Letters to the Editor
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Farewell to Grendell’s Shambolic, Crony Administration
The Friday before what was supposed to have been election day, I received a postcard from the Grendell campaign indicating that Matt Rambo was “under investigation” for “ethics violations,’’ the timing of which seemed designed to get this slur out into the public before the appropriate governing body could release its ruling that not only were the accusations unfounded, they were positively frivolous, with the sole intent of damaging Rambo in the upcoming primary election.
The Ohio Supreme Court Board of Professional Conduct went so far as to issue a cease and desist order to prevent the Grendell campaign from further dissemination of this slur, which, of course, was promulgated by Grendell patronage employee Kim Laurie.
This is just more of the same from Tim Grendell, who widely projects his own failings and shortcomings onto his opponents, a tactic widely used those intent on holding onto power by any means necessary.
Even Grendell supporters would have to stipulate that his administration has been far from a paragon of ethical probity, freely spending taxpayer funds while resisting any form of accountability to said taxpayers and conducting inadequate oversight of lawyers with access to funds from estates in probate.
The entire episode is just one more example of Grendell’s unfitness for any public office, let alone a judgeship.
It’s high time to bid farewell to Grendell’s shambolic, crony administration and to restore dignity and accountability to the Probate Court. Geauga County voters deserve no less.
Tony Festa
Russell Township
Newbury: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
This was really a simple editorial to write. Even during these unprecedented times, there are always those that are good, those situations that are bad and those people or circumstances that are ugly.
The GOOD: Shout out to all of the teachers in the Newbury school district, but, in particular, to Mrs. Ewing and Mrs. Cerny, the third-grade teachers at Newbury. They have made this home-schooling situation much better by putting the kids on a video chat (Zoom) once a week so they can interact and laugh together again.
My daughter was so excited to see everyone, (yes, even the teachers!) that she didn’t want the call to end. You are the good that is still there for the kids at Newbury and I thank you — keep it up!
The BAD: Unfortunately, this is a bad year for it to be the last year the school will be in existence. The planned school events (carnival, prom, after prom, etc.) that everyone looked forward to are either postponed or cancelled altogether.
For seniors, I am sure this is especially difficult and maybe they can laugh about it (or at least talk about it) at their 10-year reunion, but overall, those that support Newbury want you to know our hearts go out to you. Hopefully, some events can still be done in the summer or fall just to give you some closure to your years at NHS.
The UGLY: It goes without saying the ugly here goes to the Newbury school board that now gets to avoid those public meetings they dreaded so much and hearing about how they gave away the school and the property for a few short-lived tax dollars.
None of the board members have kids in the school, so any way to get out of (what they feel is) harassment by those of us opposed to a territory transfer, is a good thing to them. Someday maybe their actions will be forgiven, but they will never be forgotten.
It’s been a roller-coaster of a year for the teachers and students at Newbury Elementary and High School. They are good students, parents, teachers and citizens, and I applaud your dedication and perseverance. Thankfully, good always triumphs over evil.
Phil Paradise Jr.
Newbury Township
Grendell Works to Improve Lives
Thank you, Judge Grendell. I would like others to be aware of the good Judge Grendell has done and continues to do for the residents of Geauga County.
I’d like to share an example. Silver Lining Equine Assisted Learning LLC is an organization that offers programs that incorporate horses experientially for personal growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between an equine professional and a mental health professional working with clients and horses to achieve learning goals.
Horses are sensitive animals that respond immediately to individual’s attitude and behavior, providing valuable information that helps bring about healthy changes.
We introduced our equine assisted learning program to Judge Grendell. Following his review of the program, he afforded us the opportunity to offer our programs to children and families impacted by domestic violence, abuse and neglect.
Silver Lining’s programs are an experiential modality, meaning participants learn about themselves, others and life by participating in carefully designed exercises. The exercises are structured to require the individual to take initiative, make decisions and be accountable for results. Individuals are engaged intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically.
Judge Grendell’s decision to support our program has enabled and empowered children and families to learn and practice important life skills such as respect, responsibility, relationship building, problem solving, empathy, healthy boundaries and improved communication.
The positive feedback we have received from mental health professionals, court personnel, case workers and family members reinforces the success of these programs, and Judge
Grendell’s decision to support these programs.
In closing, we thank Judge Grendell for working to improve the lives of Geauga County residents.
Joan Sladek & Diane Wildman
Auburn Township
Grateful for Grendell
As a retired Geauga County Commissioner, my wife Mariana and I appreciate that everyone is doing what we all can to keep safe and healthy.
As we reflect on what is really important, we realize that leadership with experience is critical. We are grateful to have Judge Tim Grendell serving so many seniors, children and their families, and applying justice and caring that is so needed.
Judge Tim Grendell’s deep experience will provide essential services while keeping the public and court staff safe. We hope you will join us in voting for Judge Tim Grendell by mail, postmarked by April 27. Thank you.
Bill Repke
Geauga County Commissioner (Ret.)
Auburn Township
Good Person and Supporter of Parks
I have been a park volunteer for 17 years and have lived in Geauga County for over 40 years. I have known Judge Tim Grendell for many years. He is a good person who loves serving our community and has been a supporter of our use and enjoyment of our county parks.
Judge Tim Grendell works hard to protect our children and our seniors.
Please join me in voting for Judge Tim Grendell.
During these challenging times, thank you to Judge Grendell, the county park board and the park district’s hard working staff for continuing to provide a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy nature in Geauga County’s beautiful parks.
Lois Hayes
City of Chardon
Parks Provide Refuge
I am writing in response to a letter to the editor submitted by Shelley Chernin published in last week’s newspaper.
Ms. Chernin has crafted another opinion that misrepresents the truth. Members of Protect Geauga Parks continue to submit their misleading stories in an effort to discredit your parks.
Their representations are particularly disappointing during this challenging season of COVID-19. This crisis has challenged our citizens like no other time in recent history. Our park staff is proud to represent the majority of residents who support us.
During this time, the heartbeat of Geauga County resonates in your parks. You and your families are choosing to get outside to enjoy our 25 parks. It is great to see you walking our 78 trails and experiencing nature in your own unique way.
We are pleased that parks are contributing to your well-being. Parks provide a mental, physical, spiritual and social (albeit socially distant) refuge during this challenging time. We could not be prouder to be here for you.
My best to you and your families. Stay happy and healthy!
John Oros, Executive Director
Geauga Park District
Did the Devil Make Them Do It?
“Deceiver” is another name for the Devil. Keep this in mind and think about the deception that judicial candidate Tim Grendell and his election campaign pulled on the voters of Geauga County.
Kimberly Laurie is a person who owes her job to Tim Grendell. Who do you think whispered in Laurie’s ear and gave her the plan to file false charges against Grendell’s opponent?
That act being done, who do you think gave Grendell’s campaign the idea to mail a postcard to Geauga residents with the message that his opponent was facing ethics charges?
Do you see the deception here?
If you don’t want to be in league with the deceivers, then vote for Matt Rambo for Probate/Juvenile Court Judge. The truth is that Matt Rambo is the candidate with honesty and integrity on his side.
Kathleen Webb
Munson Township
Children in Excellent Hands
When I graduated from the University of Kentucky last May, I did not have a set plan for myself. I knew that I wanted to work with underrepresented children. I realized this during my last semester of college, when I interned for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lexington.
When graduation came, I did not have a job lined up and I ended up becoming an intern for CASA for Kids of Geauga County, under the Honorable Judge Timothy J. Grendell. It was here I realized I wanted to pursue a career in family law.
I grew up In Geauga County and would have never thought the stories I hear at work happen to children in my community, but it does.
My passion for advocating for these children has only grown stronger since I began working with the CASA program in Geauga County. I have met some of the most amazing people who continue to inspire me every day, whether it is one of our kids whose resilience continues to surprise me or one of our volunteers who dedicates the majority of their life to help these children get the opportunities that every child deserves.
I recently applied to law school. I am happy to say I have been accepted into all of them. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to have this choice. This would not be possible without the Geauga County Juvenile Court, Judge Grendell, Magistrate King and the CASA staff.
I would like to publicly thank these people for pushing me to achieve my dreams. It is very evident that these people genuinely care for the kids that come into this court and want the very best for them, especially Judge Grendell.
Wherever I end up for law school, I am confident that the children of Geauga County are in excellent hands.
Sarah Lennon
Bainbridge Township
Vote for Rambo
I am casting my vote for Matthew Rambo for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile judge.
It is time for a change in that position. It is time to restore dignity and honor to the court.
I hope you will join me in voting for Rambo. He has experience, a judicial temperament and a commitment to public service. He will be a judge that Geauga County can be proud of.
Frank Jacobson
South Russell Village
Judge Has to Make Difficult Decisions
This letter is in response to the letter written by Robin Neff (who has also written previous letters under the names of Robin West and Robin New) in which she expressed displeasure with the outcome of her case.
Without getting into the specifics of Ms. Neff/West/New’s case in order to protect confidentiality of the child involved, in her case as in all cases that come before the court dealing with the protection of children, my decisions are based on the recommendations of multiple different experts in multiple different fields, all in pursuit of the best interests of the child(ren).
It is the nature of most court cases that one side of the case is not going to be pleased with the judge’s decision, but it is not the judge’s job to please everyone. It is the judge’s job to protect children and to make the oftentimes difficult decisions necessary to protect the best interests of the children who are brought to the attention of the court.
Timothy J. Grendell, Judge
Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court
Bring Dignity, Not Politics to Court
I voted early and I voted for Matt Rambo for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile judge.
My choice was easy. I’m looking for a judge with the opposite characteristics of the current judge. Someone who isn’t a bully, who doesn’t wastefully spend taxpayer’s money, who has the ability to work harmoniously with other elected officials and the public as well, who is self confident but not overbearing. Someone who has the bearing and manner of a judge and doesn’t have to wear a judicial robe to try to prove it.
This is Geauga voters chance to elect a judge who will bring dignity, professionalism and ethics over politics back to the probate/juvenile court. Matt Rambo has the character, demeanor and legal experience to fill this elected position.
Vote for Matt Rambo for Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge.
Jo Fedor
Russell Township
