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

When most people think of how a county’s court system works, what may first come to mind are murder trials or other high-profile cases.

In truth, the courts aren't always glamorous like they may be portrayed on an episode of “Law and Order.” But they have hardworking people, and the operations involve many important functions that have an everyday effect on people’s lives.

For example, when someone is accused of a crime and doesn’t have the resources to pay for an attorney, they are deemed indigent, and a public defender is appointed to represent them.

In Lake County, there is a county public defender who oversees a group of attorneys charged with that task.

For nearly 35 years, the county Public Defender was R. Paul LaPlante, a highly respected attorney. His recent death leaves a void, and it will be up to the Lake County Public Defender Commission to name a successor. Look for that to happen sometime after Aug. 26.

The Lake County Probate Court also is another area that may not get the headlines, but the court’s role is mightily important.

A Probate Court has jurisdiction over matters such as issuance of marriage licenses; administration of estates and guardianships; adoption proceedings; determination of sanity or mental competence; certain eminent domain proceedings; and other civil matters.

Gov. John Kasich will be responsible for naming a new Lake County Probate Judge after Judge Ted Klammer died in March.

Candidates said to be under consideration are 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.

In the meantime, retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk has been filling the seat on the bench until Kasich makes the appointment.

Look for Kasich to make a decision in the next few weeks.

Fende ready

Lake County Treasurer-elect Lorraine M. Fende will finally drop the “elect” from her title, as she will begin her four-year term on Sept. 3. Technically, the term begins Sept. 2, but the office is closed that day for the Labor Day holiday.

Fende, who was elected back in November, plans to be officially sworn-in Monday by her husband, retired Willoughby Municipal Court Judge Larry Allen.

Event

A meet-and-greet event with Dennis Morley, candidate for Eastlake mayor, will be hosted by Ken and Denise Hoefle, Joe and Ingrid D’Ambrosio, Donna Vaughn and Laura DePledge from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 at 36683 Valley Ridge Drive, Eastlake.

Fundies

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 Fende hosts 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 from 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.

n Fundraiser for John Popelka, candidate for Willoughby Council Ward 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Mullarkey’s Irish Pub in Willoughby. See Popelka, Geoff Weaver or John Bowers.

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

The late Ted Klammer who served as Lake County Probate Court Judge will be missed by countless members of the community.

As the Probate Court judge since 2003, Klammer had responsibility over matters such as a person’s estate, appointing guardians, issuing marriage licenses and many other legal duties.

To keep the court operating, 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. Sitting judges in the county Common Pleas Court will also fill in when needed.

Ohio law states it will be the governor’s responsibility to appoint a new judge, who must be a Lake County resident.

Klammer was a Democrat, Gov. John Kasich is a Republican. In all likelihood, the appointed judge would be a Republican and it’s quite possible the person who fills the unexpired term would decide to run for a new term during the November 2014 election.

The Lake County Republican Party will likely make some recommendations to the governor, but ultimately it is Kasich’s choice.

There are several GOP attorney names floating around who could be among those considered for a potential appointment by the governor.

What about Kirtland resident Jason Wuliger, who was appointed as Lake County Recorder by the county GOP last year after former Recorder Frank Suponcic resigned? Wuliger is a former Lake County Juvenile Court magistrate.

Perhaps Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Patton, who also is Willowick Council president, might be interested?

Geoffrey W. Weaver ran for the Probate Court bench in 2002 as the Republican Party’s nominee against Klammer. Heidi M. Koenig, who has served as a Cuyahoga County magistrate, also ran in that November 2002 race as an independent candidate.

I think if Lake County Prosecutor Charles E. Coulson were interested he could be picked, but I’m not sure that he is.

Other potential names I’ve heard are Lake County Probate Court Magistrate Lora Lynne Stalnaker; Assistant Lake County Prosecutors John O’Donnell and Karen Kowall, who ran for Willoughby Municipal Court judge in November 2011; and Assistant Geauga County Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta, who previously served as a Lake County assistant prosecutor.

Another responsibility a Lake County Probate Court judge has is to make appointments to the three-member Lake Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners, who serve three-year terms.

Park commissioners now serving are Ellen Foley Kessler, whose term expires Dec. 31; Dennis E. Eckert, whose term expires Dec. 31, 2014; and Frank J. Polivka, whose term expires Dec. 31, 2015.

It is worth noting that the unexpired term of Klammer runs through Feb. 8, 2015.

So the person who is appointed by Kasich would likely have the ability to reappoint or appoint new people for two park commissioner seats.

Filed petitions

People recently filing petitions with the Lake County Elections Board were Ron Ely for Wickliffe Council Ward 3, Bill Margalis for Wickliffe mayor and John Plecnik for Willoughby Hills Council at large for the two-year term commencing Jan. 1.

Taken out petitions

Joshua Pennock has taken out petitions with the Lake County Elections Board for Painesville Township trustee, Dan Hill has taken them out for Timberlake Council.

Deadlines

To send information for this column, the deadline each week is Wednesday at 5 p.m. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser 5 to 7 p.m. April 1 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.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Lake County indeed lost a family member when Probate Court Judge Ted Klammer died Wednesday.

Klammer, 66, was known to have a passion to help people who came before him in his courtroom, especially the elderly and young.

He will be missed by the countless number of people who knew the man as someone who was hard working and cared for the less fortunate.

As a judge, Klammer often had to find ways to take care of people who were mentally ill and had no one else to help or make important decisions for them.

He appointed guardians when the court or doctors determined someone was incompetent, and he took that responsibility very seriously. There are about 800 wards within the county.

Klammer helped put in place a volunteer guardianship program through his court that aimed to find more people to help when it became increasingly difficult to find attorneys who were willing or had the time to devote to a ward.

“In each instance you have to look at the case and make a decision,” Klammer said in a Sept. 25 story published by The News-Herald. “If it’s one where the person is capable of causing harm to himself or others, then you have to take a more cautious approach. If it’s Alzheimer’s, you have to make sure who you appoint is trustworthy and won’t steal from them and put them in a bad position.”

Before he was elected judge in 2002, Klammer had an extensive legal career that included time as a private practice attorney and also as Eastlake law director.

He also served for a time as a member of the Lake Metroparks Board of Commissioners.

I remember covering an agency board meeting years ago in place of a co-worker. I believe it was the first time I met Klammer in person.

I arrived just a few moments before the meeting started and while I was still shuffling around to get organized, Klammer said it was a tradition to have “the new guy” lead the audience to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Because I wasn’t a regular visitor to the meetings, apparently that new guy was me.

After Klammer became judge and left his role as a Metroparks commissioner, I’d occasionally bump into him while out in Painesville and we’d chat for a few minutes. It was always a delightful conversation in which he would ask about my family. He was genuinely a pleasant man with whom to speak.

In recent times, I covered Klammer a little more when county commissioners and the judge had a legal dispute about flooding inside the county courthouse.

As I expected, Klammer was passionate about that issue while it was ongoing and the conversations and interviews I had with him reflected his advocacy.

Moving forward, retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk was assigned by the Ohio Supreme Court for three months to cover the docket, and other sitting Common Pleas Court judges will fill in as needed.

Eventually, Gov. John Kasich will appoint someone to the bench. But now is not the time to begin that speculation. I’ll leave that for another day.

But I will say that whoever the governor selects will have big shoes to fill.

Eklund appointed

State Sen. John Eklund, R-Munson Township, has been appointed to the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee by Ohio Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina.

Comprised of legislators from both the state Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives, the committee is responsible for inspecting and evaluating each state correctional institution, private correctional facility and youth services facility once during the biennium and reporting its findings to the Ohio General Assembly.

Fundies

n Willoughby Hills Councilman David M. Fiebig’s fifth annual Spring Fever fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig or Cindy Quinn-Hopkins.

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

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser 5 to 7 p.m. April 1 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.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah