Letters to the Editor
Wake Up Geauga Voters
The judge of the Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court is often touted as being a staunch Tea Party Republican that stands for limited government, lower spending and judicial restraint. Do the facts support such a claim? Let’s take a look.
In 2011, when Judge Grendell was first appointed, there were 1,541 newly filed juvenile/probate cases in his court. His court’s expenditures amounted to $1,757,309.82. That was then.
In 2018, there were 1,259 newly filed juvenile/probate cases in his court. His court’s expenditures in 2018 amounted to $2,685,969.67 and would have been (should have been) higher, but for a reduction of nearly $200,000 in the court’s contribution to the joint Portage-Geauga Juvenile Detention Center.
In the eight years Grendell has been responsible for the probate/juvenile court, the workload decreased, and court expenditures have increased by $1 million. What are we to do with these numbers, culled, from the court’s own annual reports? How can it be that such an allegedly frugal individual has allowed such runaway spending?
Perhaps it’s the money spent on a giant inflatable gavel for his personal booth at the fair, perhaps it’s the baubles, rubber gavels and bracelets that the court purchases with Grendell’s name emblazoned on them, or perhaps it’s the glossy “Court Newsletter” that serves as that judge’s propaganda.
Perhaps it’s the exorbitant salaries that Grendell rewards his “yes” men and women with.
Budgeting worksheets obtained through public records requests for 2020 even show a new line-item in the court’s budget: $100,000 for “Community Outreach!” An item that had never appeared before. And in an election year, imagine that.
As for someone who allegedly stands for judicial restraint, Grendell has done all he can to insert himself personally in a number of matters, as well as threatening those who question his actions. When Grendell threatened two Chester Township trustees with civil and criminal investigation after they refused to vote the way he wanted, a special judge was called in to review the issue. Judge John J. Lohn stated Grendell’s actions “violate the separation of powers doctrine and are premised upon an improper investigation.”
Judge Lohn also found Grendell’s orders unconstitutional and unlawful, stating “township trustees answer to their constituents, not the probate court.”
In 2014, Grendell threatened then Auditor Frank Gliha. A year later, he threatened to hold Chardon councilwoman Nancy McArthur in contempt of court and, in 2017, threatened to jail the assistant director of the Department of Job & Family Services and a then 75-year-old caseworker for reportedly questioning one of his orders in a child support case.
In 2019, two of Grendell’s court employees started a ruckus at the county auditor’s office and one of them snatched financial records and took the paperwork out of the building without authority or permission. Upon their return to the auditor’s office, they were asked to leave or be charged with criminal trespass and the Chardon police were called. Judge Grendell interjected himself into the issue, now on the sidewalk outside the auditor’s office, in his judicial robe and threatened the police officer.
Wake up Geauga County! Grendell treats taxpayer dollars and the court budget like his own personal war chest to promote his own agenda, not to serve the people of Geauga County. It’s time for a change. Make your voices heard on March 17, 2020, and vote for Matt Rambo.
Rose Yaecker
Newbury Township
Geauga Safety Center Orange Blanket Fund
The cost to build the Geauga County Safety Center in 2005 was around $30,000,000 and costs more than $100,000 a year to maintain.
Yet, some of the cell walls are so poorly insulated that temperatures in those cells are well below 60 degrees during the winter, and inmates are suffering.
The practice of Fire Chief/Sheriff Hildenbrand is to issue each inmate one thin blanket. They have the option to “buy” an additional “orange” blanket. Indigent inmates have no recourse.
Inmates are serving their sentences, but there is no reason to treat them inhumanely. One inmate, with a heart condition, started having seizures in the middle of the night. He kept asking for help and they told him he was faking.
Twelve hours later they finally took him to the hospital, where he was kept for four days. They then put him back into a cold cell.
Sheriff Hildenbrand, with 170 employees, has the highest paid staff in the history of the department at $11 million a year.
Hildenbrand is using the Furtherance of Justice Fund (FOJ), for purposes of which it is not intended. The FOJ is a discretionary fund Hildebrand gets each year that is equivalent to half his salary, or about $45,000. Unused funds are to be returned to the auditor. Like that ever happens.
“The fund can be used for drug-buy money and to pay confidential informants, to buy bulletproof vests and to investigate terrorists — or for any crime-fighting purpose not covered in the officeholder’s regular annual budget….” (https://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/tns-ohio-sheriffs-trust.html).
He spent $12,500 on promotional items from the FOJ. Another FOJ invoice in particular showed that he spent $400 of tax money at Mangia, Mangia restaurant.
Several of the FOJ invoices had huge sections blackened out, including mysterious purchases at Sam’s Club in excess of $1,000. Christine Kennedy, administrative assistant, explained, “The ones blacked out were not paid from FOJ” and yet, they are on the same invoice. The sheriff’s office has not been able to provide documentation to back up Kennedy’s claim.
