Letters to the Editor
Ondrey Best Candidate
In reading recent letters of support for David Ondrey in his race for Judge of the Geauga County Common Pleas Court, I want to add my own words in favor of his candidacy.
As a person who has been employed in the legal profession for law firms in Geauga and Lake counties for 29 years, and has worked in the CASA program in the Geauga County Juvenile Court for 11 years, I believe I have some insight into good lawyers and good judges. One of my former employers is himself a Common Pleas Judge now in Lake County.
Equally important, I have known David since high school. David has been a leader, an achiever and a genuine good person. His list of accomplishments in the Geauga County legal community, and for several local charitable and not-for-profit institutions, has been significant.
With his 35 years of courtroom experience, he is ready to step into the judgeship and to thereby further serve our community. We should take advantage and vote for David Ondrey in the March 15 Republican primary. I believe he is the best candidate.
Kathy Briggs
Munson Township
Russell Voter Rejects
I was very sad to learn that Roy Podojil has resigned from the Russell Park Commission. Mr. Podojil has served the community as a township park commissioner with dedication for 16 years, bringing his special knowledge of biology to the Park District’s mission to protect natural resources and to provide scenic areas. I am deeply grateful for Mr. Podojil’s service to our community.
Throughout his years on the Russell Park Commission, Mr. Podojil and the other two commissioners, Terry Ries and Sandy Siegler, worked as a team to build the wonderful park system that Russell Township has today.
Each member of the team brought needed skills and knowledge to the task. Mr. Podojil is an experienced science educator. Mr. Ries is a landscape architect with a degree in environmental science. Mr. Siegler is a businessman experienced in finance. Together, each making his unique contribution, this team oversaw a park system that became a model for park systems around the country. I am proud of their achievements.
This year, Mr. Ries and Mr. Podojil have been replaced by two new commissioners named by Probate Judge Timothy Grendell: Linda O’Brien and Charlie Butters. To my knowledge, unlike the commissioners they replaced, neither of these appointees has a background in biology or environmental science.
Rather, they are both best known in Russell as unsuccessful candidates for township trustee.
The people of Russell rejected both Ms. O’Brien and Mr. Butters as trustees. What in the world made Judge Grendell think that we want them to be our park commissioners?
Shelley Chernin
Russell Township
Spidalieri, Lennon for Geauga
I am writing this letter in support of Ralph Spidaleri and Tim Lennon for Geauga County Commissioners.
Ralph Spidaleri’s background as a policeman has given him unique insights into the heroin epidemic that has spread to our county. Through his efforts, heroin overdoses have declined in the county. The effects of this are not only fewer of our community members addicted to heroin, but a drop in crime spurred by the need for cash to support a heroin addiction.
Ralph is a businessman providing jobs for Geaugans. Ralph has four years experience as a commissioner and has demonstrated a no-nonsense commitment to reducing government and improving services. His responsible view of government benefits everyone. Ralph is the conservative we need as commissioner to keep Geauga County on the right track.
I support Tim Lennon because he represents the next generation of Geaugans that will keep our county great. Our county is the sights of liberal organizations like Northeast Ohio Coordinating Agency, which would like to subvert Geauga County taxes for roads and infrastructure to Cuyahoga County. Tim Lennon understands the danger in this.
One of Blake Rear’s first acts as Geauga County Commissioner was to appoint Mary Samide as his alternate on the NOACA board. Mrs. Samide lost her re-election to Skip Claypool largely for her support of NOACA’s plans.
Who is Tim Lennon? He is a businessman and father; he is not a politician. He is committed to conservative values. Tim Lennon is the future for Geauga County.
Elsie Tarczy
South Russell Village
McArthur, Rear Have Clear Agenda, Deserve Votes
Geauga County voters, please pay attention! If you are planning to vote the Republican primary ballot on March 15, please don’t let your vote be stolen by a Republican poser. It has happened in the recent past; we have two incumbent County Commissioners who posed as Republicans and likely were elected because of the ‘R’ by their names: Claypool and Spidalieri.
One of these, Ralph Spidalieri is running for re-election, so beware. These pretenders may sometimes be known by their campaign signs — huge in size and number to match their egos. Their symbol is a snake; very appropriate since they so often speak with ‘forked’ tongue.
In other words, they lie. They claim to be in favor of less power for government, unless that power is in their own hands and then they want more and more.
They claim to want smaller government, except for the jobs they invent for their cronies and pay a handsome salary.
They claim to love Geauga County, yet they want to urbanize our County and raise our taxes, yes, with indiscriminate development.
They want to urbanize our Parks with basketball courts, baseball fields, more pavement and motorized vehicles and squander our remaining natural areas.
Which candidates fit this description? Ralph Spidalieri, for one, our unqualified, absentee Commissioner running for re-election.
Spidalieri has not earned our votes. Please don’t be fooled.
Give your support to Nancy McArthur and Blake Rear, candidates who embody the true conservative values that have made Geauga County such a great place to live, raise a family, and do business.
McArthur and Rear will work for the residents of Geauga County, with a clear and transparent agenda.
Kathleen O. Webb
Munson Township
Broadest Legal Experience
A race coming up in the March 15 primary election which will have a major impact on the quality of government in Geauga County for years to come is the contest to replace retiring Common Pleas Judge David Fuhry.
There are four lawyers competing on the Republican side of this primary, but one is outstanding; namely, Carolyn J. Paschke.
She is held in high regard by the lawyers in Geauga County who elected her President of the Geauga County Bar Association.
It was my pleasure to share a law office with her in the years leading up to her appointment as one of two Magistrates in the Geauga County Common Pleas Court in 2013. She was not afraid to tackle almost anything. She probated estates. She wrote contracts and trusts. She counseled small businesses. She tried a variety of civil litigation. She handled criminal cases. She handled divorce cases and was one of the best divorce lawyers, male or female in Geauga County.
Her legal experience is broader than that of any other of the candidates.
She was scrupulously honest and totally fair with her clients. With her, the client always came first.
Beyond the foregoing, she can claim one very important attribute that none of the others can: she has been, in effect, a judge in the Geauga Court for the last three years.
As a Magistrate, she handles a docket of cases from beginning to end. She handles all the pretrial matters, the attorney conferences and the trials themselves. She renders decisions which can be appealed to the trial judge and beyond, but in most cases become final.
She will make an outstanding judge.
James B. Davis, LLB
Russell Township
McArthur Will Work Full Time
It’s an election year and we hear a lot of talk about how important this election is to our future and indeed it is. However, I am not speaking about the Presidential election, although it is critical to the direction of our country. I am speaking about the Commissioner elections in Geauga County.
Do we want our Commissioners to have high moral values, a commitment to the county’s economic growth and to providing an environment where all of our citizens have an opportunity to reach their maximum potential, and are willing to work more than just the minimum to achieve these ends?
Or will we be satisfied with Commission-ers who have supported non-Republicans for county office in the past, don’t feel compelled to attend assigned committee meetings or all of the commissioner meetings even after they were reduced from twice weekly to weekly?
Currently, there are two people who are running for commission positions, one an incumbent who only attended 48 of the 57 meetings held last year, who appointed Judge Grendell’s employee Lake County resident Kim Laurie to represent him at NOACA meetings, and yet we the taxpayers still pay him a handsome $55,500 salary with benefits and a pension.
And the second candidate has never run or held any public office.
It’s your choice. But, I prefer to cast my vote for Nancy McArthur, the current mayor of Chardon and the Chairman of the Geauga County Republican Party.
Nancy is a proven Geauga County leader with over 10 years of public service, 15 years of community involvement, and 30 years of professional business experience. Married for 35 years, Nancy graduated with honors from Cleveland State.
Vote for someone who is committed to working full time as our County Commissioner and who has our best interests in mind.
Charles E. “Skip” Lyle
South Russell Village
Spidalieri Hurting Geauga
I am writing in support of Nancy McArthur for Geauga County Commission-er. Nancy is honest, hardworking and a lifelong Republican. She tries to work with all groups and uses common sense to solve problems. She is a fighter and a leader.
As Mayor and a Chardon City Councilman, it is obvious that Nancy has the experience and dedication to get things done. These are qualities we need in a Commissioner.
Nancy’s opponent, Ralph Spidalieri, is a good businessman, but he is not doing the job we need as our commissioner. His attendance at meetings has not been great. He is well paid to be at the weekly meetings, be a part of various committees and work with the public doing the business of the county. Last year, he has missed over 15 percent of his weekly meetings he is paid to attend.
Mr. Spidalieri also does not attend many committee meetings, attending only two NOACA meetings in the last three years where he tried to block funding for the Chardon bike path. He appointed Kim Laurie, a Lake County resident and a Judge Grendell employee, as his NOACA alternate because she “shares his values.” Really? The problem is he is too busy to take the time needed to serve as commissioner.
Our county is heading for trouble. This lack of oversight and attention is starting to take its toll. Geauga County is becoming a laughing stock among other leaders in Northeast Ohio and Columbus.
The lack of attention and single mindedness of Ralph Spidalieri and his counterpart Skip Claypool is hurting our county and is beginning to have financial repercussions. We must restore balance to this position. We need to elect a commissioner who will dedicate 100 percent to the job.
I urge you to vote for Nancy McArthur for Commissioner.
Mary O’Toole
Auburn Township
Paschke Offers Best Combination for Judge
I am extremely excited to support Carolyn Paschke in her candidacy for Judge of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas. I have personally known Carolyn for several years and, as an attorney for nearly 30 years, I have appeared before a countless number of judges throughout the State of Ohio.
Carolyn Paschke is simply the best combination of honesty, experience, fairness, ability and temperament that Geauga County could ever hope for in a person on the bench. Her professionalism is unmatched and she has proven that she is devoted to the County by virtue of her outstanding track record as an attorney and magistrate for over 20 years.
As a person who has lived in Geauga County for most of her life, Carolyn has also managed to raise a family with her husband and still have time for multiple charitable, church and school-related causes. I have personally been involved in some of those causes with her and she never ceases to amaze me with her tireless and unselfish commitment, all while being completely focused on the task at hand accompanied by a smile that never ends.
Having been before the Judges in Geauga County Court of Common Please many times, I am truly proud to be a resident of this County. Judge Burt and Judge Fuhry have exhibited the qualities I have long respected and admired in judges. To see Carolyn as the Judge who replaces Judge Fuhry will ensure that the integrity of the bar in Geauga County will remain at its highest level.
I would be very honored and consider it a privilege to see Carolyn Paschke as the next judge of Geauga County. More than that though, I am honored and privileged to call her my friend.
Ronald J. Chernek
Newbury Township
Matheney Qualified to Be Great Judge
When you vote in the primary election on March 15, I urge all Geauga County voters/Bainbridge residents to request a Republican ballot and join me in voting for Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney for Judge of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.
I strongly believe Bridey has the qualifications to become a great judge. She has been in private practice, served as an appellate judicial law clerk and for almost a decade now has been an assistant county prosecuting attorney.
She currently represents officials, boards, and commissions of Geauga County and its townships, including our very own Bainbridge Township. As a former trustee in Bainbridge for 13 years, I appreciate the competent and timely legal advice she provides our community on a daily basis.
Bridey also assists with criminal prosecution and, to that extent, has boarded up a drug house of a known drug dealer to Kenston High School.
With an increase in criminal filings in our county court due, in part, to the correlation between substance abuse, addiction, and mental health issues, Bridey is the most capable and qualified candidate to handle the case load. She will make a perfect replacement for retiring judge, David Fuhry.
On a personal note, Bridey has been a Bainbridge Township resident for over 11 years. She is a person of high integrity and when elected to the court of common pleas, will continue to serve our county well, impartially, and without an agenda or a personal bias.
Please join me on March 15 in voting for Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney for judge of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.
Chuck Hesse
Bainbridge Township
Ondrey has ‘Right Stuff’
There is an occasional opportunity to recognize a special professional and community leader. I am pleased to share a brief perspective in support of David M. Ondrey as he seeks the position as Judge in the Court of Common Pleas in Geauga County.
My association with David Ondrey extends for nearly four decades as a gifted colleague, collaborator and valued friend.
David Ondrey exhibits consistent and measured results as an accomplished attorney and civic leader. His numerous accomplishments have earned him the respect and trust of his clients and colleagues.
David Ondrey’s fair and balanced approach on professional and private pursuits coupled with exceptional listening skills make him an ideal choice as a Judge.
As a health care President and CEO, I witnessed Dave Ondrey as Chairman of the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center Board of Directors navigate complex issues with positive solutions and outcomes.
I believe that David Ondrey has the “right stuff” to be a successful and committed judge.
It is without reservation that I endorse his candidacy for the position as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Geauga County.
Richard J. Frenchie, MBA, FACHE
Auburn Township
McArthur Puts Geauga First
When it comes to hiring employees, one of the first things I look at is past experience. What positions have they held that will help them to do the job. That same measure should be used when we elect a candidate to public office.
Our elected officials are there to work for us, to make decisions that are for the good of the community. A person who has dedicated their time, often with no financial reward, for the good of a community and believes they can continue to do good by being elected to office will have my vote.
Nancy McArthur is one of those people. Nancy has freely given thousands of hours of her time to the betterment of Geauga County through involvement in civic, school and social organizations as well as elected office.
Many candidates will tell you what they can do for you. Nancy has proven what she can do. She has endured much criticism and yet remained steadfast in her resolve to serve the people of Geauga County.
I know Nancy to be a person who truly loves Geauga County. She has no hidden agenda. She will do what is best for Geauga County. She is respected by her peers so much that they elected her Mayor of Chardon recently.
Nancy researches every issue that comes before her and makes sound, informed decisions. As the mother of a Boy Scout, she has learned to always be prepared. Nancy has been preparing herself for the job of county commissioner and will make the transition to county office seamlessly.
Nancy McArthur has the business, civic and governmental experience to keep Geauga County the great place that it is to live, work and play.
I ask you to join me in voting for Nancy McArthur on March 15.
Kevin O’Reilly Jr.
Parkman Township
Matheney has Right Temperment for Judge
On March 15, I urge Geauga County voters to request a Republican ballot and to vote for Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney for judge of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.
Bridey Matheney is my lifelong friend and we grew up together in Geauga County. We attended St. Joan of Arc grade school and both thrived at and graduated from Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School.
Our families are lifelong parishioners of St. Joan of Arc and this has shaped who we are as adults.
Although we were a grade apart in school, we were the best of friends and I am proud to say we remain that way to this very day. She is someone I can count on to be there for me in both good times and in life’s struggles. These are the types of connections and friendships Bridey has with so many of us in our great community.
Bridey’s family instilled in her a love of our hometown and a desire to serve. She learned these values from her parents who were deeply invested and involved in our community.
On a professional level, as an assistant prosecutor and as a representative in the Ohio House of Representatives, Bridey Matheney stands out as a person with a proven commitment to public service, a person that has served our great County for the past 10 years — longer than any other candidate.
She began her legal career as a litigator in two mid-size regional law firms and one large national law firm. I have no doubt Bridey could have stayed at these firms and been a successful private sector lawyer.
However, Bridey has a strong calling to public service and she chose to leave a life at large law firms for the privilege of working as a judicial law clerk in the Eighth District Court of Appeals, where she drafted opinions on all areas of civil and criminal law. Her passion is serving her community.
Following her clerkship, Bridey became an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office. For the last 10 years, Bridey has represented Geauga County, its townships, and assisted with the prosecution of criminals for the betterment and protection of our community. She is absolutely the most qualified candidate for Common Pleas Judge.
If elected, she will work tirelessly to maintain the independence, impartiality and integrity of the bench.
Bridey is the best choice and that is why I am asking you to please join me, my friends and family and vote on March 15 for Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney for Judge of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas. I will be first in line to cast my vote.
Megan Hart
Russell Township
‘Start with Hello’ a Success
Special thank you and congratulations to the following for their enthusiastic support of the first Start With Hello Week anti-bullying/social isolation program in Geauga County during the week of Feb. 8-12, 2016:
Superintendent Doug Delong and Principals Mandy Randles and Sandy Smith from Berkshire Schools; Superintendent Scott Hunt and Principal Kelly Bearer from Cardinal Schools; Superintendent Michael Hanlon and Principals Mathew Prezioso, Rhonda Garrett, Louise, Henry and Kelly Moran at Chardon Schools; Superintendent Nancy Santilli, Assistant Superintendent Katie Poe and Guidance Counselor Jessica Kardamis at Kenston Schools; Superinten-dent Michelle Mrakovich and Principal Cyndi Tomassetti from Newbury Schools; and Superintendent Richard Markwardt and Principals Denise Brewster and Ron Dahlhofer for West Geauga Schools.
Businesses, townships, cities and individuals joined in support by wearing green or wearing the “Start With Hello” stickers and displaying the posters.
Several schools had creative methods of presenting and promoting empowerment of the students to become proactive and inclusive.
The Sandy Hook Foundation deserves special recognition for its creation and implementation of this Start With Hello Program and for its continued commitment to train our residents to learn to “Say Something” when necessary.
Reducing bullying and social isolation in our schools will make our schools safer and provide a more proactive educational environment.
Judge Timothy J. Grendell
Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court
Lynch is ‘True Patriot’
When I was a kid, I never heard of “conservative” or “liberal.” But in my family of nine children, the subject at the dinner table was often concerning current events and our great American heritage.
I remember my parents forming a “patriots group” and every summer for years they had a “patriots party” on the July 4th weekend. They were really the original Tea Party, years before that name became popular.
As I got older, I realized my parents were, in their own way, teaching me and my siblings what liberty really meant.
Our faith in God was instilled in us from a very young age, and morality was often another topic of conversation at the dinner table, over coffee, or after returning home from church.
What’s the point of this letter? Matt Lynch. My brother. He has been formed as a God-fearing, family-oriented Patriot since he was a small child. Matt is a real Conservative Republican. Not a phony, liberal, establishment Republican. He has a true calling to help save this Great Nation by returning to our Original Principles of the Constitution.
His opponent for Ohio District 14, who, by the way has an “F” rating by several conservative groups, has voted to fund Planed Parenthood, approve Common Core and even voted for the recent $1.1 trillion Omnibus Bill. And still, he has the gaul to call himself a conservative.
Let’s vote for a true Patriot, and honest and caring man: Matt Lynch!
Joan Soeder
Bainbridge Township
Matheney Firm, But Fair
We are proud to support Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney for Judge of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas. We have known Bridey her entire life and, as past behavior is often an indicator of future behavior, we know that she is the type of person this county needs as judge.
She was born and raised in Geauga County. She grew up on Leaview Lane in Bellwood in South Russell Village, graduated from Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School, lives with her family in Tanglewood in Bainbridge Township and is also a lifelong parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Church.
Bridey exemplifies the conservative values of Geauga County.
As an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, Bridey Matheney has both the civil and criminal law experience necessary to handle any type of case that court of common pleas judges hear. She is bright, talented, and more than ready to step up and serve the needs of the residents of Geauga County in a firm but fair manner.
Bridey is the type of person who will enforce the law without a personal agenda, bias or gain.
The choice for judge of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas has the potential to shape the court for many years and Bridey Matheney, if elected, could serve well more than just one term. This is particularly important for us to have stability and continuity in the Geauga County Court.
Please join us and vote for Mary Brigid Matheney on March 15 for Judge of the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas.
Bill and Nancy Koons
South Russell Village
Qualified, Dedicated Candidate
I am voting for Mary Brigid Matheney for Common Pleas Judge on March 15. Bridey is presently the Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor for Chester Township and other county offices.
I have known Bridey for many years both personally and professional. On a professional level, her skill as an attorney and assistant prosecutor is unequalled in the county. Her knowledge of the law is excellent, as proven by the cases she has handled both far Chester, other townships and the county offices.
I think a judge has to have several traits that give them the capacity to judge any case before them. She possesses all of them.
She is very knowledgeable of the law, something any judge must possess to sit in judgment of any legal matter.
She is compassionate, but firm. Every judge should have a sense of feeling for the people that would appear before them.
Bridey was born and raised in South Russell. She and her husband Matt are raising their family in Bainbridge. Because she is a lifelong Geauga resident, she possesses a unique perspective and extraordinary knowledge of the problems and issues that we face on a daily basis.
As a mother and wife, she is aware of the problems families face today and will bring to the job of Judge an understanding of the issues.
As a lifelong parishioner of St. Joan of Arc, she will bring to the job a unique perspective and knowledge of events around her.
And last, but not least, is her success as a litigator on behalf of the residents of the county. She has no equal in her job and would bring all these outstanding traits to the job.
I encourage you to vote for Mary Brigid Matheney on March 15 to ensure we have in office a qualified and dedicated Common Pleas Judge.
Clay Lawrence
Chester Township
Efficient, Effective Service
I would like to encourage residents to re-elect Sharon Gingerich as Geauga County recorder, a position she has held for the last seven and one half years.
During her tenure, in 2012, she helped initiate the Good Deeds program in conjunction with the Probate/Juvenile Court and the Geauga County Bar Association. It’s purpose is to help county residents understand their homeowner’s deed and more knowledgeably prepare for the transfer of it, if necessary, upon death.
Since 2013, in conjunction with the Veterans’ Services Commission, Sharon has issued over 1,000 photo ID cards to veterans living in Geauga upon receiving their military discharge paperwork, thus eliminating the need to carry with them their original discharge papers.
As a resident of Geauga County for 63, raising her family here, Sharon is passionate about serving this county, working full time, overseeing all aspects of the office on a daily basis.
To that end, Sharon and her staff initiated eRecording, upgraded equipment and digitized over 850,000 document pages pertaining to the county.
Additionally, she meets quarterly meets with other area recorders to learn from, share with and assist each other.
I first met Sharon about eight years ago when she was initially campaigning for this position with her beloved dog Duke.
In the meantime, we became re-acquainted through the Burton-Middlefield Rotary, a service organization of which she and my husband are members. She is an active member, not only of that, but also of the Geauga Farm Bureau, the Geauga Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Western Reserve Friends NRA among others.
In cooperation with the Totally Dogs 4-H Club, Sharon hosts an annual fundraiser for the Geauga Dog Shelter.
I believe Sharon to be a person of integrity, whose innovative and diligent work habits have significantly benefitted our county.
I stand with others in support of Sharon so that the Geauga County Recorders Office can continue its efficient and effective service to the county.
Beth M. Croup
Claridon Township
‘We Need Nancy’
I am writing to endorse Nancy MacArthur for County Commissioner and asking all Republicans to vote for Nancy.
I have known Nancy for several years. I have worked with her in both the public and private sector. She will make a fantastic Commissioner. She is trustworthy, knowledgeable and she really cares about our County.
We need Nancy! Right now we have lost the opportunity to acquire $1 million to $2 million from NOACA alone. Her opponent has dropped the ball. Nancy can pick it up and bring monies back to our county.
Nancy has shown proven conservative leadership. Let’s make Nancy our next commissioner and bring true leadership and care back to the commissioners office.
John Park
City of Chardon
