Lake County Probate Court Judge Mark J. Bartolotta announced candidacy endorsements by former U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette, U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, state Sen. John Eklund, Lake County Sheriff Dan Dunlap, Lake County Coroner Dr. Lynn Smith, Lake County Auditor Ed Zupancic, Lake County Engineer James Gills, former  Lake County Commissioner Ray Sines, former Lake County Commissioner Dale Fellows, Willoughby Mayor Dave Anderson, Retired Willoughby Police Chief William Crosier, Retired Willoughby Police Chief Conrad Straube, Willoughby Councilman Jeff Black, Willoughby Hills Mayor Bob Weger, Willoughby Hills Police Chief Chris Collins, Willoughby Hills Law Director Tom Lobe, Willoughby Hills Councilwoman Nancy Fellows, Eastlake Councilwoman Cindy Quinn Hopkins, Mentor Police Chief Kevin Knight, Mentor-on-the-Lake Police Chief John Gielink, Mentor-on-the-Lake Councilman Troy Elam, former Painesville Police Chief Troy Hager, Painesville Councilman Michael DeLeone, Kirtland City Council President Bob Umholtz, Waite Hill Mayor Bob Ranallo, former Lake County Recorder Frank Suponcic, Western Reserve Junior Service League President Alice Demeter, Fairport Harbor Police Chief Mark Kish, Madison Township Police Chief Leonard DelCalzo, North Perry Village Police Chief Ron Radovanic, Concord Township Trustee Connie Luhta, Fairport Harbor Councilman Tony Bertone, Willoughby Hills Councilman Dave Fiebig, Willoughby Hills Councilman John Plecnik, former Mentor Police Chief Richard Amiott, former Lake County Clerk of Courts Lynne Mazeika, president of the Lake County Blue Coats Dr. Ronald Taddeo, Madison Township & Madison Fire District Trustee Ken Gauntner, Kirtland City Councilman Doug Davidson, Kirtland Police Chief Wayne Baumgart, Painesville Township Trustee Josh Pennock, and Wickliffe Police Chief Randy Ice.

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

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald’s selection of Sharen Neuhardt as his running mate in a gubernatorial run emphasized a message that women’s health issues won’t be ignored in this gubernatorial election.

FitzGerald, a Democrat, picked the Dayton-area attorney after his first choice, State Sen. Eric Kearney of Cincinnati, left the ticket after news of unpaid business taxes.

The selection of Neuhardt seems to have taken a page out of the November gubernatorial race in Virginia in which women’s rights were a central focus and helped pave the way to the election of Democrat Terry McAuliffe.

FitzGerald said in an email to supporters that Neuhardt is a “steadfast champion of women’s health and shares my outrage at the current Governor’s attempt to dictate to women what should be private medical decisions and restrict access to critical health care services.”

FitzGerald, likely to win a Democratic Party primary on May 6, would likely face Gov. John Kasich, who most likely wins the Republican Party primary.

Ohio Republican Party spokesman Chris Schrimpf criticized FitzGerald’s pick of Neuhardt, saying he put in the “third-string backup to his original choice” and that “he simply doesn’t have what it takes to lead a state.”

After FitzGerald accepted the endorsement of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio on Wednesday — the 41st anniversary of Roe vs. Wade — Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges issued a news release to criticize the news.

“Ohio Democrats are joining the likes of Democrat New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and saying that those who believe in life are not welcome in the Democratic Party or in a state they would govern,” he said.

Filed petitions

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, a Russell Township Republican, has filed candidacy petitions with the Lake County Elections Board to seek re-election for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. Lake County Probate Court Judge Mark J. Bartolotta, a Concord Township Republica, has filed candidacy petitions to retain his seat. Lake County Auditor Edward H. Zupancic, a Painesville Township Republican, has filed to run for re-election.

Geauga County Auditor Frank J. Gliha has filed candidacy petitions with the Geauga County Elections Board to seek re-election. Geauga County Commissioner Blake Rear has filed petitions to run to complete the unexpired term for commissioner ending Jan. 1, 2017.

Pulled petitions

Richard J. Walker, a Perry Village Democrat, has taken out candidacy petitions to run for Ohio House of Representatives District 61. Geoff Kent, a Painesville Township Democrat, has pulled petitions to run for Lake County Auditor.

Influential

Inside Business Magazine recently named its top 100 most influential CEOs, politicians, and civic leaders in Northeast Ohio.

Selected for Lake County were Lakeland Community College President Morris Beverage Jr.; Classic Auto Group president and owner Jim Brown; Lubrizol president and CEO James Hambrick; Lake Health president and CEO Cynthia Moore-Hardy; and Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy.

NOACA leaders selected

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency in Cleveland is a planning agency that addresses the transportation, air quality, and water quality needs of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.

Among the recently elected officers for the agency’s Governing Board in 2014 were Geauga County Commissioner Mary E. Samide, president; Troy, second vice president; Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, an assistant secretary; and FitzGerald, treasurer.

Correction

Last week, I wrote that Ellen Foley Kessler was the first woman to serve as a Lake Metroparks Park Board commissioner. I was informed after publication that she was the third woman to serve in the position. Martha F. Tyler was a Park Board commissioner from 1961 through 1971; and Nina Wright served from 1973 through 1976.

Fundies

• Lake County Domestic Relations Court Judge Colleen A. Falkowski hosts a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 Jan. 30 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Brian Falkowski.
• Lisa Klammer, candidate for Lake County Probate Court judge, hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Randy Klammer.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

A interesting choice by Lake County Probate Court Judge Mark Bartolotta to appoint Gretchen Skok DiSanto as the newest member to the Lake Metroparks Park Board of Commissioners.

When publicly announcing his decision to the board, which is an unpaid position, Bartolotta said his selection was carefully completed after a thorough investigation to select who the best person would be.

It must not have been easy decision and Bartolotta even apologized for the length of time the appointment took as the term of former Park Board Commissioner Ellen Foley Kessler expired Dec. 31.

It’s worth mentioning that Kessler, a Democrat, was the first woman and longest serving Park Board commissioner after she was appointed years ago by DiSanto’s father, the late former Probate Court Judge Fred V. Skok, who was a Democrat.

Bartolotta cited DiSanto’s lengthy résumé and experience along with her high level of education and a lifetime involvement with the park system that began with her parents and continued into her childhood and adult life.

The Concord Township Democrat is well respected within the many circles and she should be quite capable in her new role on the Park Board.

DiSanto, who has two children, also brings with her to the board a perspective of someone with a young family who utilizes the park system on a regular basis.

For Bartolotta, a Republican appointed to the bench in September by Gov. John Kasich, the appointment was his first decision that truly would fall under public scrutiny.

Yes, the judge makes multitudes of important decisions and judgments on Probate Court matters, but when the time comes to make Park Board selections the responsibility is one that typically captures greater public attention.

It did in this case, because it was the first board appointment made by the new judge who is running this year to retain the seat.

If Bartolotta, who was hired years ago as an assistant county prosecutor years ago by former Lake County Prosecutor and U.S. Rep. Steve C. LaTourette had selected a Republican, critics from the other side likely would have emerged for selecting someone in his political party. Because DiSanto is a lifelong Democrat, that wasn’t the case here.

But an interesting connection is DiSanto is married to Dino DiSanto, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, and who held the same position with Congressman LaTourette.

Some may say that Gretchen Skok DiSanto’s appointment by the judge looks like a political decision.

The truth is, board appointments are usually political — at least in some capacity — because they are made by politicians.

This appointment to me seems based on strong credentials — with a little bit of politics sprinkled in — and will ultimately be judged by how DiSanto performs in her appointed role.

One vote does matter

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted recently revealed that a review of 110 recounts following the Nov. 5 election showed 35 local races and eight local issues in Ohio were decided by one vote or through breaking a tie.

Husted correctly points out that just one person could have made the difference to decide whether local taxes would go up and whether someone else would have served in important local offices, including township trustee, city or village council and school board.

That was the case in Middlefield Village where the council race for the fourth place — in this case the final spot on council — was decided by just one vote.

Event

Geauga County Democratic Party monthly Spaghetti Dinner Served with Hot Top is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the party headquarters in Newbury Township. State Sen. Capri Cafaro, D-Hubbard, plans to discuss a new bill being introduced by Ohio Senate Democrats to re-instate the Homestead tax exemption.

Fundies

• Bartolotta hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See John Redmond or Amy Sabath.
• John P. O’Donnell, candidate for Lake County Common Pleas Court, hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at LaMalfa Party Center. See Mike Lucas, Mike Bucci or Ann Bergen.
• Lake County Domestic Relations Court Judge Colleen A. Falkowski hosts a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 Jan. 30 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Brian Falkowski.
• Lisa Klammer, candidate for Lake County Probate Court judge, hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Randy Klammer.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Lake County Probate Court Judge Mark J. Bartolotta will soon make his first appointment to the Lake Metroparks Board of Commissioners as the term of Ellen Foley Kessler expired Dec. 31.

Metroparks commissioners do not receive compensation and serve three-year terms on the board.

The judge, who is a Republican, could reappoint Kessler, a Democrat, or he could choose someone else. Park Commissioners Frank Polivka and Dennis Eckart are also Democrats.

I’m not suggesting that party affiliation is the only requirement for an appointment, but it’s likely to be taken into consideration.

My hunch is we’ll see some development on that appointment next week.

In Geauga County, Probate/Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell has three appointments to make to the Geauga Park District Board of Commissioners, an entity that currently has no members. Those appointments will consist of terms for one, two and three years.

There could be an interesting little-known wrinkle to watch for down the road in Lake or Geauga counties that Ohio Revised Code allows.

Any board of park commissioners of a park district may elect to expand the membership of the board from three members to five members upon a majority vote of the board.

After such a vote, the board would certify to the probate judge a resolution requesting the judge to appoint two additional members to the board. The judge would then need to appoint those additional members, and they would take office immediately upon their appointment.

It’s not unprecedented as the county park boards in nearby Trumbull and Ashtabula counties each have five members.

Taken out petitions

Concord Township Trustee Christopher Galloway, a Republican, has taken out petitions with the Lake County Elections Board to run for county commissioner. Judge Cynthia Rice has taken out petitions to seek re-election for 11th District Court of Appeals. Painesville Township Republican Chuck Laughlin has taken out petitions for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District.

Filed petitions

Lisa Klammer, a Concord Township Democrat, has filed candidacy petitions with the Lake County Elections Board to run for county Probate Court judge.

Swearing in

Eastlake Mayor-elect Dennis Morley and council members Kenneth Hoefle, Laura DePledge and councilman-elect Kimberly C. Evers will be sworn-in at 6 p.m. Tuesday at city hall during council’s organizational meeting.

At a 7 p.m. city council organizational meeting Monday, Beachwood Mayor Merle S. Gorden, Councilman Melvin Jacobs, Councilmen-elect James Pasch and Alec Isaacson will be sworn-in.

Willoughby Mayor David Anderson along with city Councilmen Jeffrey H. Black, Christopher W. Woodin, Robert A. Fiala, Robert E. Carr, Jerome P. Ranally, Robert J. Harrold and Councilman-elect Stephen T. Norris will be sworn-in during a ceremony at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Event

Retirement party for former Painesville Township Trustees Jeanette Crislip and Jim Falvey from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 24 at Hellriegel’s Inn in Painesville Township.

Deadlines

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

Fundies

• Campaign kickoff for Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Lu Dunlap.
• Bartolotta hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See John Redmond or Amy Sabath.
• John P. O’Donnell, candidate for Lake County Common Pleas Court, hosts a fundraiser 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23, at LaMalfa Party Center. See Mike Lucas, Mike Bucci or Ann Bergen.
• Lake County Domestic Relations Court Judge Colleen A. Falkowski hosts a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 Jan. 30 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Brian Falkowski.

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

With Tuesday’s election drawing near there are lots of races and issues in Lake County for voters to decide.

It can be tough to truly gauge who or what might win or lose beforehand, but here’s what I think right now about a few races.

These opinions are by no means endorsements.

Eastlake mayor
Candidates: Ted Andrzejewski, Dennis Morley
Prediction/Comment: Morley. Among the most difficult races to predict and I could also see Andrzejewski winning. Morley is the favorite after he was the top vote-getter in September for the three-candidate primary, which had a very low primary turnout. But Andrzejewski wins if his supporters get to the polls.

Mentor-on-the-Lake mayor
Candidates: Troy Elam, David Eva
Prediction/Comment: Eva. Also a difficult race to gauge as both have been involved in city politics for a long time, but I think the incumbent wins.

Painesville Township trustee (vote for two)
Candidates: 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.
Prediction/Comment: Hillier, Pennock. I’ll be surprised if I’m correct on both picks for the two open seats because I think Cossick, McGuinness and Strickland each have good chances to be in the mix.

Willoughby Hills Council at large 2-year term
Candidates: John Plecnik, Joe Zawatski
Prediction/Comment: Zawatski. My upset pick because I think Plecnik is the favorite and he has a good chance to win especially because he’s spent a lot of money to raise his name recognition and get his message across. Zawatski appears to have more support from the current city administration.

Laketran continuous 0.25 percent sales tax renewal
Prediction/Comment: Pass. But probably by a closer margin than for past requests. I’m thinking around 55 percent support.

Lake County Children Services 5-year, 0.7-mill renewal
Prediction/Comment: Pass. Levy renewal is approved by a comfortable margin.

Willoughby-Eastlake Schools 5-year, renewal levy to generate $7,585,000 (est. 4.71 mills)
Prediction/Comment: Fail. Should be pretty close, but a 10-year levy request for the same amount of dollars didn’t pass in May.

Hear ye, hear ye

The race in 2014 for Lake County Probate Court judge has started to take shape as two potential candidates took out petitions to run next year. Republican Judge Mark J. Bartolotta took out petitions to retain the seat after his appointment in September to fill the vacancy after former Judge Ted Klammer died.

Mentor Prosecutor Lisa Klammer, daughter of the late judge, also has taken out petitions to run. No one has filed yet to run and they have until Feb. 5 to do so.

But if they both file and eventually meet up in the November 2014 election, it should be quite the race to watch next year.

Ohio Senate District 25

Former state Rep. Ed Jerse, a Euclid Democrat, has pulled candidacy petitions to run for Ohio Senate District 25.

The district consists 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.

Former state Rep. Kenny Yuko, a Richmond Heights Democrat, also has announced he’s running for the position in 2014.

If both men do file to run for the petitions, it will make an very interesting primary involving two former state representatives.

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, who currently represents the district, has announced plans to run in 2014 for Ohio Secretary of State.

Deadline

For candidates who wish to submit items for this column, my weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Email and faxes are preferred.

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

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 state Rep. John Patrick Carney has announced he will run for Ohio Auditor, Democrats have filled most of their slate of statewide candidates who will challenge Republican incumbents in 2014.

Carney is a Columbus-based healthcare attorney who grew up in Bay Village and has served in the Ohio General Assembly for three two-year terms.

He will challenge incumbent state Auditor Dave Yost, a Republican who is finishing his first term in office.

Other races shape up for now to pit Gov. John Kasich vs. Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald; Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel vs. state Rep. Connie Pillach; Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted vs. state Sen. Nina Turner; and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine vs. former Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy also will be on the ballot next year. No Democrat opposition has announced so far.

Carney said during an interview with The News-Herald that he believes his experience in the health care field would serve him well as he would aim as auditor to carefully examine the large percentage of the state’s revenue that is spent on health care.

Other issues Carney will use as campaign talking points are to protect Lake Erie and waterway assets and what he says is the gerrymandering of legislative districts that eliminates bipartisanship on the state level.

He also believes that JobsOhio needs to be more transparent and said Ohioans deserve to know where public tax money is spent in the effort to help create jobs.

It should be an interesting election season next year to see if Republicans continue to dominate state politics or whether Democrats make any headway.

Welcome to the bench

Congratulations to Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta, who was appointed by Kasich to become the new Lake County Probate Court judge. I’ll write a little bit more on this development in a future column.

Events

Geauga County Democratic Party hosts a spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday and a speaker will discuss the new federal health care law. Former Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner will talk about women’s issues and her new book at 2 p.m. Sept. 22. The party’s annual clambake will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 5. Each of the events will be at party headquarters in Newbury Township.

Geauga County Republican Party hosts GOP Steak Roast with a mystery guest speaker at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Troy Township Pavilion.

Lake County Democratic Women’s Club hosts 75th anniversary luncheon and Woman of the Year award on Sept. 21 at Dino’s Party Center in Willoughby.

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.

Change in publication date

Starting with the Sept. 21 edition, this column will be published on The News-Herald’s editorial page on Saturdays instead of on Sundays.

Fundies

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

n Geauga County Auditor Frank J. Gliha hosts Chinese Dinner fundraiser, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Pineview Lake in Munson Township. See Gliha.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Probate update

After Lake County Probate Court Judge Ted Klammer died March 13, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor assigned retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk to serve a three-month assignment on the Probate Court bench.

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

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

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

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

Filed petitions

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

Taken out petitions

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

Fundies

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

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

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

There will be six judge races on the November ballot in Lake County next year and it will be quite interesting to see who runs for these benches.

Before that, however, a new Probate Court judge will be appointed by Gov. John Kasich to replace the vacancy created when Judge Ted Klammer died.

There is some talk that Painesville Municipal Court Judge Michael Cicconetti is interested in the Probate Court position. He’s a Democrat, so it might be a little tough to imagine him getting the appointment, but maybe not so far-fetched.

If Kasich was to appoint Cicconetti as Probate Court judge, it would then create a vacancy for Painesville Municipal Court judge and the governor could appoint a Republican to that bench.

My hunch, though, is the governor appoints a Republican to the Probate Court and lets the election process work itself out next year to determine who would get a new six-year term.

Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Joseph Gibson won’t be able to run for re-election next year due to age restrictions. Republican Randi Ostry ran against Gibson in 2008, perhaps she might make another run? Dennis N. Loconti finished second in a primary to Gibson in March 2008, maybe he gives it another try?

I’m also hearing that if Assistant Geauga County Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta, a Republican who previously served as a Lake County assistant prosecutor, isn’t appointed to the Probate Court bench, he might run for Gibson’s bench.

Also up next year is Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson. In March 2008, four Democrats, Patrice Denman, James R. Dugan, Paul E. Miller, and John Rogers (now a state representative), ran in a Democratic primary with Denman emerging as the Democratic candidate. She eventually lost against Lawson. Who might challenge Lawson next year?

Other judge races on the ballot in 2014 are the Lake County Domestic Relations Court bench held by Judge Colleen A. Falkowski, and two 11th District Court of Appeals seats held by Judges Timothy P. Cannon and Cynthia Westcott Rice.

Falkowski and Rice were both unopposed in November 2008. Cannon defeated Republican Paul Brickner.

Trapp private practice

Former 11th District Court of Appeals Court Judge Mary Jane Trapp has joined the Cleveland office of the law firm of Thrasher, Dinsmore and Dolan.

Pulling petitions

In Geauga County, several candidates have taken out petitions with the county Elections Board to run for offices in the Nov. 5 election. No one had filed to run as of Thursday.

People who have taken out petitions are Mike Ferrell for Claridon Township trustee; Edward W. Kaminski and Nadine Pope for Hambden Township trustee; Jason Sutter and Al Vontorcik for Huntsburg Township trustee; James J. McCaskey for Munson Township trustee; Ken Armstrong for Russell Township trustee; Nancy McArthur for Chardon Council; Steve Remias for Geauga County Educational Service Center Governing Board; Gregory Kernc for Chardon Board of Education; and Matthew T. Fuentes for Ledgemont Board of Education.

In Lake County, Kimberly C. Evers has taken out petitions with the county Elections Board for Eastlake Council-at Large. Rusty Bliss has taken out petitions to run for Willoughby-Eastlake Board of Education.

Filed petitions

Edmund Leoson has filed petitions to run for Painesville Township trustee.

Fundies

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Malchesky, Galloway or Connie Luhta.

n Dennis Morley will host a kickoff fundraiser for his Eastlake mayor campaign, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at Trader Jack’s Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Barb Morley.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran will host a fundraiser from 5 to 7:30 p.m. April 18 at Dino’s Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Kathy Russo.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah