Chaos Follows Steve Oluic; Geauga County Would Be Next
Steve Oluic is running for Geauga County Commissioner on a platform of “no more status quo.” Voters should take a hard look at what that means coming from him specifically.
Mr. Oluic touts his tenure as Director of Geauga County Water Resources as his primary qualification for the office. What he doesn’t mention is his time there ended following an FBI raid and a subsequent criminal conviction involving an employee within the department he led.
He also doesn’t mention his tenure was marked by deeply strained, adversarial relationships with other county offices, the kind of dysfunction I’ve worked so hard to root out.
Before Water Resources, he served as a dean at Lakeland Community College. That position ended with his forced resignation following well-documented conduct issues.
More recently, at The Great Geauga County Fair, Mr. Oluic appeared alongside his supporters wearing shirts bearing profanity endorsing his candidacy. They wore them into an official commissioners’ meeting and throughout the fairgrounds, in front of families and children.
In a campaign speech, he stated that because Geauga has “wealthy individuals” with “nice huge houses,” they “can afford to pay the taxes,” with his stated goal of “spreading the wealth.” When Barack Obama said something similar to Joe the Plumber, it was a national scandal. Mr. Oluic is saying it while asking Geauga County Republicans for their vote.
Commissioner Jim Dvorak and I disagree regularly, sometimes sharply, on the best direction for Geauga County. But he shows up, he loves this county and he has earned the trust of Geauga voters twice before.
The choice in this race is not between the status quo and something better. It is between steady, accountable governance and a candidate who has spent his career leaving chaos behind him. I hope voters will join me in supporting Commissioner Dvorak on or before May 5.
Carolyn Brakey, Esq.
Geauga County Commissioner
Don’t Let Personal Vendetta Drive County Government
Geauga County deserves better than a commissioner running on a revenge plot. I have not made any comments because I have been trying to figure out how to articulate my thoughts on this.
Steve Oulic seems to be a great guy who feels like he was wronged and he points that hurt at Jim Dvorak, Carolyn Brakey, Chuck Walder and Frank Antenucci because of the Water Resources incident.
The residents of Geauga County deserve better than someone coming in seeking revenge on the Auditor’s Office and ADP because of his previous employment situation. Whether or not he was wronged, Geauga County deserves better.
And it’s worth mentioning it’s no surprise that ADP is seeking to unionize. It’s not coincidental in my mind that this is happening as Steve who is seeking revenge is running for office.
I do not know the whole situation. I have heard his side and I am not saying any candidate is the perfect candidate. But what I can say is that Jim Dvorak and I have talked multiple times about multiple issues that concern me, including the airport getting taxpayer dollars when the airport does not serve the entire community.
To clarify, that was a promise made when Lennon was a commissioner with Ralph. Ralph and Lennon always saw eye to eye and the money that went to the airport was supposed to be significantly more. Carolyn and Jim were able to push back and reach a compromise that still served the needs of the airport but did not take nearly as much money from the taxpayers.
While I disagree with the airport getting any tax dollars when it does very little to serve residents, you have to understand that Ralph has aircraft at the airport. I think it is also crucial to recognize that Ralph and Steve Oulic are very good friends. That is not an issue in itself, apart from the fact that it could lead to rampant spending again on things that serve individuals rather than serving the county.
This is the very thing that everybody hates about government and it is the very thing you will be electing if Steve Oulic is elected. Again, Steve is not a bad person, but he is human, and Ralph has been at this game long enough to know how to say things and what to say to get what he wants. I am not saying it is malicious, but what I am saying is that it is not always in the best interest of the people.
As a resident, Ralph is someone I have rarely seen at events and have never had the opportunity to talk to, so unfortunately I have not developed any kind of relationship with him. But I can say that, with Jim Dvorak, I have had the opportunity to talk to him on multiple occasions. He is very approachable, he articulates his reasoning for the decisions he makes and he is open to hearing feedback.
I understand the humor of helping people properly pronounce his name and I understand the sense of humor among friends, however, I did not appreciate the T-shirts with vulgarity that was worn by Steve and his friends in front of my children at the county fair and I do feel this shows a concern for his discretion and judgment.
For a citizen-focused candidate, I am voting for Jim Dvorak!
Nathan Ricket,
Montville Township Precinct A GOP Candidate
Who’s Responsible for Ohioans for Responsible Government?
As a veteran who served this country to protect the integrity of our institutions, I am appalled by the gutter politics currently infecting Geauga County. Lately, our mailboxes have been flooded with dishonest, smear-ridden flyers attacking Steven Oluic, who’s running for County Commissioner. These attacks come from a shadowy group called “Ohioans for Responsible Government,” a name that couldn’t be further from the truth. This same group also produced a fake Republican party endorsement mailer.
The Geauga Republican Party does not endorse primary candidates. This group couldn’t spell Geauga correctly. None of the candidates listed on the mailer have denounced this organization. So much for leaders we can trust. It is obvious they lack the moral courage to denounce Ohioans for Responsible Government tactics.
There is nothing “responsible” about a group that hides behind a vague title to lob baseless insults at a man of character. Steven Oluic has spent his life in service, including a distinguished 27-year career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal. He is a Bronze Star Medal combat veteran and meets all challenges directly. He understands what it means to lead with honor, transparency and commitment to the mission.
In the military, we have a word for those who attack from the shadows while refusing to show their faces: cowards. This outside group thinks they can buy our votes by spreading lies and confusion. They clearly underestimate the people of Geauga County. We value integrity and we know how to spot a “shady” operation when we see one.
If this organization must resort to character assassination to stop Steven, it’s only because they know they can’t beat him on the facts or his record of service. We need leaders who answer to the taxpayers, not to nameless special interest groups and their consultants.
I’m standing with a fellow veteran because I’ve seen his dedication firsthand. Don’t let out-of-county “dark money” groups decide our future. I urge my neighbors to see through these desperate tactics and vote for Steven Oluic, an outsider with true principles and proven service that this county is desperate for.
LTC Eric Stransky, USA, Retired
Chardon
Anderson Brings Proven Legal Experience to Probate/Juvenile Court
I am writing to express my strong support for Stephanie Anderson—Stephanie Heibertshausen Anderson on the ballot—a first-time candidate for Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court.
Stephanie’s experience and dedication to justice makes her exceptionally qualified for this role.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Stephanie Anderson for 12 years. In that time, she has always been an advocate for fairness and justice, building her career on integrity, careful judgment and a steadfast respect for the law.
I know her as compassionate and approachable, yet firm when it comes to doing what is right. She believes that every person deserves to be heard and is committed to ensuring that the courtroom remains a place of fairness, dignity and accountability.
With a strong moral foundation and genuine care for the community, Stephanie is ready to serve with both strength and compassion.
As a practicing family lawyer, military veteran and former JAG officer, Stephanie has devoted her career to serving families and protecting the vulnerable. She has prosecuted cases for both Cuyahoga County and the State of Ohio, and she now runs her own practice, specializing in family law. Her expertise ensures she understands the challenges families face and the importance of fair, compassionate rulings.
Beyond the courtroom, Stephanie has shared her knowledge by being a mentor to new lawyers, as a college speaker and featured guest on legal panels. She has served on boards or participated in several nonprofits throughout the county, demonstrating her commitment to education and community engagement.
Her combination of legal skill, public service and real-world experience uniquely prepares her to serve Geauga County with integrity.
I encourage my fellow residents to support Stephanie Heibertshausen Anderson for Probate and Juvenile Court. She has the experience, dedication and heart to make a meaningful difference.
Sharon Luther
Chester Township
Proven on the Bench: Abbey King Mueller is Ready for Next Step
When you have an experienced individual ready to step up to fill the next level, you don’t need to look further. Abbey King Mueller is that person for Judge in our county. Six plus years hearing cases from the bench, supporting the best interests of our children and working with the organizations that deal with tough and often heartbreaking situations our children find themselves in.
Abbey has proven she has what it takes to do this job. Please vote for her for the good of our children.
Chris Berger, President
Hearts and Hands of CASA
A Front-Row Seat to Justice
I just had to share why I’m so incredibly excited about Magistrate Abbey King Mueller running for Judge for the Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court.
Anyone who knows me probably knows I have been involved with law my whole life. I worked for Scott Larrick for seven years before embarking on my career with Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court for over 15 years. Seriously, I’ve seen it all, from being a flip clerk for both the probate and juvenile court, and as court bailiff to Judge Chip Henry to climbing the ranks to working as judicial assistant to Judge Tim Grendell, Magistrate Abbey King Mueller and Magistrate Micheal Hurst.
I worked directly with many top judges nationwide and with National College of Probate Judges, and statewide with Ohio Association of Probate Judges and Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges. That means I have truly had a front-row seat to understand exactly what it takes to be a great judge and, frankly, who has the right stuff.
And let me tell you, Abbey has consistently blown me away. She’s incredibly smart, always stands up for what’s right and handles everything with such a calm, steady demeanor. She just “gets” probate and juvenile law, inside and out. You will never see her miss a beat; she handles cases so smoothly because she truly understands all the little details and the big picture of legal principles.
I have personally watched her tackle some tough family situations. She’s amazing at it, always so composed, fair to everyone and genuinely compassionate, helping families find solutions with care.
All individuals, including the attorneys present in her courtroom, have confidence in her fairness and impartiality. Plus, she’s not just about the courtroom; she’s deeply dedicated to our community, getting involved in initiatives like The Good Deeds Program. She truly cares about making Geauga County a better place.
I’m absolutely convinced she’s the perfect fit. She will bring incredible smarts and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, always, in our court. You truly won’t find a better candidate and she has my most enthusiastic backing.
Cheryl Koncler
Bainbridge Township
Our Parks, Our Voice: Stephanie Anderson Puts People First
Like many families in Geauga County, we value and enjoy our parks. That’s why the Probate Court’s role in appointing Park Commissioners matters more than many people realize.
For that reason, I am supporting Stephanie Anderson for Probate Judge because she understands that this is not all about politics and special interests. It is about the public.
Stephanie Anderson has been clear that our beautiful park system should strike the right balance between protecting and preserving our natural resources while also making sure families can use and enjoy them.
And just as important, she is committed to transparency and accountability. Taxpayers deserve to know how decisions are made and how their money is being spent. She supports open discussions, public forums and leadership that doesn’t operate behind closed doors.
Our parks belong to all of us. They should not be driven by a narrow agenda nor should decisions be made without public awareness.
Stephanie Anderson’s approach is straight forward: thoughtful appointments, clear expectations and a commitment to making sure the park district serves the entire community.
That kind of balanced, common-sense leadership is exactly what we need.
Susan Mullet
Newbury Township
Dvorak: A Non-Veteran Who Earned his Place Among Veterans
I support Veterans.
When you are voting, you estimate the opponent’s reasons. When it is a Veteran, you have to access the amount of time your candidate has put into Veterans.
Now, Jim Dvorak is not a Veteran. However, he has put in some great amount of time on Veterans’ affairs. He was the only non-veteran who volunteered to be on the board of trustees of the Geauga County’s Memorial to the Geauga County Veterans. This caused much discussion at the board level; he was successful in obtaining a position.
His fundraising was amazing. He ran brick shops to raise funds. His name is on the placard of the memorial. A non-veteran joining the veterans. This project took over 12 years to produce the memorial on Ravenwood Drive.
Now, why did he do this? He is a Veteran at heart. He worked for the Veterans and he worked hard. I asked him why. He said he supports the Veterans wholeheartedly.
You say he is doing this politically. Fat chance. This was before he ran for County Commissioner the first time.
You want a book to read about Veterans? Go to the Geauga County Public Library Administrative Center on Ravenwood Drive and ask them about Veterans. You will see that Jim Dvorak has donated over 60 books to the library on Veterans and all of the wars they fought in. From the original war in 1776 to the most current wars, they are all available. You will see that Jim Dvorak has Veterans at the high point of his life.
I write this letter to show you that Veterans are important to Jim Dvorak for Geauga County Commissioner.
Paul A Newman
Airborne Ranger
Three Bronze Stars with “V” device
Two Purple Hearts
City of Chardon
For Propriety and Parks: Kate Jacob for Probate Judge
I hold Kate Jacob to be the best candidate for Geauga County’s Probate/Juvenile Court Judge.
Seeking a campaign advantage, Kate’s competition cites a perceived lack of courtroom experience and legal work. This claim fails to acknowledge Kate’s considerable courtroom experience as a former Geauga County Juvenile Court Prosecutor as well as legal counsel for Geauga County’s agencies and townships.
Also ignored is Kate’s legal work as Chief Compliance Officer and Administrator for the Geauga County Auditor’s Office. Her combined experience provides valuable insight into the controversy that characterized the Grendell Court in relation to those two agencies and thus gives her a true sense of direction in restoring public trust.
As a Geauga County resident for 43 years, retired with almost 33 years with Geauga Park District, I can tell you that Geauga Park District (GPD) once enjoyed statewide recognition for dedication to its mission to preserve, conserve and protect the natural heritage of Geauga County; an agency widely envied as unmolested by political meddling. That changed under the overreaching machinations of Judge Grendell. What followed was a purging of the Park District’s visionary leadership.
Kate’s experience in the Probate Court and the Auditor’s Office provides her with a perspective and understanding of the controversies involving the Auditor’s Office, GPD and the Probate Court, giving her a firm sense of remedial direction.
With Kate Jacob as Geauga County Probate Judge who appoints GPD commissioners, we can anticipate a park board that possesses administrative experience, financial responsibility, and demonstrable conservation ethic. A board that:
- Genuinely embraces the mission to preserve, protect, conserve and connect people with Geauga’s extraordinary natural heritage.
- Restores public comment and promotes the priorities that the public expresses for safe, well-maintained parks that provide a respite from the stresses of daily living and a connection to nature.
- Fosters a range of educational programs and nature-compatible outdoor experiences that promote mental and emotional health benefits beyond an overt emphasis on physically exclusive active recreation.
- Provides adequate staffing to ensure safety, natural areas stewardship, facilities upkeep, educational programming and visitor services.
Given Kate’s sense of accountability, judicial responsibility, dedication and compassion toward meeting the challenges of administering the duties of the Probate Court, including Juvenile Court, CASA, board appointments and the many programs and services of the Geauga County Probate Court, I urge voters to choose Kate Jacob in the May 5 primary election.
Dan Best
Chardon
Oluic’s Record Speaks for Itself, That’s Why Vote for Jim Dvorak
Not sure who to vote for in the commissioner’s race? Read on.
Primaries tend to rest on name recognition. Whose signs were the boldest? Whose rhyming motto was the catchiest? Sometimes, even, whose name sticks out to you?
For instance, you probably recognize the name Steve Oluic, the candidate who trails the charming slogan, “Don’t be a b*tch, vote for Oluic!” in his wake. For anyone who missed that memorable moment, Mr. Oluic was accompanied by supporters sporting this catchphrase on shirts with his campaign design at last year’s Geauga County Fair Youth Day.
There are a few more things you should keep in mind about Mr. Oluic:
- His idea of emphasizing a point is to pound his fists on the table during otherwise civil meetings.
- He believes in “spreading the wealth.” Hello, tax hike.
- Finally, and most importantly, he refers to you, me and all our fellow Geaugans as ‘inbreds’ in a July 23, 2023, Cleveland.com article.
What a track record for someone who proposes to occupy a dignified leadership position for our county. One may reasonably question why Mr. Oluic would deign to mix with — to quote him — “a county that is so incestuous and inbred.” His campaign promise, “No more status quo!” reads more like a warning to anyone who expects reason and level-headedness from elected officials.
They say there’s no such thing as bad press; let’s hope not. When you go to the polls, vote Jim Dvorak instead.
Shanley Davis
Bainbridge Township
Strbich: The Right Choice for Ohio’s Elections
I would like to quote a letter from John Stover of Ohio Value Voters.
“There are a lot of candidates who talk about election integrity. Marcell Strbich is not one of them—he delivers it.”
While others were making promises, Marcell was doing the hard work. He authored and advanced three major election reform bills before the Ohio Statehouse.
He led a statewide call to action to stop third-party voter registration fraud. And, when a county board of elections director didn’t properly train poll workers to enforce proof-of -citizenship requirements, he didn’t look the other way; he took the fight all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court.
That’s leadership. That’s courage.
This what he’s done:
- The Ohio Votes Count Act: to ensure voters are verified upfront and voting systems are independently tested for security.
- The Voter Verification Act: to require proof of citizenship and strengthen eligibility standards before a ballot is ever cast.
- And legislation to require of photo ID for mail-in voting while strengthening Ohio’s online voter registration system.
Marcell Strbich is the most qualified candidate for Secretary of State. He is a proven leader. He is a prepared. He is ready to deliver results for the elections of Ohio.
Vote for Marcell Strbich!
Christine Stenzel
Munson Township
Kate Jacob Will Be a Great Judge
Much has been said in the Republican primary race for Geauga County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge about “experience.” This has caused me to think a lot about Judge Grendell, who was a respected litigator for many years before he became a judge, and his predecessor, the beloved Judge Charles “Chip” Henry, who served as Geauga County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge from 1993 until his tragic death in 2011.
Judge Henry was born in 1958. He graduated from Kenston High School in 1976 and Miami University in 1980 with a degree in finance. He served for two years in the Peace Corps before going to Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
After he graduated, Judge Henry practiced law for a short time in his father’s law firm and then was a Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor for a year, from 1987-1988. In 1988, he was elected to the Ohio Senate, where he served a full four-year term from 1989-1992. He then worked briefly for the public defender’s office before Gov. Voinovich appointed him (at age 35) to succeed the late Judge Lavich as Geauga County Juvenile/Probate Court Judge.
Judge Henry was reelected three times after that and in all served as Judge for 18 years until he was killed at the age of 53 in a hit-and-run accident.
So how much legal practice experience did Judge Henry have before he became a judge? By my count, maybe four years, not counting his time in the Ohio Senate.
And why was Judge Henry such a great judge, so beloved and so missed by all who knew and worked with him in the court? More than his experience, it was because of his temperament, his intelligence, his creativity and his clarity of mind and heart. These are the most essential qualities to look for when you vote for a judicial candidate. These are qualities I see in Kate Jacob.
Savannah King
Russell Township
50 Years, First Endorsement: Jim Dvorak Has Earned My Vote
To Geauga County Republican voters:
James Dvorak is running for re-election as Geauga County Commissioner on May 5. His record speaks for itself. In my 50 years as a Chardon Township resident, I’ve seen officials come and go, but never endorsed one until now.
If Commissioner Dvorak isn’t re-elected, the county will suffer. Jim is the most dedicated person I’ve seen. At any Geauga County event, he’s there. Respond to a citizen complaint or request for information, he’s there. His unselfish commitment to the job is unmatched.
Case in point: the Berkshire Sewer project. We were forced into installing a sewer system. The project took nine years and Jim was the only commissioner who stood with us. He attended every public meeting when the other two commissioners wouldn’t. He personally sought funding to offset the $28,000 fee residents had to pay.
Steve Oluic, then head of Water Resources, seemed fine until we learned the real facts about his back-door negotiations on land acquisition and sewer installation. He kept us in the dark until it was too late to respond. He arranged a deal giving Legend Lakes Golf Course free tie-ins and an expanded plant—benefits the rest of us must pay for—because he didn’t want the truth interfering with his plans.
I also want to know why Mr. Oluic left GCWR after one of his employees was arrested for bribery under his watch.
I’m done. If you don’t re-elect Commissioner Dvorak, this county will take a giant step backward.
James Vargo
Chardon Township
End Boss Hogg Politics in Geauga
With the upcoming May 5 primary election, I have been thinking about the future of Geauga County. I recently moved to my birth state of Texas, but Chardon was my home for 30 years. It is where I raised my two children, where I was a Chardon City Councilman for 12 years and where I served as Republican Party Chairman for 14 years. I want to discuss “The Elephant in the Room.”
I have grave concerns about the upcoming contested Republican Commissioner race. Candidate Steve Oluic is great friends with Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri, who has long, enmeshed relationships with Judge Tim Grendell and Skip Claypool. For over a decade, this cabal has caused Geauga County great pain and suffering. Although Judge Grendell’s reign of terror, oops I mean his term, will end soon, his operatives like Spidalieri and Claypool are still negatively affecting our county government.
The recent “newspaper” Voice of Geauga is total propaganda and misinformation, funded in large by Spidalieri. Its content is either synthetic AI slop by Chat GPT or from anonymous and misrepresented “writers.” This fake newspaper’s purpose is to buy the election for Oluic. The people who advertise in it are all associated with the Grendell/Spidalieri/Claypool faction.
If you love this unholy alliance and want more of it, vote for Oluic. If elected, he and his crony friends will continue to flex their muscles and afflict more pain in Geauga County.
This election is not about me, it is about you, your family, your businesses and Geauga County’s future. It is time to end Boss Hogg politics in Geauga County government. If I still lived there, I would most definitely vote for incumbent Republican Commissioner Jim Dvorak on May 5. I hope that you will, too. God Bless and keep Geauga County.
Nancy McArthur
Former Geauga County GOP Chair
Providence Village, Texas
Time for a Change in Geauga County Government
I am writing to support Republican candidates running for various offices in our county in the May 5 Primary Election. The people I support are: Steve Oluic for Geauga County Commissioner, Abbey King Mueller for Probate/Juvenile Court Judge and Joe DeBoth for Geauga County Auditor. They are all outstanding candidates and would bring needed common sense, fiscal accountability, professionalism and a welcome change.
Steve Oluic has worked for the county as Director of Water Resources. Despite the misinformation that has been spread, he did an outstanding job. He is a vet and in that capacity he was an instructor at West Point and was in charge of multi-million dollar projects; he also was a Dean at Lakeland Community College. If elected, Steve pledges to make the commissioners accessible and transparent to the community.
Abbey King Mueller has been the Magistrate in the Probate/Juvenile Court for more than eight years. She is the only Judge candidate with that experience. Abbey King’s experience before becoming a lawyer was a social worker, so she has firsthand knowledge of issues affecting families. As Judge, Abbey King pledges to make the court’s budget transparent, and accountable to the public.
Joe DeBoth was a late entry into the race for Auditor. He was reluctant to enter until he took a close look at Geauga County finances that are open to the public. He found that over $4 million was added to the Geauga County budget since 2018, the last Popular Annual Fiscal Report was 2021 and it took 772 days for the county to receive certification for its 2023 budget. Joe has spent 35 years of accounting experience and has spent the past 15-plus years managing GAAP compliant audits in complex environments. He pledges to make Geauga finance available to the public, reinstate PAFR reports and reduce budgets to necessities.
As a former Precinct Chair for South Russell, and a member of the GOP Executive Committee, I have spent time learning about these candidates. Fellow Geaugans, we can do better! That is why I urge you to vote for Steve Oluic, Abbey King Mueller and Joe DeBoth in the May 5 Primary.
Elsie Tarczy
South Russell Village
Stephanie Anderson: A Judge Who Cares About Everyone
I’ve known Stephanie Anderson for years. I have watched her care compassionately and advocate for teeny kittens that she found, big ole’ dogs she rescued, plants, children, abused women, women who just need to vent, families, addicts (active and in recovery), people she loves, people she disagrees with, and the list goes on.
Her values of compassion and integrity are part of her; they’re the way she lives and how she shows up for the community.
Her legal experience and service to the community reflects all of this. Geauga County would be lucky to have her as the next Probate and Juvenile Court Judge.
Annale Jahn
Bainbridge Township
Anderson Brings Real Experience to Probate Court
This election, we have a chance to make a change in our Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court. Before you vote, it’s worth taking a close look at what this court needs right now and who has the experience to deliver it.
This court handles some of the most sensitive matters in our community: families in crisis, children in need of protection and others who rely on the court for fairness and stability. It’s not a place for on-the-job training or more of the same.
Candidate Abbey King-Mueller has worked under the current judge for the past eight years. If voters are satisfied with the status quo, that might be appealing. But many in this community believe it’s time for a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on transparency and accountability.
My understanding is that Candidate Kate Jacob has not actively practiced in the courtroom in eight years. Right now, families deserve a judge who is equipped to overhaul our court, with recent, hands-on courtroom experience.
Stephanie Anderson brings exactly what this role demands; nearly decades of real courtroom experience, a reputation for integrity and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for families and children in Geauga County. She has handled complex cases and understands how a court should operate.
If we want meaningful change in this court, Stephanie Anderson is the right choice.
John Blauch
City of Chardon
Do Your Homework Before the May Primary
I debated whether to write this editorial, but with the May primary approaching, I believe it is important to speak up.
Before coming to Ohio, I was involved in politics in Michigan. That experience exposed me to the good, the bad and the ugly that can accompany public life. Across our country—regardless of party affiliation—we have all witnessed examples of corruption, broken trust, and leaders who place personal gain above public service.
When I arrived in Geauga County, I hoped that our small, close‑knit community would be different. In many ways, it is. We are fortunate to have dedicated public servants and community‑minded leaders who genuinely work to make Geauga County a better place.
Still, no community is immune from problems. Even here, there are moments when political maneuvering, insider culture or a lack of transparency can undermine public trust. When that happens, it is not just a political issue; it is a moral one.
There are a few elected officials in Geauga who, despite running as Republicans, are affiliated with the Democratic Party. This includes one of the current candidates for probate judge.
We are all imperfect, me included. But when individuals ask for the privilege of serving the public, honesty and integrity should be non‑negotiable. Trust is the foundation of effective governance. Without it, how can citizens have confidence that their leaders are truly working on their behalf?
As voters, we also carry responsibility. Democracy works best when people take the time to ask questions, seek facts and thoughtfully evaluate those who wish to represent them. Titles and labels matter far less than character, accountability and a demonstrated commitment to serving others.
As the May primary approaches, I sincerely hope the people of Geauga County will do their homework before heading to the polls. Our community deserves leadership rooted in honesty, ethics and respect for the citizens they serve.
Jill Adams
Bainbridge Township
Dvorak Deserves Your Vote
The upcoming election for Geauga County Commissioner is important to the future of our county. Voters should thoughtfully evaluate the candidates, keeping in mind that yard signs and casual acquaintance are not the true test of who is best for this office.
The place to start is character. Is the candidate industrious, honest, and a person of integrity? Will they take the time to understand the issues, listen to stakeholders, and vote based on what is truly in the best interests of the county?
Is the candidate fiscally prudent? Commissioners make important decisions about how our tax dollars are spent. They must avoid excessive or improper expenditures while also having the foresight to fund initiatives that will benefit the county and improve services. Anyone can say no — but those who spend our money wisely will improve our quality of life.
When filling appointments to county boards, will the candidate choose people who are experienced, committed to the organization’s mission, and understand that a board’s role is oversight and strategic vision — not day-to-day management?
Given these considerations, two-term Commissioner Jim Dvorak is clearly the right choice. He supports our veterans and first responders, favors tax reform, seeks competent board appointments, takes time to understand the issues, and remains accessible to county residents. He will always strive to protect the Geauga way of life.
Jim’s commitment to this community goes well beyond his role as commissioner. After losing his daughter to drugs, he became a board member of the Red Tulip Project and was instrumental in building the first safe sober house for women in Geauga County. As an active member of the Burton Middlefield Rotary Club, he founded an annual program that takes 50 to 80 special needs children fishing each year.
Some criticism of Jim’s record has appeared this election season that simply does not hold up to scrutiny. What does hold up is his record of service — as a commissioner, as a community advocate and as a man of character who runs on his accomplishments rather than tearing down his opponent. Jim Dvorak has earned your vote.
John Fitts
Chester Township
