Letters to the Editor
Overzealous Zoning Boards
Petty politics and tabloid journalism are what most discourage me as an elected official. We watched as the discredited media across the nation attempted to mislead the public during the presidential election. I was encouraged because the public rejected this behavior.
I am accused of not wanting zoning, which is a laughable claim, and easily proven wrong. I admit to being a minimalist when it comes to zoning because, as the axiom goes, ”power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
As I review zoning in some communities, I am concerned that overzealous zoning boards seek to control every aspect of our lives. I believe balanced zoning demonstrates respect for individual property rights while acknowledging the needs to protect the public interest.
I believe that everyone on the current planning commission is seeking to improve zoning. The board asks thoughtful questions seeking better outcomes.
Bear in mind, the planning commission has no power other than as a counselor and second set of eyes. Our meetings are open to the public and if you attend you will find healthy heartfelt discussions.
The most recent article on zoning and the planning commission is a good example of a local media that persists in publishing unverified misinformation with questionable intent. I trust the public to judge the facts fairly, so let me offer you the following.
The planning commission was created under the Ohio revised code and it has a purpose. The board is made up of 8 appointed individuals (volunteers) and three county commissioners.
The current board, in my opinion, is experienced, conscientious, responsible and dedicated. Each board member has equal authority and voice. Our board is very diverse.
The board’s powers include, and are not limited to, reviewing township zoning. We can provide non-binding comments and recommendations to the townships. So why the fuss? I think the reader will figure it out.
I preface the following with the fact that I think highly of the county prosecutor. However, the county prosecutor’s office is the legal advisor to the board and yet our advisor chose a public comment over counseling directly with their client. Why?
Why have the townships who were impacted not reached out to the planning commission or attended the planning commission meetings, which would have helped in our deliberation?
Why has the media not been present in open public meetings or reached out to me for comment?
Why has the media not reached out to seek an understanding of all sides?
Moreover, why is it that some become so upset when you simply ask questions or express an opinion opposing common dictum?
I have my thoughts on the matter, but will leave it to the reader to decide. My door is always open and I enjoy talking to the citizens of this great county.
Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers – Voltaire.
Walter “Skip” Claypool
Geauga County Commissioner
County Election Board ‘Thorough’
On Nov. 21, I attended a special meeting of the Geauga County Board of Elections.
I was curious to see what happens to the provisional ballots that are cast on election day, how the board resolves questions about the validity of absentee ballots, and the process for certifying the election results.
I was thoroughly impressed with the efficient, yet thorough, manner the BOE handled its responsibilities.
The bipartisan board reviewed each issue with seriousness, deliberation and respect. They made every effort to give each voter a voice, while closely following election laws and the directives of the secretary of state.
They even went so far as to use a magnifying glass to examine smudged postmarks on mailed-in ballots, to determine if they should be counted. If you were worried about a “rigged election,” I can assure you that it did not happen in Geauga County, based on what I saw.
Meg Pauken
Auburn Township
‘It is Truly a Time for Change’
As chairwoman of the Geauga County Republican Party, I want to congratulate all our Republican candidates for a job well done.
I also want to thank the voters for coming out in record numbers to support our candidates. And a special thanks is due to our dedicated volunteers and local RNC staff who worked long and hard for these great results.
In Geauga County, we had almost 78 percent voter turnout and of those, 60 percent voted for Donald Trump. All of our local candidates won with at least 64 percent, with Congressman Dave Joyce and state Sen. John Eklund getting the highest percentages, about 72 percent.
Except for State Senate D32 and 11th District Court of Appeals (where Lake and Trumbull counties have larger populations than does Geauga), we won every race, including both contested Ohio Supreme Court seats.
Both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate added one seat to their majorities. The GOP now holds a record of the largest majority in each chamber with 66 of 99 members in the House and 24 of 33 members in the Senate.
Republicans also kept majorities in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
We now hold majorities in the U.S. Senate, 51 to 48, and in the House of Representatives, 239 to 192.
Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in Ohio by about 9 percent — nearly half a million votes. Trump flipped 10 counties and won 81 counties. The last time a presidential contest had a margin of victory this big was in 1988. Trumbull County went red for the first time since 1928.
We’ve endured eight years of one of the most leftist and failed administrations in recent history.
It is truly a time for change and the American people have spoken.
May God continue to bless America and Geauga County and guide President-elect Trump as he takes office on Jan. 20, 2017.
We invite you to commemorate our victories and the Christmas season at our annual celebration Dec. 3 at Chagrin Valley Athletic Club.
For more information and to RSVP, visit our website at www.geaugagop.com.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday.
Nancy McArthur
GOP Chairwoman