It is my hope that Chaplain Ethan Maynard will intervene and provide blankets for the inmates.
Judy K. Zamlen-Spotts
Chester Township
Keep Hildenbrand as Sheriff
As a 25-year resident of Geauga County with many years of working in public safety, I would strongly encourage you to vote to keep Scott Hildenbrand as Sheriff on March 17. I have had the privilege of working alongside Sheriff Hildenbrand on many emergency scenes and firmly believe that he is the best choice for Geauga County Sheriff.
Sheriff Hildenbrand has proven his dedication to Geauga County over the years and has worked hard to make the sheriff’s office one of the most effective and efficient sheriff’s offices in the region. He has also improved communications amongst all safety forces in the county.
Please join me on March 17 and vote to keep Scott Hildenbrand as our Sheriff.
Dave Peterson
Huntsburg Township
Don’t Be Deceived
I believe a judge should be a person of virtue (morally good) who is wise and honest. The Rambo signs caused me to question how he measures up, so I did some research.
Virtue appears to be absent due to the fact that he is deceptively portraying himself as a Republican when his historic voting record in Geauga County and previous residences clearly shows that he is a dyed in the wool Democrat. Why did he believe he had to change political parties? In his last run for judge against David Ondrey in 2018, he ran as a Democrat. He lost.
With the help of top leaders of the Geauga GOP – past and present – he is now running as a Republican because he and others have learned that this county is more inclined to vote Red than Blue. Evidence is found in Rambo’s Ohio Campaign Finance Report that shows the following donations: line 1. Geauga County Democratic Party Judicial Fund, $2,250. Line 2. Past President of the Geauga GOP, Rhino Ed Ryder, $100. This is enough to leave the “Virtue Box” unchecked.
Wisdom and good decision making are based on experience. Rambo has zero experience in the role of a judge. “Wisdom Box” unchecked.
Honesty is telling the truth in all things all the time. Rambo stated that he historically has been a Republican with the exception of a short period of time when he changed affiliation to support a friend who was running in a Democrat race. That isn’t what his voting record shows.
“Honesty Box” unchecked.
Early in my career my boss taught me that it was vitally important to know what I stood for and to never sacrifice my standards for my personal gain or convenience. Additionally, he said that when people do sacrifice their standards for convenience or selfish gain it doesn’t simply communicate that the standards have been lowered but rather that it shouts that there are no standards.
Geauga County needs a judge who does what is right for the people, whose experience results in sound and fair decisions. Someone who inside and outside the courtroom tells the truth; it may not always make everyone happy but it is best for the “many.” That judge is Judge Grendell.
There has been a lot of bad and dishonest press about Judge Grendell, but it is not because he falls short of the credentials of an honorable judge. It is because Geauga has a number of people who are unhappy about the parks and they want control. Judge Grendell is a strong, conservative judge who won’t sacrifice his standards for the few or for his personal benefit.
This is not a battle between two competent judges. It is a battle between a puppet and a professional. Bottom line “it is about control stupid.” That historic one liner applies here.
Vote for proven ability and performance not for deception, subterfuge and untruths. Vote Grendell.
Linda J. O’Brien
Russell Township
GOP Fully Backs Rambo
Being a young voter, I’ve recently realized the importance of democracy and using your voice for the betterment of your life and the community you live in.
It is astonishing to me the amount of people my age who have been discouraged against voting because they don’t believe their voices are heard. I am urging people of the younger generation to show up and place their votes because every single one does matter.
I know that this statement is overused, however, voting and taking a stand has never been as crucial as it is at this very moment in our lives. It isn’t rude to have an opinion; what’s important is how you use it.
I would also like to take a moment to mention the importance of voting for candidate Matt Rambo, who is running for judge against Timothy Grendell.
Rambo is fully backed by the Geauga Republican party and cares about issues deeper than just his own gain and recognition, which is exactly the opposite of Grendell. We, as a community, need to come together and recognize what is best going forward for Geauga and the Russell area, and who better than Rambo. He is a man who has shown nothing but integrity and a desire to be unbiased and honest in his personal and professional life.
When out at the polls, it is equally important to remember that Russell Township’s unique beauty and characteristics are derived from our commitments to keeping up the green spaces and parks. In fact, property values have increased due to the rural charm, open space and large lots in our community.
In order to keep Russell Township as charming and successful as it is, it is vital that we vote Yes to Issue 3 to replace the Russell park levy that expired two years ago. Though voting for Rambo to be the new judge is crucial, he won’t have any say over how the new park levy will be used. Unlike Judge Grendell who has interfered with Russell parks on many occasions and the eventual result being the loss of our parks to the Geauga Park district. If this levy is passed, our parks will now be left in the hands of us, the Russell residents, and not a probate judge with no vested interest in our community.
I am urging everyone, especially the large population of young people who maybe be disheartened, to please register to vote and go to the polls to make sure that the changes that need to happen do.
Cheyenne Falz
Russell Townshi
Mullins Most Qualified
It has been a distinct honor to serve as Geauga County Recorder for the past 11-plus years. During that time, we began several new innovative programs that have benefitted our residents. Celesta Mullins, my chief deputy, has been instrumental in providing details, time and efforts toward these programs. Her 20 years of experience, her distinct knowledge and expertise uniquely qualifies her to be the next Geauga County Recorder.
Celesta is an active participant in the Good Deeds Program; Veterans ID Card Program; Ohio Historical Family Farm Program; eRecording; and Property Fraud Alert. Her 20 years of experience negotiating vendor contracts has saved the county thousands of dollars.
Celesta Mullins consistently and patiently works with people helping them understand the value of a professional title search and proper chain of title. Her vast knowledge of plat maps and subdivision details provides the most experienced qualifications.
Celesta has a unique eye for detail and found fraudulent activity that she provided to the FBI. Her vigilant focus has perpetually protected your most valuable asset — your land records.
Celesta Mullins’ interest in protecting your records branches out statewide as she serves on the Recorders Association’s Blockchain Committee, watching to make sure this technology does not make your records available nationwide in a central location.
Celesta has worked under four Geauga Recorders and combines each of their values and insights as part of her service.
Unfortunately, while serving as recorder, I was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. During this difficult time, it was Celesta who stepped up to provide Geauga County a consistent quality public service while abiding by the over 1,000 sections of the Ohio Revised Code.
Celesta’s knowledge of the ORC keeps the Recorder’s Office compliant and legal. Her opponent states she will provide free copies and legal advice to residents. This is in direct violation of the ORC. Geauga County deserves Celesta Mullins as a compliant Recorder.
Celesta truly cares about your Recorder’s Office and is the right woman for the job. Celesta’s concern is the accuracy and maintenance of your land documents and the privacy of your records.
There is no substitute for experience. Celesta Mullins is the most qualified candidate to serve our residents. Celesta has my full, enthusiastic endorsement.
Spread the word, she is a public servant who cares about the residents and who places service as her mission.
Sharon Gingerich
Geauga County Recorder
A Vote For Reason
Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat is not the issue. The fact is that most sensible people simply want to have a say-so when it comes to electing community leaders. We want the best man or woman for the job.
This is why I have always voted for the most logical choice. Why be limited to a hard party-line vote if it does not feel right? Besides, I couldn’t care less if there is an R or a D by my name, if I know in my heart that I voted for decency over devious.
This March 17 is the day that I will ask for a Republican ballot even though I do not typically vote Republican in a primary election. Why? Because otherwise my vote will mean nothing when it comes to choosing the right man for the job of Probate/Juvenile Court Judge.
I have personally talked with both candidates. Matthew Rambo has years of experience in the courtroom and had good common sense answers to all of my questions. Timothy Grendell is very experienced at spending outrageous amounts of money on self-promotion, and uses threats to get his way from what is supposed to be an unbiased position as judge.
This seems to be an easy common sense choice. I will select a Republican ballot for the primary election and vote confidently for Matthew Rambo. This is your one and only opportunity to oust a self-promoting bully. Request the Republican ballot to make your reasonable vote counts.
Rick A. Webb
Munson Township
Integrity & Service
For the last 39-plus years, Scott Hildenbrand has served our community. At the Hambden Fire Department, Chardon Police Department, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office and as our Sheriff.
In 40-plus years as a Geauga County resident, I’ve seen few people match the level of commitment that Sheriff Hildenbrand exhibits. If there’s a cause, he’s there. If there’s an emergency, he’s there. Calm, collected and thoughtful in every type of situation. Always consistent in his approach no matter what.
Scott’s best practices is the type of service we are used to and is the type of service our county deserves. Our Sheriff always delivers the message of “bad guys stay away” and he has exemplified his message with the capture of said bad guys in the last two armed robberies of Dollar General stores in our county.
Scott Hildenbrand’s service does not just stop at his job. His civic-mindedness extends out as a member of the Chardon Rotary as well as other associations. Scott can be found participating in many events in our county as well as manning the grill at fundraisers for the Hambden Fire Department — not to mention he is just a good friend to all.
No one that I know is more selfless than our sheriff. Scott cares deeply about our county and our communities. Please join me in supporting Scott Hildenbrand to continue his good work as the sheriff of our fair county.
Scott Yamamoto
Hambden Township
