I think it would be great for Northeast Ohio if Cleveland is selected to host the 2016 Republican National Convention.

It would be a chance for the city to shine in the national spotlight and to show off so many of the great things Cleveland has to offer.

Seven other cities also are finalists: Cincinnati, Columbus, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

It would be equally magnificent if Cleveland instead was part of the mix for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. However, that’s not the case.

Aside from the politics, a convention would bring in millions of dollars in tourism to not only the city, but also to the region.

Visitors would need places to stay, eat, and spend some cash to enjoy a little bit of entertainment during their down time.

Along with a new convention center, there are several amenities like Lake Erie, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Great Lakes Science Center, Horseshoe Cleveland casino and Progressive Field all right there downtown.

Branch out a little farther and you’ll find places such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Natural History Museum, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The Rainforest, and West Side Market.

Inevitably visitors will need places to stay outside of Cleveland and they will likely go to places outside the city such as Lake and Geauga counties, where there also is much for a tourist to see and do.

Let’s also not forget the weather in Northeast Ohio is among the best in the country in June when you compare the average temperatures that feature a daily high temperate near 80 degrees.

Politically speaking, wouldn’t it be fun to have the big GOP players in town in what likely shapes up to be a presidential election with Ohio again a battleground state that could determine who wins the White House?

Democrats also would be energized as they would use the event to help contrast the differences between the two major parties and I would expect lots of planned activities as part of that effort.

How interesting would it be for Ohio gubernatorial front runners John Kasich or Ed FitzGerald?

Think about this, if the Republican Kasich is re-elected, wouldn’t be fascinating if he put his hat into the ring as a presidential candidate and the convention was held in his home state? Even if he didn’t run for president or figure to be nominated for the position, he likely would be an important player at the convention.

If the Democrat FitzGerald is elected governor, the convention would take place in his back yard where he served as a Lakewood mayor and as Cuyahoga County’s first county executive. It would give him the opportunity to showcase how much different the city and region truly is from some nationally negative perspectives that I don’t need to go into here.

For me, and other people who have never attended a convention, this would be a chance to see what it is all about. It would be great to cover as a journalist along with my Digital First Media colleagues and there would be many different angles for us to pursue.

Lynch staying in race

State Rep. Matt Lynch told me late last week that he is has no plans to drop out of the GOP primary against U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce in Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. Lynch said during an interview “I’m in it to win it” and he has no intentions of doing anything other than to win.

Visit my previous blog post http://bit.ly/1dIWA9e to read more.

Lake GOP Lincoln Day

Joyce is slated to be the keynote speaker for the Lake County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner and Silent Auction on March 19 at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake.

Fundies

• Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy hosts Mardi Gras Party on Fat Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 4 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Kip Molenaar.
• Dennis LoConti, candidate for Lake County Common Pleas Court judge, hosts a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 11 at LaMalfa Party Center. See LoConti.
• Chris Galloway, candidate for Lake County commissioner, hosts St. Patick’s Day fundraiser, starts at 5 p.m. March 15 at home of Dave and Beverly Vitaz in Concord Township. See Galloway.
• Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 20 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.
• Willoughby Hills Councilman David M. Fiebig hosts annual Spring Fever fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 24 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig or John Plecnik.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
@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

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has called a meeting of the Ohio Ballot Board for Thursday at 1 p.m. in Columbus.

As required by Ohio law, the Ballot Board will meet to determine whether a proposed initiated statute regarding Medicaid consists of only one proposed law. The Ballot Board has 10 days from the date the certification is received from the attorney general to complete this task.

The review is one step in the process toward potentially putting the issue on the statewide ballot in November 2014.

Members of the Ballot Board are Husted, chair; Mark Griffin, vice chair; state Sens. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, and Bill Coley, R-Liberty Township in Montgomery County; and and William N. Morgan. Coley will be sworn in as a member to replace Ohio Senate President Keith Faber.

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

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

Gov. John Kasich’s State of the State Address on Tuesday now serves as the blueprint for many policies in Ohio during the next two years.

After hearing from several local legislators and politicians this past week it appears to me that few are ready to fully endorse the governor’s budget plan.

However, it does contain individual proposals that both sides of the political aisle like but that neither seem to agree on together.

What that likely means is after the debate process the budget could look much different than what Kasich proposed.

Compromise will be necessary, and unlike the federal government, the state must operate with a balanced budget as of July 1.

Some Republican legislators have a hard time coming to grips with Kasich’s wish to expand Medicaid coverage and they might not vote for a budget if that is included. Democrats are generally pleased by the proposed expansion, but most oppose the bulk of the rest of the budget.

As part of the new federal health care law, which many in the GOP still fundamentally oppose, extending who can be cared for through Medicaid up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level is an option for states to accept with the federal government paying 100 percent of that cost for the first three years and gradually dropping down to 90 percent funding.

When it comes to tax reform, the GOP and Democrats again differ. Republicans favor an income tax reduction, lowering the state’s sales tax rate and the expansion of services that would be subject to sales tax.

Democrats argue the tax policy changes would help wealthy taxpayers more and hurt lower income residents who would spend a greater percentage of their income on services like haircuts, sporting events, and funeral services.

Republicans argue the proposals are a more fair way to tax because it would lower the state’s sales tax rate and provide residents and business owners with income tax relief.

Unless some things change, this budget might not follow party lines. It’s possible that neither side will be completely happy with what transpires, but the fact that Democrats and Republicans might have to work more closely together in Columbus would be a nice change.

Joyce joins Auto Industry Pension Task Force

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, announced he has joined the Auto Industry Pension Task Force.

The Congressional Auto Industry Pension Task Force, co-chaired by U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, and Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, will serve as an informal group of members dedicated to issues related to the termination of Delphi Salaried Retiree pensions and educating other members on the subject.

Picked up petitions

Recently taking out petitions with the Lake County Elections Board are Jeff Black for Willoughby Council at large; Laura DePledge for Eastlake Council at large; Larry Luciano for Willoughby-Eastlake School Board; Ronald P. Ely for Wickliffe Council Ward 3; Duane H. Frager for Madison Village Council; Chuck Klco for Leroy Township trustee; and Teresa Wagoner, MaryAnn Guy-Froebe and Timothy Rillahan for Madison Township trustee.

Fundies

n Re-election kickoff party for Mentor Municipal Court Judge John Trebets, 5 to 8 p.m. March 7 at Holiday Inn Express LaMalfa Centre in Mentor. See Ed or Cindy Hughes.

n Re-election kickoff for Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 21 at Patrician Party, Eastlake. See Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 12 at LaMalfa Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser is rescheduled to 5 to 7 p.m. April 1 at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Malchesky, Galloway or Connie Luhta.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newheraldjah

Gov. John Kasich announced that an internet lottery will be used to distribute a limited number of tickets to his 2013 State of the State address on Feb. 19.

Interested individuals can register for the ticket lottery at: http://governor.ohio.gov/tickets/.

Names will be collected until 6 p.m. Thursday and people selected for tickets by random lottery will be notified via e-mail by noon on Friday.

Kasich will conduct the speech in Lima at Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center. The Center offers a spacious auditorium that allows for more Ohioans to attend.

The governor continues a tradition to conduct the speed outside the state capital that he began last year at Steubenville’s Wells Academy.

Kasich said his decision to deliver the State of the State outside the capital is again rooted in a desire to make state government more accessible to Ohioans and shine a light on communities across Ohio making contributions to the state’s success.

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

U.S. Rep. David P. Joyce was sworn in to the 113th Congress by House Speaker John Boehner during a ceremony Thursday in the U.S. Capitol.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Ohio’s 14th District and I look forward to bringing some Ohio common sense to Washington,” Joyce said in a statement. “The voters sent me here to do a job and I will work every day to represent their interests and create jobs back home in the district.”

Prior to service in Congress, Joyce was Geauga County prosecutor. He, his wife Kelly, and their three children reside in Russell Township.

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