Ohio Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton has announced her intention to retire from the court by the end of the year.

Stratton is the second longest serving justice on the court, after appointment by former Gov. George Voinovich in 1996.

Ohio voters elected her to three six-year terms, most recently in 2008. Her term is set to expire Jan. 1, 2015.

She began her career as a trial lawyer in central Ohio, and in 1989 was elected as the first female judge on Franklin County Common Pleas Court, where she became known as “The Velvet Hammer” for her approach to sentencing in serious felony cases.

I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with Stratton on several occasions when she has visited the area.

Our conversations for the most part weren’t about specific court cases or legal matters, but rather about life and her interest and work in the mental health field.

It is that area Stratton referred to in her resignation letter and she discussed her involvement to provide mental health services to offenders and assisting veterans in the criminal justice system.

She referred to this involvement as occupying a place of growing importance ultimately culminating with her decision to leave the bench.

“I have decided to dedicate myself to them even moreso, not only here in Ohio but on the national level,” Stratton said.

To have an Ohio Supreme Court justice serve as an visible advocate for mental health issues has been invaluable to consumers and to people who work in the mental health field.

“Any time we have somebody with her level of expertise, her level of authority who brings recognition to mental health and the effectiveness of treatment, it’s such a bonus and a strength for us,” said Kim Fraser, executive director of the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services board. “She’s been a very strong voice for us. Our consumers are sometimes disenfranchised and pushed to the side. She’s always been willing to tackle the tough subject and bring awareness.”

I’ve seen how passionate Stratton has been when she talks about mental health issues. She says her heart tells her this is the right decision and I’m betting that it is.

Election day workers needed

The Lake County Elections Board needs people to work Nov. 6 as election day poll workers. Shifts start at 6 a.m. and conclude typically around 8:15 p.m. Pay for a poll worker in the county is $107.91 for Election Day, and presiding judges receive $127.91. Workers also receive $20 for a training session, which lasts about two hours. For details, contact the Elections Board in Painesville.

Fundies

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 17th annual golf outing with special guest Judy Moran, 1 p.m. shotgun start Friday at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Werner Barthol, candidate for Lake County prosecutor, hosts a Summer Celebration Fundraiser, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Lake Metroparks Painesville Township Park. See James Falvey or Kelly Barthol.

n Fundraiser for Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Forrest Burt, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Bond Building, Century Village Museum in Burton. See Carol Stafford.

n Old Fashioned Country Picnic for Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 8 at S.O.S. Inc., in Munson Township. See Jackie Moskal.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap, 21st annual golf outing and steak dinner June 8 at Painesville Country Club. See Frank Leonbruno or Sheryl DePledge.

n Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, hosts pasta dinner with special guest U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Cebars Madison Tavern in Madison Township. See Dick Shreve or Pete Wayman.

n Bob Patterson, candidate for Lake County treasurer, fundraiser with special guest state Sen. John Eklund, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 28 at Historic Perkins Estate in Mentor. See Sandy Patterson.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The race in Ohio for U.S. Senate is one of the most hotly contested races in the country, and a lot of money will be spent during this campaign.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Lorain County Democrat, faces Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, a Cuyahoga County Republican.

I had the chance to sit down Wednesday morning with Mandel to talk about his new jobs plan and his campaign after he spoke to a Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce group.

Mandel said he doesn’t support the bailout of Wall Street banks using taxpayer money.

When asked, Mandel stated he didn’t have a position on the auto industry bailout because he was a state representative at that time.

Brown’s campaign spokesman Justin Barasky responded Thursday during an interview that either Mandel is “lying or at least unbelievably ignorant.”

Barasky said Mandel has taken positions on the auto bailout and told the Youngstown Vindicator in March that he felt it didn’t work.

Mandel said he is developing a platform to create a better environment for restoring manufacturing jobs and an important component is the auto industry.

The campaign has seen a lot of negative advertising already on both sides, although Mandel said his campaign has run a completely positive campaign.

He was quick to point out that ads attacking Brown have come from third-party groups. He said that by law, his campaign must not have any dealings with such groups.

The Brown campaign said that after allowing negative ads against Brown to run for more than a year they had no choice but to start responding with their own negative ads.

Barasky said to this point more than $6.5 million has been spent on third-party advertising against Brown, the most against any candidate.

I wonder what all this negative advertising will mean with slightly less than six months until the election. Will it continue or even escalate? How much will people pay attention?

President Barack Obama recently brought the issue of gay marriage to the forefront and it remains to be seen how the issue might resonate with voters in November.

Mandel believes in traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Brown’s position is one of marriage equality.

Barasky believes the race will come down to whom the voters can trust to do the right thing, what side of the issues one is on, and the Brown campaign will continue to be critical of Mandel’s performance as treasurer specifically citing Mandel’s lack of attendance at state Board of Deposit meetings.

Mandel said much of the nation’s problems have stemmed from Washington, including Democrats and Republicans, and he believes it’s time for a new generation of leaders to be elected who can stand up to their own party’s leaders to do the right thing economically and for the country.

Geauga Republican Party update

Geauga County Commissioner Bill Young retires effective June 30, and his term expires Dec. 31, 2014. Is Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide the front runner for an appointment to replace Young? She lost her re-election bid for the GOP nomination to Ralph Spidalieri during the March 6 Republican primary, but she is still fundraising.

Fundies

n Werner Barthol, candidate for Lake County prosecutor, hosts a Summer Celebration Fundraiser 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 1 at Lake Metroparks Painesville Township Park. See James Falvey or Kelly Barthol.

n Fundraiser for Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Forrest Burt, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 1 at the Bond Building, Century Village Museum in Burton. See Carol Stafford.

n Old Fashioned Country Picnic for Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 8 at S.O.S. Inc., in Munson Township. See Jackie Moskal.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap, 21st annual golf outing and steak dinner June 8 at Painesville Country Club. See Frank Leonbruno or Sheryl DePledge.

n Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, hosts pasta dinner with special guest U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Cebars Madison Tavern, Madison Township. See Dick Shreve or Pete Wayman.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Vice President Joe Biden will travel to the Mahoning Valley area this week where he is expected to discuss impacts of President Barack Obama’s efforts to strengthen the region’s manufacturing and auto industries, as well as bolster middle-class security for Ohio’s workers, the Obama campaign announced.

The two-day tour will include stops in Youngstown and Martins Ferry, additional details are expected to be announced soon.

In remarks at M7 Technologies, an advanced manufacturing facility in Youngstown, and Staffilino Chevrolet, a family-owned dealership in Martins Ferry that was saved by the rescue of the auto industry, Biden will discuss the Obama’s efforts to create an economy built to last – one where hard work pays off, responsibility is rewarded and everyone plays by the same set of rules.

Biden will also draw a contrast with presumptive GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney’s commitment to return to policies that created the economic crisis and put the economic security of the middle class — in Ohio and across the country — at risk.

The Republican National Committee said Biden’s visit will serve as a reminder of how the past three years have gone for the country.

“After highlighting a company in an Ohio TV ad earlier this week that outsourced jobs to Hungary, Vice President Biden’s visit next week will only remind Ohioans that they’re worse off after three years of Obama and Biden’s failed policies,” said spokesman Ryan Mahoney. “Whether it’s the Obama Administration’s skyrocketing energy prices, or soaring debts and deficits, Ohioans simply can’t afford four more years of Barack Obama.”

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

The Ohio General Assembly has decided to repeal a controversial new voting law that was on hold waiting for a referendum vote this November.

Ohio Senate Bill 295 essentially repeals House Bill 194, a measure approved last year that would have overhauled much of the state’s election law. Gov. John Kasich is expected to sign S.B. 295.

Passage of S.B. 295 means most of the rules surrounding voting will remain the same. H.B. 194 would have made changes such as reducing the amount of time for early in-person voting, prohibiting mass mailing of applications for absentee ballots, and eliminating a five-day window for people to register to vote and then immediately cast a ballot.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted said the referendum is no longer needed and indicated it would save taxpayers $1 million not to place the issue on the ballot. He said it would also eliminate voter confusion in November.

But some Democrats wanted the issue to appear on the ballot in November because they suggested S.B. 295 reaffirmed a change in a separate law that resulted in ending early voting on the weekend before the election.

Democrats argue that is a time when many of their supporters have time or the opportunity to go to the polls.
Some Republicans say there is ample opportunity to cast a vote and also accused Democrats of wanting the referendum to appear before voters as a way to spur their supporters to the poll.

With some uncertainty still surrounding the issue, some interested parties speculate that the issue could eventually be decided by the courts.

So what would that mean if the issue was overturned by the courts? Would it be an appeal to repeal the repeal?

Negative Ned

Does it seem like this presidential election season has filled the airwaves with more negative advertisements than usual?

That might just be the case as recent initiative states that about 70 percent of the ads so far in the national campaign are negative, compared to just one in 10 aired in 2008 at this point in the election.

The analysis was conducted by The Wesleyan Media Project, established in 2010 to track advertising in federal elections.

Many people claim they don’t like all the negative advertising, but folks with years of political campaign experience acknowledge that these ads work because people tend to remember them better.

Think about how this applies to local and state campaigns. Doesn’t there always seem to be a number of campaign fliers, print and online advertisements along with those ad on the airwaves right before Election Day? It’s not just a coincidence, but a strategy.

Lake County Democratic Club

The group elected officers and trustees at its meeting Tuesday. Selected were Mary Feathers, president; Linda Hlebak, vice president; Debbie LoConti, treasurer; Sandy Luther; and trustees Art Hare, Judy Moran, Carol Pred, Judith Junda, Steve Komarjaski, Barry Feathers, and Fred Jones.

Fundies
n Willoughby-Eastlake Levy Committee will host a pasta dinner fundraiser 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Stadium Bar and Grill in Mentor.

n Eleventh District Court of Appeals Court Judge Mary Jane Trapp will have a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the home of Todd and Susan Petersen in Munson Township. See Mike Apicella.

n Lake County Engineer James R. Gills hosts his 12th annual Pig Roast with guest state Rep. Ron Young, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Lake County FOP Hall Pavilion in Concord Township. See Bruce Landeg.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap, 21st annual golf outing and steak dinner June 8 at Painesville Country Club. See Frank Leonbruno, Sheryl DePledge.

n Werner Barthol, candidate for Lake County prosecutor, hosts a Summer Celebration Fundraiser 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 1 at Lake Metroparks Painesville Township Park. See James Falvey or Kelly Barthol.

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

A new election law that faced being repealed this November by Ohio voters has instead been rescinded by members of the Ohio General Assembly.

Senate Bill 295 passed through the Ohio House of Representatives by a 54-42 vote Tuesday, the Associated Press reported.

The bill essentially repeals House Bill 194 that would have overhauled much of the state’s election law.

Gov. John Kasich is expected to sign Senate Bill 295, which passed the Ohio Senate in March.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted said the action by the legislature means that Ohio’s election law is no longer in limbo and the potential for unnecessary voter confusion has been eliminated.

“Referendums determine if laws passed by the legislature should be upheld,” Husted said in an emailed statement. “With the law at the heart of the referendum on HB 194 having been repealed, there is no longer a question to place before the voters, and taxpayers will save more than $1 million in the process.”

One thing worth noting is Senate Bill 295 also reaffirms a change made last year in a separate bill that resulted in early voting ending on the weekend before the election.

Some Democrats wanted the referendum to appear on the ballot in November and were critical of the decision by the Republican-dominated Legislature.

They suggested because the bill made the additional change, the measure was not a “clean repeal”.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy easily won his party’s nomination March 6 to run Nov. 6 for the Ohio House of Representatives District 60 seat.

Troy defeated Willowick Democrat James Helmink and Eastlake Democrat Laura DePledge. Painesville Councilwoman Lori DiNallo was unopposed in the Republican Party primary.

So Troy will face DiNallo in November, right?

Well, there is increased speculation that Troy might not run for the position after all and instead serve the remaining two years of his commissioner term.

When Troy was in the process of making a decision last year on whether to run for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives, he was clearly torn.

Troy enjoys service as a commissioner, but he also felt a strong pull to serve in Columbus, where he served as a state representative for 14 years in the 1980s and 1990s.

Supporters would mention to him that he should stay in Lake County and utilize his experience on the three-member Board of Commissioners.

Also weighing on the decision was if elected to serve in Columbus, he might be part of the minority party that has a smaller voice in how things are run.

That’s because Republicans currently hold the office of governor and both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly, although the majority party could change next year in the House, but not likely the Senate.

As a commissioner, Troy is highly influential regarding decisions made on a county level. Would he have that same level of clout in Columbus?

If Troy wins election as a state representative, the Lake County Democratic Party would then be able to appoint someone to complete the remaining two years on his commissioner term.

Democrats such as Willoughby Hills Councilman Kevin Malecek, former state Rep. Mark Schneider of Mentor, and former Willoughby Municipal Court Judge Larry Allen have expressed some interest in a possible appointment.

There could be several other names that could come to the forefront if the situation presents itself.

But what if Troy dropped out as the Democratic nominee for Ohio House District 60?

The county Democratic Party would need to make an appointment for a new candidate to run against DiNallo.

However, a state representative needs to live within the district they represent, so that would narrow the field of potential candidates.

Due to state reapportionment that takes effect next year, the 60th House District 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.

Interestingly, Malecek, Schneider and Allen currently in what will be District 61 consisting of Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Mentor Wards 1-3, North Perry Village, Perry Village, Waite Hill, Willoughby Hills, the townships of Concord, Leroy, Madison, Perry and parts of Painesville Township.

It would be surprising if Troy didn’t continue to run for state representative, especially after he was critical of former state Sen. Tim Grendell’s decision to stay in the Ohio Senate after he won election to the Ohio House of Representatives in November 2010.

Grendell’s situation was slightly different because it was a general election, not a party primary in the spring to nominate a candidate to run in the fall.

There is a lot of time left before November rolls around, let’s see if Troy changes his mind.

Fundies

n Willoughby-Eastlake Levy Committee will host a pasta dinner fundraiser, 4 to 7 p.m. May 14 at the Stadium Bar and Grill in Mentor.

n Eleventh District Court of Appeals Court Judge Mary Jane Trapp will have a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 16 at the home of Todd and Susan Petersen in Munson Township. See Mike Apicella.

n Lake County Engineer James R. Gills hosts his 12th Annual Pig Roast with guest state Rep. Ron Young, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 16 at the Lake County FOP Hall Pavilion in Concord Township. See Bruce Landeg.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap, 21st annual golf outing and steak dinner, June 8 at Painesville Country Club. See Frank Leonbrunno, Sheryl DePledge.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Now that Republican Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich has called it quits, Mitt Romney pretty much has locked up the GOP nomination.

With President Barack Obama scheduled to have a political rally in Columbus this weekend, there is little doubt that Romney will be back soon in Ohio.

As is widely stated, no Republican has ever been elected president without carrying Ohio. Believe me, Obama knows this and seems to be making it a point to spend time here in the Buckeye State as he officially kicks off his campaign.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah