There will be six judge races on the November ballot in Lake County next year and it will be quite interesting to see who runs for these benches.

Before that, however, a new Probate Court judge will be appointed by Gov. John Kasich to replace the vacancy created when Judge Ted Klammer died.

There is some talk that Painesville Municipal Court Judge Michael Cicconetti is interested in the Probate Court position. He’s a Democrat, so it might be a little tough to imagine him getting the appointment, but maybe not so far-fetched.

If Kasich was to appoint Cicconetti as Probate Court judge, it would then create a vacancy for Painesville Municipal Court judge and the governor could appoint a Republican to that bench.

My hunch, though, is the governor appoints a Republican to the Probate Court and lets the election process work itself out next year to determine who would get a new six-year term.

Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Joseph Gibson won’t be able to run for re-election next year due to age restrictions. Republican Randi Ostry ran against Gibson in 2008, perhaps she might make another run? Dennis N. Loconti finished second in a primary to Gibson in March 2008, maybe he gives it another try?

I’m also hearing that if Assistant Geauga County Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta, a Republican who previously served as a Lake County assistant prosecutor, isn’t appointed to the Probate Court bench, he might run for Gibson’s bench.

Also up next year is Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson. In March 2008, four Democrats, Patrice Denman, James R. Dugan, Paul E. Miller, and John Rogers (now a state representative), ran in a Democratic primary with Denman emerging as the Democratic candidate. She eventually lost against Lawson. Who might challenge Lawson next year?

Other judge races on the ballot in 2014 are the Lake County Domestic Relations Court bench held by Judge Colleen A. Falkowski, and two 11th District Court of Appeals seats held by Judges Timothy P. Cannon and Cynthia Westcott Rice.

Falkowski and Rice were both unopposed in November 2008. Cannon defeated Republican Paul Brickner.

Trapp private practice

Former 11th District Court of Appeals Court Judge Mary Jane Trapp has joined the Cleveland office of the law firm of Thrasher, Dinsmore and Dolan.

Pulling petitions

In Geauga County, several candidates have taken out petitions with the county Elections Board to run for offices in the Nov. 5 election. No one had filed to run as of Thursday.

People who have taken out petitions are Mike Ferrell for Claridon Township trustee; Edward W. Kaminski and Nadine Pope for Hambden Township trustee; Jason Sutter and Al Vontorcik for Huntsburg Township trustee; James J. McCaskey for Munson Township trustee; Ken Armstrong for Russell Township trustee; Nancy McArthur for Chardon Council; Steve Remias for Geauga County Educational Service Center Governing Board; Gregory Kernc for Chardon Board of Education; and Matthew T. Fuentes for Ledgemont Board of Education.

In Lake County, Kimberly C. Evers has taken out petitions with the county Elections Board for Eastlake Council-at Large. Rusty Bliss has taken out petitions to run for Willoughby-Eastlake Board of Education.

Filed petitions

Edmund Leoson has filed petitions to run for Painesville Township trustee.

Fundies

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Malchesky, Galloway or Connie Luhta.

n Dennis Morley will host a kickoff fundraiser for his Eastlake mayor campaign, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at Trader Jack’s Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Barb Morley.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran will host a fundraiser from 5 to 7:30 p.m. April 18 at Dino’s Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Kathy Russo.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, announced Monday that he’s signed on as an original cosponsor to the Helping Heroes Fly Act, which he said would improve airport security screening processes for wounded and severely disabled service members and veterans.

“While we’ll never be able to repay our heroic servicemen and women for the sacrifices they've made in the line of duty, it should be our top priority to make their lives back home as easy and comfortable as possible,” Joyce said in a statement. “The Helping Heroes Fly Act will ensure that our wounded warriors are able to get through airport security quickly and comfortably and avoid any disruptive or difficult screening practices.

“America’s servicemen and women are the best and brightest in the world and deserve a comfortable transition back home for protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day,” Joyce said.

The Helping Heroes Fly Act was introduced by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. D-Hawaii, and would require that Transportation Security Administration enhance its Operations Center program to ensure that our nation’s heroes are shown their due respect and appreciation, Joyce said.

It would also provide training to all screeners on the protocols to prevent discrepancies in how wounded warriors utilizing the program are treated; enhance the program’s efficacy in meeting the needs of wounded warriors by mandating ongoing consultations between TSA officials and advocacy organizations; and ensure Congressional oversight of the program by implementing annual reporting, Joyce said.


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

The late Ted Klammer who served as Lake County Probate Court Judge will be missed by countless members of the community.

As the Probate Court judge since 2003, Klammer had responsibility over matters such as a person’s estate, appointing guardians, issuing marriage licenses and many other legal duties.

To keep the court operating, 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. Sitting judges in the county Common Pleas Court will also fill in when needed.

Ohio law states it will be the governor’s responsibility to appoint a new judge, who must be a Lake County resident.

Klammer was a Democrat, Gov. John Kasich is a Republican. In all likelihood, the appointed judge would be a Republican and it’s quite possible the person who fills the unexpired term would decide to run for a new term during the November 2014 election.

The Lake County Republican Party will likely make some recommendations to the governor, but ultimately it is Kasich’s choice.

There are several GOP attorney names floating around who could be among those considered for a potential appointment by the governor.

What about Kirtland resident Jason Wuliger, who was appointed as Lake County Recorder by the county GOP last year after former Recorder Frank Suponcic resigned? Wuliger is a former Lake County Juvenile Court magistrate.

Perhaps Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Patton, who also is Willowick Council president, might be interested?

Geoffrey W. Weaver ran for the Probate Court bench in 2002 as the Republican Party’s nominee against Klammer. Heidi M. Koenig, who has served as a Cuyahoga County magistrate, also ran in that November 2002 race as an independent candidate.

I think if Lake County Prosecutor Charles E. Coulson were interested he could be picked, but I’m not sure that he is.

Other potential names I’ve heard are Lake County Probate Court Magistrate Lora Lynne Stalnaker; Assistant Lake County Prosecutors John O’Donnell and Karen Kowall, who ran for Willoughby Municipal Court judge in November 2011; and Assistant Geauga County Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta, who previously served as a Lake County assistant prosecutor.

Another responsibility a Lake County Probate Court judge has is to make appointments to the three-member Lake Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners, who serve three-year terms.

Park commissioners now serving are Ellen Foley Kessler, whose term expires Dec. 31; Dennis E. Eckert, whose term expires Dec. 31, 2014; and Frank J. Polivka, whose term expires Dec. 31, 2015.

It is worth noting that the unexpired term of Klammer runs through Feb. 8, 2015.

So the person who is appointed by Kasich would likely have the ability to reappoint or appoint new people for two park commissioner seats.

Filed petitions

People recently filing petitions with the Lake County Elections Board were Ron Ely for Wickliffe Council Ward 3, Bill Margalis for Wickliffe mayor and John Plecnik for Willoughby Hills Council at large for the two-year term commencing Jan. 1.

Taken out petitions

Joshua Pennock has taken out petitions with the Lake County Elections Board for Painesville Township trustee, Dan Hill has taken them out for Timberlake Council.

Deadlines

To send information for this column, the deadline each week is Wednesday at 5 p.m. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser 5 to 7 p.m. April 1 at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Malchesky, Galloway or Connie Luhta.

n Dennis Morley will host a kickoff fundraiser for his Eastlake mayor campaign, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at Trader Jack’s Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Barb Morley.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Lake County indeed lost a family member when Probate Court Judge Ted Klammer died Wednesday.

Klammer, 66, was known to have a passion to help people who came before him in his courtroom, especially the elderly and young.

He will be missed by the countless number of people who knew the man as someone who was hard working and cared for the less fortunate.

As a judge, Klammer often had to find ways to take care of people who were mentally ill and had no one else to help or make important decisions for them.

He appointed guardians when the court or doctors determined someone was incompetent, and he took that responsibility very seriously. There are about 800 wards within the county.

Klammer helped put in place a volunteer guardianship program through his court that aimed to find more people to help when it became increasingly difficult to find attorneys who were willing or had the time to devote to a ward.

“In each instance you have to look at the case and make a decision,” Klammer said in a Sept. 25 story published by The News-Herald. “If it’s one where the person is capable of causing harm to himself or others, then you have to take a more cautious approach. If it’s Alzheimer’s, you have to make sure who you appoint is trustworthy and won’t steal from them and put them in a bad position.”

