Vote Republican Ticket
I want to encourage all Ohioans to vote for the Republican ticket in the upcoming election. Thanks to our President our economy is on solid ground:
The GDP is 4 percent. Unemployment is the lowest in 40 years. Women and minorities are making employment gains.
Pres. Trump has renegotiated trade deals with Canada, Mexico and the European Union. North Korea is on the brink of denuclearization. Isis is all but destroyed.
Without pre-conditions, political prisoners in Korea and Turkey, and Iran have been released.
Our federal courts have new conservative judges. We have a conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court.
This is the good news. The bad news is that all of this can be gone if Republicans don’t continue to control Congress and the Senate.
Here in Ohio, we are in danger of being taken over by a radical left wing governor fresh from the Obama administration.
Our state is in danger of becoming another sanctuary state if Richard Cordray and his Democratic colleagues get control.
Please vote for the GOP slate. If the Democrats take over the federal and state government, we are doomed to endless lawsuits and the left’s obsession with impeachment. The debased behavior they left displayed during Justice Kavanaugh’s hearing proves they are not fit to serve.
If the Democrats take control of our state government, they will pursue efforts to redistrict our state to their own benefit. Democrats would like to use the courts to redistrict the state.
Please vote Nov. 6 and when you do, vote for the conservatives. If you are not sure who the Republican candidates are in your district, go on line to the Republican Party website in your voting district and request a slate card.
Elsie Tarczy
South Russell Village
Rader for Congress
I am writing to express my concern and distaste for the ads, phone calls and mail that David Joyce (14th District House of Representatives) is making that lie about his opponent Betsy Rader’s position on heath care.
She has NOT advocated for a “government takeover of healthcare” or a single payer system that would cost taxpayers money. She has a plan to bring prescription drug prices down by letting the government negotiate prices. She has a plan to bring health insurance costs down by giving people the option of buying into Medicare is they want to, so private insurance is competing with a cheaper alternative.
Various newspapers have pointed out that Congressman Joyce is lying about Ms. Rader’s position, but he keeps doing it. Voters should not elect someone who chooses to lie rather than debate real policy positions.
I am voting for Betsy Rader for Congress.
Barb Partington
Munson Township
Chardon Voters Deserve Right to Elect Mayor
I served on the City of Chardon Charter Review Committee this year. We worked hard and diligently, even though some members were uncomfortable with Mr. Smock and Mr. Lelko attending every meeting as observers. We submitted our resolutions to Council for review to be placed on the ballot.
Our resolution to give the voters of the city BACK their right to vote for a Mayor was not accepted along with others. The majority of committee members felt this issue was a MUST to be placed before voters. A group came together and had it added to the ballot in November.
Now there are members of council repeating misinformation on this issue to try and discourage voters from voting YES. This issue will NOT add another member to Council. It will NOT take away the duties of the City Manager who runs the city on a daily basis. It will NOT cost the taxpayers money, unless those on Chardon City Council want to fight it.
The Chardon city voters deserve the RIGHT to decide this issue and the RIGHT to choose a Mayor, not City Council.
Victoria Nicholas
City of Chardon
Ondrey Brings Broad, Deep Legal Background
We support David Ondrey for the Common Pleas Court election. We have known the Ondreys for many years and can feel confident David would make a great judge.
A recent letter to the editor argues David’s long successful law practice in Geauga County would make it impossible for him to be fair where former clients are before him. That is pure speculation, but in any event there is an easy remedy: David would recuse himself from hearing former clients cases. David has already indicated he intends to do just that. That’s what all our recent elected judges have faced and have done.
Frankly, we are glad there is a candidate available with a broad and deep background in the trial court, such as David. The other candidates have no equivalent backgrounds. Mr. Rambo has most recently been a staff attorney for Cuyahoga County Judges. Prior to that, he served on the Court of Claims in Columbus. He has literally no Geauga County experiences whatsoever and has never tried a case anywhere as an advocate.
As for Mr. Umholtz, his last 30-plus years in the law has been exclusively defending accused criminals. (He will likewise potentially face former clients and need to recuse himself, probably far more frequently than David Ondrey.) His civil law background during these years is non-existent. Yet, the vast majority of cases in Common Pleas are civil cases, not criminal.
As we said at the beginning, we both endorse David Ondrey. Don’t be mislead by nonsensical arguments that a successful Geauga County private attorney like David cannot serve fairly.
Vince and Beth Crawford
Munson Township
‘Yes’ on Issue 18 to Revive Middlefield’s Aging Infrastructure
I have written this letter to encourage you to vote this Nov. 6 for Issue 18, the earned income tax levy to maintain, improve and advance the Village of Middlefield.
My wife and I have been residents of Middlefield Village for almost 40 years. We raised our three children in Middlefield and they still live in the vicinity.
I was a Middlefield councilman for 23 years and I currently serve on the Middlefield Economic Development Committee. In my career, I can tell you from my years of experience that I’ve never seen an organization more carefully run than Middlefield Village.
With that being said, many of our residents are probably aware that our roads, water and sewer lines, and other infrastructure are currently aging and in poor condition. We all use these roads, sidewalks, water and sewer lines every day, and they are necessary to keep and attract new businesses. Remember, it is these businesses that pay the bulk of our income taxes.
The proposed solution to revive our Village’s aging infrastructure is a 0.25 percent earned income tax increase. Currently, the Village holds a 1 percent income tax rate, which is much lower than neighboring towns.
I can personally assure you that the Village needs to update, repair and improve these assets and must get the money from this levy.
Further, I can also personally assure you that the Village’s Council, staff and myself have worked very hard to make effective use of existing resources, but the time has come when additional money is required.
A vote for this levy is not just a vote for our infrastructure, but a vote for our community as a whole. Please remember to vote Nov. 6.
David McDowell
Former Middlefield Councilman
Integrity, Knowledge, Work Ethic
We would like to take this opportunity to endorse Bob Umholtz, candidate for Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge. As former or retired members of the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, we have come to respect Bob’s integrity, knowledge of the law and work ethic. The citizens of Geauga Country would certainly benefit were Bob elected to the bench.
Joe Keough, Detective (ret.)
Jim Calandra, Detective Sgt. (ret.)
Brian Johnston, Sgt. (ret.)
Tom McCaffrey, Lt. (ret.)
John Hopkins, Detective (former)
Keep Russell Parks for Russell Residents
As a resident living in the Russell Township, it has been brought to my attention quite some disturbing news. It is regarding Russell Township Park District meeting with Geauga Park District about possibly leasing our parklands to Geauga Park District.
As a concerned resident of Russell, did the residents of Russell not vote a year ago for control over OUR PARKS? Does the Russell Township Park District not care what Russell citizens want? Do our votes mean nothing? Why pay taxes if Russell citizen’s votes do not count?
The Russell Township Park District has misused our tax dollars and did not perform their duties as discussed. Why would our parks be leased to Geauga Park District?
I understand that through the years Russell Township Park District was spending approximately $16,000 a year. They should have cut back on projects for two years in order to collect on its tax levy (should the levy pass). The legal expenditures that our trustees took upon themselves in the amounts of 2016 ($16,000), 2017 ($18,000) and so far 2018 ($18,000) did so without the concerns of the Russell voters.
The remaining money, I believe to be near $30,000, should be placed into the Russell Township Parks. The people of Russell wanted our tax dollars to go toward our parks, not to be used for legal expenditures.
Please do not continue giving lawyers our remaining tax dollars in order to come to an agreement with an outsider park district such as Geauga Park District. We do not want our parks to be changed to what Geauga County believes they should be. We are Russell Citizens.
Please vote YES for the small tax levy for the new 511 park district. Keep Russell parks for Russell residents.
Donna Falz
Russell Township
Rambo Impressive
I recently attended a League of Women Voter’s candidates’ night and was very impressed by Matthew Rambo, a candidate for Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge.
I thought he conducted himself in a very professional manner. He explained how he intends to follow guidelines established by the Ohio Supreme Court to deal with those suffering from addiction and mental health issues. His explanation was very clear.
He also wants to create a drug court for Geauga County. (Our neighboring counties have drug courts already. I wonder why the past and current judges have not established these courts.)
Matthew Rambo has administrative experience as a Common Pleas Court Staff Attorney. As a magistrate, he managed up to 150 cases a year on the docket. Because of his administrative and magistrate experience, he will be able to step into the judicial role with confidence. (He’s the only candidate who has actual judicial experience.)
I have received information in the mail from each of the candidates for Geauga Common Pleas Court Judge. In comparing this information, it was obvious to me that Matthew Rambo is the best qualified person for the job.
As a teacher, I can recognize someone with leadership skills and Matthew Rambo has those skills.
Matthew Rambo believes in Geauga County values and chooses to raise his family in Russell Township. He volunteers with Legal Aid at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center. He belongs to the Geauga Bar Association and the Geauga Township Association. He supports NAM, Next Step and the Red Tulip project.
I am going to vote for Matthew Rambo for Common Pleas Court Judge on Nov. 6. I hope you will, too.
Cheryl Sekura
Hambden Township
Loyd is Conservative Fiscal Choice
For the November election of Geauga County Commissioner, the conservative fiscal choice is Candace Loyd, Libertarian.
Jim Dvorak, Republican, is a turncoat placed on the primary ballot by ‘rinos.’ His previous political involvement has been as a Democrat, not a conservative Republican.
Anita Marlowe is transplant West Coast liberal who is not aware of Geauga County and the transportation problems that exist, especially the Amish.
Candace Loyd is a wife and mother of three youngsters who sincerely cares about the future of Geauga County. Candace has the integrity and commitment to be a positive addition to the current commissioners and their staff.
Candace should be elected this Nov. 6, as the next Geauga County Commissioner.
Newell D. Howard
South Russell Village
Umholtz is Best Conservative Choice
There are several fine individuals running for Common Pleas Judge in Geauga County. Two of them are conservatives: David Ondrey is the Republican choice and Bob Umholtz, also a conservative, is running as an Independent. While both of these men would make fine conservative judges, I believe that Bob Umholtz is a step above and should get the nod. These are my reasons:
It is true that Bob Umholtz moved to Geauga within the last six or eight months and, as a result, was unable to run in the Republican primary. However, Bob Umholtz has served the Geauga County people for over 28 years as our Public Defender.
As a Geauga County Commissioner for 11 years, I have personally watched how Bob Umholtz operated his office. He has always stayed within his budget and has worked well with all the local judges and magistrates.
Bob Umholtz is a conservative, but that did not prevent him from being fair and independent in defending those who did not share his political persuasion. Being a good judge requires an individual to be independent in their thinking.
Additionally, Bob Umholtz has run as a Republican on Kirtland City Council for well over 24 years and has presided as President of Council for 20 of those years.
Bob Umholtz was appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court to the Ohio Public Defender Commission and later appointed by the Governor of Ohio for subsequent terms.
As a Geauga County voter, it is important to understand that a judge should be able to be fair, independent and above all follow the rule of law. Bob Umholtz will uphold this tradition and will not let Geauga County down.
Bob Umholtz is a Conservative, Independent, who has a strong Republican background. I ask that you vote for Bob Umholtz.
As for me, Bob Umholtz already has my vote.
Mary Samide
Former Geauga County Commissioner
Munson Township
Vote ‘No’ on Continuous Property Tax Levies
I have recently learned something that I believe is important for all local taxpayers to understand. The terms used to describe some property tax levies that may appear on the November ballot and beyond are worthwhile to recognize. Property tax levies must state the millage (the tax rate to be charged) and the period of time over which the tax will be collected.
If a tax levy on the ballot uses the phrases “continuing period of time,” “CPT” or “continuous,” that means the tax levy has NO expiration date. When you see this language, you are voting for a property tax that will be collected FOREVER. In this way, voters relinquish their right to hold the political subdivision accountable in the future.
It is becoming a trend for political subdivisions to add “continuous” terms. There will be several “continuous” levies in certain Geauga County townships on the November ballot. We must be alert and diligent in protecting our resources and rights. I recommend taxpayers NOT give up their right to future votes on property tax levies.
Please read levies carefully and VOTE NO on ALL levies that are for a “continuing period of time.”
Kathy Johnson
Chardon Township
Vote ‘No’ on Issue 14, It’s Poor Legislation
Dear City of Chardon Voters:
As a former City of Chardon Mayor and President of City Council, we strongly urge voters to REJECT ISSUE 14 on Nov. 6.
We, as former Presidents of Council, who also served as Mayors under the current Charter, do not usually get involved in City of Chardon political matters once we leave office. This is a very important exception.
Do not accept the viewpoint that this issue is solely about the freedom to elect the Mayor for the City of Chardon. Passage of Issue 14 will fundamentally change how the City of Chardon operates.
The City of Chardon Charter has its foundation in a well-conceived ideal: The City is operated by a professional city manager who reports to Chardon City Council, consisting of seven elected officials chosen by the voters of the City of Chardon. This has proven to be an effective way to operate the City of Chardon. We found this true during the time we served as President of City Council and Mayor, even though the Mayoral role was more ceremonial in law and practice.
Our City is strong and responsive to its residents. During our service to the city, we loved the fact we lived here and were equally proud to call Chardon our home. The City is one of the shining beacons of how good a small city can be while at the same time giving us a great place for families and businesses.
There is an old adage that comes to mind. If something is not broke, do not fix it. Moreover, and more importantly in this instance, poor legislation leads to poor government. Issue 14 is poor legislation. If change is desired, then ask your city representatives to review its current form of government, even establishing a review commission, and study how it is working before changing it without understanding if change of this kind is even necessary.
Of the current serving seven city council representatives you have voted to govern the city, six urge you to VOTE NO. Listen to them. They know and understand.
We agree, without reservation, and likewise urge you to VOTE NO on Issue 14 on Nov. 6.
John Park
Karen Simpson
Philip King
Former City of Chardon Mayors and Presidents of Council
Support Geauga Health District
I am writing to express my public support and ask for your support for Issue 6, a 0.2-mill renewal levy for the Geauga County Health District Levy on Nov. 6.
In addition to my responsibilities serving as chair of the Chester Township Board of Trustees, I also serve as chair of the Geauga County Health District Advisory Committee (HDAC). The role of the HDAC is to appoint members to the Geauga County Board of Health, which oversees the Health District.
This is a renewal levy and not a tax increase, and represents about one third of the District’s operating budget. The levy will cost $6.13 per $100,000 valuation.
The Health District provides a variety of important services to residents of Geauga County, including tracking vital health statistics, performing commercial and household sewage inspections, plumbing inspections and educational outreach.
In 2017, the Geauga County Health District performed more than 1,600 food service inspections, 195 school inspections and 490 water well inspections.
Geauga County General Health District works with the Department of Emergency Services and other state and local agencies to coordinate emergency preparedness and response.
Geauga County ranks as the second healthiest county in Ohio. Please help keep Geauga County healthy and vote YES on Issue 6 on Nov. 6. Thank you.
Ken Radtke Jr.
Chester Township
Candace Loyd for Commissioner
There are three candidates running for Geauga County commissioner on the November ballot: a Democrat, a long-time Democrat running as a Republican and Libertarian Candace Loyd.
Candace Loyd is the best choice of the three because her views on fiscal responsibility are solid and will benefit our county. She is ready to continue to fight Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency for fiscal fairness to Geauga residents. In addition, she will keep pressure on NOACA regarding property rights.
She will start work immediately to cut the county portion of our property taxes and cut spending wherever possible.
Although not a life-long resident of our county, Loyd displays a genuine love for Geauga and has a true desire to set down roots and create the best home possible for all of us.
Please join us in our support for an excellent candidate and vote for Candace Loyd.
Christie Hall
Newbury Township
Stephanie Snook
Bainbridge Township
Lynch Will Follow the Law
Matt Lynch, candidate for the 11th District Court of Appeals, has a long and superb record of legal excellence, with an unwavering commitment to find equal justice in every case in which he is involved.
Matt will be a constitutional judge, making judicial decisions based the actual law, not on how it strikes him on a particular day. He will continue in a strong legal tradition of equal justice under the law, which was the intent of our Founders to keep America a country based on laws not of the whims of man.
That sets him apart from any other candidate for Appeals Court Judge in the upcoming November election. Matt will not be an “activist” judge who tosses the foundations for legal equality out the window, by legislating from the bench.
Who you would rather come before as a judge for your case: an experienced, compassionate level-headed legal expert, who has actually written laws while he was in the Ohio House and is grounded in the historical wisdom of the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions, or one as changeable as the wind with no foundation other than the “feel good” intention of whatever makes them happy.
Matt has absolutely refused campaign donations from attorneys, which has a definite air of impropriety. One may think that a donor attorney who is generous with donations might get preferential treatment before a judge who takes attorney donations. Matt’s opponent has received 60 percent of her campaign donations from attorneys.
Matt Lynch is the sensible, conservative, solid and best choice for Appeals Court Judge. Please join us in ensuring equality under the law by voting for Matt Lynch for Court of Appeals.
James MacNeal
Troy Township
Beware
Geauga County Republicans beware.
Conservative Republicans revere the Constitution. Progressive Republicans (aka RINOs – Republicans in Name Only) frequently, sometimes secretly, support Democrat values.
Geauga County Conservative Republicans should know that our party leadership under Nancy McArthur is now liberal/progressive. She appointed Democratic crossover infiltrator Jim Dvorak, lifelong Democrat, to the GOP Executive Committee, positioning him to challenge an extremely competent/capable Conservative Republican incumbent County Commissioner in the primary.
Jim Dvorak aggressively supported Obama, Clinton(s) and Sen. Brown in a Democrat party that booted God from their platform, loves abortion, hates gun owners, loves high taxes, intrusive government and despises strict interpretation of our Constitution.
Democrats don’t let you on the ballot unless you fully support the party platform. Not so in the “progressive-led” Geauga GOP.
Does a Conservative true Republican do the following:
- Get/Accept significant money from virtually all Cleveland and Cuyahoga County Unions, reserved for strategic candidates in strategic elections?
- Receive significant Democrat and Progressive Republicans (RINOs) contributions?
- Put signs in yards of Democrats during a Republican primary and general election? The lone Republican sign surrounded by liberal Democrat signs.
- Use this ill-gotten money and Democrat crossover votes to defeat a Conservative incumbent by 800 votes?
Are these Conservative values? NO! The Republican leadership is supporting a person with Democrat values and worse, with NO experience or qualifications to be a Commissioner. Voting for Dvorak is actually voting for Democrat progressive ideals.
Fortunately, there is an alternative, qualified, competent Fiscal Conservative Candace Loyd. Voting for Candace Loyd will also send a strong message to Geauga RINO GOP leadership who need to be replaced.
Robert Edmund
Chester Township
‘Yes’ on Issue 4: Local Parks – Local Control
The Trustees of Protect Geauga Parks endorse the passage of Issue 4, Russell Citizens Park District .25-mill levy for the November election.
This Park District, also referred to as the 511 Park District, was formed in 2017 to ensure citizen control of its park lands.
This park district is run by Russell residents, who are appointed by the elected Trustees of Russell Township.
Passage of this levy will establish and begin funding for this park district, allow the district to accept donations of land, money and services, and allow the district to accept transfers of property from other governmental bodies to its parks.
Local Parks – Local Control.
Dave Partington, Trustee
Protect Geauga Parks
Key to Success
With less than a month before our next county elections I am taking time to do what I believe is my civic duty for the future betterment of Geauga County.
I am sharing my thoughts in a “Letter to the Editor” in an effort to shed light on some of the predominant reasons why I believe Bob Umholtz would be the best choice for judge of Geauga County’s Court of Common Pleas.
Many of us lead extremely busy lives and it is easy to understand how many folks cannot make the time to know their civic candidates. I have spent the last 15 years of my life helping people have a fair voice in Geauga County’s court system and, as a result of that experience, I feel that I am more than qualified to offer my opinion, especially if it helps shed some light on what makes a great judge.
When our community chooses thoughtfully and fairly the outcome will be positive for everyone.
While I am sure that all the candidates running in this year’s election have admirable qualities, what makes Bob Umholtz the best of the three? Although the question is easily answered, the challenge lies in keeping it brief. The following are only a few excellent reasons why Bob Umholtz is the best choice:
- A fair judge is an impartial judge, which is why Bob has made the choice to run unaffiliated with any one political party. Staying impartial allows a judge to view cases strictly on the details, instead of through biased eyes.
- Bob has nearly 30 years of experience in Geauga County’s Common Pleas Courts.
- Prior to his community service Bob Umholtz served our country in the United States Air Force in the Intelligence Branch and was marked with honor and distinction.
- Bob is a faithful husband, father, grandfather and friend. His two sons also proudly serve our great nation as a Major in the Air Force and a Secret Service Agent.
- Clients, fellow judges, and law enforcement officers respect Bob Umholtz.
It is with great pleasure and confidence that I share my opinion that Bob Umholtz is the best choice for our Common Pleas Court judge position.
I sincerely hope that my words will help you in your decision to vote for Bob Umholtz, the best choice for judge of Geauga County’s Court of Common Pleas.
Katherine Wiles
Chardon Township
Umholtz Focuses on Justice
It’s time to elect a new judge for Geauga County Court of Common Pleas. I have had the pleasure to get to know Bob Umholtz and his family over the past few years and I want to encourage you to do the same. There is much to appreciate about someone who truly cares for the community and has dedicated their life to it. He is a man of integrity and his life is a testament of this along with dedication and hard work.
He served our nation in the Air Force and has served our public here in Geauga County for many years. With over 29 years of criminal trial experience in Geauga County, his dedication to his work, family and friends, and his focus on justice we could not ask for a better candidate than Bob Umholtz for Common Pleas Court Judge here in Geauga County.
Matthew Ryan
Middlefield
