The primary election is set for March 6 — for now — and it certainly shouldn’t be a boring one in Lake and Geauga counties.

Several contested races should be entertaining to watch. Here are a few out of the gate:

The Democratic primary for Lake County treasurer pits state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor John Rogers and Perry Township Fiscal Officer Christine J. Page.

Fende has high name recognition, especially in western Lake County; Rogers lives and works in the center of the county; and Page, from eastern Lake County, ran for auditor in 2008.

For Lake County commissioner term commencing Jan. 2, 2013, Willowick Council President Judy Moran and Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski face off in the Democratic primary. Moran ran for commissioner in 2008, narrowly losing to Commissioner Raymond E. Sines. Andrzejewski makes his first bid for a countywide office and is mayor of one of the county’s larger cities.

For Lake County commissioner term commencing Jan. 3, 2013, Leroy Township Trustee Linda Burhenne and Madison Village Council President John Hamercheck battle in the Republican primary. Interesting, as both are from smaller eastern Lake County communities.

In Geauga County, there are just two contested Republican primaries, but both are for commissioner races.

Walter M. Claypool filed to run for the term commencing Jan. 2, 2013, against incumbent Tracy Jemison. Ralph Spidalieri filed for the term commencing Jan. 3, 2013, against incumbent Mary Samide.

Late announcements

n Emilee Teresczuk, a Mentor Republican, filed to run for Lake County Clerk of Courts. Teresczuk cites in her announcement that she wants to help the county be the best place it can be to live, work and raise a family and says she plans to use her energy and understanding of technology as an asset to the Clerk’s office.

n Eastlake Councilwoman Laura DePledge, a Democrat, filed to run for Ohio House of Representatives District 60. DePledge cites in her announcement that people want a change in their government and residents look for accountability, answers, action, and are tired of divisiveness that slows progress in community development.

n North Perry Councilman Richard Shreve, a Republican, filed to run for Lake County commissioner term commencing Jan. 2, 2013. Shreve cites in his announcement that he will encourage additional public and private participation, communication and cooperation, while looking to balance fiscal alternatives with common sense and hard work.

n Former Court of Appeals Judge William Michael O’Neill, a South Russell Democrat, filed to run for the Ohio Supreme Court seat currently held by Justice Robert Cupp. O’Neill cites in his announcement that he is running against a broken system and that the race is about money. O’Neill says he will not accept contributions from lawyers who could appear before him.

n Rusty Bliss, a Willoughby Republican, filed as a write-in candidate for U.S. Senate for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. Bliss said in his announcement the choice to run as a write-in candidate is humbling yet it isn’t impossible to gain victory. Bliss said his passion, commitment and dedication will allow him to run strong.

Celebrating Democracy

Former Lake County Elections Board Director Janet F. Clair will be recognized by the Elections Board at a retirement party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Croatian Lodge Party Center in Eastlake. U.S. Rep. Steven. C. LaTourette will be master of ceremonies.

Fundies

n Moran’s campaign kickoff from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Capelli’s in Mentor. See Kathy Russo.

n Fiebig’s Seasons Event from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Dino’s in Willoughby. See Cindy Quinn-Hopkins or Joyce Hribar Fiebig.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah