Brakey, Spidalieri Clinch Commish Seats
Republican Carolyn Brakey defeated Democratic challenger Garrett Westhoven Nov. 5 for a Geauga County commissioner seat.
Republican Carolyn Brakey defeated Democratic challenger Garrett Westhoven Nov. 5 for a Geauga County commissioner seat.
Brakey — who garnered 33,849 votes to Westhoven’s 17,474 votes, according to the final unofficial results of the Geauga County Board of Elections — will step into the seat vacated by outgoing Geauga County Commissioner Tim Lennon, who decided not to run for reelection.
Her fellow Republican, incumbent Ralph Spidalieri, secured his seat on the board with a victory over Middlefield resident Bonnie Cavanaugh, with 32,166 votes to Cavanaugh’s 19,118, according to the board of elections.
In a press release, Brakey expressed gratitude to Geauga County voters for their overwhelming support and trust, calling the victory a significant milestone in her journey to serve the community.
Reflecting on her path to office, Brakey shared that in 2020, she was “an apolitical mom” whose family was repeatedly harmed by senseless COVID-19 policies.
After getting into politics during the pandemic, Brakey was appointed to the Geauga County Board of Health, where she authored Ohio’s first COVID-19 guidance advising against compulsory masking in schools.
“Politics is the silliest thing I’ve ever gotten involved in. Friends turn to foes, foes to friends and sometimes, they all switch places again,” Brakey said in her press release. “Through it all, my motivations, intentions and commitments have stayed the same: I am here to do what’s best for Geauga County and glorify God, even when it isn’t politically expedient.”
Brakey also thanked her family for their commitment to her campaign, including her husband, Matt, and her 9-year-old twins.
She expressed her enthusiasm to work alongside Spidalieri and Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak, and gave a special recognition to Lennon, adding she appreciates his dedication over two terms of service.
“His work has helped set the foundation I’m honored to build upon,” she said.
Westhoven provided comments in an email after the polls closed.
“I’m obviously disappointed in the results,” he said. “I hope Ms. Brakey addresses the real issues of communication in our local government so we can stop wasting money on lawyers and solve real issues in our county.”
Neither Spidalieri nor Cavanaugh responded to requests for comment prior to press time.
