Primary 2024: Letters to the Editor
What’s Happening in Geauga?
What is the responsibility and purpose of a county commissioner. It’s time we seriously research the purpose, responsibilities and the background of all candidates running for office. What is their voting history? What are their qualifications? What are their accomplishments? How long have they lived in Geauga County? DO they listen to the needs of the people or are they only a new name in an existence of an old GOP establishment that is leaning toward a liberal agenda?
I have lived in Chesterland for 77 years. I have seen many changes; some are good and some not so good. The expansion of our federal government has trickled down to our local levels. Yes, there is corruption in Geauga County, too. In my opinion, our conservative Republican party is disintegrating into pieces that follow the money, raise our taxes at the bequest of state reevaluations, add service charges for our septic tanks, and through NOACA have electric car service stations in Middlefield and Chesterland.
And who do you think will eventually be footing the bill? Us, yes, us and our children.
Tell me why we need service stations in the farm country where farm equipment, trucks and horse and buggies are primary transportation, and why are the taxes increasing exponentially. This is only the beginning.
If we want to maintain our rural environment and values, we must work together to make it happen. We must choose our representatives carefully and thoughtfully. They work for us.
Our commissioners are the executive and administrative body of our county. They oversee the finances for our county: purchases, taxes, capital improvement, etc.
So, after careful consideration, I encourage you to support Walter (Skip) Claypool for reelection.
Carol Smith
Chester Township
Vote for Claypool
I support Walter “Skip” Claypool for Geauga County Commissioner. Skip has a proven record that he supports the citizens of Geauga County.
Skip has served as a Trustee for Chester Township, a member of the Geauga County Planning Board, and he also served four years as Geauga County Commissioner.
Skip has also worked to preserve Geauga zoning, housing and land use from NOACA.
Skip Claypool has integrity, knowledge and experience to maintain our county as a rural county.
Please vote for Walter “Skip” Claypool on March 19.
Susan Cierebiej
Chester Township
Claypool: Courage, Conviction, Optimism = Leadership
I am writing to give my strong endorsement to Skip Claypool for Geauga County Commissioner. Skip exhibits many characteristics of good leadership, but in my opinion, chief among them being courage, conviction and optimism.
Skip has the courage to ask difficult questions, to challenge the status quo, when necessary, to serve his community during challenging times. Skip is genuine and has the conviction to stand by his beliefs rather than changing like a chameleon depending upon the audience. I have never known anyone to work more diligently, tirelessly and with as much love for his community than Skip — both as an elected official and as a regular, everyday Geauga County resident.
Skip also has a clear-sighted optimism. Not a naïve sort of optimism, but the type of optimism that sees a challenge, embraces inner strength, and fully believes that with hard work, commitment, passion and spirit we can together tackle any challenges that come our way if we’re only willing to try. He is the antitheses to complacency and apathy.
If you may be someone frustrated with the state of the world, the nation and the county, but find that you lack the courage, conviction and optimism to do anything about it, Skip has plenty of all three qualities to represent you, and all of us, and to be our voice.
Be warned though . . . these qualities are contagious. The longer I’ve known Skip, the more courageous, optimistic and full of conviction I have become. If Skip can have that type of positive impact on just one person, imagine what good he can do for our county.
Lisa Luoma
Munson Township
Brakey Dedicated to Geauga
I am writing to express my family’s support for Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner in the upcoming March 19 election.
We met Carolyn and her family several years ago when they became involved in our small group bible study. We have been amazed at her hard work and dedication to Geauga County, and her unwavering walk of faith.
Her courage and action while on the Geauga County Board of Health had a direct impact on our family, as our oldest son was enrolled in kindergarten in a district that was mandating masks. She was able to accomplish something that we, as individuals, felt helpless to change. And, in doing so, empowered us to educate ourselves on our rights as parents and citizens of this great county.
We will be voting Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner and encourage all our friends and family to do the same.
Jameson & Anne Sports
Newbury Township
Brakey Brings Fresh Conservative Leadership
Carolyn Brakey has my support for Geauga County Commissioner in the March 19 Republican primary election.
Carolyn has demonstrated exceptional leadership as President of the Board of Geauga Public Health, saving money and defending freedoms for Geauga residents.
Carolyn’s work eliminating the For Sale of Property (FSOP) septic inspection program showcases her commitment to effective principled governance. By ending this costly program, in advance of the looming state-mandated Operation and Management program requirements, Carolyn demonstrated resident-minded decision-making, while transitioning toward more proactive solutions for clean water.
Carolyn Brakey’s foresight and dedication to innovative policies exemplify the kind of leadership Geauga County needs. She will bring fresh conservative leadership to Geauga County as our Commissioner — and that is why Carolyn Brakey has my vote!
Cassie Plott
Montville Township
Brakey Brings Order to Chaos
Only a few years ago, Carolyn Brakey arrived on the political scene as a mom fighting for the rights of local families — and, fortunately for Geauga County, she is here to stay!
As President for Geauga Public Health (GPH), Carolyn has led the charge for conservative reforms for an organization that had serious problems prior to her arrival.
Before 2020, Carolyn was a mom focused on her family, not on politics. But overreaching COVID policies hurt Geauga families too often for too long. That’s why Carolyn won a seat on the Board of Health and authored Ohio’s first COVID guidance that recommended against forced masking in schools and quarantining healthy people. Carolyn’s guidance set off a chain reaction across Ohio, ending Covid madness once and for all.
Other than GPH board members and staff, I doubt anyone in Geauga County has attended more Board of Health meetings in the last three years than myself. During that time, I have witnessed how Carolyn professionally collaborates with other board members, staff and residents — bringing order to the previous chaos that once dominated the department. Under Carolyn’s leadership, GPH has transformed from one of the worst run — and most overreaching — departments in our county to its best and most aligned with Geauga values.
Carolyn isn’t just running for commissioner for the fun of it, running against someone else or because others have asked her to run. Carolyn Brakey is running for Commissioner to continue serving the people of Geauga. For the past year, she has been attending commissioner meetings and educating herself on the inner workings of Geauga County government. I can’t wait to see Carolyn bring the same conservative, liberty-minded solutions to the Board of Commissioners that she brought to the Board of Health.
I invite you to join me and vote for Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner on March 19.
Vickie List
Claridon Township
Supporting Skip for County Commissioner
The County Commissioner position requires a candidate who can put their boots on the ground and do the work on day one.
A Commissioner who has sound judgement, proven successful administrative skills, an investigative mind and never loses focus on supporting Geauga County residents.
Formerly as Commissioner, he visited the White House and sought out contacts and support of the Department of Agriculture to benefit Geauga farmers.
Skip Claypool is sharp as a tack, making sound decisions on current issues while adhering to long-term goals. He can discern the necessary from the ‘nice to do,’ finding solutions with strong due diligence on the county budget. He can keep Geauga in control of its services and not sell them out to other jurisdictions.
The Geauga County Health Department has been placed in the control of Lake County. How did that happen? Employees have been transferred to the higher-salary schedule of Lake County. Imagine, if Geauga chooses to contract those employees back, literally lease them from Lake County, it will cost more.
Skip has administrative experience in government and the private sector, and he knows that once you abdicate your authority, it is hard to get it back. This is not a sound decision for the citizens of Geauga.
Skip is not a grandstander; he works to solve problems and address issues. Let’s give the reins to Walter “Skip” Claypool who has the tools to get the job done.
Bill Winans
Newbury Township
Brakey: Proven Record of Defending Freedom
I am voting Carolyn Brakey for Geauga Commissioner in the upcoming March 19 Republican primary.
Carolyn is smart, energetic and dedicated to our freedoms.
In addition to having great values, she also possesses the ability to take on challenges (such as overbearing COVID-era policies) with a learning mindset and is uniquely effective in her process to analyze the best solutions.
Her work with the Geauga Board of Health has been outstanding, as she championed policies that encourage freedom and parental authority.
Carolyn Brakey has a proven record defending freedom. She has my vote!
David Barr
Auburn Township
Claypool, Spidalieri on March 19
I’m voting for Walter “Skip” Claypool and Ralph Spidalieri for Geauga County Commissioner. These gentlemen have both demonstrated their integrity and competence.
Claypool and Spidalieri have had direct experience making excellent decisions about the many weighty matters facing Geauga County.
NOACA continues its attempts to expand its overreach into Geauga County. It vitally important to have Commissioners who push back on urbanization and socialistic regional governance. We need Commissioners who understand NOACA and how the move toward regional government is the leading edge of socialistic UN Agenda 2021/2030.
NOACA’s overreach is seen by attempting to gain control over our air and water (and lives) with their woke “Climate Action Plan.”
Claypool is the foremost expert on all things NOACA. He studied Geauga’s gasoline taxes (tens of millions of dollars) showing these get sent to Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. This is where NOACA gets its resources, subsequently used against us. Consider NOACA-loved eCheck.
We already have one Commissioner, defeated as a Democrat, then enticed into running as a Republican by our very own GOP “Chair.” That same Chair’s ignorance regarding NOACA makes for more regionalization. She, in my opinion, is influenced by the Democrat in GOP sheep’s clothing. That Democrat received thousands of dollars from virtually every labor union in Cuyahoga County. Why, because of his love affair with regionalism’s destructive socialistic effects on our beautiful, peaceful rural lifestyle.
Preventing NOACA from any further gains in Geauga County is imperative to maintain our wonderful God-given rural lifestyle.
Can we have a Commissioner who voted for Obama and only recently became a Republican?
Or who actively recruits Democrats to run as Republicans? No!
Vote for Claypool and Spidalieri, tried and true Republicans.
James R. MacNeal
Troy Township
Claypool, Spidalieri Have Geauga’s Best Interest
My fellow citizens of Geauga County. I have lived her for the past seven years and have grown to love my community and what it represents.
Over the past few years, I have noticed the change in beliefs and how certain public officials have placed their interests first and not what is best for our county/country. Since the election of 2020, I believe we have been awakened to the corruption and deceit of our elected and appointed public officers.
We need now to be aware and educate ourselves to be informed on who we support and elect. Hold those who we elect accountable for their decisions and actions. We must support those who hold the values we need to move forward and protect what is important to our faith and culture of the community. Just because they have (R) or (D) behind their name, that should not be the only factor in deciding who to vote for.
I do not hold anything personal against any fellow Republican or Democrat and would not speak ill against them. I’m sure they are good people, but they do not have the interests of the people of Geauga and/or the leadership that is necessary to turn things around.
With this said, I am endorsing Skip Claypool and Ralph Spidalieri for county commissioner. They have the experience and knowledge to lead us back to keeping Geauga a sovereign county and maintaining the culture of Geauga and preserving its unique characteristics.
Skip and Ralph have the heart and the best interests of Geauga. The leadership in Geauga needs to be changed and brought back to “we the people.” So-called Republicans, who were former Democrats, need to know that we uphold our county values, beliefs and culture and we do not want it to change.
Please join me and my fellow constituents in voting for Skip Claypool, Ralph Spidaleri and Bernie Moreno.
Dyanne Giammaria
Chester Township
McArthur is a Proven Leader
GOP Chair Nancy McArthur is a proven leader.
Recently, CCP (Claypool Cult People) member Jim MacNeal wrote a negative letter. MacNeal and I are both members of the GOP Executive Committee. His disdain originates from Nancy McArthur’s refusal to allow him to disrupt GOP Executive Committee meetings.
MacNeal improperly raised procedural issues that Nancy McArthur handled correctly, judiciously, and then properly proceeded to address agenda business. In fact, a majority of the Executive Committee members voiced displeasure at MacNeal’s tactics.
MacNeal alleges McArthur “illegally and unilaterally decided to exclude” persons from an Executive Committee meeting. I attended that meeting and the GOP Executive Committee, as a whole, in proper and fair procedural action, voted to exclude outside persons.
MacNeal alleges McArthur ‘continually violates’ Robert’s Rules of Order, yet each time MacNeal has raised an issue, the meeting parliamentarian has sided with Nancy McArthur, so it is obvious that MacNeal’s “knowledge of RRO is abysmally inadequate.”
In true CCP fashion, MacNeal interprets rules to fit his own disruptive devices instead of fairly following the actual rules. Nancy McArthur fairly and accurately follows the rules to efficiently address and advance proper business issues. Nancy McArthur has been an exemplary Chair of the GOP Executive Committee.
Nancy McArthur has additional leadership and executive experience as a former Chardon City Councilman and Mayor.
Nancy McArthur has the experience, skills and drive to be an excellent Geauga County Commissioner.
Tim Snyder
Burton Township
Fight-for-Geauga Track Record
Why we are voting Skip Claypool and Ralph Spidalieri for Geauga County Commissioner on March 19:
Several big issues loom large that stand to fundamentally change Geauga County. We need proven leadership and experience to deal with them. Here are two big ones:
1) The state of Ohio is making moves to take away zoning authority from Geauga’s townships and give it to the state. Instead of deciding locally what can be built and where, these decisions would move to Columbus. This means that things like high-density housing and low-income, Section 8 housing might be put virtually anywhere in any township, with little or no local input.
The argument will undoubtedly be made that eliminating local zoning committees will save some small amount of money, and certain politicians would likely claim that as a victory, but flash forward some years and Geauga could be loaded with mass-housing projects and their associated baggage. Our family watched this happen to East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights and places like it.
Major projects like these stand to make a lot of money for a small group of people and bring all sorts of sweet deals to providers of utilities, construction, energy, and contract services, but destroy rural counties like Geauga.
2) Cleveland-based NOACA has a long history of collecting taxes from Geauga and providing little good in return, and now has its sights set on controlling virtually all aspects of life in Geauga via what it calls a “Climate Action Plan.”
Generalized regional planning coming out of Germany is being used in order to try to take over air, water, farming, agriculture, transportation, energy, and much more, usurping local government.
Embedded in this plan is a great deal of racism and activism, and Geauga’s rural/agricultural nature is viewed as an enemy of progress.
Tax money collected in Geauga County should not be used to fund anti-rural globalist projects decided on by a board that has a majority of urban-focused, Cuyahoga County votes. We need Commissioners who will fight this, not go along with it.
This is why we are going with the proven, fight-for-Geauga track records of Skip Claypool and Ralph Spidalieri. Our county is at a crossroads now and the stakes are very high. Skip and Ralph understand what is at stake and will serve the interests of Geauga County, ready to go on day one with an intimate understanding of the office and no learning curve.
This race should not be a popularity contest. Put simply, it’s a job interview. These two candidates both have vast experience and a track record of getting good thigs done and protecting our county.
Jonathan & Tiffanie Broadbent
Newbury Township
O’Toole for Appellate Court
I encourage Geauga residents to vote for Colleen Mary O’Toole in the March 19 Republican primary for judge in the 11th District Court of Appeals.
Colleen is a law-and-order conservative and will interpret the law, not make it. She has a passion for public service and is in touch with our community.
As a lawyer, prosecutor and judge, Colleen has shown her fair and impartial approach to all situations. She is considerate of all individuals and works hard to serve those most in need of her services.
Colleen has the experience and temperament we deserve from our judges.
I am voting for Colleen Mary O’Toole in the March 19 Republican primary. So should you.
Vicki O’Malley
South Russell Village
‘Better with Brakey’
Carolyn Brakey is running for Geauga County Commissioner. She’s not a career politician. She’s a well-educated concerned citizen of our county with a deep desire to make Geauga County a better place to live for her family and all other concerned citizens.
When the recent Ohio property valuations and the tax hikes were announced, Carolyn didn’t sit idly by. She started getting petitions signed and presented them to our state Sen. Sandy O’Brien on behalf of all Geauga residents. Thanks to her quick action, other county leaders jumped on board and were able to achieve some reductions.
Carolyn will thoroughly research a situation and present the facts truthfully. She will be a watch dog of taxpayer monies as County Commissioner. She’s not afraid to tackle the “status quo” mindset.
I have known her to be a great asset to our county. That’s why I proudly voted for her and I’m asking you to vote for her, too. Let’s all make Geauga “Better With Brakey.”
Barbara Walter
City of Chardon
Geauga Deserve Full-Time Commissioner
I encourage all Geauga County Republican voters to select Nancy McArthur for Geauga County Commissioner on March 19.
Nancy is an experienced community leader, having served over a decade on Chardon City Council, including time as Council President and Mayor. During her time on Council, Nancy chaired the Economic Development Committee and the Finance Committee.
Nancy brings to public service her decades of private sector experience in business development and working with small businesses. She will bring to the role of County Commissioner a healthy perspective on the needs of businesses and how economic development and growth can benefit the citizens of Geauga County.
Nancy is committed to the Republican Party. She is an alternate delegate for this year’s Republican National Convention, a post she also held in 2020.
She has been Chair of the Geauga County Republican Party since 2012. In that role, she works tirelessly promoting and helping Republican candidates in the county and in Ohio. As Chair, I have seen her personal commitment to bringing unity and harmony to the Geauga County Republican Party, a task not unlike herding cats — a skill set which will serve her well as a County Commissioner.
Nancy is a dedicated public servant who will put the interests of Geauga County and its residents first and foremost, and who will give the job of County Commissioner her undivided attention. The residents of our great county deserve nothing less.
Please join me in voting for Nancy McArthur for County Commissioner on March 19.
Todd Palmer
Bainbridge Township
Brakey Embodies Leadership Qualities
I am writing to express my strong endorsement of Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner.
A political campaign often reveals a candidate’s true character, and Carolyn has consistently demonstrated objectivity, class and determination. She has focused on what truly matters: The betterment of our county and its residents.
Carolyn’s dedication to serving as Geauga County Commissioner stems from her desire to uphold the values cherished by herself and many other residents, including myself.
During a speech at the Health District Advisory Board meeting, while pursuing a seat on the Geauga County Board of Health, Carolyn emphasized her commitment to protecting family, faith and combating government dysfunction. These values remain at the core of her every action to this day.
Having served alongside Carolyn on the Board of Health for the past two years, I have witnessed her unwavering dedication to these principles and her vision for Geauga County.
Carolyn’s integrity sets her apart, as she has actively participated in initiatives like the Parkman Well Project and worked tirelessly to prevent property tax increases in the county.
She not only seeks to hold the position of Commissioner but is deeply invested in the well-being of our county, engaging with the community and residents beyond mere attendance at meetings.
Her leadership qualities shine through in her decision-making process, which involves understanding the impact on the people she serves and asking pertinent questions.
Carolyn’s humility, empathy and reasonableness make her a trustworthy leader.
As an accomplished attorney, local business owner and mother, she brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy and ethical standards to the table.
Carolyn’s ability to collaborate with individuals holding differing views underscores her commitment to working toward a common goal of enhancing our county, even in the face of challenges. Geauga County stands to benefit from her fresh perspective, innovative ideas and diverse expertise.
As a lifelong resident of Geauga County, I have observed the deterioration of our political landscape into dysfunction. We are in need of a change, from self-serving career politicians to leaders who prioritize the community’s interests.
Carolyn embodies the qualities of a leader: a successful businesswoman, a mother and a role model. Her ideals, determination, humility, objectivity and perseverance make her the ideal candidate for Geauga County Commissioner.
Ashley M. Jones
Newbury Township
Goodbye Claypool
We need to say our final goodbye to Skip Claypool.
The voters of Geauga County have a big decision March 19 on two commissioner positions. One has Ralph Spidalieri, who said he does not want to become a career politician and would only serve three terms. I guess he’s changed his mind, as he’s running for a fourth.
The position I am most concerned about though is the position being vacated by Commissioner Tim Lennon. Seems he is honoring his commitment not to be a career politician.
The two candidates hoping to replace him are Carolyn Brakey and ex-commissioner Skip Claypool. Mr. Claypool, along with Mr. Spidalieri, brought in a period of infighting that has cost Geauga Countians hundreds of thousands of dollars in outside legal fees. They placed political cronies on important county boards often making them, and the county, an embarrassment in the state.
Let us also not forget that Mr. Claypool was the main proponent of the 2017 driver tax that cost Geauga Countians $1.3 million. I have labeled this the “Skip Tax.”
Please, we’ve turned this man away three times now because we don’t want his brand of governance. Let us make it a fourth. I am voting for Carolyn Brakey for commissioner on March 19.
Mike Nolan
Chardon Township
Brakey: Honest, Ethical Candidate
I am proud of Carolyn Brakey for running a positive and focused campaign for Geauga County Commissioner. However, as her husband, I feel compelled to respond to the mudslinging, half-truths and outright lies from her opponent (and now his wife).
At the start of 2020, Carolyn was not politically active. We were Republicans by our values and votes in November, but we were focused on our family and careers — not politics.
Then, in March of that same year, mere months before our twins were set to enter kindergarten, COVID panic robbed our freedoms in ways we never could have imagined.
In response, Carolyn sought and secured a position on the Board of Health with a singular mission: To put an end to oppressive COVID restrictions in Geauga County.
Shortly after her appointment, Carolyn Brakey bravely authored Ohio’s first school COVID guidance that affirmed parental choice, expressly recommending against forced masking. Mask mandates in Geauga County schools crumbled immediately thereafter with the rest of the state following Geauga’s lead.
Carolyn’s opponent has accused her of not being a lifetime political partisan — and he is absolutely right. Carolyn was focused on our family, not on politics. But when politics came for Geauga’s families, she victoriously fought for our county’s kids.
Carolyn’s opponent seeks to divert attention, not only from her conservative accomplishments, but also from his own perpetual conflicts, constant contrarianism and ineffectiveness. In an attempt to do so, he has resorted to wild claims attacking my wife’s Republican credibility, referencing a ballot cast nearly two decades ago when she was a student in her 20s.
Ironically, according to public records, Skip Claypool and his wife were both registered Democrats well into their 40s — old enough to know better and older than my wife and I are today. Personally, I don’t begrudge either of them for changing their mind. I wish more longstanding Democrats like the Claypools would do so.
Skip Claypool was a Democrat until he was 48 — but that shouldn’t disqualify him with Republican voters. He should be judged based on the person he is today — a man in a glass house throwing stones.
To that end, it is fair for voters to consider whether a candidate is conducting an honest and ethical campaign; whether a candidate is living up to the same standards that he expects you to judge his opponent by.
On March 19, please vote for my wife, Carolyn Brakey — the honest and ethical candidate in this race for Geauga County Commissioner.
Matt Brakey
Russell Township
McArthur is Best Candidate
Nancy McArthur will be the best Commissioner!
I have worked side by side with Nancy since I was elected Vice Chairman of the Geauga County Republican Party in 2019. With her tremendous help, I achieved my goals to raise money to assist our candidates running for office and provide accurate and timely election information to the Geauga County residents.
Nancy and I did this through vending at our tent at The Geauga County Fair in 2019 and 2021. There was no fair in 2020 due to COVID. Nancy put it all together with me and gave a tremendous amount of time to make the Geauga County Republican Party Tent at the fair the tent to be tremendously proud of!
Nancy is a very fiscally responsible conservative who will embrace new ideas and will lead us in the right direction. She is totally dedicated to the Geauga County Republican Party of which she is the Chairman.
I know she will be totally dedicated to serving as our Commissioner and putting in the time needed to represent us. Unlike her opponent.
Please join me in voting for Nancy McArthur in the Republican Primary on March 19. I promise you will not be disappointed. Nancy is the best person for the position.
Mary Zettelmeyer
Geauga County Republican Party Executive Committee
Russell Township
Geauga Deserves Better, Not a Bully
Skip Claypool is (again) running for County Commissioner.
I’ve sat in on multiple Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services meetings and watched him berate, degrade and attempt to humiliate women. That’s why it came as no surprise to me that Skip cost Chester taxpayers hundreds of thousands in legal costs because of his “misogynistic, narrow-minded thinking [that] has impacted not only the fire department but the residents of Chester Township for years to come,” according to Chester’s former female deputy fire chief.
Now Skip disturbingly has Carolyn Brakey in his crosshairs. Skip will tell all who will listen that he told Carolyn he was willing to drop out of the race, but Carolyn was allegedly “terse” with him. If you know Skip, he’s probably told the same story to you. In telling this story, Skip sees himself as the good guy. This man has orchestrated an entire county commissioner campaign, publishing weekly full-page ads to disparage his opponent, spreading slander to any who will listen, all because Carolyn refused to stroke his ego.
It has nothing to do with her politics. It has nothing to do with her qualifications. It has everything to do with Skip’s narcissism.
Skip Claypool is a bully to women. In Carolyn Brakey, he has met his match. On the Board of Health, Carolyn has taken on COVID bullies, big government bullies, and rent-seeking bullies. She has professionally delivered conservative solutions in challenging circumstances. I have no concern she can handle the likes of Skip Claypool.
On March 19, I will be voting Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner — the candidate committed to public service, not self-aggrandizement.
Susan Parker
Hambden Township
Brakey for County Commissioner
I felt compelled to write this letter to rebut the notion being floated that Carolyn Brakey is unproven. The same appeal to the “status quo” was used to argue against her appointment to the health board in 2022. The residents, who showed up in overwhelming support of her for that appointment, didn’t buy it then and we don’t buy it now. Carolyn is the candidate who will affect real change.
Carolyn won that appointment and quickly became a positive force helping Geauga County take a leading role in ensuring citizens’ rights to health and freedom from harmful mandates related to COVID-19. She was subsequently rewarded for her leadership when she was unanimously elected to be president of the health board in 2023. I have spoken with several people on the health board who elected her to that role and I assure you they would scoff at the idea that Carolyn is unproven.
Carolyn Brakey is a successful attorney and business woman who has taken time away from her wonderful family to serve her community. I for one would greatly appreciate her leadership to continue into the office of commissioner. Real change takes strong morals, integrity and courage. Carolyn has these in spades.
Help protect the rights and freedoms of our great county. Vote Carolyn Brakey to be the Republican candidate for Geauga County Commissioner.
Scott Casteel
Munson Township
Faith, Values, Family Guide Brakey
Carolyn Brakey has my endorsement for Geauga County Commissioner.
Integrity can be a rare quality among candidates on the ballot. That’s why Carolyn stands out — not just for her impressive legal and engineering background, but also for the values that guide her.
Carolyn’s steadfast faith and commitment to family, a cornerstone of our Geauga values, is evident in both her personal and professional life.
As a Hamden Trustee, I’ve witnessed her dedication to community well-being. Carolyn’s approach is unique, bringing fresh perspectives to the table. In a world where trust is paramount, she exemplifies honesty and principled leadership.
I invite all voters to join me in supporting Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner on March 19.
Dave Johnson, Trustee
Hamden Township
Brakey Brings Fresh Air to Office
It is time for fresh air in the Geauga County Commissioners office. That is why I am supporting Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner.
Carolyn is that candidate with a studied knowledge of Geauga County, its history, its problems, its attributes and the right solutions to represent all the people of Geauga County.
Carolyn is on top of all taxing issues and has the legal experience to try to save taxpayers money, just like she has done on the Board of Health.
Please join me in voting for Carolyn Brakey on March 19.
Sue Bagley
Bainbridge Township
Spidalieri Serves Constituents
Ralph Spidilieri has been a GC commissioner since 2011. Do you ever wonder why you haven’t heard a lot of negatives about him? The reason is because there are few. In fact, far fewer than other candidates running for office these days!
One complaint is that he’s not always available for people in GC. On the rare occasion when he’s not at a commissioners meeting or can’t return a phone call immediately, it’s because he’s serving his constituents in a number of other ways. He’s involved with law enforcement to protect us, he runs a business, plus heads an active charity organization, which is currently raising funds for a 6-yr-old who has brain cancer.
Somehow Ralph still makes the time to bring everything together for GC citizens. Need I say more? (Besides vote for Ralph Spidalieri for Commissioner.)
Christine Stenzel
Munson Township
Brakey: Sensible Champion for Taxpayers
Carolyn Brakey, a sensible champion for taxpayers, is running for Geauga County Commissioner.
In this era of inflation, it is imperative we keep county taxes and spending low. Carolyn has demonstrated such leadership already.
On the Board of Health, Carolyn was presented with a choice: raise taxes or cut services. Instead, Carolyn identified and cut bureaucratic redundancy, saving over a half million dollars every year and avoiding a tax hike.
When the State of Ohio ordered property revaluations that would have led to a $9.6 million tax hike on Geauga property owners, Carolyn mobilized over 1,750 residents in a petition effort for tax relief, delivering results from local officials.
To keep Geauga government small, collaborative and efficient, on March 19 I’m voting Carolyn Brakey, Republican for Geauga Commissioner.
Arjen Peirce
Newbury Township
Claypool Derangement Syndrome?
If you’re not a Skip Claypool fan, ask yourself what the real reason is. One possibility is that he brings many uncomfortable topics to the surface the citizens of Geauga County wouldn’t otherwise know existed. One example of this is his unveiling of Cuyahoga County’s tyrannical directives, via NOACA, which, like it or not, will affect all our lives here in Geauga County in many negative ways. Skip addresses this with facts that he can back, gives resources for you to research those facts and comes up with possible solutions.
Instead of being grateful for that, voters run the other way, finding Skip’s truths abrasive. Skip has stood by his words and values, even though some of his opponents will point out an occasional human error.
Skip is willing to do the hard work, despite his naysayers’ words. He has proven that in the past elected positions he has held. That, I believe, is a stellar reason to vote for him once again as Commissioner.
Christine Stenzel
Munson Township
J’accuse
I am Michael McArthur, husband of Nancy McArthur, who is a candidate for Geauga County Commissioner.
Nancy was attacked in a letter by Pam Claypool that was most likely ghost written by her husband, Walter Claypool. Walter is running for a third time for Geauga County Commissioner.
It was a typical ad hominem attack by Walter “j’accuse” Claypool, an individual whose bread and butter is demonizing his opponents. Pam’s a letter was filled with manipulative falsehoods and accusations that would require too much space to properly address in this format.
Walter, from my observations, is a fanatic of his own fan club. He worships his own “conservative” image of which he is the ultimate “conservative standard” to which others must be judged. His allies have been and probably still are: Judge Grendell, James MacNeal, Ralph Spidalieri and litigator Brian Ames (who has cost our Geauga GOP Party thousands of dollars in defense of his frivolous and failed lawsuits).
Walter’s exploits his Tea Party organization for his own personal political platform and to also use it to attack Nancy and the Geauga Republican Party, which he unfortunately is a member.
Hypocrisy knows no bounds for Walter, while accusing his opponent Carolyn Brakey for being a former Democrat. Walter was recently exposed for being a Democrat himself who voted for Bill Clinton and his wife, Pam, who voted Democrat in 1990.
My wife, Nancy, has demonstrated her community commitment as the indefatigable Chairman of the Geauga County Republican Party, Chardon Council Member, Board of Elections Official, Mayor of Chardon, head of numerous city committees, including the driving force that finally resolved the building of our great Heritage House on the square.
All the vicious slings and arrows that have been shot at her by the likes of Walter Claypool and his allied supporters are because they have been threatened by her abilities, her competence, her incredible work ethic and her demand for public accountability.
Walter’s lies about Nancy have only strengthened her resolve to bring competence and accountability to the commissioner’s office.
J’accuse you Walter of being a manipulator, an ideologue and when it suits you, a liar. You are abrasive and do not attempt to get along with those who differ from you. You do not know how to work with people in a professional capacity.
Nancy is a listener, an evaluator, and results oriented. She is a consummate professional. Additionally, Nancy will be a tremendous improvement over her lazy opponent, Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri, who has been milking and bilking the public for far too long.
Make your vote truly count. Vote Nancy McArthur for Geauga County Commissioner.
Michael McArthur
City of Chardon