Before he was elected judge in 2002, Klammer had an extensive legal career that included time as a private practice attorney and also as Eastlake law director.

He also served for a time as a member of the Lake Metroparks Board of Commissioners.

I remember covering an agency board meeting years ago in place of a co-worker. I believe it was the first time I met Klammer in person.

I arrived just a few moments before the meeting started and while I was still shuffling around to get organized, Klammer said it was a tradition to have “the new guy” lead the audience to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Because I wasn’t a regular visitor to the meetings, apparently that new guy was me.

After Klammer became judge and left his role as a Metroparks commissioner, I’d occasionally bump into him while out in Painesville and we’d chat for a few minutes. It was always a delightful conversation in which he would ask about my family. He was genuinely a pleasant man with whom to speak.

In recent times, I covered Klammer a little more when county commissioners and the judge had a legal dispute about flooding inside the county courthouse.

As I expected, Klammer was passionate about that issue while it was ongoing and the conversations and interviews I had with him reflected his advocacy.

Moving forward, retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk was assigned by the Ohio Supreme Court for three months to cover the docket, and other sitting Common Pleas Court judges will fill in as needed.

Eventually, Gov. John Kasich will appoint someone to the bench. But now is not the time to begin that speculation. I’ll leave that for another day.

But I will say that whoever the governor selects will have big shoes to fill.

Eklund appointed

State Sen. John Eklund, R-Munson Township, has been appointed to the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee by Ohio Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina.

Comprised of legislators from both the state Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives, the committee is responsible for inspecting and evaluating each state correctional institution, private correctional facility and youth services facility once during the biennium and reporting its findings to the Ohio General Assembly.

Fundies

n Willoughby Hills Councilman David M. Fiebig’s fifth annual Spring Fever fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig or Cindy Quinn-Hopkins.

n Re-election kickoff for Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Patrician Party, Eastlake. See Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser 5 to 7 p.m. April 1 at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Malchesky, Galloway or Connie Luhta.

n Dennis Morley will host a kickoff fundraiser for his Eastlake mayor campaign, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at Trader Jack’s Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Barb Morley.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

A dispute has emerged between Gov. John Kasich and Ohio Auditor Dave Yost just after a recent poll showed the governor with his highest approval rating to date.

The Columbus Dispatch initially reported Thursday that Yost had issued a subpoena for the financial records of JobsOhio, a privatized economic development agency championed by Kasich.

Yost stated that JobsOhio was not cooperating with attempts to audit the private entity.

Responding to the initial report, Kasich told The Plain Dealer that the disagreement was an misunderstanding about how much authority Yost has to audit JobsOhio and that he and Yost would “get this worked out.”

Since JobsOhio was created, Ohio Democrats have continued to question it and say there is a lack of transparency in how the agency operates.

The group ProgressOhio also has a pending lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of JobsOhio.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, who is viewed as a possible Democratic challenger in 2014 to Kasich, also responded to the reports and issued a statement on the matter.

FitzGerald, who was elected in 2010 as the first Cuyahoga County executive after corruption tore apart the county government, said transparency is the “best disinfectant for corruption” and urged Kasich to open JobsOhio’s books for full inspection.

Kasich said the auditor should study all public money, but pointed out that JobsOhio is a private company.

Yost apparently thinks he has the right to audit JobsOhio or he wouldn’t have issued a subpoena on the matter.

It makes me wonder what JobsOhio has to hide? After all, doesn’t the entity exist to help attract and retain business in Ohio and to further economic development?

I would guess that there is some confidential or sensitive information involving the operations of businesses potentially looking to move to Ohio or in-state businesses that may be reaching out for assistance. I could see that it may be harmful if that information is made public.

But despite the best of intentions, when public money is involved don’t people generally have a right to find out exactly how it is spent? If they are denied that access, then suspicions can surface even if there truly is nothing wrong.

It’s also interesting to note that Kasich and Yost are both Republicans and it is generally rare for two of the state’s top elected officials to disagree to the point where a subpoena is filed. Democrats are enjoying the ride, and the dispute prompted Ohio Party Chairman Chris Redfern to conduct a news conference on the subject on Friday, past this column’s deadline.

Regardless of how the dispute unfolds, with both Yost and Kasich up for re-election in 2014, it’s not likely the best way for the two GOP elected officials to proceed, as their potential re-election campaigns will soon begin.

Spring forward

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted’s office urges Ohio voters to plan ahead when they “spring forward” today to Daylight Saving Time. He would like registered voters to take five minutes to check their registrations and make sure their registered address is correct by visiting www.myohiovote.com.

Husted said the most common reason Ohio voters are required to vote a provisional ballot rather than a regular ballot is because they have moved and not updated their address for voting purposes.

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 Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 12 at LaMalfa Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Willoughby Hills Councilman David M. Fiebig’s 5th annual Spring Fever fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 20 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig or Cindy Quinn-Hopkins.

n Re-election kickoff for Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 21 at Patrician Party, Eastlake. See Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser 5 to 7 p.m. April 1 at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Malchesky, Galloway or Connie Luhta.

n Dennis Morley will host a kickoff fundraiser for his Eastlake mayor campaign, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at Trader Jack’s Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Barb Morley.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Gov. John Kasich has seemingly rebounded from a rocky political start as governor to now enjoy his highest approval rating since he became governor in January 2011.

For the first time, Kasich’s job approval rating has risen to more than 50 percent, according to a new poll released by Quinnipiac University.

The survey found that 53 percent approve of Kasich with 32 percent against. In December, the governor had a 42 to 35 percent approval rating.

Quinnipiac also took a look at some potential challengers to Kasich in 2014. The governor hasn’t officially announced a re-election bid, but all signs point to him running again.

Here’s what the poll that surveyed 1,011 registered voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent found when comparing Kasich to four potential Democrats who might consider challenging the governor. None have officially announced a gubernatorial campaign.

Kasich led 45-35 against Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald; 44-39 over U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray; 44-36 against U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles; and 45-38 over former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton of Copley.

It is worth pointing out that Kasich does not receive more than 50 percent against any potential candidate, but it may cause some potential opponents to think twice about a statewide run.

At first glance, the poll indicated FitzGerald has the most ground to make up, and Cordray would be the closest to Kasich in terms of percentage points.

Cordray is prohibited from discussing politics while in his federal role and I wonder if his status among Ohioans would rise if he decided to run for governor.

Of course this is just one poll and it’s too early to make significant judgments now because much could change over the next year.

But what it does suggest is that the governor has made a bit of a political comeback after a stinging loss when he was vocal proponent of Senate Bill 5 in November 2011, a measure that aimed to strip away collective bargaining powers. It was soundly repealed by a statewide referendum and many blamed Kasich for the defeat.

Democrats were riding a wave of momentum after that victory and it likely helped during the 2012 president campaign that saw President Barack Obama carry Ohio.

The poll also comes after Kasich released his budget proposal that contains a blend of tax reform proposals and an expansion of Medicaid among the most popularly discussed items so far.

What makes the budget proposal even more interesting is both parties see in it things they like and don’t like.

As I've written before, I believe there will be compromises needed by both parties to hammer out the final details of this state’s two-year budget.

Kasich to headline Lake GOP dinner

The governor will be the featured speaker April 3 for the Lake County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake. Tables will only be reserved for pre-paid parties of eight and VIPs. All other seating will be open. For more information, contact party headquarters or visit www.lakegop.com.

Taken out petitions

Amy Zuren recently took out petitions with the Lake County Elections Board for Willoughby-Eastlake School Board.

Filed petitions

Janet A. Dowling has filed petitions to run for Mentor Council at large.

Fundies

n Re-election kickoff party for Mentor Municipal Court Judge John Trebets, 5 to 8 p.m. March 7 at Holiday Inn Express LaMalfa Centre in Mentor. See Ed or Cindy Hughes.

n Re-election kickoff for Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 21 at Patrician Party, Eastlake. See Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 12 at LaMalfa Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser is rescheduled to 5 to 7 p.m. April 1 at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Malchesky, Galloway or Connie Luhta.

n Dennis Morley will host a kickoff fundraiser for his Eastlake mayor campaign, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at Trader Jack’s Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Barb Morley.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newheraldjah