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Captain’s Club in Eastlake. See Evers.

n Cocktail reception for Galloway, who also is a candidate for Ohio Senate, from 6 to 8 p.m., Sept. 10 at the residence of Bev and Dave Vitaz in Concord Township.

n Brian Wollet, Mentor City Council Ward 2 candidate, will have a fundraiser from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Branding Iron Cookhouse in Mentor. See Carolyn Anderson or Rick Zaleski.

n Harry Field, Willoughby Municipal judge candidate, will have a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Italian American Hall in Wickliffe. See Russ Meraglio, Mark Ziccarelli or Judy Moran.

n Eastlake Council Ward 3 candidate Cindy Quinn-Hopkins will host Pasta and Politics dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Surfside Towers Party Room in Eastlake. See James T. Overstreet.

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah