U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce reflected on issues such as immigration, health care, jobs and Syria during a visit this week with The News-Herald.

Joyce, R-Russell Township, has completed his first eight months as a congressman.

When comes to immigration, Joyce acknowledges that this is a big issue especially in Lake and Ashtabula counties, which are part of the seven-county 14th Congressional District.

Joyce believes that for any bill to have a realistic chance to pass through Congress it must address border security, and the process must be improved when issuing visas.

The congressman said he continues to hear from businesses and his constituents about concerns they have about uncertainty of the nation’s new health care law often called Obamacare.

He said people are genuinely concerned about whether they will continue to receive health care from their employer and that some businesses are considering or have already dropped coverage because it may be cheaper for them to pay a fine and let employees buy their own coverage on health exchanges.

Joyce doesn’t believe that defunding Obamacare or shutting down the government is the right approach to address the issue.

Rather, he believes it’s time for President Barack Obama, Republicans and Democrats to work together on health care and find common solutions.

The economic recovery remains soft and there is apprehension about what the future may hold, Joyce believes, adding the number of jobs in the 14th Congressional District remain about the same since the beginning of the year because businesses in general aren’t planning much expansion due to an uncertain feeling as to what their costs are going to be.

He thinks the economy will get better when people feel more secure and can spend their money.

Joyce would like to see the Obama Administration lay out an overall strategy for what to do in Syria after the government there apparently launched a chemical attack.

He feels that the United States shouldn’t launch an air strike to just do it without a greater plan to move forward and to have an end strategy.

Lake County Probate Court update

An appointment by Gov. John Kasich for the Lake County Probate Court bench inches closer and could happen this week.

Candidates said to be under consideration are 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.

In the meantime, retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk has been filling the seat on the bench until Kasich makes the appointment.

Events

n Former U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette is the headliner speaker for the 20th anniversary reception for the behavioral health care service provider Bridges from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Dino’s in Willoughby. Others featured are Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Tracy Plouck, Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Provider CEO Hubert Wirth, and Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services board Director Kim Fraser.

n Bolton Women’s Club Cupcakes Social is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the The Confectionary Cupboard, Mentor.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for John Popelka, candidate for Willoughby Council Ward 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Mullarkey’s Irish Pub in Willoughby. See Popelka, Geoff Weaver or John Bowers.

n Kimberly Evers, candidate for Eastlake Council, hosts his fundraiser 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at The Captains Club in Eastlake. See Diane Goss or Mary Evers.

n Susan McGuinness, candidate for Painesville Township trustee’,  hosts a “ ’60s Night” fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Susan or Ray McGuinness.

n Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy hosts his Fall Classic golf outing and Clam Bake, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start Sept. 27 at Lost Nation Municipal Golf Course in Willoughby. See Kip Molenaar.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

When most people think of how a county’s court system works, what may first come to mind are murder trials or other high-profile cases.

In truth, the courts aren't always glamorous like they may be portrayed on an episode of “Law and Order.” But they have hardworking people, and the operations involve many important functions that have an everyday effect on people’s lives.

For example, when someone is accused of a crime and doesn’t have the resources to pay for an attorney, they are deemed indigent, and a public defender is appointed to represent them.

In Lake County, there is a county public defender who oversees a group of attorneys charged with that task.

For nearly 35 years, the county Public Defender was R. Paul LaPlante, a highly respected attorney. His recent death leaves a void, and it will be up to the Lake County Public Defender Commission to name a successor. Look for that to happen sometime after Aug. 26.

The Lake County Probate Court also is another area that may not get the headlines, but the court’s role is mightily important.

A Probate Court has jurisdiction over matters such as issuance of marriage licenses; administration of estates and guardianships; adoption proceedings; determination of sanity or mental competence; certain eminent domain proceedings; and other civil matters.

Gov. John Kasich will be responsible for naming a new Lake County Probate Judge after Judge Ted Klammer died in March.

Candidates said to be under consideration are 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.

In the meantime, retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk has been filling the seat on the bench until Kasich makes the appointment.

Look for Kasich to make a decision in the next few weeks.

Fende ready

Lake County Treasurer-elect Lorraine M. Fende will finally drop the “elect” from her title, as she will begin her four-year term on Sept. 3. Technically, the term begins Sept. 2, but the office is closed that day for the Labor Day holiday.

Fende, who was elected back in November, plans to be officially sworn-in Monday by her husband, retired Willoughby Municipal Court Judge Larry Allen.

Event

A meet-and-greet event with Dennis Morley, candidate for Eastlake mayor, will be hosted by Ken and Denise Hoefle, Joe and Ingrid D’Ambrosio, Donna Vaughn and Laura DePledge from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 at 36683 Valley Ridge Drive, Eastlake.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Riverside School Board member Belinda Grassi and Jennifer Harden, a candidate for Riverside School Board, 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at Pickle Bills in Grand River. See Grassi or Harden.

n Fende hosts eighth annual Steakroast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Wickliffe Italian American Club. See Diane Fox.

n Fundraiser for Cindy Quinn-Hopkins, candidate for Eastlake mayor, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Trader Jacks Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Dave Fiebig or Mark Cain.

n Chuck Hillier, candidate for Painesville Township trustee, hosts a fundraiser from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Lake Erie Shores Beach Park Pavilion in Painesville Township. See Ken Fitzsimmons.

n Kenny Yuko, a candidate for Ohio Senate District 25, hosts a Gala Reception with guest state Rep. Connie Pillach, a candidate for Ohio Treasurer, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at The Patrician in Eastlake. See Yuko or Pamela Yuko.

n Wickliffe Mayor Bill Margalis hosts the fifth annual Labor Day Picnic from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 30 at Wickliffe Italian American Club Picnic Pavilion. See Bill or Sue Margalis.

n Fundraiser for John Popelka, candidate for Willoughby Council Ward 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Mullarkey’s Irish Pub in Willoughby. See Popelka, Geoff Weaver or John Bowers.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Now that the filing deadline for candidates to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot has passed, we have a little bit more clarity on who will represent citizens in their respective communities and school boards.

Obviously, there are many races, and the winners won’t be known until after election day. But we know there will be some changes at least based on who did or did not file.

Painesville Township will have two new trustees next year after Trustees Jeanette Crislip and James Falvey decided not to run again. Nine people filed for the chance to win one of two open seats. The two winners will join Trustee Gabe Cicconetti on the board.

In Willoughby, there will be at least one new face on City Council after new ward boundaries were recently approved. Ward 2 Councilman Bob Fiala was pushed into the new Ward 3, and he is the only person who filed for that seat.

Current Ward 3 Councilman Jerry Ranally, who also serves as council president, was pushed into Ward 5 with the redrawing. Ranally is the only person who filed for the Ward 5 seat. Current Ward 5 Councilwoman Karen Manning didn’t seek re-election.

In Willoughby Hills, there will some changes, too, as Council President Dave Reichelt declined to run for re-election. Councilman at large David Fiebig filed to run for the at large term held by Reichelt. John Plecnik and Joe Zawatski filed to run for Fiebig’s current at large term that starts Jan. 1, 2014.

For Mentor Municipal Court judge, incumbent John Trebets is unopposed as he was the only candidate to file for the position back in February.

In Perry Village, Councilman John Young declined to file for re-election and five candidates filed to run for Council, with the top four vote-getters earning a seat.

North Perry Village Councilwoman Lorrie Taylor decided not to run, and seven candidates filed to run, with the top four winning seats on village council.

As previously announced, Leroy Township Trustee Linda Burhenne decided not to run for re-election. Four candidates filed for trustee, with the top two finishers earning a spot on the board.

In four of the nine school districts in Lake County, at least one incumbent from the Kirtland, Riverside, Perry and Wickliffe school boards did not seek re-election.

Not every race, though, had enough candidates file to fill the available seats that are up on the ballot.

In Timberlake, Dennis Dicki, Ritu Sharma and Kenneth L. Zalar were the only three candidates who filed for four council seats. Councilwoman Jane Shaveyco didn’t file to keep her seat. No one filed to run for the village’s Board of Public Affairs.

For the Lake Educational Service Center board, only two candidates filed for three positions. The two candidates to file were Erik L. Walter and former Lake County Recorder Geoffrey T. Kent.

Three seats on the Kirtland School Board are also on the ballot this year. Kat Torok was the only candidate who filed.

For Cardinal Schools in Geauga County, two seats were up on the school board. Kenneth J. Klima was the only candidate to file.

Keep in mind, there still is an opportunity for people to file to run as a write-in candidate for the Nov. 5 ballot. The deadline to file forms with county elections boards to indicate a person wants to be a write-in candidate is Aug. 26.

Fundies

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran, first annual golf outing scramble, 11:30 a.m. lunch Aug. 15 at Madison Country Club. See Kevin Malecek or Paul Miller.

n Fundraiser for Riverside School Board Member Belinda Grassi and Jennifer Harden, a candidate for Riverside School Board, 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at Pickle Bills in Grand River. See Grassi or Harden.

n Lake County Treasurer-elect Lorraine M. Fende hosts the eighth annual Steakroast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Wickliffe Italian American Club. See Diane Fox.

n Fundraiser for Cindy Quinn-Hopkins, candidate for Eastlake mayor, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Trader Jacks Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Dave Fiebig or Mark Cain.

n Chuck Hillier, candidate for Painesville Township trustee, hosts a fundraiser 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Lake Erie Shores Beach Park Pavilion in Painesville Township. See Ken Fitzsimmons.

n Kenny Yuko, a candidate for Ohio Senate District 25, hosts a Gala Reception with guest state Rep. Connie Pillach, a candidate for Ohio Treasurer, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at The Patrician in Eastlake. See Yuko or Pamela Yuko.

n Wickliffe Mayor Bill Margalis hosts the fifth annual Labor Day Picnic from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 30 at Wickliffe Italian American Club Picnic Pavilion. See Bill or Sue Margalis.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The final deadline for candidates to file for the Nov. 5 election looms and soon we’ll know who wants to run for all the mayoral, council, township trustee and school board races.

Contests will take shape after the Wednesday 4 p.m. deadline for candidates to file their petitions to run for office and appear on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Candidates involved in races in Eastlake, Wickliffe along with mayoral candidates in Mentor-on-the-Lake filed previously as respective charters stipulated a July 19 deadline. Those races are set.

We already know the winner of one race with Judge John Trebets unopposed for re-election as he was the only candidate who filed before the Feb. 6 deadline to file for Mentor Municipal Court judge.

For the other races, will there be any surprises including long-time officials who don’t file for re-election?

Perhaps there might be two new trustees in Painesville Township as neither Jeanette Crislip nor Jim Falvey have filed to run.

Might there be some potential challengers who emerge to run for Mentor Council at large? Three seats will be on the ballot.

You never know what will happen when it comes to the filing deadline, but these questions will be answered in just a few days.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions in Lake County were Robert Harrold for Willoughby Council Ward 6; Ken Hoefle and Michael Zuren for Eastlake Council at large; Donald P. Webb for Kirtland Council at large; Jerome Ranally for Willoughby Council Ward 5; Virginia Jeschelnig and Alan Mihok for Mentor school board; Larry Klco for North Perry Council; Jonathan Miller for Lakeline Council; Paul Gum, William Pickett, Anthony Larccia and Heidi Miller for Kirtland Hills Council; Troy Elam for Mentor-on-the-Lake mayor; Suanne Sines and Ashley M. Hacking for Perry school board; Larry A. Staton and Sandra Staton for Lakeline Council; Paul R. Malchesky and Christopher Galloway for Concord Township trustee; Nancy E. Fellows for Willoughby Hills Council at large Jan. 2 term; Preston Wolk for Mentor-on-the-Lake Council; C. Michelle Hayes and Jay Fabian for Madison school board; Ritu Sharma for Timberlake Council; Duane Frager, Donald Bartlett, and Daniel L. Donaldson for Madison Village Council; Leroy Zinn for North Perry Council; Mark Timm for Leroy Township trustee; James Bala for Wickliffe Council Ward 1; Mary Javins for Fairport school board; Robert Gildone for Grand River Council; Nancy L. Steele for Perry Township trustee; Amy M. Zuren, Rusty Bliss and Sharon Scott for Willoughby-Eastlake school board; Joshua Lagania for Perry Village Council; Jeffrey Powers for Painesville school board and Frank Sarosy for Fairport Harbor Council.

Fundies

n State Rep. John Rogers hosts a golf outing Aug. 9 at Madison Country Club. See Rogers or Kip Molenaar.

n Mentor-on-the-Lake Councilwoman Desirea Thompson hosts a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10 at Amvets Post 109 in Mentor on the Lake. See Desirea or John Thompson.

n Geauga County Democratic Party hosts its annual steak roast 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at party headquarters in Newbury Township. See Dennis Pavella.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran, first annual golf outing scramble, 11:30 a.m. lunch Aug. 15 at Madison Country Club. See Kevin Malecek or Paul Miller.

n Fundraiser for Riverside School Board Member Belinda Grassi and Jennifer Harden, a candidate for Riverside School Board, 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at Pickle Bills in Grand River. See Grassi or Harden.

n Lake County Treasurer-elect Lorraine M. Fende hosts 8th annual Steakroast from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Wickliffe Italian American Club. See Diane Fox.

n Fundraiser for Cindy Quinn-Hopkins, candidate for Eastlake mayor, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at Trader Jacks Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Dave Fiebig or Mark Cain.

n Kenny Yuko, a candidate for Ohio Senate District 25, hosts a Gala Reception with guest state Rep. Connie Pillach, a candidate for Ohio Treasurer, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at The Patrician in Eastlake. See Yuko or Pamela Yuko.

n Wickliffe Mayor Bill Margalis hosts 5th annual Labor Day Picnic from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 30 at Wickliffe Italian American Club Picnic Pavilion. See Bill or Sue Margalis.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah