Northern Ohio Local Politics

Geauga County Republican Women plan annual spaghetti dinner

2012-01-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

The Geauga County Republican Women will host the annual spaghetti dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10.

The event will take place at Munson Town Hall, 12210 Auburn Road, and donations are $10 per person. Those age 10 and younger eat free.

For reservations, call Dorothy Fromhercz at 440-729-7275, though walk-ins also are welcome.

View Munson Town Hall in a larger map

More than one component to sales tax plan

2012-01-28T17:00:00.001-05:00

As expected, Lake County commissioners voted to raise the county’s piggyback sales rate by 0.5 percent, but there are other critical components to the overall package.

One is commissioners intend to reduce the user fees rates paid into the county Stormwater Management Department next year by 50 percent.

Fourteen communities are part of the county department that helps them comply with federal regulations to improve stormwater quality.

Fees from these communities currently generate about $2.043 million annually for the department, which in turn uses the revenue to fund, partially fund, or leverage additional dollars to pay for projects designed to clean stormwater runoff.

Cutting those fees in half would mean about $1.021 million annually for the program.

Residential parcel owners now pay $9.60 annually in communities that participate in Level 1 service and $30 annually for residential parcel owners in communities that have Level 2 service.

So next year, those fees would be cut in half to make it $4.80 annually for Level 1 and $15 annually for Level 2.

That means stormwater officials will prioritize the projects that are the most critical and which are the most cost-effective. Maybe a project (or a few) won’t go forward.

Despite the loss of revenue to the department, there’s a possibility of an unforeseen effect.

If you remember, one early criticism of the program when it first was implemented was that the fees were too expensive for people to pay, so some communities decided to comply with the federal requirements on their own.

Maybe with the fees cut in half next year, other communities might consider joining the county program?

The other component of the package is that commissioners agreed to reduce the property tax inside millage dedicated to the county’s general fund.

Currently, the rate is 2.1 mills, and commissioners will reduce the rate for residential and commercial property owners to 1 mill. For each $100,000 of property valuation, 2.1 mills generates $64.31 per year; 1 mill would generate $30.63 per year.

What that means is property owners within the county get a break. They will pay an estimated $7 million less overall to the county’s general fund based on current values beginning next year, according to the county Auditor’s Office.

For Mentor, Lake County’s largest community, property owners within the city would pay an estimated $1.658 million less annually than they would based on current values. Concord Township property owners would pay an estimated $690,656 less overall, and those in Eastlake would pay $509,872 less overall.

Broken down by cities, villages and townships, the amount of savings combined for residential and commercial property owners based on current values is $4.611 million, $588,392, and $1.75 million respectively.

Special event

Retirement party for Willoughby resident Barry Feathers, who for 34 years has run the snack shop in the basement of the Lake County Courthouse in Painesville. Festivities will be held at the snack shop from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, his last day on the job.

Fundies

n Christine Page, candidate for Lake County auditor, will host a Groundhog Day Party from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Stadium Grille in Mentor. See Michele Woltman.

n Fundraiser for James Helmink, candidate for state representative Ohio House District 60, with special guest state Sen. Capri Cafaro, 6 to 8pm. Feb. 9, at Cappelli’s in Mentor. See Michael Wagner or Helmink.

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Candidates in campaign mode for March 6 primary

2012-01-21T17:00:00.000-05:00

Campaign season is infull swing for local partisan candidates who will appear on the March 6 primaryballot.

As of Tuesday, therewill be just seven more weeks until party voters select who to nominate toappear on the Nov. 6 ballot.

The Lake CountyDemocratic Party conducted a meeting last week and endorsed candidates forvarious races.

Here is whattranspired, according to party officials.

For commissioner termcommencing Jan. 3, 2013, incumbent RobertE. Aufuldish was endorsed over challenger Daniel W. Tharp. For the commissioner term commencingJan. 2, Willowick Council President JudyMoran was endorsed over Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski.

Three Democraticcandidates will appear on the ballot for county treasurer — state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, Perry TownshipFiscal Officer Christine Pageand Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor JohnRogers — with each endorsed by the party.

For Ohio House ofRepresentatives District 60, Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy was endorsed overEastlake Councilwoman Laura A. DePledgeand James Helmink ofWillowick.

Unopposed primarycandidates who received the county party’s blessing were incumbent county Clerkof Courts Maureen G. Kelly, Susan McGuinness for Ohio House ofRepresentatives District 61, JimMueller for Ohio Senate District 18 and Ann Radcliffe for county recorder.

Republican candidatesfor Lake County commissioner, also last weekend, attended a candidates forumhosted by the Lake County Tea Party.

After the program, astraw poll was conducted. For commissioner term commencing Jan. 2, 2013,Willoughby Hills Councilman at large DavidFiebig got 33 votes, North Perry Village Councilman Richard Shreve received 14. Forcommissioner term commencing Jan. 3, 2013, Leroy Township Trustee Linda Burhenne received 27 votes,Madison Village Council President JohnHamercheck received 20.

State centralcommittees

Also on the ballot forthis primary are races for Ohio Democratic and Republican state centralcommittee members.

People are elected tothis position by party voters and they are instrumental in shaping partypolicies and direction as well as helping their respective candidates be successful.

Each state centralcommittee is divided by Ohio Senate District boundaries with a male and femalerepresenting each district. The Ohio 18th District’s boundary beginning in 2013will consist of half of Lake County, two-thirds of Geauga County, plus all ofPortage County.

Here’s a look at who’son the ballot. I’ll try to include some other districts in a future column.

For Democratic male,it’s former state Rep. Mark A.Schneider of Mentor and CraigStephens of Atwater. For Democratic female, it’s state Rep. Kathleen Clyde of Kent.

For Republican male,it’s former state Rep. Jamie Callenderof Concord Township and Andrew Manningof Ravenna. Lake County Republican Party Chairman Dale H. Fellows of Willoughby Hills had been a candidatebut withdrew Jan. 5.

For Republican female,it’s Heidi Callender ofConcord Township vs. Amy Sabathof Concord Township.

Fundies

n Campaign social for Hamercheck, 5:30p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Cornerstone Brewing Company in Madison Village. See Susan Hamercheck.

n Campaign kickoff for Bob Patterson, candidate for LakeCounty treasurer, 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hellriegels in Painesville Township.See Sandy Patterson.

n Fundraiser for Shreve, 5:30 p.m. to 10p.m. Saturday at Mentor Beach Park. See Richard or Susie Shreve.

n Page will host a Groundhog Day Partyfrom 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Stadium Grille in Mentor. See Michele Woltman.

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter:newsheraldjah

Sales tax proposal gets interesting

2012-01-14T17:00:00.004-05:00

It came as no great surprise that Lake County commissioners decided to raise the county sales tax rate to help solve a budget crisis.

However, I had wondered if the rate was to be raised by 0.5 percent rather than 0.25 percent, exactly how commissioners would reach a bipartisan decision, but even more so, I was curious how it would be sold to the public.

The decision to lower the county’s inside millage, or non-voted property tax, to the general fund down to 1 mill from 2.1 mills was something I’m not sure many people had considered an option. Heck, I didn’t even know it was possible.

But giving property owners a sizable break on their taxes and cutting the stormwater management fee rates by 50 percent in communities that are part of the county program apparently was the balance needed for commissioners to go with a 0.5 percent increase.

For each $100,000 of property valuation, 2.1 mills generates $64.31 per year; 1 mill would generate $30.63 per year, according to the county Auditor’s Office.

As part of the stormwater program, residential parcel owners in communities that participate in Level 1 service now pay $9.60 annually — as of April 1 it would be $4.80. Residential parcel owners in communities that have Level 2 service now pay $30 annually — as of April 1 it would be $15.

With their overall proposal, commissioners decided to shift the major sources of county revenue to one that is more consumption based and less reliant on property owners.

An 0.5 percent increase in sales tax collections would bring in an estimated $14 million additional each year for a total of about $28 million annually or about half the county’s general fund budget, which in 2011 was just below $53 million.

The other major sources of revenue for the county are investment earnings, state funding and property taxes.

It’s no secret that many property owners say they are tired of being the group asked to pay more to help their local government and/or schools make up budget shortfalls.

In this proposal, the property owner gets a break and the sales tax increase will be paid by everyone who shops in the county. It doesn’t matter if you’re a renter or live outside the county.

In essence, the increased revenue will come from a larger group of people rather than concentrated on property owners.

Here’s some perspective on how much the sales tax hike would affect a consumer:

n A $20 toaster would cost 10 cents more.

n A $200 trip to the store (not counting food purchases, which are nontaxable in Ohio) would cost $1 more.

n A $1,000 appliance would cost $5 more.

n A $20,000 car would cost an extra $100.

Remember that sales tax on vehicle purchases are charged at the rate of the county in which the buyer lives, so there is no advantage to shop by county to try to pay lower sales tax on the purchase.

Commissioners also felt there was a sufficient balance in place for funding the Lake County Stormwater Management Department and projects it conducts — at least for the next few years — to reduce the fees collected by half and still accomplish the main objectives that the program is required to do.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Ted Andrzejewski, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Croatian Lodge in Eastlake. See Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

n Campaign kickoff for Lori DiNallo, candidate for state representative District 60, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Wickliffe Italian-American Club. See Vince DiNallo.

n Campaign social for John R. Hamercheck, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 24 at Cornerstone Brewing Company in Madison Village. See Susan Hamercheck.

n Campaign kickoff for Bob Patterson, candidate for Lake County treasurer, 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at Hellriegels in Painesville Township. See Sandy Patterson.

n Fundraiser for Richard Shreve, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 28 at Mentor Beach Park. See Richard or Susie Shreve.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Presidential sweepstake odds

2012-01-11T08:28:00.002-05:00

PADDYPOWER PRESS RELEASE

ROMNEY HEAVILY FAVOURED TO MAKE IT 3 IN A ROW

(11January 2012) Europes largest betting company Paddy Power have installed MittRomney as 2/5 favourite for the South Carolina primary after the formerMassachusetts Governor romped home to victory in the New Hampshire primary.

Romney’s nearest rival in the betting is Newt Gingrich at 7/2 followed by RickSantorum at 11/2 and Ron Paul at 25/1 with Rick Perry and John Huntsmanpropping up the market at 33/1 and 100/1 respectively.

Paddy Power now have Romney as the clear favourite for the Republicannomination at a miniscule price of 1/8 with his closest contenders Texanlibertarian Ron Paul and former Speaker of the House of Representatives NewtGingrich both available at 14/1.

Paddy Power a spokesperson for Paddy Power said “Having scraped to victory inIowa, Romney will be keen to build momentum on the back of his convincing winin New Hampshire. The race is far from over but it’s fair to say that thechasing pack have an awful lot of catching up to do.”

South Carolina Primary
2/5   Mitt Romney
7/2   Newt Gingrich
11/2   Rick Santorum
25/1   Ron Paul
33/1   Rick Perry
100/1   John Huntsman

Republican Presidential Nomination
1/8   Mitt Romney
14/1   Ron Paul
14/1   Newt Gingrich
25/1   Rick Santorum
33/1   John Huntsman
66/1   Rick Perry

Next President
8/11   Barack Obama
6/4   Mitt Romney
25/1   Ron Paul
25/1   Newt Gingrich
40/1   Hilary Clinton
40/1   John Huntsman
50/1   Rick Santorum
125/1   Rick Perry

Winning Party
8/11   Democrats
Evens   Republicans
66/1   Any other

Ends

All prices remain subject to fluctuation.

Paddy Power is Ireland’s largest bookmaker and a leading provider of gamingservices in the UK, Australia and Ireland. Founded in 1988 Paddy Power is apublicly quoted company and is listed on both the Irish and London StockExchanges (www.paddypowerplc.com)

Jeffrey L. Frischkorn
JFrischkorn@News-Herald.com
Twiter: @Fieldkorn

Sales tax discussion to intensify

2012-01-07T17:00:00.001-05:00

It’s not a major surprise that Lake County commissioners have set two public hearing dates to discuss a potential raise of the county’s sales tax rate.

Last year, commissioners were reluctant to consider an increase, saying they would look to cut until it got to the point where they felt the county couldn’t cut anymore or perform statutory functions.

But with additional layoffs anticipated and the budget likely to shrink even further in 2012 from 2011, commissioners appear more interested in discussing the possibility of an increase.

It’s worth noting that even though two public hearings are scheduled — which is a requirement of state law if a sales tax increase were to be implemented or placed on the ballot by commissioners — such an increase is still something that might not happen.

However, I’m doubtful that public hearings would have been scheduled if that was the case.

So perhaps the more interesting questions are exactly how much may it increase — likely either 0.25 percent or 0.50 percent — and if an increase would be done as an emergency measure or placed on the countywide ballot.

Elections Board director?

With the retirement of Janet F. Clair as director of the Lake County Elections Board, there remains a Republican Party opening for someone to be appointed either director or deputy director of the county department.

Democrat Scott E. Daisher is currently the deputy director. He could either be moved up to director or remain as deputy director, depending what the bipartisan four-member Elections Board decides.

State law dictates that the chairman of the four-member board must be the opposite party of the director.

Plus, the director and deputy director must be of the opposite party.

Democrat Thomas A. Tagliamonte is now board chairman, so if Daisher is moved up to director, Tagliamonte would have to step down as chairman. The two Republicans on the board are Dale H. Fellows and David A. Vitaz and if Daisher becomes director, then either Fellows or Vitaz would be named board chairman.

Look soon for these decisions.

Ohio Senate District 25

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, represents Ohio Senate District 25, which 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.

Turner had aspirations to run in an 11th Congressional District Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, D-Warrensville Heights, but for now decided to stay in the Ohio Senate. Keep in mind, Turner could always run as an independent with a filing deadline of March 5.

Deadline

The weekly deadline for information to appear in this column is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Email or faxes are preferred.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday at Gavi’s in Willoughby. Special guest is Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. See Susan Culotta.

n Campaign kickoff for Linda Burhenne, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Spats Cafe in Concord Township. See Jack Burhenne.

n Fundraiser for Ted Andrzejewski, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at Croatian Lodge in Eastlake. See Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

n Campaign kickoff for Lori DiNallo, candidate for state representative District 60, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 21 at Wickliffe Italian-American Club. See Vince DiNallo.

n Campaign social for John R. Hamercheck, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 24 at Cornerstone Brewing Company in Madison Village. See Susan Hamercheck.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Betting odds for GOP nomination and eventual president

2012-01-05T08:57:00.000-05:00

(5 January 2012) Irish betting company Paddy Power yesterday refunded just over €5,000 ($6,422) to customers who placed a bet on Rick Santorum to win the Iowa caucus, after the former Pennsylvania Senator lost to Mitt Romney by 8 votes.

Paddy Power a spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “Having lost by only 8 votes the Rick Santorum supporters had every reason to be disappointed but as far as we’re concerned the margin for error is just too small and we’ve decided to refund the money.”

Elsewhere, Mitt Romney is the clear favourite at 1/25 with Paddy Power to win next weeks New Hampshire primary. He’s followed in the betting by Rick Santorum at 16/1 and Jon Huntsman at 18/1, while Rick Perry is the rank outsider at a massive 80/1.

New Hampshire Primary
1/25    Mitt Romney
16/1    Rick Santorum
18/1    Jon Huntsman
20/1    Ron Paul
25/1    Newt Gingrich
80/1    Rick Perry

Republican Presidential Nomination
1/5    Mitt Romney
10/1    Rick Santorum
14/1    Ron Paul
16/1    Newt Gingrich
20/1    Jon Huntsman
50/1    Rick Perry

Next President
8/11    Barack Obama
13/8    Mitt Romney
20/1    Hillary Clinton
25/1    Ron Paul
25/1    Rick Santorum
33/1    Newt Gingrich
40/1    Jon Huntsman
100/1    Rick Perry

Will March 6 be a Super Tuesday in Ohio?

2011-12-24T17:00:00.001-05:00

Ohio lawmakers finally were able to come together recently to save the state $15 million next year by consolidating the state’s two primaries to March 6.

Elections officials along with local governments and countless others had urged state lawmakers to come up with a solution for just one primary, which eventually came in the form of House Bill 369.

The law essentially repealed the presidential primary for June 12 that also would have seen partisan candidates for U.S. House of Representatives on the ballot. Now all the primaries will be March 6.

An interesting wrinkle to the development is candidacy petitions for congressional races have been ruled invalid, so these candidates essentially have a new filing deadline and must refile petitions. That means congressional candidates must obtain new signatures as well.

Candidates who had filed for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District were Dale Virgil Blanchard (Democrat), U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (Republican), David Macko (Libertarian) and Elaine R. Mastromatteo (Green).

These candidates must now submit new petitions and it could also open the door for other candidates to run.

The deal among Ohio lawmakers also included slightly different boundaries to shrink Ohio from 18 to 16 congressional districts as the state’s population didn’t grow as fast as others in the previous decade, according to the 2010 U.S. Census.

With an earlier presidential primary, Ohio now has a greater opportunity to play a larger role to determine who the Republican Party nominates for president.

Before Ohio, just 13 states will have primary races or Republican caucuses to help determine who the delegates from their state will support during the Republican National Convention.

These states are Iowa (Jan. 3), New Hampshire (Jan. 10); Nevada, South Carolina (Jan. 21); Florida (Jan. 31); Maine, Nevada (Feb. 4); Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri (Feb. 7); Arizona, Michigan (Feb. 28); Washington (March 3).

Joining Ohio on March 6 are these 12 states: Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Wyoming.

So you can see there was a good deal of incentive for Republicans to have an earlier primary as the level of influence rises in Ohio.

That also might mean that Republican candidates, such as current front runners Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, may spend more time and money in the state.

But who knows what the field will look like two months from now?

Ohio has traditionally played a key role to determine who becomes president, and that past has already come to play.

Keep in mind, President Barack Obama has made many visits to Ohio during his first term.

You may also recall Vice President Joe Biden recently made a campaign stop in Euclid to thank voters for their support to defeat state Issue 2, which sought to change the state’s collective bargaining laws.

The event also was designed to fire up supporters and energize the Democratic party as the president gears up for re-election.

Candidate forum

Lake County Tea Party will host a candidates forum from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 14 at Mentor Beach Park for the candidates running for the two Lake County commissioner positions. See Chuck Laughlin.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Gavi’s in Willoughby. Special guest is Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. See Susan Culotta.

n Campaign kickoff for Linda Burhenne, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 12 at Spats Cafe in Concord Township. See Jack Burhenne.

n Fundraiser for Ted Andrzejewski, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at Croatian Lodge in Eastlake. See. Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Will Lake’s sales tax rate rise in 2012?

2011-12-16T23:14:00.000-05:00

In late August, Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap asked commissioners to consider a 0.25 percent sales tax increase.

So far, nothing officially has happened, but there are rumblings.

The sales tax rate in Lake County is 6.25 percent, of which the county receives 0.50 percent and Laketran receives 0.25 percent. The state of Ohio receives 5.5 percent.

Lake County’s total rate is among the lowest in the state and is lower than neighboring Geauga (6.5 percent), Ashtabula (6.5 percent) and Cuyahoga (7.75 percent) counties.

To raise the sales tax would require commissioners to pass a resolution with two prior public hearings.

For an option to do so as an emergency measure, commissioners would need a unanimous vote.

Commissioners also could vote unanimously or by a 2-1 margin to place an issue on the countywide ballot.

A sales tax raise of 0.25 percent generates 25 cents for every $100 in taxable dollars spent and that could potentially generate an additional $7 million annually in revenue for the county.

Part of the reason a sales tax increase could happen is because the county continues to operate on smaller budgets.

Commissioners approved a $54.83 million budget this year, down from $58.54 million in 2010. In 2009, commissioners approved a budget of $61 million.

Some officials anticipate the budget for 2012 could be around $51 million, which would be a drop of about $10 million in just 3 years, due to a number of factors.

They include cuts from the state of Ohio to the state Local Government Fund, tangible personal property tax reimbursements, declining property values and the corresponding property tax paid, and a staggering decline in investment earnings due to interest rates near 0 percent.

Because of smaller budgets, Dunlap (and other elected officials) has continued to cut positions and has said that unless there is new revenue the four townships that rely primarily on his office for law enforcement services will have to step up financially if they want to keep close to the same level of service.

Road patrols by the Sheriff’s Office are not a requirement of state law and they might disappear. Already, the sheriff has said complaints are stacked and deputies respond when available.

Commissioner Daniel P. Troy, a Democrat, has said if the county can’t do what state law requires, then he would take a look at increased revenues.

But to gain Troy’s support, he has said any sales tax raise would have be done through a bipartisan vote whether unanimously or by a 2-1 margin.

Commissioner Raymond E. Sines, a Republican, who isn’t running next year for re-election, said in August that he felt the county hadn’t reached a position where a sales tax increase would be necessary.

Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, a Democrat, has said previously that the county departments will need to be streamlined before he would consider a sales tax raise.

Has the county has reached that point as commissioners prepare the 2012 budget? County Auditor Edward H. Zupancic and Treasurer John Crocker are among those who support the idea.

When it comes to preparation of budgets, salary and benefits comprise the biggest chunk of expenditures.

So that means in order to cut expenses, people need to be laid off or at least see their hours cut.

Maybe that’s what will happen with departments open two, three or four days a week?

Earlier this month, Troy suggested the auditor, recorder and treasurer strongly consider consolidations of their staffs to help streamline operations.

Each of the three elected officials said they wouldn’t be opposed to discussing the idea, but added that their staff already has been sharply cut and it’s not like employees sit around with no work to do.

As each department continues to see their annual funding shrink what other choices are left?

Can the 11th largest county in Ohio function well with departments that may closed or with part-time employees?

Would people really notice a difference, if such a change occurred?

Perhaps that is the choice potentially facing the three county commissioners.

Is it worth it to ask shoppers to pay a little bit more to continue to enjoy the level of county services they have now?

Regardless, 2012 should be a difficult budget for the county to assemble and tough choices lie ahead.

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Cop Killer bill gets State Senate approval

2011-12-14T14:57:00.000-05:00

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today praised the Ohio Senate's passage of Senate Bill 258 by a unanimous 33-0 vote. Senate Bill 258 will establish a Blue Alert to notify Ohioans when a law enforcement officer has been wounded or killed and his or her assailant remains at large.

"Any person brazen enough to kill or harm law enforcement is very likely to be willing to harm civilians. They pose a danger not only to those in uniform, but also to the public at large," said Attorney General Dewine. "While we hope such a system may never have to be used, a Blue Alert can clearly assist in apprehending dangerous persons who have attacked law enforcement officers. I applaud the Ohio Senate for its unanimous support of Senate Bill 258 and urge the House of Representatives to take quick action as well."

Earlier today, Attorney General DeWine testified in support of Senate Bill 258 before the Ohio Senate Highways and Transportation Committee. A copy of Attorney General DeWine's Testimony is available on the Ohio Attorney General's Website.

- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn
JFrischkorn@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @Fieldkorn

Nothing dull about the 2012 primary

2011-12-10T17:00:00.005-05:00

The primary election is set for March 6 — for now — and it certainly shouldn’t be a boring one in Lake and Geauga counties.

Several contested races should be entertaining to watch. Here are a few out of the gate:

The Democratic primary for Lake County treasurer pits state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor John Rogers and Perry Township Fiscal Officer Christine J. Page.

Fende has high name recognition, especially in western Lake County; Rogers lives and works in the center of the county; and Page, from eastern Lake County, ran for auditor in 2008.

For Lake County commissioner term commencing Jan. 2, 2013, Willowick Council President Judy Moran and Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski face off in the Democratic primary. Moran ran for commissioner in 2008, narrowly losing to Commissioner Raymond E. Sines. Andrzejewski makes his first bid for a countywide office and is mayor of one of the county’s larger cities.

For Lake County commissioner term commencing Jan. 3, 2013, Leroy Township Trustee Linda Burhenne and Madison Village Council President John Hamercheck battle in the Republican primary. Interesting, as both are from smaller eastern Lake County communities.

In Geauga County, there are just two contested Republican primaries, but both are for commissioner races.

Walter M. Claypool filed to run for the term commencing Jan. 2, 2013, against incumbent Tracy Jemison. Ralph Spidalieri filed for the term commencing Jan. 3, 2013, against incumbent Mary Samide.

Late announcements

n Emilee Teresczuk, a Mentor Republican, filed to run for Lake County Clerk of Courts. Teresczuk cites in her announcement that she wants to help the county be the best place it can be to live, work and raise a family and says she plans to use her energy and understanding of technology as an asset to the Clerk’s office.

n Eastlake Councilwoman Laura DePledge, a Democrat, filed to run for Ohio House of Representatives District 60. DePledge cites in her announcement that people want a change in their government and residents look for accountability, answers, action, and are tired of divisiveness that slows progress in community development.

n North Perry Councilman Richard Shreve, a Republican, filed to run for Lake County commissioner term commencing Jan. 2, 2013. Shreve cites in his announcement that he will encourage additional public and private participation, communication and cooperation, while looking to balance fiscal alternatives with common sense and hard work.

n Former Court of Appeals Judge William Michael O’Neill, a South Russell Democrat, filed to run for the Ohio Supreme Court seat currently held by Justice Robert Cupp. O’Neill cites in his announcement that he is running against a broken system and that the race is about money. O’Neill says he will not accept contributions from lawyers who could appear before him.

n Rusty Bliss, a Willoughby Republican, filed as a write-in candidate for U.S. Senate for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. Bliss said in his announcement the choice to run as a write-in candidate is humbling yet it isn’t impossible to gain victory. Bliss said his passion, commitment and dedication will allow him to run strong.

Celebrating Democracy

Former Lake County Elections Board Director Janet F. Clair will be recognized by the Elections Board at a retirement party at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Croatian Lodge Party Center in Eastlake. U.S. Rep. Steven. C. LaTourette will be master of ceremonies.

Fundies

n Moran’s campaign kickoff from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Capelli’s in Mentor. See Kathy Russo.

n Fiebig’s Seasons Event from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Dino’s in Willoughby. See Cindy Quinn-Hopkins or Joyce Hribar Fiebig.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Filing deadline listing of candidates, issues for Lake, Geauga counties

2011-12-08T13:57:00.000-05:00

Lake and Geauga candidate and issue filings for the March 6 primary

A flurry of filings near the deadline

2011-12-03T17:00:00.001-05:00

Unless something changes quickly, 4 p.m. Wednesday is the deadline for partisan candidates to file to run for office March 6, except for U.S. House of Representatives and president.

Races have begun to shape up quickly and include several contested primaries.

As of this writing, there is a potential two-way Democratic primary for Lake County treasurer, as state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende of Willowick and Perry Township Fiscal Officer Christine J. Page each have filed for the party nomination.

Who will run as the Republican Party candidate for treasurer? So far, no one has filed, but Mentor Councilman Scott J. Marn is mentioned as a possibility.

Marn is also mentioned as potential candidate for Lake County commissioner where two Republicans — Willoughby Hills Councilman at large David M. Fiebig and North Perry Village Councilman Richard Shreve — have filed for the Jan. 2, 2013, term held by Commissioner Raymond E. Sines, who doesn’t plan to run for re-election.

Willowick Council President Judy Moran is the lone Democrat to file for this term. Perhaps Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski will file too?

So far, no Republican has filed for the Jan. 3, 2013, seat where incumbent Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, a Wickliffe Democrat, is the only candidate.

We’re still waiting for Commissioner Daniel P. Troy, a Willowick Democrat who is not up for re-election next year, to make up his mind whether he will run for state representative for the Ohio House 60 District.

Troy has made no secret of his interest in the position for which another Willowick Democrat, James Helmink, has also filed.

If Troy or another Democrat files (maybe Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor John Rogers), it would create another contested primary.

Other candidates to file in Lake County are county Clerk of Courts Maureen G. Kelly, a Democrat seeking re-election; Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Vincent A. Culotta, a Kirtland Republican seeking re-election; and Concord Township resident Ann M. Radcliffe for county recorder,

Recent Geauga County filings

Robert A. Evans has filed to run for county coroner, and Mark E. Porter has filed to run for Ohio House of Representatives 76th District. Others signing out petitions include Mary E. O’Toole and Anthony Peto.

Perhaps one of these three people will be appointed by Ohio House Republicans to replace state Rep. Richard Hollington, R-Hunting Valley, when he becomes mayor of his city in January.

The district will consist of Hunting Valley, Middlefield, Burton, and the townships of Auburn, Bainbridge, Burton, Chardon, Chester, Middlefield, Munson, Newbury, Parkman and Russell in Geauga County, plus all of Portage County.

Potential Ohio Senate vacancy?

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, is the state senator for the Ohio Senate District 25, which 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.

She has filed petitions with the Cuyahoga County Elections Board to run for 11th Congressional District in a potential primary with incumbent U.S. Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, D-Warrensville Heights.

If Turner wins, Ohio Senate Democrats would be able to appoint a new state senator. If Turner loses, she still would have two years remaining on her state Senate seat.

Fundies

n Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, campaign kickoff will be 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Cork’s Wine Bar in Willoughby. See Susan Culotta.

n Moran’s campaign kickoff from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Capelli’s in Mentor. See Kathy Russo.

n Fiebig’s Seasons Event from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Dino’s Restaurant in Willoughby. See Cindy Quinn-Hopkins or Joyce Hribar Fiebig.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Will Ohio really have two primaries?

2011-11-26T17:00:00.002-05:00

As each day passes, the potential for Ohio to have two primary elections next year moves closer.

State Republicans and Democrats each blame each other for the mess that, as of now, has forced a March 6 primary election for all partisan candidates, except for U.S. House of Representatives and president. That primary would be held June 12.

Essentially, candidates for county, state and local races along with U.S. Senate would be on the ballot in March with a candidacy petition filing deadline of Dec. 7 because candidates must file at least 90 days before an election.

Here’s a short version of how this happened:

House Bill 194 changed many state election laws, and one of them was to move the primary from March to May.

Democrats threatened a potential referendum of the measure and their efforts seem poised to make the November ballot, which means the bill does not go into effect until voters have their say.

Then came the fight to draw new congressional boundaries to shrink Ohio from 18 to 16 congressional districts because of slow population growth.

Democrats again threatened referendum as they were upset that Republicans drew boundaries that Democrats say favor the GOP 12 to 4.

So that meant that the new congressional district boundaries might not be in place in time for candidates to file by Dec. 7. How could a candidate file to run for a district that doesn’t exist?

The Ohio General Assembly then approved House Bill 318 that created two primaries to address the problem.

It doesn’t seem like many people are happy with that solution as the added cost to the state for two primaries is estimated at $15 million. In a state that continues to scrape for every dollar, will this really happen?

Celebrating Democracy

Former Lake County Elections Board Director Janet F. Clair (just typing former there seemed pretty weird) will be recognized by the Elections Board at a retirement party starting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Croatian Lodge Party Center in Eastlake. U.S. Rep. Steven. C. LaTourette will be master of ceremonies.

Clair has always championed democracy and the election process and strived to share her knowledge with anyone who asked, regardless of political party.

I thank Clair for her help to learn more about the local, state and even federal election process.

Often our banter was conversational, but sometimes I had to ask a tough question or find out answers about complicated subjects maybe only political junkies would care about.

She always made sure I understood the details, which I truly appreciated.

Candidate filings

Jason Wuliger, a Kirtland Republican, filed with the Elections Board for Lake County recorder.

Fundies

n Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard L. Collins Jr. campaign kickoff from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, at LaMalfa in Mentor. See Terry Gerred-Ditchcreek.

n Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Eugene A. Lucci fundraiser 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, at LaMalfa in Mentor. See Walt McNamara.

n Geauga County Republican Party Christmas Party begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Chagrin Valley Athletic Club, Bainbridge Township. See Frank or Bernadette Gliha.

n Wuliger’s campaign kickoff will be 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Cork’s Wine Bar in Willoughby. See Susan Culotta.

n Judy Moran, candidate for Lake County commissioner, campaign kickoff from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Capelli’s in Mentor. See Kathy Russo.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Rep. Steven LaTourette supports national right-to-carry

2011-11-22T14:02:00.000-05:00

The National Rifle Association and the Buckeye Firearms Council both are reporting that Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township) voted "yea" on Wed., Nov. 16, to help pass H.R. 822, the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act."

The bill - which faces an uphill battle in the Senate and an almost certain veto by President Obama - would allow any law-abiding concealed carry permit holder to legally carry a concealed firearm while visiting any state that does not prohibit concealed carry.

Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

JFrischkorn@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @Fieldkorn

Lake County races coming into focus

2011-11-19T17:00:00.005-05:00

Races for Lake County offices are beginning to heat up as the Elections Board saw a number of people turn in candidacy petitions this past week.

So far, nearly every elected county office on the ballot next year has had at least one candidate file for the position.

For the county commissioner seat currently held by Raymond E. Sines, it’s possible there could be a Democratic primary.

Willowick Council President Judy Moran filed for commissioner to run for this seat, but will Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski also file to create a contested primary?

Sines has yet to officially announce what he plans to do.

Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish has filed for re-election.

Will Leroy Township Trustee Linda Burhenne, a Republican, file to run against him? Any other Republicans or Democrats?

Mentor Councilman at large Scott Marn says he won’t run for county commissioner, but will he run for county treasurer?

We’re still waiting to see if Commissioner Daniel P. Troy will run for state representative as many fans want him to do. He’s not up for re-election next year, by the way.

A new Geauga

With Geauga County soon to be divided during the next election due to reapportionment, there will be two Ohio Senate and two Ohio House districts within the county.

The new Ohio Senate 25th District will include all of Ashtabula and Trumbull counties, plus Aquilla, Chardon, Claridon Township, Hambden Township, Huntsburg Township, Montville Township, Thompson Township in Geauga County.

That district is represented by Ohio Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro, a Hubbard Democrat, who is up for re-election next year.

With the inclusion of part of Geauga, which is traditionally Republican, will a potential Republican candidate from Geauga emerge to run against Cafaro in 2012?

Candidate filings

Other people who have recently filed candidacy petitions with the Lake County Elections Board include state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende for Lake County treasurer; 11th District Court of Appeals Court Judge Mary Jane Trapp for re-election; 11th District Court of Appeals Court Judge Diane V. Grendell for re-election; Lake County Coroner Lynn A. Smith for re-election; Lake County Engineer James R. Gills for re-election; and state Rep. Ron Young filed for Ohio House of Representatives 61st District.

Deadline

The deadline to submit information for this column is 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email and faxes are preferred.

Fundies

n Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Vincent A. Culotta will host a cocktail and buffet reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites LaMalfa in Mentor. See Catherine Garner or I. James Hackenberg.

n Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard L. Collins Jr. campaign kickoff from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, at LaMalfa in Mentor. See Terry Gerred-Ditchcreek.

n Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Eugene A. Lucci fundraiser 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, at LaMalfa in Mentor. See Walt McNamara.

n Geauga County Republican Party Christmas Party begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Chagrin Valley Athletic Club, Bainbridge Township. See Frank or Bernadette Gliha.

n Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, campaign kickoff 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6 at Cork’s Wine Bar in Willoughby. See Susan Culotta.

n Moran, candidate for Lake County commissioner, campaign kickoff from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Capelli’s in Mentor. See Kathy Russo.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Next filing deadline isn’t far off

2011-11-12T17:00:00.001-05:00

Now that Tuesday’s election is over, the next local political cycle will be short and involves people who want to run next year for office.

Potential candidates have until Dec. 7 to file candidacy petitions for county, Ohio General Assembly and other various offices in 2012 including U.S. Senate. During the next few weeks, there is likely to be a flurry of activity at county elections boards.

The only exceptions are for U.S. House of Representatives primary races held June 12 with the presidential primary. The filing deadline for congressional candidates is March 14 unless the Ohio General Assembly changes the election date.

As people decide what they want to do, quite a few observers eyed the appointment of a new Republican state senator to represent Ohio’s 18th Senate District.

That domino fell as Munson Township resident John Eklund got the nod. Many people, including me, thought the appointment would go to state Rep. Ron Young, former state Rep. Jamie Callender or Concord Township Trustee Christopher Galloway.

Instead, it’s congratulations to Eklund, who plans to run to retain the seat.

Who might run against Eklund? Perhaps it will be state Rep. Kathleen Clyde, D-Kent, who has taken out petitions from the Portage County Elections Board.

Callender and Galloway had previously announced each would run for Ohio Senate, but will either run against Eklund in a Republican primary?

What if Galloway and/or Callender runs for something else, like Lake County commissioner or another county office? Perhaps neither runs for anything.

The terms of Commissioners Robert E. Aufuldish (Jan. 3) and Raymond E. Sines (Jan. 2) expire in 2013 and the positions will be on the ballot next year. No one has filed for these two positions yet, but many have taken out petitions.

Among them is Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski. What are his plans after voters decided not to approve a citywide levy?

State Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, a Democrat, has announced she’s running for Lake County treasurer, but has yet to file.

How about Mentor Councilman Scott Marn? Might he run for county commissioner or treasurer? Republicans seem to throw his name out there quite a bit.

Many are also waiting to see if Commissioner Daniel P. Troy, a Willowick Democrat, files to run for Ohio House of Representatives District 60.

Election recap

In case you’re following along, last week I made predictions for 12 candidate and issue races. I was correct on 10 of 12, or 83 percent, including the pick of Terri Stupica for Chardon Municipal Court.

My incorrect picks were the defeat of state Issue 1, as I thought it would pass, and Mentor Council Ward 4, where I thought incumbent Ron Micchia would win.

I wasn’t surprised by the repeal of state Issue 2 as polls had previously indicated it would go down and because of the zeal and money spent on the campaign. Voters also approved state Issue 3 by an extraordinary margin. I expected that issue to pass, but perhaps not by 30-plus percentage points.

Got out the vote

At 56.1 percent, Geauga County ranked first in the state after Tuesday’s unofficial results for the number of registered voters who cast ballots.

Candidate filings

Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell has filed to run for the bench’s unexpired term that ends Feb. 8, 2015.

Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap has filed petitions for re-election.

Deadline

Those who would like to submit information for this column, the deadline is 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email and faxes are preferred.

Fundies

Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Vincent A. Culotta will host a cocktail and buffet reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Holiday Inn Express Hotel Suites LaMalfa in Mentor.

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

House reaffirms 'In God We Trust' as U.S. motto

2011-11-07T08:36:00.051-05:00

In case you missed it, last week the U.S. House passed a concurrent resolution reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the U.S.

H. Con. Res. 13 is a resolution "Reaffirming 'In God We Trust' as the official motto of the United States and supporting and encouraging the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions." If you're interested in reading the entire resolution (it's very short), you can see it as a PDF, an XML file or the printer-friendly version.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. J. Randy Forbes, a Republican from Virginia's Fourth District. It was introduced in the House back in January (and gained 64 cosponsors), and on Nov. 1 was passed in the House by a 396-9 vote (two members of the House voted "present," while 26 did not vote). On Nov. 2, it was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Check out the Final Vote Results for Roll Call 816 to see how all the members of the House voted. Republican Steven C. LaTourette of Ohio's 14th District and Democrat Marcia Fudge of Ohio's 11th District both voted in favor of the resolution.

You can also read the text of the dialogue from when H. Con. Res. 13 was brought to the floor.

According to Voterama in Congress, critics said time would be better spend on a jobs bill. The Washington Post quoted President Barack Obama sharing the same sentiment:

"In the House of Representatives, what have you guys been doing, John?" Obama said, calling out House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio).
"You've been debating a commemorative coin for baseball. You've had legislation reaffirming that 'In God We Trust' is our motto. That's not putting people back to work," Obama said. "I trust in God, but God wants to see us help ourselves by putting people back to work."

Read more from the Washington Post's story on the resolution.

The House is in recess this week.

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

Some predictions for Election Day

2011-11-05T17:00:00.001-04:00

Not surprisingly, the three state issues on Tuesday’s ballot are already piquing voter interest for Tuesday’s election.

With that in mind, here are my predictions (not meant to imply endorsement) for some, but not all, of the races and issues in Ohio as well as Lake, Geauga and eastern Cuyahoga counties.

State Issue 1: Proposed Constitutional Amendment to increase the maximum age at which a person may be elected or appointed judge, to eliminate the authority of the General Assembly to establish courts of conciliation, and to eliminate the authority of the governor to appoint a Supreme Court Commission.

Comment: All indications point to voters giving this a stamp of approval.

Prediction: Approved

State Issue 2: A referendum to repeal Ohio Senate Bill 5 relative to government union contracts and other government employment contracts and policies. Essentially, a new law that seeks to make changes to Ohio’s collective bargaining laws.

Comment: Doubtful the law gets the support Gov. John Kasich had hoped.

Prediction: Repealed

State Issue 3: Proposed Constitutional Amendment to preserve the freedom of Ohioans to choose their health care and health care coverage.

Comment: Not sure if this amendment means anything legally since federal law trumps state law but voters want to have a say anyway. I think the margin will be pretty close.

Prediction: Approved

Willoughby Municipal Court Judge

Candidates are Democrat Harry Field, Republican Karen Lutz Kowall, and independents Tammy Georgian Gibson and Katica Markulin.

Comment: In a traditionally Democratic-leaning jurisdiction, it’s hard to pick against one, but it should be close.

Prediction: Field

Chardon Municipal Court Judge

Candidates are Democrat Terri Stupica, Republican Matt Lynch and independent Tim Snyder.

Comment: It’s difficult to think a Democrat can win in such a heavily Republican-leaning county, but I’ll pick against the grain.

Prediction: Stupica

Mentor Council:

For Ward 1, it’s Sean P. Blake, Becky Lynch, Robert M. Shiner and Nicholas Valeri. In Ward 2, it’s Carolyn P. Bucey vs Brian Mark Wollet. In Ward 3, it’s Bruce Landeg vs Edward R. Walsh. And in Ward 4 it’s John Krueger vs Ronald L. Micchia.

Comment: I think each race will be fairly close and I could be wrong on all four.

Predictions: Shiner, Bucey, Landeg, Micchia

Euclid mayor: Candidates are Bill Cervenik, Jack Johnson, Christopher Michael Litwinowicz and Charlene Mancuso

Comment: Will three challengers split the vote to allow the incumbent to win?

Prediction: Cervenik

Riverside Schools: 5-year, $6,098,000 (est. 5.97 mills) additional emergency levy.

Prediction: Defeat

Lakeland Community College: 10-year, 1.5 mill renewal levy for building and construction or improvements

Prediction: Approval

Possible candidates

Kirtland Republican Jason Wuliger picked up petitions for Lake County recorder. Perry Township Democrat Christine J. Page picked up petitions for Lake County treasurer.

Candidate filings

Willowick Democrat James Helmink filed for the Ohio 60th House District. Will Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy, also a Willowick Democrat, file to create a Democratic primary?

Candidate event

Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Vincent Culotta campaign kick-off Nov. 22 at LaMalfa in Mentor. See Catherine Garner or I. James Hackenberg.

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The 2012 Social Media Presidential Election

2011-10-31T08:47:00.004-04:00

I came across this graphic on Visually about who would be leading the presidential race if it were based on social media and Web traffic. No stock should be put into this whatsoever, but I found it interesting how the number of followers/fans differs among the Republican candidates.

via

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

Who might replace Crocker?

2011-10-29T17:00:00.003-04:00

Longtime Lake County Treasurer John S. Crocker announced that he won’t seek re-election and intends to serve out the remainder of his term.

Regarded as a kind man to people who know him, Crocker’s term officially expires Sept. 2, 2013.

However, the filing deadline to run for a four-year term as treasurer is in just a few weeks — Dec. 7.

Most potential candidates were likely waiting for Crocker to decide what he wanted to do, and now he has.

Only two people had officially taken out candidacy petitions as of Thursday: Mentor Democrat John McCallister and Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, who is a Democrat.

Among other Democrats who might have an interest in taking out petitions?

To name a few, how about state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende, Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor John Rogers, Crocker’s son John Crocker Jr., and former state Rep. Mark Schneider.

No Republicans had officially taken out petitions as of Thursday, but that will likely change in the upcoming weeks as the deadline to file approaches.

Mentor Councilman Scott Marn might generate some interest as a potential GOP candidate, as a vote-getter in the county’s largest city with a financial background.

If he isn’t interested, how about someone like former state Rep. Carol-Ann Schindel of Leroy Township, who is a CPA, or Charles Huebner of Mentor who ran against Crocker in 2008?

Bar Association verdict

Members of the Geauga County Bar Association recently took a poll as to what level they recommended three candidates for Chardon Municipal Court judge. The six-year term begins Jan. 1.

n Terri L. Stupica received 40 votes as highly recommended, 26 recommended, 11 not recommended, 11 had no opinion.

n Tim Synder received eight votes as highly recommended, 19 recommended, 32 not recommended, 29 had no opinion.

n Matt Lynch received three votes as highly recommended, 10 recommended, 56 not recommended, 19 had no opinion.

Possible Geauga candidates

Geauga County residents who have recently taken out candidacy petitions with the county Elections Board are Skip Claypool for U.S. Senator, U.S. House of Representatives Ohio’s 14th Congressional District, Ohio 18th Senate District, and county commissioner commencing Jan. 2 and Jan. 3, 2013; Diane Grendell for 11th District Court of Appeals judge term commencing Feb. 10, 2013; John Eklund for Ohio 18th Senate District; Tim Grendell for Probate and Juvenile Court judge unexpired term commencing Feb. 9, 2015; Mark E. Porter for Ohio House of Representatives 76th District; Gregg Soltis for commissioner term commencing Jan. 2, 2013, and for term commencing Jan. 3, 2013; Denise Kaminski for Clerk of Courts; Daniel McClelland for sheriff; Chris Hitchcock for treasurer; John M. Urbancic for coroner.

Geauga candidate filings

Forrest Burt filed petitions with the Geauga County Elections Board for Common Pleas Court; Tracy Jemison filed for commissioner term commencing Jan. 2; Mary Samide filed for commissioner term commencing Jan. 3, 2013; David Joyce filed for prosecutor; Sharon Gingerich filed for recorder; and Joseph A. Cattell filed for engineer.

Blessings and deadlines

Candidates, who — though email, fax or mail — would like to submit written lists of endorsements for the Nov. 8 election may do so and they will be published online until Nov. 4 at the Northern Ohio Politics Blog, where this column is also published each week.

Please note, these are not endorsements by The News-Herald.

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Madison Township trustee candidate announces endorsements

2011-10-27T17:25:00.001-04:00

Madison Township Trustee Pete Wayman announced endorsements from: U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, state Rep. Ron Young, Lake County Commissioners Robert E. Aufuldish, Daniel P. Troy, Raymond E. Sines, Madison Village Councilman Sam Britton Jr., Madison Township Trustee Bill Brotzman, Madison School Board President Rex Reigert, Geneva Township Fiscal Officer Tony Long, Perry Township Trustees Rick Amos, Nancy Steele, Phil Haskell, Perry Township Administrator Wally Siegel, Concord Township Trustees Christopher Galloway, Paul Malchesky, Connie Luhta, Leroy Township Trustees Richard VanPelt, Sr., Chuck Klco and Painesville Townsnhip Trustee James Falvey.

Wayman also announced endorsement by Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 673, Pipefitters Local 120, Northeast Ohio Carpenters Political Action Committee Bricklayers Local #16.

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

Painesville Township trustee candidate announces endorsements

2011-10-25T13:09:00.000-04:00

Gabe Cicconetti, candidate for Painesville Township trustee, announced endorsements from Painesville Township Fiscal Officer Mike Patriarca, state Rep. Lorraine Fende, Lake County Commissioner Raymond E. Sines, Concord Township Trustee Paul Malchesky, Fairport Harbor Councilman Doug Harrison, Perry Township Law Director/Solicitor Jim Loiacono, Painesville Township Board of Zoning Appeals member Tom Hill, and the Lake/Geauga AFL/CIO.

* Please note, these listings are not endorsements by The News-Herald.

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

Willowick Council candidate announces endorsements

2011-10-24T09:25:00.002-04:00

Willowick Ward I Councilman Michael Vanni announced endorsements from Willowick Mayor Richard Bonde, Council President Judy Moran, and Councilmen Andrew Allan, Tom Wells, Dan Salesky, Charlie Malta and Robert Patton.

* Please note, these listings are not endorsements by The News-Herald.

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

Candidates announce these endorsements

2011-10-24T08:30:00.005-04:00

Euclid Mayor Bill Cervnik announced endorsements from U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, state Sen. Nina Turner, state Rep. Kenny Yuko, County Council President C. Ellen Connally, County Councilwoman Sunny Simon, Euclid Council President Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail, Euclid Councilmen Michael O’Neill and Greg Van Ho and Euclid School Board Member Kent Smith, Cleveland Construction and Building Trades, and North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor.

Cindy Quinn-Hopkins, council candidate for Eastlake Ward 3, announced endorsements from U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, Lake County Commissioner Raymond E. Sines, Lake County Prosecutor Charles E. Coulson, Lake County Engineer James R. Gills, state Rep. Ron Young, Willoughby Mayor David Anderson, Kirtland Mayor Mark Tyler, Willoughby Hills Councilman at Large David M. Fiebig, Willowick Mayor Rich Bonde, former state Rep. Jamie Callender, Eastlake Board of Architectural Review Member Anthony Linc, and Eastlake Board of Zoning Appeals John LeRoy.

Kirtland Mayor Mark Tyler announced endorsements from Gills, Coulson, Anderson, Waite Hill Mayor Art Baldwin and Highland Heights Mayor Scott Coleman.

Mike DeLeone, Ward 3 Painesville City Council candidate, announced endorsements from Coulson, Lake County Clerk of Courts Maureen Kelly, Painesville Council President Joe Hada, Jr., and Ward 3 Painesville City Councilman Robert H. Fountain.

* Please note, these listings are not endorsements by The News-Herald.

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

Dan Troy for state Rep.?

2011-10-22T17:00:00.001-04:00

Is Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy looking to head back to Columbus to serve in the Ohio General Assembly?

Troy, a Willowick Democrat, took out petitions this past week to run in 2012 for state representative for Ohio’s new 60th House District.

He has a record in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he served seven terms in Columbus from 1983 through 1996.

Of course, Troy hasn’t yet filed those candidacy petitions and he may never do so. Maybe he’s just stirring the pot or thinking out loud.

But as a commissioner who is not up for re-election until 2014, Troy could run from cover, so why not?

Troy would be a formidable foe for anyone who would run against him in either a Democratic primary or as Republican Party nominee.

The new Ohio House 60th District also leans Democratic, which also makes a potential bid attractive.

The district boundaries will consist of Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, Painesville Township Precinct J and Precinct D (part), Noncontiguous portion circumscribed by Painesville Precinct 2b, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick.

If Troy runs and wins, someone would need to be appointed as commissioner to serve the final two years of the unexpired term.

Depending on who runs for commissioner or other offices in 2012 and the results of that election, perhaps these names are considered for appointment?

Willowick Council President Judy Moran, who ran for commissioner in 2008; Willoughby Hills Council President Kevin Malecek; term-limited state Rep. Lorraine M. Fende; attorney Ryan Callender, who ran for commissioner in 2004; Mentor-on-the-Lake Administrator Kip Molenaar; and former state Rep. Mark Schneider.

With the terms of county Commissioners Robert E. Aufuldish and Raymond E. Sines also on the ballot next year, it’s possible that if Troy won an election as state representative, there could be a completely new board of commissioners beginning in 2013.

Bar Association verdict

The Lake County Bar Association recently endorsed two candidates for municipal court judge as “highly recommended” and one candidate as “recommended.”

A poll of membership asked members whether candidates were qualified to hold the judicial office they seek.

Candidates the association considered highly recommended are:

n Painesville Municipal Court Judge Michael A. Cicconetti, a Democrat who is unopposed, received a 99.4 percent favorable vote, securing 178 of 179 ballots cast.

n Harry Field, Democratic candidate for Willoughby Municipal Court, received a 96.9 percent favorable vote,securing 161 of 166 ballots cast.

The Republican candidate for Willoughby Municipal Court, Karen Lutz Kowall, received “recommended” as she received a 76.9 percent favorable vote, securing 97 of 126 ballots cast.

Independent candidates Tammy Georgian Gibson and Katica Markulin received less than 50 percent of ballots cast, so the Bar Association did not express an opinion.

Possible candidates

People who recently took out petitions at the Lake County Elections Board were Republican Painesville Councilwoman at large Lori DiNallo for Ohio House District 60; Mentor Democrat John McCallister for county treasurer; and Concord Township Democrat Ann Radcliffe for county recorder.

Candidate filing

Lake County Prosecutor Charles E. Coulson filed petitions for re-election.

Blessings and deadlines

Candidates, who — though email, fax or mail — would like to submit written lists of endorsements for the Nov. 8 election may do so and they will be published online until Nov. 4 on this Northern Ohio Politics Blog, where this column is also published each week.

Please note, these are not endorsements by The News-Herald.

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Mentor Rotary Club hosting candidate forum

2011-10-18T11:42:00.000-04:00

The Mentor Rotary Club will offer a candidate and issues forum Thursday at noon at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor.

Each candidate will be given 3 minutes to offer his/her platform. Questions from audience will be taken if time permits.

-- John Arthur Hutchison
Twitter: newsheraldjah

Will GOP need primary for Senate?

2011-10-15T17:00:00.000-04:00

The Ohio Senate Republican Caucus has accepted applications for the 18th Senate District vacancy created by the appointment of Tim Grendell as Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge.

Among three candidates rumored to be the front-runners for the appointment are former state Rep. Jamie Callender and Trustee Christopher Galloway, both of Concord Township, and state Rep. Ron Young of Leroy Township.

Currently the 18th District consists of all of Lake and Geauga counties, plus a portion of eastern Cuyahoga County.

Regardless of who gets the appointment, what if there is a Republican primary in March for the new 18th Senate District, that will consist of half of Lake County, two-thirds of Geauga County and all of Portage County?

Suppose Young gets the appointment, would Callender or Galloway run against him next year? Remember, the filing deadline for candidates to turn in candidacy petitions for the March primary is Dec. 7.

With Young potentially appointed as a senator, there would also be a need for someone to be appointed to become the new state representative for Ohio House District 63, which currently consists of Mentor and eastern Lake County. Concord Township is not part of that district.

Perhaps Callender or Galloway is appointed as state representative? Would the person not selected then run against Young in an Ohio Senate Republican primary?

If Galloway gets the appointment, Young most likely seeks re-election as state representative, but does Callender continue his campaign for Ohio Senate and potentially run against an appointed Galloway?

If Callender gets the appointment and Young stays in the Ohio House, does Galloway then run in a Republican primary against appointed Callender?

Congratulations

To state Rep. Lorraine Fende and Willoughby Municipal Court Judge Larry Allen, who plan to marry and live in Kirtland.

Fende, who now lives in Willowick, will move to the new Ohio Senate 18th District when she moves to Kirtland.

As a resident of Willowick, she would not have been eligible to run in the 18th District for the 2012 election because Willowick will part of the new Ohio Senate District 25, which will consist of the new Ohio House District 60 in Lake County and Districts 8 and 12 in Cuyahoga County.

Because she is in her fourth term as a state representative, Fende cannot run for Ohio House of Representatives in 2012.

Potential candidates?

People who have recently requested candidacy petitions from the Lake County Elections Board include Prosecutor Charles E. Coulson; Coroner Lynn A. Smith; Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap; Common Pleas Court Judge Vincent A. Culotta; Clerk of Courts Maureen G. Kelly; Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp; Leroy Township Trustee Linda Burhenne, who took out petitions for commissioner; and Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, who took out petitions for commissioner and county treasurer.

Deadline

For candidates or others who would like to submit information for this column, the deadline is 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email and faxes are preferred.

Fundies

n Gabe Cicconetti, candidate for Painesville Township trustee, will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at Park Road Bar in Painesville Township. See Cicconetti or Tom Hill.

n Willowick Council President Judy Moran, fourth Annual Oktoberfest, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Regovich’s Catering in Eastlake. See Kathy Russo or Kevin Malecek.

n Tim Snyder, Chardon Municipal Court candidate, hosts a clambake Oct. 22. Doors open at 2 p.m. at Pine View Lake, Munson Township. See Snyder or Tiffany Snyder.

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

Infographs about what voters are thinking

2011-10-13T11:31:00.007-04:00

It would probably help politicians to look at these infographics to see what voters are thinking.

by PublicNotice via

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