Primary 2024: Letters to the Editor
Brakey for New Voice
I support Carolyn Brakey for Geauga County Commissioner.
Carolyn is focused on bringing transparency, accountability and public access to the Board of County Commissioners. She has a history of supporting live-streamed and recorded meetings for we the public while in her current board capacity, and I believe she will bring live-streaming and recorded meetings to the Commissioners’ Office.
Equally important, Carolyn has the ability to collaborate with residents, companies and elected officials. She’s focused on ending the dysfunction we have seen play out at the Geauga County Commissioners’ Office.
It’s time for a new voice and new perspectives. She offers positivity, humility and eagerness to bring leadership to the Commissioners’ Office.
We do not need to bring back her opponent’s dysfunction, arrogance and grandstanding to the Commissioners’ Office. And that’s why I’m supporting Carolyn Brakey for Commissioner.
Frank Antenucci
Montville Precinct B
Republican Central Committee
Brakey Will Put in Time and Effort
Carolyn Brakey was appointed to the board of health at a time of great turmoil at GPH and she and the board have been under intense scrutiny throughout her entire tenure.
Mrs. Brakey has made tough and sometimes unpopular decisions, and, importantly, she has not folded or wavered, which is easy for some people to do under the weight of public opinion.
In my opinion, those tough decisions have paid off for GPH and the residents of Geauga County who were spared an otherwise imminent levy increase from GPH due to the actions spearheaded by Mrs. Brakey.
Today, GPH is fully staffed and their customer service is the best it has been in recent memory. I was proud to vote for her as a member of the Health District Advisory Council that appoints BOH members and I will be proud to vote for her as our next county commissioner.
Mrs. Brakey is intelligent, dedicated and does her research to make an informed decision to the benefit of residents. Most importantly to me, she will put in the time and effort required to be an effective commissioner and steward of our tax dollars.
Chris Alusheff
Aquilla Village
Mr. Claypool is a Career Politician!
2018 – He lost his Republican Primary Election for Geauga County Commissioner
2020 – He announced he was going to be on the ballot for Ohio Senate District 18
2021 – He lost his Election for Chester Trustee
2022 – He lost his Republican Primary Election for Geauga County Commissioner
2024 – He is on the ballot March 19, 2024, again for Geauga County Commissioner
I live in Chester Township. As a Chester Trustee, he led the charge to put two employees on administrative leave with pay with no proof of any wrongdoing. With outside attorney fees, salaries, etc. that cost Chester taxpayers over $300,000.
As a Geauga County Commissioner, he led the charge to put the Executive Board of Mental Health Director on paid leave with no proof of any wrongdoing. That one cost the County taxpayers over $200,000.
There is good reason why voters in Geauga County voted no!
Geauga County does not need a career politician and certainly does not need one that abuses your tax dollar!
Use your good reason – Vote No Claypool – Vote Yes for Carolyn Brakey.
Lisa Omiecinski
Chester Township
Brakey Unites, Problem Solves
Many of you know my youngest son, Nick. He graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. One of his classmates in the Engineering program was Carolyn Brakey, who then went on to become an attorney.
As a young lady of strong character and integrity, she has become a formidable conservative woman worthy of your vote for Geauga County Commissioner in the March 19 Republican primary election and then in the general in November.
She has continued to work against unfair taxation and bad programs by leading 1,700 Geauga citizens in a petition drive for the Commissioners, urging them to lower inside millage in the unfair property tax hike debacle.
Carolyn has demonstrated exceptional leadership as President of the Board of Geauga Public Health, eliminating wasteful programs and defending freedoms for Geauga residents.
Her work in eliminating Geauga’s “For Sale of Property (FSOP)” septic inspection program shows her commitment to effective governance. By ending this costly program, in advance of state-mandated Operation and Management program requirements, Carolyn demonstrated her commitment to remove additional unnecessary financial burdens on the homeowner while coming up with proactive solutions for clean water.
Carolyn is someone who brings people together and solves problems rather than create them.
Bring common sense to our commissioner’s office. One person can make a huge difference for the better and that person is Carolyn Brakey.
Vote for Carolyn Brakey on March 19.
Sharon C. Gingerich
Former Geauga County Recorder
Claypool Works Tirelessly for Geauga County
I am writing this in support of Skip Claypool for Geauga County Commissioner. He has earned my support because he has been working for Geauga County since I first met him in 2008!
Skip has been a Chester Township Trustee, a member of the Geauga County Planning Board and Mental Health Board, and he was a Geauga County Commissioner for four years.
Skip is tireless in his efforts to preserve local control of zoning and has shown a light on the efforts of NOACA to control Geauga County zoning, housing and land use.
Skip knows the challenges facing our county and has the expertise and will to change things!
Vote Claypool March 19.
Elsie Tarczy
South Russell Village
Faith, Family, Community Fuel Brakey
Carolyn Brakey is a solid professional with a moral foundation — exactly what we need in our next Geauga County Commissioner to effectively fight for and defend our interests.
Carolyn has a strong commitment to God, family, and community.
I met Carolyn and her husband one evening at a Geauga GOP event. I was instantly impressed with her drive, professionalism and the positive impacts she had made in Geauga County.
Carolyn is an attorney with a background in mechanical engineering. I admire how she has used her talents to defend our freedoms and protect taxpayers on the Board of Health.
The very next morning after meeting Carolyn, I saw her again at church (which I learned we both happened to attend). I met her children and understood exactly why she is so invested: Carolyn wants to keep Geauga County as a great place to raise our families.
On March 19, please join me in supporting Carolyn Brakey – the County Commissioner candidate who is fueled by faith, family and community.
Melissa Bowdren
Auburn Township
Geauga Needs Claypool
I have known Skip Claypool for over 15 years, in which time he has shown himself to be a valuable and effective public servant of Geauga County residents.
He is widely experienced, having served on several county boards, as a Chester Township Trustee, and four years as a Geauga County Commissioner.
During his tenure as Commissioner, Mr. Claypool has shown his dedication to fiscal responsibility: The county’s long-term debt was paid off and over a half million dollars was saved in the county budget.
He has fought, and will continue to fight, for the Republican values of limited government and low taxes.
Mr. Claypool also has a proven track record of fighting outside interests like NOACA, which seek to take away Geauga sovereignty and threaten our rural culture.
As a longtime Geauga resident (almost 50 years), I ask that you join me in voting for Skip Claypool for Geauga County Commissioner on March 19. We need his experience and his tenacity to do the job that needs to be done.
Stephanie Snook
Bainbridge Township
Here Claypool Goes Again
Skip Claypool is at it again. He lost his race to be Chester Township Trustee, twice lost a race to be Geauga County Commissioner, yet here he is again.
I received Claypool’s misleading campaign literature. He claims to be a lifelong Republican, yet his verified voting record contradicts this. A ‘secret’ communication he sent out states he is “challenging that record,” however he does not deny it.
The Claypool propaganda states he “listens to Geauga citizens & cares about their input.” If you have ever attended a meeting with him, and, unfortunately, I have attended several, you know the office he should seek is Pope Skippy because he loves to pontificate. Listening is not in his skill set nor is working cooperatively.
I attended the NOACA meeting in Bainbridge as did Claypool. I am not on-board with the NOACA liberal agenda, but Claypool was disruptive and verbally encouraged others to disrupt a lawful meeting. Technical illegality aside, that is not characteristic of someone who claims to listen and be fit for public office.
Free speech is a Conservative value that he does not honor unless he is speaking. Our current VP is rightfully accused of spewing ‘word salad,’ but if you have ever listened to Claypool speak, he is master of the ‘word buffet.’ He spews more words than any person needs. He rambles on with numerous word-buffet entrees only interesting to him before randomly landing on a possibly pertinent topic.
The term RINO gets thrown around a lot, but in Claypool’s case he is an IKNOW. Just ask him, he will tell you even if no one else cares.
The role of county commissioner is to be open, accepting, and listening to the needs, concerns and views of Geauga residents. True to his IKNOW character, Claypool did not listen the last three times Geauga County Republican voters told him that he was the WRONG choice for elected office.
Once again, Skip Claypool is the wrong choice for Geauga County Commissioner. That is why I encourage Geauga voters to vote for Carolyn Brakey as County Commission on March 19.
Tim Snyder
Burton Village
Carolyn Brakey for County Commissioner
Carolyn Brakey is the stand-out candidate for the open seat as Geauga County Commissioner in the Republican primary.
Carolyn is an accomplished business attorney who values her role as a wife and mom. She has also well-served our county as the President of the Board of Geauga Public Health.
In her campaign for Commissioner, it has been refreshing to see Carolyn’s energy and intentional presence throughout the county. She has attended countless meetings and events over many months — always with a friendly smile and a listening ear.
I know Carolyn as a woman of faith and morality. She is a problem solver who will strive to uphold the best interests of Geauga residents.
Carolyn Brakey will be a trustworthy, approachable and reasoned Commissioner who will prioritize fiscal responsibility. Carolyn’s fair-minded demeanor will enable her to work respectfully with other officeholders to provide purposeful, transparent and consistent county leadership.
Impressively, true to her faith, she has continued to run a positive and civil campaign in the face of false and dishonorable attacks from her opponent.
Join me on March 19 to vote for Carolyn Brakey: an engaging candidate with fresh conservative ideas who activates the best in others.
Kathy Johnson
Chardon Township
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up
My name is Pam Claypool. Skip Claypool, candidate for County Commissioner, is my husband. I am going to tell you a story that is based on facts.
Recently you may have received a letter from Mrs. Brakey or Mrs. McArthur with a GOP indicia and a Republican Party logo. Mrs. Brakey’s letter makes it look as though the GOP has endorsed her. The fact is Mrs. Brakey is not endorsed by the Republican Party (GOP) and neither is Mrs. McArthur.
Mrs. McArthur is the Chairperson of the Geauga County GOP and approves who can receive the indicia. It is a flawed system (in my opinion). Fact: The indicia gives an advantage to the person using it because it lowers postage costs.
The GOP in Geauga County is governed by a Central Committee of approximately 78 elected citizens plus executive committee members (approximately 38) that the Chairperson nominates (they are not elected but they do vote). Each of you is represented by an elected Central Committee member.
Recently, Mrs. McArthur (GOP Chair) requested a Special Meeting to attempt to endorse candidates. A self-serving move by Mrs. McArthur hoping to gain the endorsement for herself and probably for Mrs. Brakey. The vote failed by a wide margin.
The State GOP has not endorsed any national or state candidates. Individuals have endorsed candidates but not the Party. Are we to believe that the Ohio GOP endorsed two commissioner candidates from Geauga County? They did not.
The fact is McArthur and Brakey have not been endorsed by the local or state GOP. While their letter states that the letter is paid for by the Republican Party, that is misleading because in the past candidates were obligated to reimburse the GOP for the cost of the mailing. You can’t make this stuff up.
I also want to say something about Skip. He is the most hardworking and tenacious person I know. He is a true conservative and no one in Geauga County (including our local GOP) worked harder to support Trump both in 2016 and 2020.
He has voted as a Republican in every primary since we have lived in Geauga (almost 20 years). He truly does love this County and the people in it and will work hard for you if you give him the chance.
Skip does his homework, gathers facts and searches for the truth regarding issues and challenges facing us as citizens. He has a keen sense for recognizing when activities outside our County are being pushed by politicians, legislators or unelected bureaucrats; policies and changes that will eventually impact us negatively.
He is not afraid to fight for our rural values. He is not an establishment politician — he does not ‘go along to get along’ if it means going against his conservative values and convictions. He will do the right thing.
I humbly ask for your vote for Skip for Commissioner on March 19.
Pam Claypool
Chester Township
Pump the Brakes on Brakey
Geauga County be advised.
Carolyn Brakey is unvetted and unknown.
Does Carolyn really have Geauga County values and a conservative stance?
Skepticism is advised until there is more known. Carolyn voted for Obama in 2008 and then voted Republican in 2022. Does a leopard really change their spots?
There are so many “politicians” saying they are “Republicans” when in fact they are what I would call “uniparty” or a Republic in name only (RINO).
You don’t need to look very far to see these examples. Look to the statehouse in Ohio and the look to the D.C. swamp that is literally full of examples.
Skip Claypool is vetted and known for his integrity and values in Geauga County.
Trust is earned and Skip has earned that trust.
Skip Claypool has my complete endorsement for county commissioner!
Sheena Watts
Burton Township
O’Toole for Court of Appeals
On March 19 I am asking you to vote for Colleen O’Toole for 11th District Court of Appeals in the Republican Primary.
O’Toole is an experienced judge who has served two terms on the Court of Appeals, been a county prosecutor and a private business owner. She is a conservative, lifelong Republican who knows the courts interpret the laws not make them.
Judge O’Toole’s opponent has no experience as a judge and has never tried a case In the Court of Appeals. In fact, not long ago he was running for the Ohio House as a Democrat.
We need experienced, conservative Republicans in our courts. O’Toole is the person for the job. She will uphold the Constitution and stand up for our Second Amendment rights. Please vote for Colleen O’Toole for 11th District Court of Appeals on March 19.
Gary Broska
Auburn Township
Claypool Most Experienced
I have worked along with Skip Claypool on different ventures.
I know he is very passionate for what is best for the residents and their communities they live in.
What I have seen with Carolyn Brakey is putting up signs everywhere, however, that is not really knowing who she really is. Plus, she places her signs in some locations without permission. What does that show you about her integrity.
Also check out her voting record, as you would be very surprised on who she voted for calling herself a republican.
She has sold our Geauga County sovereignty to Lake County, that means Lake County now runs our health department. Why would she do that to us the Geauga citizens? If she did that to us, what else is she capable of doing to us? What else would she take away from us?
There is a serious trust issue there and what she campaigns saying can’t be trusted. Comparing Skip to Carolyn, my vote is for Skip. Skip has years of a productive track record of compassion and integrity and has the most experience to be the next Geauga County Commissioner. Please visit his website (Skipclaypool.com) and see his qualifications.
Carol Byler
Chardon
Republicans, Don’t Be Fooled!
Republican absentee voters recently received a mailed candidate slate card to use when voting in the March 19 primary. This was not paid for or sent by the Geauga County Republican Party. It is not from anyone in Geauga County. It was sent by the ASHTABULA County Republican Party, not us. The Geauga County Republican Party did not endorse any candidates in the upcoming March 19 primary.
People not from Geauga County are trying to pretend we endorsed these candidates. Please do not be fooled by them.
The best thing Republicans in Geauga County can do is to get out to vote on March 19. There are several contested primary races including the U.S. Senate, Congressional D-14, State Senate D-32, Court of Appeals and County Commissioners. Please don’t let anyone hijack our county party. Research the candidates and make your own choice on March 19.
Don’t be fooled. Please get out to vote early in person now at the Board of Elections, by requesting a mailed absentee ballot, or by voting at the polls on Election Day.
Thank you.
Kevin O’Reilly Jr., Vice Chairman
Geauga County Republican Party Central Committee
Vote for Skip Claypool
I’ve lived in Geauga County for over 35 years, not counting a childhood of summers at Grandma’s cottage in Taborville.
Through the years, I’ve come to know many residents devoted to preserving the uniqueness of Geauga. I’ve known Skip for over 10 years; he is one of these people. I’ll cast my vote for Skip because:
- Skip asks the questions that need to be asked. They are sometimes uncomfortable questions that must be asked.
- As a former Commissioner, Trustee and member of other Geauga Boards and Commissions, he has a deep knowledge base of all things Geauga. He’ll answer the questions as well, using facts and data.
- He understands the critical importance of retaining Geauga’s power to govern without external control. We are an uncommon county that includes a strong Amish business and farming community. I want Geauga’s Health Department and septic systems controlled and managed by Geauga County. I don’t want Lake County meddling in our business any more than I want W.H.O. (World Health Organization) meddling in our nation’s health concerns.
- Skip has a comprehensive understanding of NOACA (Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency). There is no one else working to put the brakes on NOACA. We give them millions of dollars and get “sofa change” in return.
I appreciate Skip’s business-like manner. If you are looking for the typical politician who’s always getting in front of a camera for a photo-op, he’s not your guy. I want someone who is looking out for Geauga, someone with my best interests in mind — Skip Claypool.
Diane Winans
Newbury Township
PLEASE NOTE: The last issue for new political letters to the editor is the March 7 issue. The March 14 issue is reserved for candidates to submit a letter responsive to letters specifically critical of them. These reply letters must not be final campaign pitches but must address specific statements/issues made against them.
