U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce will host a Veterans Resource Day from 8:30 a.m. to noon July 18 at the Willoughby Hills Community Center.

Joyce, R-Russell Township, will be joined by representatives from his staff and from the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Lake County Veterans Administration community-based outpatient clinics, Lake County Veterans Service Commission, Tricare and the Veterans Benefit Office.

No reservations are needed and veterans can discuss their experiences with the VA and issues with the current system, learn how to file a VA claim, check the status of current VA claims and gather information on additional VA programs.

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

Recent news that Ohio’s unemployment rate has increased for the past three months and now exceeds the national unemployment rate wasn’t great to hear.

It’s also worth noting that the number of workers considered unemployed in Ohio in October was 427,000, up 2,000 from 425,000 in September, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The number of unemployed has increased by 31,000 in the past 12 months, up from 396,000.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported the state’s unemployment rate in October rose to 7.5 percent, up from 7.4 in September and 7.3 percent in August.

The October unemployment rate for Ohio was up from 6.9 percent in October 2012.

The U.S. unemployment rate for October was 7.3 percent, up from 7.2 percent in September, but down from 7.9 percent in October 2012.

The unemployment rates generally counts only those actively looking for work. For instance, it doesn’t include those who exhaust unemployment benefits and haven’t looked for work in a long time.

Of course, many people assume when the unemployment rate is released it is a reflection of layoffs or businesses failing.

I think an interesting way to see how the economy is faring is to look at industries and job sectors in terms of recent job losses and gains.

Ohio’s seasonally adjusted nonagricultural wage and salary employment increased 2,400 in October, according to the ODJFS.

The total showed goods-producing industries gained 2,300 jobs during October and were added in construction (1,300), manufacturing (900), and mining and logging (100).

The private service-providing sector gained 6,400 jobs, as employment increased in trade, transportation, and utilities (3,500), leisure and hospitality (3,000), financial activities (1,000), and other services (1,000); with job losses in professional and business services (1,200), educational and health services (600), and information (300).

Government employment lost 6,300 jobs and the declines were posted in local (4,300), state (1,400), and federal (600) government.

One vote does make a difference

Don’t tell Middlefield Village Council candidates Ronald W. Wiech and Brandon M. Reed that one vote isn’t important.

Wiech officially finished in fourth place with 279 votes during the Nov. 5 election, and Reed received 278 votes to officially finish fifth. The top four vote-getters earn a spot on council.

Because the race is so close — just one vote — an automatic recount is needed by the Geauga County Elections Board.

That will take place Monday. If there is a change and a tie ensues, a coin flip or another way to cast lots would be chosen to declare a winner.

Pulling petitions

State Rep. Ron Young, R-Leroy Township, has taken out petitions from the Lake County Elections Board to seek re-election. Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson has also done the same.

Campaign mode

Euclid Democrat and former state Rep. Ed Jerse, who is Cuyahoga County director of regional collaboration, plans to resign from the post effective Nov. 30 to focus on his campaign for Ohio Senate District 25.

The district includes 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 Height, South Euclid and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

Swearing in

Richmond Heights mayor-elect Miesha Headen begins her new term Sunday and takes the oath of office at 4:30 p.m. at Faith United Church of Christ in Richmond Heights.

Fundies

• Fundraiser for Young, 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Quail Hollow Resort in Concord Township. See Young.
• Geauga County Republican Party Christmas Party, Dec. 6 at Chagrin Valley Athletic Club in Bainbridge. See Ed Ryder or Frank Gliha.
• Campaign kickoff for  Lawson, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Lu Dunlap.

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
Local governments ask Lake County voters to renew levies: Six renewal levies dedicated to local government funding in Lake County are going to be voted on Nov. 5, and all share one common variable that replacement and additional levies do not share. By Simon Husted.

Election: Laketran taking different route for sales tax levy renewal: Laketran is taking a slightly different route when it seeks passage of its 0.25 percent sales tax levy renewal on the Nov. 5 ballot. By Bill DeBus.

Election: 4 running for 3 seats on Lake County Educational Service Center board: Four candidates seek three open seats on the Lake County Educational Service Center board. Geoffrey T. Kent, write-in candidate Anthony Podojil, incumbent Erik L. Walter and write-in candidate Neil R. Wilson each seek a four-year term. By Caitlin Fertal.


Eastlake
Willoughby-Eastlake, Madison, Fairport Harbor school districts seeking renewal levies: Three districts will be on the ballot in November to ask voters to renew existing tax levies. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: In Eastlake mayor's race, incumbent mayor and council president face off: After a primary election in September, the two candidates left for Eastlake’s mayoral race were incumbent Ted Andrzejewski and sitting council President Dennis Morley. By Elizabeth Lundblad.

Election: 5 vie for 3 at-large seats on Eastlake City Council: Five candidates, including two incumbents, are running for three at-large seats up for grabs on Eastlake City Council. Those running include current at-large members Laura DePledge and Ken Hoefle. The other candidates are Kimberly Evers, Mary Matala and Michael Zuren. By Elizabeth Lundblad.

Election: Eastlake rec levy could open pool, provide continuous support: Looking to avoid another summer without an open community pool, Eastlake officials hope residents will consider passing a parks and recreation levy, which would ensure the pools’ opening and provide additional monies for citywide recreation. By Elizabeth Lundblad.

Election: 8 compete for 3 seats on Willoughby-Eastlake School Board: Eight candidates are running for three open seats on the Willoughby-Eastlake School Board. Rusty Bliss, incumbent Dan Hoffman, Steve Komarjanski, Larry Luciano, incumbent Connie Newyear, Tim O’Keeffe, incumbent Sharon Scott and Amy M. Zuren each seek a four-year seat on the board. By Caitlin Fertal.


Fairport Harbor
Willoughby-Eastlake, Madison, Fairport Harbor school districts seeking renewal levies: Three districts will be on the ballot in November to ask voters to renew existing tax levies. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: 7 people run for 4 Fairport Harbor Village Council seats: Seven candidates have their eyes set on Fairport Harbor Village Council, but there are only four seats up for election. By Simon Husted.


Kirtland
Election: Kirtland City Council race features some political veterans: All four Kirtland City Council at-large candidates have local government experience, but only three seats are available Nov. 5. By Betsy Scott.

Election: Kirtland School Board race draws 4 write-in candidates, 1 incumbent: Five candidates are seeking three seats on the Kirtland School Board in the Nov. 5 election. Richard A. Danks, Sandra Esser, Joseph W. Solnosky, Ronald A. Stepanovic and incumbent Katriona Torok each seek a four-year term. By Caitlin Fertal.


Leroy
Election: 4 running for 2 Leroy trustee slots: Four candidates are running for the Leroy Township Board of Trustees but only seats for half of them. By Simon Husted.


Madison Township
Election: 3 candidates run for 2 Madison Township trustee seats: Three Madison Township residents have their sights set on two trustee seats this Nov. 5. By Simon Husted.

Willoughby-Eastlake, Madison, Fairport Harbor school districts seeking renewal levies: Three districts will be on the ballot in November to ask voters to renew existing tax levies. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: Madison Fire District seeks to replace 14-year-old levy: The Madison Fire District is asking the more than 11,300 voters in Madison Village and Madison Township to replace a 14-year-old levy to meet today’s home values. By Simon Husted.


Madison Village
Willoughby-Eastlake, Madison, Fairport Harbor school districts seeking renewal levies: Three districts will be on the ballot in November to ask voters to renew existing tax levies. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: Madison Fire District seeks to replace 14-year-old levy: The Madison Fire District is asking the more than 11,300 voters in Madison Village and Madison Township to replace a 14-year-old levy to meet today’s home values. By Simon Husted.

Election: Five candidates run for four Madison Village Council seats: Five people have their eyes set on Madison Village Council this election season with room for only four. Incumbents Donald Bartlett, Dan Donaldson, Duane Frager and John Hamercheck, and Gregory Mabe each want for one of four council seats that pays $5,400 a year. By Simon Husted.


Mentor
Trio of incumbents, 2 others seek 3 seats on Mentor School Board. Five candidates are looking to fill three open seats for the Mentor School Board when ballots are counted Nov. 5. By Caitlin Fertal.


Mentor-on-the-Lake
Election: 2 pursue Mentor-on-the-Lake mayor position: Two Mentor-on-the-Lake leaders will face off in the race to fill the remaining two years on former mayor John Rogers’ term. They are longtime Councilman Troy Elam and David Eva, who, as council president, assumed the mayor’s role last year following Rogers’ election to the Ohio House of Representatives. By Betsy Scott.

Election: Six seek four seats on Mentor-on-the-Lake City Council: Mentor-on-the-Lake’s 4,700-plElection: Kirtland City Council race features some political veteransus voters will have several choices for the four City Council spots up for election Nov. 5. By Betsy Scott.

Election: City services at stake for Mentor-on-the-Lake residents: Barking dogs, booming car stereos, vehicle lockouts and side-street speeding all are among the more common complaints handled by community police departments. However, such routine calls may, at times, go unanswered in Mentor-on-the-Lake if a levy on the Nov. 5 ballot fails, Police Chief John Gielink said. By Betsy Scott.


North Perry Village
7 candidates aim to capture 4 council seats in North Perry Village. Seven candidates are aiming to capture four seats on North Perry Village Council in the Nov. 5 election. By Simon Husted.

Election: 4 candidates seek 3 seats on Perry School Board: Four candidates are seeking three open seats on the Perry School Board. Incumbent Ashley Hacking, Scott Niedzwiecki, Andy Roberts and incumbent Suanne Sines each seek a four-year term. By Caitlin Fertal.


Perry Township
Election: 4 candidates seek 3 seats on Perry School Board: Four candidates are seeking three open seats on the Perry School Board. Incumbent Ashley Hacking, Scott Niedzwiecki, Andy Roberts and incumbent Suanne Sines each seek a four-year term. By Caitlin Fertal. 


Perry Village
Election: 4 candidates seek 3 seats on Perry School Board: Four candidates are seeking three open seats on the Perry School Board. Incumbent Ashley Hacking, Scott Niedzwiecki, Andy Roberts and incumbent Suanne Sines each seek a four-year term. By Caitlin Fertal. 


Painesville
Election: Painesville voters to decide on charter amendments: Every 10 years, Painesville City Council is required to establish a committee to review its municipal charter by which the city is governed. By Devon Turchan.

Election: Painesville residents to vote on 3 at-large Council seats: Three at-large Painesville City Council positions are up for grabs and voters will decide in November. By Devon Turchan.

Election: Candidates seek Painesville School Board seats: Three candidates look to fill two seats that are up for grabs on the Painesville School Board in November. Kathleen Powers Dolney, incumbent Jeffrey C. Powers and incumbent Alison Rossman each hope to earn a four-year term. Charles Tackett, meanwhile, is running unopposed for his seat that expires December 31, 2015. By Caitlin Fertal.


Painesville Township
Election: 9 vie for 2 open seats on Painesville Township trustee board: Nine candidates are on the ballot for two Painesville Township trustee openings. Amy Cossick, T.R. Hach, Chuck Hillier, Beth A. Knezevich, Edmund G. Leoson, Susan McGuinness, Josh Pennock, Joshua J. Strickland and Frank J. Zalek Jr. will appear on the ballot. By Devon Turchan.

Election: Fire levy at issue in Painesville Township: Voters in Painesville Township will decide Nov. 5 if a fire levy the township’s trustees placed on the ballot should pass. A continuing (permanent) 2.9-mill additional levy is proposed for fire capital expenses. By Devon Turchan.


Perry Township
3 candidates seek trustee seats in Perry Township. Two Perry Township trustee seats are up for grabs Nov. 5 and they are wanted by Robert Dawson and incumbents Phillip Haskell and Nancy Steele. By Simon Husted.


Perry Village
Election: Perry Village voters to decide on 2 income tax issues: The 900 registered voters in Perry Village face a complex Nov. 5 ballot as they decide on two issues targeting local income tax. By Simon Husted.

Election: 5 run for 4 Perry Village Council positions: Five people have their sights set on joining Perry Village Council next year, but the Nov. 5 ballot only has room for four seats. By Simon Husted.


Wickliffe
Election: 3 seeking pair of Wickliffe City Council at large seats: Wickliffe residents have three candidates to choose from to fill two at large seats on the City Council. All of the candidates, including two incumbents, have served on Wickliffe’s City Council. On Nov. 5, voters will select two of the following to serve as at large council members: Mark A. Iafelice, Matthew Jaworski and Sherry Koski. By Elizabeth Lundblad.


Willoughby
Willoughby-Eastlake, Madison, Fairport Harbor school districts seeking renewal levies: Three districts will be on the ballot in November to ask voters to renew existing tax levies. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: 8 compete for 3 seats on Willoughby-Eastlake School Board: Eight candidates are running for three open seats on the Willoughby-Eastlake School Board. Rusty Bliss, incumbent Dan Hoffman, Steve Komarjanski, Larry Luciano, incumbent Connie Newyear, Tim O’Keeffe, incumbent Sharon Scott and Amy M. Zuren each seek a four-year seat on the board. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: 2 ward seats, 1 at large seat up for grabs in Willoughby: Three seats on Willoughby City Council are up for grabs on Nov. 5, with two men seeking re-election against individual challengers. By Elizabeth Lundblad.


Willoughby Hills
Willoughby-Eastlake, Madison, Fairport Harbor school districts seeking renewal levies: Three districts will be on the ballot in November to ask voters to renew existing tax levies. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: Willoughby Hills City Council race draws business owner, professor. Of the four council at large seats up for grabs on Willoughby Hills City Council, just one is contested. By Elizabeth Lundblad.

Election: 8 compete for 3 seats on Willoughby-Eastlake School Board: Eight candidates are running for three open seats on the Willoughby-Eastlake School Board. Rusty Bliss, incumbent Dan Hoffman, Steve Komarjanski, Larry Luciano, incumbent Connie Newyear, Tim O’Keeffe, incumbent Sharon Scott and Amy M. Zuren each seek a four-year seat on the board. By Caitlin Fertal.


Willowick
Willoughby-Eastlake, Madison, Fairport Harbor school districts seeking renewal levies: Three districts will be on the ballot in November to ask voters to renew existing tax levies. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: 8 compete for 3 seats on Willoughby-Eastlake School Board: Eight candidates are running for three open seats on the Willoughby-Eastlake School Board. Rusty Bliss, incumbent Dan Hoffman, Steve Komarjanski, Larry Luciano, incumbent Connie Newyear, Tim O’Keeffe, incumbent Sharon Scott and Amy M. Zuren each seek a four-year seat on the board. By Caitlin Fertal.

Election: Willowick voters will go to ballot for charter changes: Willowick residents will have two charter amendments to vote on Nov. 5. By Elizabeth Lundblad.


Unopposed races 

Grand River, elect four: Deborah Dominish, Mario A. Eldridge, Robert Gildone and Jennifer Hood

Kirtland Hills, elect four: Paul C. Gum, William C. Pickett, Anthony J. Lariccia and Heidi B. Miller

Lakeline, elect four: Clay R. Hardy, Jonathan Miller, Larry R. Staton and Sandra L. Staton

Mentor, three council at-large: Janet A. Dowling, Scott J. Marn and Ray Kirchner

Timberlake, elect four: Dennis Dicki, Ritu Sharma, Kenneth L. Zalar

Timberlake Board of Public Affairs, elect one: None filed

Waite Hill, elect four: Ryan W. Cox, Robert I. Gale III, Richard A. Steudel Jr. and Courtenay O. Taplin

Wickliffe mayor: Bill Margalis

Concord Township trustees, elect two: Christopher Galloway and Paul R. Malchesky

Madison School Board, elect three: J. Jay Fabian, C. Michelle Hayes and Kelly R. Tromba

Riverside School Board, elect three: Belinda Grassi, Jennifer Harden and Jack Miley

Fairport School Board, elect two: Mary Javins and Katherine Paolino

Wickliffe School Board, elect three: Donald J. Marn, Jackie Sheridan and Dan Thomeier

Now that Gov. John Kasich has appointed Mark Bartolotta to serve as Lake County Probate Court judge, look for some other developments to shake out involving who might run for other county judicial offices in 2014.

Lake County Assistant Prosecutor John O’Donnell, who was one of four finalists for the Probate Court appointment, quickly pulled candidacy petitions to run for the Lake County Common Pleas Court seat on the bench held by Judge Joe Gibson.

Due to age limits for judges, Gibson is not able to seek re-election, so that leaves an open seat up for grabs.

Look for O’Donnell, a Willowick Republican who also serves as a city councilman, to announce fairly soon that he will run for the judicial position.

Will any other Republicans decide to run for the seat?

On the Democratic side, how about attorney Ron Graham, who ran against Judge Vincent A. Culotta in the 2004 election?

Dennis N. Loconti finished second to Gibson in the 2008 Democratic Party. Would he be interested in another run?

How about Paul Miller? He was a finalist for the recent county Public Defender appointment and ran in the Democratic primary in 2008 for county Juvenile Court judge.

If not for a Common Pleas position, would Miller have any interest in running again for Juvenile Court judge? Judge Karen Lawson, a Republican, also will be on the ballot next year.

So will the seat on the Domestic Relations Court bench held by Judge Colleen A. Falkowski, a Democrat. She was unopposed in 2008.

It’s early, but I’m not hearing of any potential Republican interest for a primary against Bartolotta for Probate Court judge.

By the way, Bartolotta was sworn in Thursday by Culotta during a private ceremony and is scheduled to begin service on the bench on Monday. A public swearing in ceremony is planned Sept. 30 for Bartolotta at the courthouse.

Mentor Prosecutor Lisa Klammer, a Democrat, is said to have interest in running for the Probate Court seat.

Eastlake mayor race set

Eastlake Council President Dennis Morley and incumbent Mayor Ted Andrzejewski were the top two finishers in Tuesday’s mayor primary, so they will now face each other on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Councilwoman Cindy Quinn-Hopkins finished third, meaning she does not advance.

The special election attracted about 19 percent of the city’s registered voters. Election officials said that’s a good turnout for this type of election.

I find it rather disappointing that not even one out of every five voters bothered to take the time to cast a ballot to help determine who should be the city’s top elected official.

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.

Event

Perry Township Trustee candidate Bob Dawson hosts a meet the candidate picnic from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at Perry Township Park.

Fundies

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

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 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 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 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.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fundies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed petitions

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

Fundies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Much has changed in just the past decade or so when it comes to conducting the election process in Ohio.

For some perspective, think back to the 2000 presidential election when the buzz words “hanging chads” emerged into our level of consciousness.

Counting presidential ballots in Florida that year essentially delayed the country from knowing on election night who the next president was as workers inspected ballots in Florida it brought in a level of fear and distrust with how the election process worked.

Not long afterward, legislators in Ohio decided that all voting equipment in the state needed to have a verifiable paper trail as a way to audit an election and to make sure that all votes would be counted accurately.

That message hit hard in Lake County as the Elections Board was forced to spend thousands of dollars on new voting equipment to accommodate this new state requirement.

Eventually other changes in state law were enacted to make it easier and to provide more opportunities for people to cast their ballots.

No-fault absentee voting was allowed and it gave registered voters the chance to cast a ballot prior to election day for any reason and they no longer had to specify why they couldn't vote at the polls.

A ratio approved as state law in 2006 and effective this year required a voting machine to be available for every 175 registered voters in each county. It was designed to alleviate long lines at voting precincts.

But what many elections officials have noted is that these long lines have mostly been alleviated at the polls since the time the legislation passed and when it was scheduled to be in effect.

The reason is because there are many opportunities for people to vote either by mail or in-person absentee along with the traditional method of going to a polling location.

Lake County has 152,878 registered voters and 864 electronic voting machines, so with the ratio in place 54 additional machines would need to be purchased at a cost ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 — depending on if the equipment was new or used.

The Ohio Senate version of the budget bill contains language to remove the ratio provision, which officials argue is no longer necessary.

The measure is now in a conference committee involving Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate members to hammer out differences between what each chamber passed to deliver a final version of the state budget for Gov. John Kasich to sign before July 1.

Among the next election initiatives that I believe are likely to come out soon will be the ability to register to vote through the Internet. A voter can already check on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website to see if he or she is registered to vote and even update their address.

If that’s already the case, it shouldn’t be that difficult to allow voting registration to be available online.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions in Lake County were Ted Andrzejewski for Eastlake mayor: Joe Zawatski for Willoughby Hills Council at large two-year term commencing Jan. 1, 2014; David M. Fiebig for Willoughby Hills Council at large four-year term commencing Jan. 3, 2014.

Taking out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions with the Elections Board in Lake County are Edward C. Matyja for Wickliffe Council Ward 2, Douglas Davidson for Kirtland Council at large, Geoffrey Snow for Mentor-on-the-Lake Council and Beth Knezevich for Painesville Township trustee.

Patterson conversation

State Rep. John Patterson, D-Jefferson, who represents Ohio House of Representatives District 76, will speak at a Geauga County Democratic Party event from 6 to 8 p.m. June 21 at the organization’s headquarters in Newbury Township.

Fundies

n Amy Cossick, candidate for Painesville Township Trustee, hosts a Campaign Kick-off Fundraiser from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., June 21 at the Fairport Senior Center. See Cossick.

n Andrzejewski hosts his ninth annual golf outing, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start July 19 at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Wickliffe. See Andrzejewski.

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Staff for U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, will hold office hours in Lake County from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. June 11.

The location will be at the fifth floor of the county administration building, 105 Main St., Painesville. No appointments are necessary.

During this time, constituents will have the opportunity to share thoughts and concerns with a district representative who will provide their feedback to the senator.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ohio Treasurer candidate announces

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

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

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

Taken out petitions

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

Deadline

The weekly deadline to submit information for this column is prior to 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

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

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

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

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

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statewide recognition

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

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

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

Filed petitions

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

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

Taken out petitions

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

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

Deadline

The weekly deadline to submit information for this column is prior to 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

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

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

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

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah