POLITICAL Letters to the Editor
April 9, 2026 by Submitted

Support Jim Dvorak for Re-election May 5

Jim Dvorak is an honest man who I have known for almost 30 years, going back to when he was a Trustee for Burton Township. Jim is seeking re-election as Geauga County Commissioner in 2026. I have always known him to be hardworking and dedicated over these years, particularly in his current role as County Commissioner.

Jim has always been forthright with me about his stance on the issues that he has faced and the reasons behind his actions. Jim has consistently been there to answer my concerns and give me thorough thoughts on the political landscape and the important issues in the areas he has served.

Jim was a great friend to my late husband and has always been willing to help wherever and whenever he can. We always knew Jim to be intentionally present, thoughtful and active in the community.

Jim Dvorak is a man of faith who has instituted the practice of beginning every meeting of the Geauga County Commissioners with a short prayer.

I will be voting to re-elect Jim Dvorak for Geauga County Commissioner in the Republican Primary on May 5. Please join me.

 Amy Kalal
Burton Township

Oluic, Finally a Clear Choice for Commissioner

Finally, the people of Geauga have a real impactful choice they can make in the upcoming primary election of May 5.

In the Republican primary’s County Commissioners race, the choice is very clear for either more of the same stodgy sleepy unaccountable Commissioner’s Office or an injection of vitality, communication and “can do” being offered by Steven Oluic.

When is the last time you even heard what the commissioners stand for or are doing with our tax money? Anybody vote on the building or location of the new county office building just constructed way outside of the county seat? Have a nice country drive if you must do any county business.

Anyone ask you to approve the recent commissioners shortening the length of meeting by shortening the amount of time citizens have to speak in their meetings? You didn’t want your voice heard anyway.

Anyone ask you to approve the transfer and closing of the dog shelter which Commissioner Dvorak proposed recently? Guess you and your rescue dog didn’t hear about that one either.

Did you know the commissioners voted to remove your representation of the Commissioner’s Office from the NOACA Board? Great, let’s allow Cuyahoga County to keep bullying us.

These are just a few examples of the lack of transparency coming from the Commissioner’s Office and the lack of your voice in the process.

Just listen to Steven speak in person, on various podcasts, and in his advertisements. You will get a sense of the passion he feels for the issues that is lacking in abundance on the current board. With his ‘take charge’ attitude and military mission-based background, you can be certain there will be someone accountable at the wheel.

As our elections work in the county, the election is often decided in the primary, so it is critical that you vote and vote now in the Republican primary. Do not wait for the general election in the fall as your choices will become limited to none. So, send out your vote like a ray of light in this primary. Let your vote become part of a bright glow for Geauga.

Keith Kornell
Hambden Township

Experience Matters and Dvorak Has It

As generational residents of Geauga County, our families have witnessed the growth that has made our county one of the most desirable areas in Ohio to live and work. This success is not an accident of history, nor the result of clinging to the status quo. It comes from recognizing what works, what doesn’t and building on the lessons of experience.

Strong, competent leadership at the township, village/city and county levels is essential to sustaining that success. Jim Dvorak has consistently demonstrated that kind of leadership.

What are the qualities we should expect—and demand—from our elected officials?

  • Financial Responsibility – Jim has successfully managed taxpayer funds for more than 20 years at both the township and county levels. Despite the differences in scale, he has remained a careful and conservative steward, always focused on maximizing value for taxpayers.
  • Transparency – If you want to know where Jim stands, just ask. He is open, direct and willing to address difficult issues head-on. He has consistently brought attention to areas of concern and advocated for accountability.
  • Local Knowledge – As a regular reader of the Maple Leaf, it’s hard to miss Jim’s presence throughout the community—at charitable events, public meetings and gatherings across the county—engaging directly with residents.
  • Collaboration – Jim and his fellow commissioners have taken on transformative building projects that will benefit county residents for generations. That is not maintaining the status quo, that is leading progress.
  • Economic Development – Jim has supported businesses of all sizes, from local contractors to national and international employers, helping them navigate regulatory challenges and grow within our community.
  • Public Safety – Jim has worked closely with law enforcement at all levels to ensure they have the resources necessary to keep our homes and workplaces safe.

Jim Dvorak is experienced, engaged, trustworthy and hardworking. Most importantly, he is a community leader who puts his constituents first. He does not wait for others to act, he leads.

His experience matters and that merits our vote for Jim Dvorak in the upcoming May 5 primary.  

Paul Demko
Burton Village