Primary 2024: Letters to the Editor
Brakey Listens to People’s Voices
Looking forward to the March 19 Republican primary in Geauga County and, in particular, the race for County Commissioner. I encourage you to consider voting for Carolyn Brakey
In getting to know Carolyn since she ran for — and won — a seat on the Geauga County Board of Health, I have seen a woman with impeccable determination to bring about the best possible outcome for the citizens of this county. I have witnessed her work ethics and I applaud her humble nature.
On the Board of Health, Carolyn was presented with a choice: raise taxes or cut spending? After due diligence, Carolyn identified and helped to cut bureaucratic redundancy that resulted in saving a half million dollars every year without any reduction in services or a tax increase.
When the state of Ohio ordered our property revaluations, that would have led to a $9.6 million tax hike on Geauga County property owners, I watched Carolyn jump into action. She mobilized over 1,700 residents in a petition for tax relief. Watching her deliver these results to local officials on our behalf was refreshing.
With the way inflation is hitting us all, we need elected officials who are willing to get in the trenches with us. Carolyn displayed once again that she is willing to hear the voices of the people.
And, if given the opportunity, I believe she will be a positive leader on behalf of the taxpayers of Geauga County. Carolyn understands that many people simply cannot afford these continued tax hikes. Our elderly population on fixed incomes need leaders who will do everything possible to help them remain in their homes.
In Carolyn Brakey I also see a woman who understands the importance of defending our freedoms. I see a mother who understands protecting parental authority over government. When others were eager to dictate health decisions for school children, stripping authority away from families, Carolyn worked to repeal school mask mandates, and the policy that she championed became a model across Ohio. I watched her do this with a respectful attitude while standing firm on the facts.
I am confident that, if elected, Carolyn will have a willingness to listen to your voice. She may have to agree to disagree, but at the end of the day, I am confident that Carolyn will consider the magnitude of what is before her on your behalf.
It’s time for positive change within the office of Geauga County Commissioner.
Pam Crawford
Chardon Township
Brakey Cares, Gets Things Done
Carolyn Brakey cares about our communities and has demonstrated strong leadership.
In the face of Parkman Township’s well contamination crisis, Carolyn Brakey, president of the Board of Health, along with other county officials, swiftly tackled the salt contamination issue. The unwavering dedication of Geauga Public Health and its Board to secure state funding for drilling new wells demonstrates a deep commitment to the well-being of Parkman residents. It’s clear that Carolyn genuinely cares about the people she serves.
Carolyn Brakey has proven herself as a caring advocate who gets things done, making her an ideal choice on the ballot.
I invite all the people of Parkman Township — and the broader county — to join me in voting for Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner.
Mike Derifield
Parkman Township
