Now that the May 7 special election results have been made official by the Lake County Elections Board, let’s take a look at where each ballot issue won or lost in the respective community or school district.

In general, the breakdown is a way to see how your neighborhood voted and it can be a useful tool for entities planning future election strategies.

A five-year, 3.9-mill replacement and 6.4-mill additional levy combined into a 10.3-mill levy for Fairport Harbor Village’s current operating expenses lost 350-239 or 59.42 percent to 40.58 percent. The levy failed 203-153 in Precinct AA and 147-86 in Precinct BB.

Kirtland’s five-year, 2-mill road improvement levy failed 855-847 or 50.24 percent to 49.76 percent. The levy was defeated 157-154 in Precinct 1A, 249-221 in Precinct 3A, 261-228 in Precinct 4A; it won 244-188 in Precinct 2A.

Kirtland Schools 10-year, estimated 5.12 mills generating $1,552,615 annually for emergency requirements won 970-840 or 53.59 percent to 46.41 percent.

The levy passed in each of Kirtland’s four precincts; tied 3-3 in Willoughby Precinct 2A; lost 25-24 in Kirtland Hills Precinct AA and 24-22 Waite Hill Precinct AA.

A continuing, 3.8-mill additional levy for Madison Village police lost 203-191 or 51.52 percent to 48.48 percent. The levy passed 104-97 in Precinct AA, but failed 106-87 in Precinct BB.

For Mentor Schools, a continuing, 1-mill renewal levy for general permanent improvements won 5,079 to 1,866 or 73.13 percent to 26.87 percent. The 10-year, estimated 8.84-mill renewal levy for avoiding an operating deficit won 5,085 to 1,858 or 73.24 percent to 26.76 percent.

Both school levies passed in each of the school district’s 45 precincts.

A 5-year, 6.06-mill renewal levy for operating expenses for Painesville Schools won 402-282 or 58.77 percent to 41.23 percent. The levy passed in five Painesville precincts — 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C and 4B; failed in five precincts — 1A, 1B, 2A, 4A and 4C.

The Willoughby-Eastlake Schools 10-year, estimated 4.71 mills generating $7,585,000 annually for emergency requirements lost 3,632 to 3,213 or 53.06 percent to 46.94 percent.

A breakdown of how the levy fared in each community reveals:

In Eastlake, the levy passed in six of 12 precincts — 1A, 1B, 2B, 4A, 4B and 4C; failed in 1C, 2A, 2C, 3A, 3B and 3C.

The levy passed in seven of 15 precincts in Willoughby — 2A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B and 6B; failed in 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2B, 3A, 4C and 6A.

In Willoughby Hills, the levy passed in Precinct GG and failed in the other six precincts.

The levy passed in three of nine Willowick precincts — 2A, 2B and 2C; failed in 1A, 1B, 1C, 3A, 3B and 3C.

A majority of voters in Lakeline Precinct AA, Timberlake AA and Waite Hill AA each voted down the levy.

Ohio Treasurer candidate announces

State Rep. Connie Pillich, D-Montgomery, has announced she will run for state Treasurer in 2014.

Republican Josh Mandel of Beachwood is serving his first term as Treasurer.

Pillach is serving her third term in the Ohio House of Representatives. Her district is located in southwestern Ohio.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions with the Elections Board in Lake County are: C. Michelle Hayes for Madison School Board, Mary Jarins and Ellen Brown for Fairport School Board.

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 Fundraiser for Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 30 at S.O.S. Inc. in Munson Township. See Samide or Jacqueline Moskal.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Friends of Laketran political action committee will host Bowling for the Future fundraiser, 2 p.m. June 1 at Scores Fun Center in Painesville. See Nancy Cook.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

n Willoughby Hills Councilwoman Nancy Fellows hosts Flag Day Family Picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 at Campbell Park in Willoughby Hills. See Nancy or Dale Fellows.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce voted in favor of H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, which would allow for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a $7 billion private sector energy infrastructure project.

“Building the Keystone XL pipeline means 20,000 new American jobs, cheaper energy prices for Ohio families, and safer energy practices for our environment,” Joyce said in a statement. “It’s a common-sense jobs project and it’s time for big government to step aside and let the American people build this pipeline.”

H.R. 3, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday, would remove the need for a presidential permit, Joyce said. The legislation also includes several provisions to prevent additional regulatory hurdles and legal challenges.

Opponents of the proposal have cited environmental concerns as part of the reason not to support the project.

The congressman also said H.R. 3 would limit the judicial review process, satisfy all National Environmental Policy Act requirements, and streamline the permitting and approval process for all other necessary federal permits.

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

State Rep. Connie Pillich, D-Montgomery, has announced she will run for Ohio Treasurer in 2014.

“I’m running for Treasurer because working families, small business owners, and seniors need someone who will fight for them,” said Pillach in a news release. “Ohioans deserve a Treasurer who will do the job she was elected to do and will make sure our tax dollars are protected and used wisely.”

Republican Josh Mandel of Beachwood is serving his first term as state Treasurer.

Pillach is serving her third term in the Ohio House of Representatives. Her district is located in southwestern Ohio.

“Whether as a captain in the Air Force, a lawyer and owner of a small business, or a representative in the legislature, I've dedicated my career to listening to concerns, creating a plan of action, and working hard to deliver real results,” she said.

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

Ohio Republicans have decided that now is not the time to try to make the Ohio a so-called Right to Work state.

The issue appears to be dead despite the recent introduction of two bills in the Ohio General Assembly that aim to prohibit public and private sector workers from being required to join a union as part of their employment.

Ohio General Assembly Republicans argue that workers should have the freedom to chose whether they want union representation.

Democrats aren’t letting the opportunity pass to use the issue to help them raise money and energize the party base.

They charge that the measures are an attack on collective bargaining and aim to weaken union membership.

A Cleveland-based political action committee named Keep Ohio’s Heritage even ran a recent television spot titled “Middle Class Minute.”

Democrats also say Right To Work comes with reductions to the average rate of pay for workers when compared to states that have a collective bargaining system like Ohio.

State Rep. Kevin Boyce, D-Columbus, who previously served as Ohio treasurer for two years starting in January 2009, recently sent out an email fundraiser appeal to Democratic supporters.

“This threat is real. The bills have been introduced and are just sitting there for Gov. (John) Kasich and his extreme Republican colleagues to bully through at a moment’s notice,” Boyce wrote. “Together we can win like we did against Senate Bill 5.”

The success of the Ohio Democratic Party and union members was evident when a galvanized effort spearheaded the repeal of Senate Bill 5 in November 2011.

It was precisely that fundraising effort that Ohio Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, referred to in deciding it was the wrong time to try to change the state law regarding Right to work.

A hearing on the issue that had been scheduled for last Thursday was cancelled.

My hunch is at some point the issue of Right to Work will appear on statewide ballots in some form.

I believe it would either be to repeal a bill that changes the state law making Ohio a Right To Work state or one that lets voters ultimately decide the matter.

Lake-Geauga YRs

The Lake-Geauga Young Republicans are the host club for the 2013 Ohio Young Republican State Convention on June 7-8 at LaMalfa Centre in Mentor.

Local speakers during the convention include state Rep. Matt Lynch and 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Colleen M. O’Toole. Keynote speaker for the dinner program will be U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta. U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce will be inducted into the local club’s hall of fame.

Contact Matt Jaworski or Brian Wollet for more details.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions in Lake County were David Anderson for Willoughby mayor; and Dennis Morley for Eastlake mayor.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions in Lake County are R. Robert Umholtz and Donald P. Webbe for Kirtland Council at large; and Geoffrey W. Weaver for Lake County Common Pleas Court; John R. Murphy for Painesville Council at large Jan. 3 term; Chuck Hillier for Painesville Township trustee; Joshua J. Strickland for Painesville Township trustee; and Mark Timm for Leroy Township trustee.

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 Fundraiser for Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 30 at S.O.S. Inc. in Munson Township. See Samide or Jacqueline Moskal.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

n Willoughby Hills Councilwoman Nancy Fellows hosts Flag Day Family Picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 at Campbell Park in Willoughby Hills. See Nancy or Dale Fellows.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

It still surprises me that so few people take the time to vote whenever there is a special election during which no candidates appear on a ballot.

In Lake County, there were 105,822 voters eligible to vote last Tuesday, but yet only 17,164 or 16.22 percent bothered to take the time to do so.

Folks, that’s fewer than two of every 10 registered voters or barely more than three out of every 20.

I realize that people have busy lives and it does take a little bit of time to vote, but not that much. I also understand that, despite the best of intentions, the opportunity to vote is missed.

But to make it much easier to make sure our rights as citizens can be accomplished, the voting process in Ohio has expanded in recent years.

No longer is a reason necessary to cast an absentee ballot as it can be done early by voting through the mail or in person at the county Elections Board.

Of course voting remains available on election day at voters’ respective polling locations. No long lines this time.

Perhaps people didn't realize they had an issue for which to vote or worse they didn't care and took the attitude to let someone else decide.

If that’s the case, then it’s especially hard to understand when someone wants to complain about a school district or the amount of property taxes they might pay when a school levy passes or fails.

When a municipality or township has an issue on the ballot these are questions that directly impact the community where you live. Why wouldn't a registered voter want his or her input to be a part of the process?

Statewide recognition

Madison Township Beverly Getzy, a Democrat who has worked as a precinct election official in Lake County for more than 40 years, was presented the PEO Red Carpet award Thursday by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

She was nominated for the award by the Lake County Elections Board.

The Precinct Election Official Red Carpet Award is given out by the Secretary of State’s office and recognizes the outstanding service and dedication of poll workers throughout Ohio for their work in helping to administer elections in their local communities.

Filed petitions

People who recently have filed candidacy petitions in Lake County are Chuck Klco for Leroy Township trustee and Christopher L. Biro for Willoughby Hills Council at large.

In Geauga County, Michael Farrell for Claridon Township trustee, Jim McCaskey for Munson Township trustee,

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions in Lake County are Suanne Sines for Perry School Board, James R. Fodor for Painesville Council at large, and Mitch Kallay for Painesville Township trustee.

In Geauga County, Claudine Steinfurth and Michael Troyan for Auburn Township trustee; David Brockway for Claridon Township trustee; Jim Baker and Nancy Saunders for Huntsburg Township trustee; Randal C. Peterson and Lu Ann Burger for Montville Township trustee; Charles Walder for Russell Township fiscal officer unexpired term ending March 31, 2016; Erwin M. Leffel for Thompson Township trustee; Carl Sanborn for Troy Township trustee; Scott Klein and Ronald W. Wiech for Middlefield Village Council.

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 Fundraiser for Willoughby Mayor Dave Anderson, 5 to 7 p.m. May 14 at Willoughby Panini’s. See Rick Hart or Anderson.

n Fundraiser for Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 30 at S.O.S. Inc. in Munson Township. See Samide or Jacqueline Moskal.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

National observers believe Ohio’s 14th Congressional District has the potential to play out as a fairly competitive race when compared to many around the country.

So far, there doesn’t seem to be an abundance of candidates lining up to run next year, but it’s still early.

Running for Congress usually requires a significant amount of money and time to operate a successful campaign, so people who want to jump in the race might need to make some decisions fairly soon.

The seven-county district in Northeast Ohio includes all of Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula counties, plus portions of Summit, Portage and Trumbull counties.

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, most likely seeks re-election and he’s got more than $463,000 cash on hand, according to his latest campaign filing with the Federal Elections Commission.

Joyce is in the middle of his first term, typically a time when an incumbent can be more vulnerable.

It remains to be seen if another Republican would step up to seriously challenge Joyce at this point as the incumbent congressman has a headstart on the fundraising process and appears to be working hard attending events, meeting with community leaders and learning about his constituents.

Democrat Michael Wager of Shaker Heights continues to raise money to run for the position. A quick check with the FEC shows that Wager’s campaign committee has more than $174,000 cash on hand.

Wager’s last FEC filing shows the bulk of his contributors have come from Cuyahoga County, which is a relatively small portion of the district.

Meanwhile, many folks are watching Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy, a Willowick Democrat contemplating a potential run next year for the 14th Congressional District seat.

Troy, whose four-year term as commissioner ends next year, appears to be weighing whether he will run for re-election to his county post or if he might have something else in mind.

I don’t think Troy would run for a seat in the Ohio General Assembly in Columbus especially after he won a Democratic Party primary for state representative in May 2012, but then decided to withdraw as a candidate and remain a county commissioner.

Probate update

After Lake County Probate Court Judge Ted Klammer died March 13, 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 on the Probate Court bench.

Sitting judges of the county Common Pleas Court also have helped cover the Probate Court docket until a judge is appointed by the Gov. John Kasich.

I’m hearing that the Lake County Republican Party soon plans to send a list of recommendations to the governor.

Favorites to appear on that potential list are said to be (in alphabetical order) Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta, Lake County Probate Court Magistrate Lora Lynne Krider, Lake County Assistant Prosecutor John O’Donnell and Jim O’Leary, a Painesville Township attorney.

Across the state there are at least 15 other judicial vacancies that need to be filled by the governor, so it may be a while before Kasich makes the Probate Court appointment.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions with the Lake County Elections Board was Kimberly Evers for Eastlake Council at large.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions are Matt Jaworski for Wickliffe Council at large; Greg Sasse for Mentor Council at large; Ashley Hacking for Perry School Board; Matthew G. Shultz for Kirtland Council at large; and Bob Fiala for Willoughby Council Ward 3.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Willoughby Mayor Dave Anderson, 5 to 7 p.m. May 14 at Willoughby Panini’s. See Rick Hart or Anderson.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah