The Ohio Senate has approved legislation to designate the month of March as “Ohio Maple Syrup Products Month.”

Not your most Earth-shaking news, perhaps, but there may be some interest to people who love the sweet-tasting topping and especially to folks who live in Geauga County, where maple syrup production is serious business.

The legislation will need to clear the Ohio House of Representatives before it would move on to Gov. John Kasich for his signature.

State Sens. John Eklund, R-Munson Township, and Capri Cafaro, D-Hubbard, each represent portions of Geauga County in the Ohio Senate and they jointly sponsored the legislation - Senate Bill 272.

John Eklund

Capri Cafaro

In a news release, the legislators said the bipartisan bill intends to recognize Ohio for its rich maple syrup history dating back to the early Native Americans.

Eklund said Ohio is one of the top five maple producing states in the country and in 2013, the 100,000 gallons of maple syrup produced in Ohio contributed $5 million to the state’s economy.




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

I’ve decided to vent a little frustration that began to build after one of my colleagues shared a quick note about the voter turnout in Lake County.

Matt Skrajner tweeted Tuesday night showed the election turnout was amazingly low when compared to the past six November elections.

The voter turnout of registered voters for Tuesday’s election was a meager 30.56 percent, according to final unofficial results from the Lake County Elections Board. The official count will be completed later this month when a few hundred outstanding valid ballots are later added to the count.

But even with a slight bump in percentage, the final official turnout will lag in comparison to the five previous November elections in the county.

There was a turnout of 77.6 percent for the 2012 presidential election, 55.91 percent in November 2011, 51.23 percent in 2010, 46.06 percent in 2009 — which is a similar election to this past Tuesday regarding what candidate races were on the ballot — and 76.44 percent for the 2008 presidential election.

Granted, the recent election didn't feature an abundance of high-profile candidates races as perhaps in the past and it wasn't a presidential election when turnout is much higher. But just a tad more than 3 out of 10 registered voters bothering to cast a ballot in Lake County in November is not good.

These are the races and issues that affect people’s lives and pocketbooks closest to home, so why not take a few minutes to have a say? If not, don’t complain about your community officials’ job performance or about the rate of local taxes paid.

The city of Eastlake saw voter turnout a little higher with a race for mayor among those piquing interest.

The turnout in the 12 precincts saw the percentage of registered voters casting ballots range from as low as 29.71 percent in Precinct 1A to as high as 55.69 percent in Precinct 1C, according to final unofficial results. For the entire city, the voter turnout was 42.31 percent.

To save a little space, final official results from county elections board will be used to attribute voter turnout for the remainder of this column.

The winner in Lake County for the precinct with the highest voter turnout was North Perry Village Precinct AA with 57.39 percent. Voters there selected candidates for Village Council, Perry Township trustee, Perry School Board and Lake County Educational Service Center Board.

Painesville Precinct 4A had the lowest voter turnout with only 13.35 percent casting ballots despite three contested city council at large races, plus races for school board and Educational Service Center.

According to other county elections boards in Northeast Ohio, turnout wasn’t much better.
In Geauga County, it was 35.56 percent —  among the region’s highest. In Cuyahoga County, it was 28.99 percent and Lorain County had 28.65 percent.

A look some other counties shows turnout of 34.27 percent in Ashtabula County; 29.70 percent in Medina County; 28.85 in Portage County; 26.85 percent in Summit County; and 24.50 in Trumbull County.

Statewide voter turnout was not yet available by the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, which will post election results when county election boards certify their results. My hunch is we’ll see similar figures across the state.

Prediction recap

In last Saturday’s column I made predictions for four candidates races and three issues.

Of those picks, I managed to get three of four candidates races correct by predicting winners Dennis Morley for Eastlake mayor winner, David Eva for Mentor-on-the-Lake mayor, and Chuck Hillier and Josh Pennock out of nine candidates to win two Painesville Township trustee seats.

My upset pick of Joe Zawatski for Willoughby Hills Council at large 2-year term was incorrect as John Plecnik emerged victorious.

I went two for three with the issues selected by correctly picking passage for Laketran’s continuous 0.25 percent sales tax renewal and the Lake County Children Services 5-year, 0.7-mill renewal.

However, I failed miserably with my pick that the Willoughby-Eastlake Schools 5-year, renewal levy would not pass.

Who can it be now?

Geauga County Republicans meet today to select a new county commissioner to replace Tracy Jemison who retired effective Oct. 31. Early favorites I've heard mentioned are Geauga County GOP Vice Chairman Blake Rear, former appointed Commissioner Walter “Skip” Claypool and Chardon Councilwoman Nancy McArthur. It should be an interesting process.

How many ballots will it take to come to a decision?

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

Geauga County Commissioner Tracy Jemison surprised a lot of people this week when he announced that he would retire from the position effective Oct. 31.

Jemison has served as a county commissioner for the past five years and before that he served as the county auditor for 13 years.

He also served for eight years in the 1970s as a Middlefield Village councilman and from 1988 to 1991 as a Berkshire School Board member.

So the county will lose a lot of the governmental expertise when Jemison takes his leave.

It also means there will be another political appointment to be made by the Geauga County Republican Party — something we’ve seen a lot of during the past few years.

Last year, the county GOP appointed Jim Flaiz as prosecutor after Dave Joyce left the post to run for Congress after former U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette decided at the end of July that he would retire and dropped out as the Republican candidate.

Dr. Robert S. Coleman was also appointed to be the party’s candidate for coroner last November after Dr. John Urbancic withdrew from the race.

When former Commissioner Bill Young retired last summer, Republicans appointed Walter “Skip” Claypool to serve until the next election — held in November 2012. The party appointed Commissioner Mary Samide to be that candidate, rather than Claypool, after she was defeated in a GOP primary for her own re-election. She then defeated Democrat Jim Dvorak.

The county GOP also was part of the process after former Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Charles “Chip” Henry died. Gov. John Kasich eventually selected Tim Grendell as the new judge.

Whoever is appointed as the new commissioner will have to run in a GOP primary in May if they want to finish the unexpired term, which ends Jan. 1, 2017.

Just a few of the names I’ve heard who might express interest are Chardon Mayor Phil King, South Russell Village Councilman Mark Porter, Claypool, and perhaps someone within the party leadership like Blake Rear.

Geauga County Democrats most likely will recruit someone to run in the May primary, as well. Perhaps Dvorak will give it another try?

Along with Jemison’s retirement prompting an election next year to finish his unexpired term, Samide’s term expires Dec. 31, 2014.

So that means there will be two commissioner seats up for grabs next year. This is going to be interesting.

Candidate endorsements

Candidates in Lake, Geauga and eastern Cuyahoga counties who appear on the Nov. 5 ballot may send in listings of endorsements they receive for the upcoming election via email, fax or standard mail. They will appear online periodically on The News-Herald’s Northern Ohio Politics blog.

Fundies

n Eric Condon, candidate for Euclid Council Ward 8, hosts Cleveland vs. Buffalo Tailgate Party, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Oct. 3 at Paradise Island Saloon in Euclid. See Condon.

n State Rep. Matt Lynch hosts a clambake, 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4 at Centerville Mills Park in Bainbridge Township. See Lynch or Kerri Quay.

n Dennis Morley, candidate for Eastlake mayor, hosts Steak Roast Fundraiser, 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at Boracs Landing in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Dale Bradley.

n Thomas E. Ray, candidate for Chardon Council, hosts a fundraiser 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Morgan's Smokehouse on the Square in Chardon. See Ray.

n State Rep. John Rogers hosts fall clambake, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Mentor Beach Park in Mentor-on-the-Lake. See Rogers or Kip Molenaar.

n Matt Jaworski, candidate for Wickliffe Council at large, hosts a bowling fundraiser, noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Wickliffe Lanes. See Jaworski or Matt Gallik.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran hosts Oktoberfest 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at American Legion Hall in Willowick. See Paul Miller or Kevin Malecek.

n Lake County Recorder Ann M. Radcliffe hosts spaghetti dinner fundraiser 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Park Road Grill in Painesville Township. See Terri Conley.

To leave a comment, go to NorthernOhioLocalPolitics.blogspot.com.

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Links to election preview stories will be added as they are published on News-Herald.com.

Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga counties candidates, issues filed for Nov. 5 ballot

County-wide
Renewal levies set for Geauga County ballot: The majority of municipalities and townships as well as one school district in Geauga County are seeking to pass renewal levies in the Nov. 5 general election. A renewal is an issue in which voters are asked to approve an existing levy for an extended period of time, but at the same cost to taxpayers. By Jean Bonchak.

East Geauga Fire District seeking replacement levy in November: A replacement levy on the ballot in November will more than double a taxpayer’s annual cost, but the Middlefield Fire Department believes the resulting increase in funds is necessary to continue providing adequate coverage. By Matt Skrajner.

Geauga County voters asked to OK Health District levy renewal, addition: Geauga County voters will be asked Nov. 5 to approve two levies to help fund the Geauga County Health District. By John Arthur Hutchison.

Election: 4 candidates vie for 3 seats on Geauga County Educational Service Center Board: Three seats on the Geauga County Educational Service Center Board are being sought by four candidates. By Jean Bonchak.


Auburn
Election: 5 vying for 2 Auburn Township trustee seats: Five candidates are seeking two seats on the Auburn Township Board of Trustees. John A. Eberly, Karen E. Quay, Brian M. Richter, Claudine Steinfurth and Michael S. Troyan will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. By Tracey Read.


Burton
Election: 2 seats available for 5 Berkshire candidates: Five candidates are seeking two available seats on the Berkshire School Board. They are Kimberly M. Brown, John Guinn, Steven A. Hare, John J. Manfredi and Mark Rhoades. By Jean Bonchak.

Election: 7 running for 4 Burton Village Council seats: Four of the six seats on Burton Village Council will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot and the positions are sought by seven candidates. By John Arthur Hutchison.

Election: 3 want seat on Burton Township Board of Trustees: Three candidates are seeking two open seats on the Burton Township Board of Trustees. By Tracey Read.


Chagrin Falls
Election: 5 candidates seek 3 seats on Kenston School Board: Five candidates are vying for three available spots on the Kenston School Board. They are Thomas R. Fussner, Beth Krause, Wanda L. Richardson, William C. Timmons and Beth Ward. By Jean Bonchak.

Chardon
Election: Several candidates seek Chardon City Council seat: A field of six candidates seeks to fill four spots on Chardon City Council this November. By Betsy Scott.

Election: Chardon voters to decide on new council rules, merged services: More than 3,600 Chardon City voters can decide the fate of four proposed charter amendments on the Nov. 5 ballot. By Betsy Scott.

Election: Chardon School District hoping voters will pass 5.9-mill levy: The Chardon School District is seeking the passage of a 5.9-mill levy in the upcoming Nov. 5 election. By Jean Bonchak.

Election: 4 seek 2 seats on Chardon School Board: Two seats on the Chardon School Board are being sought by four candidates. They are Madelon Horvath, Gregory Kernc, Larry Reiter and Paul Stefanko. By Jean Bonchak.


Chester Township
Election: 5 candidates vying for Chester trustee seats: Two of the three seats on the Chester Township Board of Trustees will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot and the positions are sought by five candidates. By John Arthur Hutchison.

Election: 4 vie for 2 seats on West Geauga School Board: Four candidates are vying for two seats on the West Geauga School Board. They are William Beers, Sally Gillmore, Thomas Phelps and Dan Thoreson. By Jean Bonchak.


Claridon Township
Election: 3 candidates run for 2 Claridon trustee seats: Three candidates are vying for two available Claridon Township trustee seats. Come Nov. 5, the 2,142 registered voters in the township will choose between incumbent David L. Brockway, incumbent Mike Farrell, and Steven J. Smetana. By Matt Skrajner.


Hambden Township
Election: 5 competing for 2 Hambden trustee positions: Five candidates are seeking two open seats on the Hambden Township Board of Trustees. John Bryant, Eric Daniel Germovsek, incumbent Edward W. Kaminski, Donald H. Kleve and incumbent Nadine Pope will appear on the Nov. 5. By Tracey Read.


Huntsburg Township
Election: Additional Huntsburg levy would generate more than $60,000: Huntsburg Township residents will have to determine whether a tax increase is worth improving their local parks. By Matt Skrajner.

Election: 5 seek 2 Huntsburg Township trustee positions: Five candidates are vying for two open positions on the Huntsburg Township Board of Trustees. Incumbents James Baker and Jon Hunter, as well as challengers Nancy Saunders, Jason Sutter and Al Vontorcik, will appear on the ballot Nov. 5. By Matt Skrajner.


Middlefield Village
Election: 6 seeking 4 seats on Middlefield Village Council: Four incumbents are being challenged by two other candidates for four seats up for election on Middlefield Village Council. Incumbent Bill Blue, Edna L. Davis, incumbent Scott E. Klein, Brandon M. Reed, incumbent Rick Seyer and incumbent Ronald W. Wiech will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. By Tracey Read.


Montville Township
Ledgemont School District seeks levy passage in November election: The outcome of an upcoming levy presented to voters in Montville and Thompson townships may emerge as a deciding factor in the ultimate future of Ledgemont Schools. By Jean Bonchak.

Election: 3 running for Montville Township trustee positions: Three candidates will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot seeking to win one of two seats on the Montville Township Board of Trustees. Lu Ann Burger and incumbents James Marsic and Randal C. Peterson are running for the position. By John Arthur Hutchison.


Munson Township
Four candidates vie for two Munson Township trustee positions. Four candidates, including two incumbents, are battling for two available trustee positions in Munson Township. By Matt Skrajner.

Todd Ray seeking re-election as Munson Township trustee. Four candidates, including two incumbents, are battling for two available trustee positions in Munson Township. By Matt Skrajner.

Election: 4 vie for 2 seats on West Geauga School Board: Four candidates are vying for two seats on the West Geauga School Board. They are William Beers, Sally Gillmore, Thomas Phelps and Dan Thoreson. By Jean Bonchak.


Newbury Township
Election: Newbury Schools seeking additional emergency levy: Voters in the Newbury School District will decide a five-year, 7.1-mill additional emergency levy on the Nov. 5 ballot. If passed, the levy will cost taxpayers $248.50 per $100,000 property valuation to yield $1,190,000 a year. By Jean Bonchak.


Parkman Township
Election: Parkman Township Fire seeks first new levy in nearly 30 years. Parkman Township residents are being asked to go to the polls Nov. 5 to approve a five-year, 1-mill replacement levy for fire services. By Tracey Read.

Election: Parkman Township Board of Trustees to get new faces: The three-member Parkman Township Board of Trustees will be made up of all new faces next year. By Tracey Read.


Russell Township
Election: Russell Township voters face three levies in November: Russell Township voters will be asked to consider three levies on the Nov. 5 ballot. By John Arthur Hutchison.

Election: Russell Township has logjam of candidates for 2 trustee spots: Two of the three seats on the Russell Township Board of Trustees will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot and the positions are sought by six candidates. By John Arthur Hutchison.

Election: 4 vie for 2 seats on West Geauga School Board: Four candidates are vying for two seats on the West Geauga School Board. They are William Beers, Sally Gillmore, Thomas Phelps and Dan Thoreson. By Jean Bonchak.


Thompson Township
Ledgemont School District seeks levy passage in November election: The outcome of an upcoming levy presented to voters in Montville and Thompson townships may emerge as a deciding factor in the ultimate future of Ledgemont Schools. By Jean Bonchak.


Troy Township
Election: 3 candidates battle for 2 Troy Township trustee positions: Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Troy Township Board of Trustees. By Matt Skrajner.


Unopposed races

Aquilla Village Council, elect four: Joy L. Bennington, Ron Eging, Colleen Goebelt and Jeannette E. Mitchell

Bainbridge Township trustee, elect two: Lorrie A. Sass Benza and Jeff Markley

Cardinal School Board, elect two: Kenneth J. Klima

Chardon Township trustee, elect two: Steven J. Borawski and Michael Brown

Ledgemont School Board, elect two: Richard A. Loveland and Barbara Raikes; Unexpired term concluding Dec. 31, 2015, elect one: Carol A. Geisman

Middlefield Township trustee, elect two: Robert A. Evans and Mervin E. Miller

Newbury School Board, elect three: Susan G. Arnold, John A. Gingerich and Guy A. Mann

Newbury Township trustee, elect two: Janice M. Blair and William J. Skomrock Jr.

Thompson Township trustee, elect two: Erwin M. Leffel and Frank Sirna

South Russell Village Council, elect four: Mike Carroll, John Dishong, Bill Koons and Mark E. Porter

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 presidential election Tuesday is just a couple days away and there are many races for voters to decide.

With that said, several races in Lake and Geauga counties and Ohio were tough for me to predict winners and I could be wrong on quite a few, but here are some of them (not meant to imply endorsement).

President (Ohio winner)

Candidates: Barack Obama, Mitt Romney

Comment/Prediction: Obama. Very close and Romney could win; we might not know the winner Tuesday.

U.S. Senate

Candidates: Sherrod Brown, Josh Mandel

Prediction/Comment: Brown. Ohio’s nastiest race; Mandel could win if Romney carries Ohio.

14th Congressional District

Candidates: Dale Virgil Blanchard, David Joyce, David Macko, Elaine Mastromatteo

Prediction/Comment: Joyce. Elected experience, large campaign warchest and Steve LaTourette’s blessing; Blanchard got little party support.

Ohio House District 60

Candidates: Lori DiNallo, John Rogers

Prediction/Comment: Rogers. Toss-up. Democratic district helps Rogers only able to campaign two months.

Ohio House District 61

Candidates: Susan McGuinness, Ron Young

Prediction/Comment: Young. Incumbent should hold serve.

Ohio House District 76

Candidates: Matt Lynch, Tom Warren

Prediction/Comment: Lynch wins the Republican-leaning district.

Ohio House District 99

Candidates: Casey Kozlowski, John Patterson

Prediction/Comment: Patterson. Close, despite adding parts of Geauga, district still leans Democratic.

Ohio Senate District 18

Candidates: John Eklund, Jim Mueller

Prediction/Comment: Eklund. Lots of help from Republican Senate campaign, but Mueller could make it close.

Ohio Senate District 32

Candidates: Capri S. Cafaro, Nancy McArthur

Prediction/Comment: Cafaro. Incumbent has spent much more money in Democratic leaning district.

Lake County commissioner Jan. 2 term

Candidates: David M. Fiebig, Judy Moran

Prediction/Comment: Moran. Toss-up, Moran has edge with previous countywide run and higher name ID.

Lake County commissioner Jan. 3 term

Candidates: Robert E. Aufuldish, John R. Hamercheck

Prediction/Comment: Aufuldish. Close, but if he wins the Madison area, he’s re-elected.

Lake County clerk of courts

Candidates: Maureen G. Kelly, Emily Teresczuk

Prediction/Comment: Kelly. Incumbent should win fairly comfortably.

Lake County prosecutor

Candidates: Werner Barthol, Charles E. Coulson

Prediction/Comment: Coulson. Longtime prosecutor wins.

Lake County recorder

Candidates: Ann Radcliffe, Jason Wuliger

Prediction/Comment: Wuliger. He got an appointed head-start on the job and has spent a lot of money to keep it.

Lake County treasurer

Candidates: Lorraine M. Fende, Bob Patterson

Prediction/Comment: Fende. High name ID and the long-time office holder should win.

Geauga County commissioner Jan. 2 term

Candidates: Tracy Jemison, Fred Welty

Prediction/Comment: Jemison. It will be difficult to knock out the incumbent.

Geauga County commissioner Jan. 3 term

Candidates: Christopher John Lacny, Ralph Spidalieri

Prediction/Comment: Spidalieri. After winning a contested GOP primary, he’s the favorite.

Geauga County commissioner unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2014

Candidates: Jim Dvorak, Mary Samide

Prediction/Comment: Dvorak. This would mean Democrats get a seat at the commissioners’ table.

Ohio Supreme Court Jan. 1 term

Candidates: Robert W. Price, Terrence O’Donnell

Prediction/Comment: O’Donnell. I'll pick the incumbent here.

 

Ohio Supreme Court Jan. 2 term

Candidates: William M. O’Neill, Robert R. Cupp

Prediction/Comment: O’Neill. Does his issue about judges and money resonate with voters?

 

Ohio Supreme Court unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2014

Candidates: Yvette McGee Brown, Sharon L. Kennedy

Prediction/Comment: Brown. Appointed justice keeps seat on the bench.

 

11th District Court of Appeals Feb. 9 term

Candidates: Mary Jane Trapp, Colleen M. O’Toole

Prediction/Comment: Trapp. Trapp prevails in this rematch.

 

Geauga Common Pleas Court judge

Candidates: Forrest Burt, Scott Matasar

Prediction/Comment: Burt. Matasar campaigned hard, but I think Burt wins.

 

Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court

Candidates: Tim Grendell, Timothy Snyder

Prediction/Comment: Grendell. It’s really hard to pick against him in any race.

 

Geauga County coroner

Candidates: Robert S. Coleman Jr,, Robert A. Evans

Prediction/Comment: Coleman. Might be close as Evans is a name people might remember.

 

Geauga County clerk of courts

Candidates: Bonnie Cavanaugh, Denise Kaminski

Prediction/Comment: Kaminski. Incumbent should prevail.

 

Geauga County recorder

Candidates: Sharon Gingerich, JoAnne Ryan

Prediction/Comment: Gingerich. Republican should win.

 

Geauga County prosecutor

Candidates: Jeffrey J. Fanger, James Flaiz

Prediction/Comment: Flaiz. I'll pick the Republican here too and he's Geauga Bar Association president.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah