U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, R-Bainbridge Township,  today spoke on the House Floor about the tragic shootings at Chardon High School and asked the House of Representatives to join him him in a moment of silence.

To watch and listen to his statement as it appeared live on C-SPAN, click http://www.c-spanvideo.org/appearance/601341914.

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

The March 6 primary election shapes up to be one of the most interesting the area has seen in a while.

Many races on both sides of the political spectrum see contested primaries with two or more candidates seeking their party’s nomination. Long-time political observers say it’s the highest number contested primaries in decades, if not ever, at least in Lake County.

One might be quick to say that voters and the public are more engaged or angrier than ever and that created an increased interest by candidates.

But a more likely reason, longtime political officials note, is there are several open seats, with current officerholders not seeking re-election.

For example, the Lake County treasurer race has five candidates who seek one of two party nominations after Treasurer John Crocker, a Democrat, decided not to run again.

That opened the candidacy field especially on the Democratic side, with three hopefuls lining up: state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, Perry Township Fiscal Officer Christine Page and Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor John Rogers. On the GOP side is Riverside Board of Education member Belinda Grassi and former Concord Township Trustee Bob Patterson.

For Lake County commissioner there are eight candidates running for two positions. Democrats and Republicans have two candidates running for two seats. For the Jan. 2 term, Commissioner Raymond E. Sines decided not to run.

The Democratic race for Ohio House of Representatives District 60 has three candidates for the position, as Fende cannot run again due to term limits.

The GOP race for the newly shaped Ohio House of Representatives 76th District, consisting of part of Geauga and Portage counties, proved highly important as the four-way primary winner is likely to be appointed for the remainder of the term for the 98th House District, which currently consists of Geauga and eastern Cuyahoga counties.

The 98th House District seat is now held by state Rep. Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney, R-Bainbridge Township, who was recently appointed with the understanding she would step down after the primary election is certified.

Lake County Tea Party PAC

The political action committee recently announced candidate endorsements for the March 6 primary.

For the Lake commissioner term commencing Jan. 2, endorsed were Republicans David M. Fiebig and Richard Shreve, and Democrat Ted Andrzejewski. For the commissioner term commencing Jan. 3, endorsed candidates were Republicans Linda Burhenne and John Hamercheck.

For Lake County treasurer, endorsed by the PAC are Republicans Grassi and Patterson, and Democrat Page.

Lake County GOP endorsement

Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Eugene A. Lucci was endorsed for re-election by the county Republican Party. His name was inadvertently left off the party’s endorsement list in my column two weeks ago.

Fundies

n Campaign kickoff party for Emilee Teresczuk, candidate for Lake County Clerk of Courts, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 14 at Frank and Pauly’s in Mentor. See Brian Wollet.

n St. Patrick’s Day Celebration for Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 15 at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites LaMalfa in Mentor. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour, Ernie Koenig.

n St. Patty’s Day Celebration fundraiser for Nancy McArthur, candidate for Ohio Senate District 32, from 4 to 8 p.m. March 17. See Michael McArthur.

n Fundraiser for state Rep. Ron Young, 6 to 8 p.m. March 19 at Stadium Grill in Mentor. See Jini Gorg.

n Spring Fever Celebration for Fiebig, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 21 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig, Cindy Quinn-Hopkins.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, who is seeking re-election, announced she has received endorsements from: U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, Geauga County Commissioners Bill Young and Tracy Jemison, former UHHS Geauga Medical Center board member Rich Frenchie, Geauga County Park District Commissioner Jim Patterson, Arms Trucking owner Howard Bates, Geauga Republican Womens Club Vice President Carole Cialella and her husband Tony, an executive with Progressive Insurance Company.

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

Northeast Ohio has shaped up to be a prime campaign stop for Republican presidential candidates to make their pitches for votes just prior to the state’s March 6 primary.

Already, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich made a stop in Cleveland and on Thursday, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney appeared in Mayfield Heights at the Cuyahoga County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day dinner.

Next on the list is former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, featured guest for the Lake County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day dinner March 2 in Eastlake at the American Croatian Lodge.

Will GOP candidate U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas make an appearance in the region?

On the Democratic side, President Barack Obama made a stop recently at Shaker Heights High School, and Vice President Joe Biden visited Euclid shortly after last November’s election.

Candidates in both political parties know the value of making pit stops in Northeast Ohio to get their messages across as the Cleveland media market is one of the largest in the state and country.

State central committees

People elected as Ohio Democratic and Republican state central committee members posts by March 6 party primary voters will be instrumental to shape party policies and direction as well as help their respective candidates be successful.

The Ohio 25th District’s boundary beginning in 2013 will consist of Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick in Lake County, plus Euclid, Richmond Heights and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

Here’s a look at who’s on the ballot for this district.

For Democratic male, it’s state Rep. Armond D. Budish of Beachwood, Thaddeus J. Jackson of Bedford Heights, and Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy of Willowick. For Democratic female, it’s Rose M. Allen of Euclid, Sharon Cole of Cleveland, and Barbara J. Thomas of East Cleveland.

For Republican male, it’s Joseph Bosolt of Eastlake, Daniel P. Carter of Pepper Pike, Stephen Emmert of Bedford, and Ron Lisy of Bedford. For Republican female, it’s Phyllis A. Mosley of East Cleveland and Brittany Williams of Bedford.

Fundies

n Annual Mardi Gras Party for Troy, also a candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Holiday Inn Express LaMalfa Centre in Mentor. See Kip Molenaar. 

n James Helmink, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, fundraiser hosted by state Rep. Nickie Antonio and Cleveland Stonewall Democrats, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Latitude 41 in Cleveland. See Michael Wagner.

n Fundraiser for Lori DiNallo, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Bistro 70 in Painesville. See Lori or Vince DiNallo.

n Lorraine M. Fende, candidate for Lake County treasurer, Families for Fende Spaghetti Dinner 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Dino’s in Willoughby. See Diane Fox, Nick Cindric.

n Leap Day event for 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Kathy Dicristofaro, Mike Apicella.

n Campaign kickoff party for Emilee Teresczuk, candidate for Lake County Clerk of Courts, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 14 at Frank and Pauly’s in Mentor. See Brian Wollet.

n St. Patty’s Day Celebration fundraiser for Nancy McArthur, candidate for Ohio Senate District 32, from 4 to 8 p.m. March 17. See Michael McArthur.

n Fundraiser for state Rep. Ron Young, 6 to 8 p.m. March 19 at Stadium Grill in Mentor. See Jini Gorg.

n Spring Fever Celebration for David Fiebig, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 21 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig, Cindy Quinn-Hopkins.

Any candidate who wishes to submit a written or emailed list endorsements, they will be published on the Northern Ohio Local Politics blog: http://northernohiolocalpolitics.blogspot.com where you can also view this column online or post a comment.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Gov. John Kasich delivered his second State of the State speech this past week, and it seemed he spoke from the heart.

But his remarks left a few things unclear, such as whether his interest to privatize the Ohio Turnpike will materialize and if drilling for gas and oil though hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, would be a major part of the state’s economic development and energy plan.

Kasich said privatization of the turnpike would depend on whether the money is there to make it happen. In regard to fracking, he wants it to move forward as long as it doesn’t degrade the environment, especially as some are concerned by recent earthquakes in the Youngstown area.

He also referred to Ohio as having the potential to be the “Saudi Arabia of coal,” saying “clean it and burn it.”

One thing I noticed was the governor seemed to have a more humbled approach for this speech than last year, when he was charged up after winning election. Perhaps that was, in part, from the successful referendum against Senate Bill 5.

Kasich also made an effort to at least extend an olive branch to Democrats, as he called on lawmakers and others — even former Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat.

Several legislators in the minority party have indicated they are skeptical of the governor’s call for bipartisanship, so we’ll have to see if that will truly happen in an election year.

Another topic Kasich brought to light was to put a halt to human trafficking. The governor said there are 1,000 children, with an average age of 13, who are forced into prostitution, slave labor or worse.

The governor also used the forum to unveil his Governor’s Courage Award to three winners and in the process he was nearly moved to tears detailing why each was selected.

Lake GOP endorsements

U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette for Ohio 14th Congressional District, Terrence O’Donnell, Robert Cupp and Judge Sharon Kennedy for Ohio Supreme Court; Judge Diane V. Grendell for 11th District Court of Appeals for the Feb. 10, 2013 term; Colleen Mary O’Toole for 11th District Court of Appeals for the Feb. 9, 2013, term; state Sen. John Eklund for Ohio 18th Senate District; state Rep. Ron Young for Ohio House of Representatives District 61; Painesville Councilwoman Lori DiNallo for Ohio House of Representatives District 60; Judges Richard L. Collins Jr., Vincent A. Culotta and Eugene A. Lucci for county Common Pleas Court; incumbent Charles E. Coulson for county prosecutor; Emilee Teresczuk for county Clerk of Courts; incumbent Daniel A. Dunlap for sheriff; Jason Wuliger for county recorder; incumbent James R. Gills for county Engineer; and incumbent Dr. Lynn Smith for county coroner.

Candidate forum

Lake County Democratic Club Meet the Candidates Night at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Willoughby Eagles Hall.

Fundies

Fundraiser for Judy Moran, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Dino’s Restaurant and Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Kathy Russo, Traci Olic.

Fundraiser for John Rogers, candidate for Lake County treasurer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Holiday Inn Express Lamalfa Centre in Mentor. See John Crocker.

Fundraiser for Dinallo, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at Bistro 70 in Painesville. See Lori or Vince Dinallo.

Annual Mardi Gras Party for Daniel P. Troy, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Holiday Inn Express Lamalfa Centre in Mentor. See Kip Molenaar.

Lorraine M. Fende, candidate for Lake County treasurer, Families for Fende Spaghetti Dinner 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Dino’s in Willoughby. See Diane Fox, Nick Cindric.

Leap Day event for 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Kathy Dicristofaro, Mike Apicella.

Campaign kickoff party for Teresczuk, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 14 at Frank and Pauly’s in Mentor. See Brian Wollet.

Spring Fever Celebration for David Fiebig, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 21 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig or Cindy Quinn-Hopkins.

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

After the final arrow was sent on its way, the last report from a slug shotgun heard and the remaining wafts of sulfur-rich black-powder dissipated, Ohio's deer hunters killed nearly 20,000 animals during the 2011-2012 all-seasons tally than they did the year before.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife announced that 219,698 deer were taken during Ohio's 2011-2012 hunting season, compared to 239,379 in the 2010-2011 season.

Even so, the total kill figure was just a smidgen below the minimum expected kill projected by the state's wildlife biologists. It was expected that Ohio's deer hunters would shoot between 200,000 and 225,000 animals in all for the various 2011-2012 hunting seasons.

Ohio had an estimated deer population of between 700,000 and 750,000 animals and prior to the start of the various hunting seasons.

The top three counties with the highest number of deer taken this season were: Coshocton, Licking and Tuscarawas.

Also, hunters showed support for the two new methods of game-reporting that were made available this year. Since deer season began on Sept. 24, 2011, 44 percent of hunters called in their numbers, 36 percent reported their numbers online and 20 percent traveled to a license agent’s location to report their game.

The following is a list of deer checked by hunters during the 2011-12 four-month deer hunting season. Deer season dates for 2011-2012: Sept. 24, 2011, through Feb. 5, 2012. Numbers for 2010-11 are listed in parentheses.]

Adams – 4,208 (3,914) Licking – 7,275 (7,818)
Allen – 1,037 (1,291) Logan – 2,283 (2,315)
Ashland – 2,894 (3,334) Lorain – 2,422 (2,742)
Ashtabula – 4,645 (5,331) Lucas – 705 (678)
Athens – 4,385 (4,256) Madison – 548 (591)
Auglaize – 731 (737) Mahoning – 1,889 (1,930)
Belmont – 4,785 (5,245) Marion – 830 (964)
Brown – 3,068 (3,377) Medina – 2,030 (2,121)
Butler – 1,583 (1,650) Meigs – 4,000 (3,974)
Carroll – 4,751 (5,721) Mercer – 625 (652)
Champaign – 1,613 (1,703) Miami – 827 (865)
Clark – 930 (967) Monroe – 3,727 (3,991)
Clermont – 3,301 (3,721) Montgomery – 676 (663)
Clinton – 1,015 (1,101) Morgan – 3,513 (3,742)
Columbiana – 3,843 (4,627) Morrow – 1,898 (2,143)
Coshocton – 7,969 (8,837) Muskingum – 6,630 (7,129)
Crawford – 1,110 (1,234) Noble – 3,936 (4,222)
Cuyahoga – 691 (625) Ottawa – 416 (404)
Darke – 819 (842) Paulding – 1,126 (1,440)
Defiance – 1,757 (2,042) Perry – 3,552 (3,877)
Delaware – 1,943 (2,121) Pickaway – 1,049 (1,201)
Erie – 688 (916) Pike – 2,367 (2,304)
Fairfield – 2,741 (3,058) Portage – 2,701 (2,726)
Fayette – 282 (333) Preble – 999 (940)
Franklin – 846 (827) Putnam – 732 (917)
Fulton – 844 (1,029) Richland – 4,038 (4,690)
Gallia – 3,435 (3,553) Ross – 3,741 (3,864)
Geauga – 2,421 (2,458) Sandusky – 766 (799)
Greene – 1,073 (1,073) Scioto – 2,882 (2,809)
Guernsey – 6,430 (6,989) Seneca – 1,609 (1,988)
Hamilton – 2,255 (2,139) Shelby – 1,008 (1,111)
Hancock – 1,189 (1,465) Stark – 2,180 (2,343)
Hardin – 1,145 (1,374) Summit – 1,492 (1,343)
Harrison – 5,716 (6,965) Trumbull – 3,310 (3,647)
Henry – 723 (939) Tuscarawas – 6,950 (8,158)
Highland – 3,304 (3,434) Union – 996 (967)
Hocking – 4,348 (4,221) Van Wert – 646 (835)
Holmes – 4,745 (5,633) Vinton – 3,177 (3,047)
Huron – 2,200 (2,315) Warren – 1,632 (1,691)
Jackson – 3,233 (3,489) Washington – 4,223 (4,594)
Jefferson – 4,118 (4,880) Wayne – 1,948 (2,353)
Knox – 5,373 (6,336) Williams – 2,099 (2,315)
Lake –836 (782) Wood – 705 (917)
Lawrence – 2,959 (2,843) Wyandot – 1,540 (1,832)

Total – 219,698 (239,379)

It’s an interesting choice by Gov. John Kasich to conduct his State of the State Address in Steubenville on Tuesday at 1 p.m. rather than the tradition location of the state’s capital in Columbus.

During his term in office as leader of the state, Kasich has been one to do it his own way, sometimes regardless of what consequences follow.

He’s not afraid to ruffle feathers that’s for sure, and in making his decision to make the speech at a school surely is unconventional as the Associated Press reports it’s believed to be the first time a State of the State has been made outside Ohio’s capital.

Kasich’s spokesman Rob Nichols said the administration wants to spotlight a different part of the state that in the past hasn’t always received positive attention.

Another reason, is probably because the governor will talk about the issue of drilling for oil and gas wells through the process known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking for shale that is increasingly more prevalent in the region.

The potential economic benefits of this method of drilling could be enormous, as it could bring much-needed investment and revenues to the area.

However, the potential negative environmental impacts could be loom just as large especially as concerns about recent earthquakes in the Youngstown are still fresh in people’s mind and whether this newer method of drilling is safe for groundwater and other environmental concerns.

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

Lake County commissioners recently passed a resolution that would look to repeal the way the state’s Local Government Fund has been distributed throughout the county for the last 30 years.

State law stipulates a county keeps 30 percent of the Local Government Fund and then the rest is divided among the various entities unless there is an alternative distribution formula in place in a county — which there is in Lake.

When the formula was approved in 1982 it was determined the county would receive 11 percent of the allocation rather than the full 30 percent, which commissioners say they recently discovered the county could receive.

Only one other county keeps less than that amount — Belmont County, which keeps 16 percent.

For a change to occur now, state law also requires the governing bodies of the largest city in the county — in this case Mentor — and a majority of the communities also pass resolutions to approve the change.

Commissioners said the communities within the county have received the sweetest deal in the state of Ohio for 30 years and it’s time to revisit the issue.

The timing of this proposal came into question by some community leaders, especially after the resolution passed two days after commissioners approved a 0.5 percent raise in the county’s sales tax, while reducing property taxes and stormwater management fees.

It’s no secret the city of Mentor wanted commissioners to delay the sales tax decision to give the city additional time for study and input.

Commissioners repeatedly said they had no choice but to increase the county’s revenue or services would take a major hit and delaying that decision would further hurt the county’s budget this year.

What that discussion also brought to light was the sometimes acrimonious relationship between the governments of Mentor and Lake County.

With that said, there is little chance Mentor officials would agree to give up a portion of the $2,706,603 the city received in fiscal year 2011 from the Local Government Fund. Lake County received a $1,832,578 share.

Even if Mentor would, a majority of communities in the county also need to approve the idea. We’ve heard numerous times and printed stories about how communities struggle with their own budgets, so that support is doubtful.

Perhaps the commissioners’ timing was bad, maybe a few feathers were ruffled or there were some egos involved, but even if the proposal fails, one thing for certain was accomplished. The issue has been brought to public attention and it likely won’t go away as long as there is a Local Government Fund.

If it fails to materialize, the next opportunity to begin the process is 5 years, according to state law. Who knows what the Board of Lake County Commissioners will look like then and what the financial situation of local governments will be.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for James Helmink, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, with special guest state Sen. Capri Cafaro, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at Cappelli’s in Mentor. See Michael Wagner or Helmink.

n Fundraiser for Judy Moran, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Dino’s Restaurant and Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Kathy Russo, Traci Olic or Kevin Malecek.

n Annual Mardi Gras Party for Daniel P. Troy, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Holiday Inn Express LaMalfa Centre in Mentor. See Kip Molenaar.

n Lorraine M. Fende, candidate for Lake County treasurer, hosts Families for Fende Spaghetti Dinner 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Dino’s Restaurant in Willoughby. See Diane Fox or Nick Cindric.

n Leap Day event for 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Kathy DiCristofaro or Mike Apicella.

n Campaign kickoff party for Emilee Teresczuk, candidate for Lake County Clerk of Courts, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 14 at Frank and Pauly’s in Mentor. See Teresczuk or Brian Wollet. 

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

This weekend, Catholic leaders across the state "joined the chorus of church officials urging parishoners to protest and pray about the federal government's decision to require many church-affiliated institutions to cover free birth control for employees." If you agree with those Catholic leaders who support the H.R.1179, you can visit the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment' Action Center, which has a form to help resident contact their legislators about the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl