Letters to the Editor
Enough of the Grendells
I am deeply saddened to hear that state Sen. John Eklund has been bulldozed into dropping his campaign for state representative. I don’t always agree with Sen. Eklund on issues, but I have come to respect his integrity as a public servant.
I cannot say the same of the sleazy politicians in Chardon and Columbus who caused Eklund to drop out of the race for state representative. These tyrants, Tim and Diane Grendell, and their friends in the Ohio legislature, have taken choice away from Geauga County voters one time too many. It’s time for the people — Democrat and Republican and Independent — to stand up together and say, “Enough!”
For years, I’ve heard rumors about how the Grendells use their powerful friends to get themselves appointed to vacant positions and then, when it’s time for reelection, strong-arm potential election opponents to drop out of the race. I’m not going to repeat rumors that I can’t verify, but the public record clearly shows that both Grendells were originally appointed to their current positions by their powerful Columbus friends, who bypassed our Geauga County Republican Party’s recommendations of other qualified candidates. And since those appointments? Tim Grendell ran for reelection last time unopposed. And now, John Eklund has dropped his challenge of Diane Grendell.
Why don’t our qualified Geauga County candidates run against the Grendells? John Eklund is quoted as saying that he was presented with “many unexpected challenges.” He has not elaborated on what those “unexpected challenges” were. Several other people have told me that they are afraid to run against the Grendells, not only because the Grendells run “dirty” campaigns but because potential opponents fear that there will be retribution against them or their family members after the election is over.
We, The People of Geauga County, have the unique opportunity in March to drain the Chardon swamp of political bullies. Both Grendells will have highly qualified and courageous opponents running against them in the Republican primary. I urge every Geauga County voter to join me in electing officials we can be proud of. We can bring integrity and respect back to Geauga County. Together we can vote to end the Grendells reign of manipulation and intimidation. They’ve been throwing their weight around in order to feed at the public trough for far too long.
Do we want to elect public officials who will serve us or will we continue to be stuck with politicians who expect us to serve them?
Stop the tyranny! I’m voting for Frank Hall for State Representative and Matthew Rambo for Probate/Juvenile Court Judge.
Shelley Chernin
Russell Township
Thank You for Opportunity to Serve
I would like to thank the greater Chardon Community for the opportunity to serve Chardon’s students and parents as a board member.
Chardon Schools has accomplished and will continue to accomplish the daunting task of producing educated citizens by continuing to be this community’s focus for many academic and social activities. Mr. Keith Brewster will continue to support that tradition. This board and superintendent will continue to support that goal. The professional diligence of my fellow board members is to be commended.
While the value of public education is challenged often from various quarters, it is the supporters of public education that daily redeem its importance by reminding us that it is a necessity not an option. Public schools in Ohio are a long-term, educationally-based mandate; charter schools are a short-term business option.
In Chardon the public school supporters include teachers, administrators, librarians, nurses, the treasurer and her staff, secretaries, board members, bus drivers, educational aides, school psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, the dietary staff and the maintenance and custodial personnel.
Schools are by far a service rich/personnel intensive enterprise. Of course, and without question, the generous parental support and participation in the district is a given for which we are all thankful.
Sheldon Firem
Member, Chardon Schools Board of Education
Hambden Township
