RSS | Comments | Tell a Friend | Larger Text | Smaller Text | Bookmark and Share

Local News

Sunday, March 02, 2008

A primary primer

Robertson for Commissioner - Hancock County - Ohio
By J. STEVEN DILLON

STAFF WRITER

About 21,000 Hancock County residents are expected to vote during Tuesday's primary election, which features two Republican contests for county commissioner, plus GOP races for sheriff, coroner and treasurer.

There are no Democrats running for those offices, but voters from both parties will select presidential nominees, and cast ballots on a countywide tax issue sought by the Hancock Park District.

There are also tax matters before voters in McComb, Arcadia and Van Buren school districts.

Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner predicts 52 percent of Ohio's 7.9 million registered voters will vote during the primary election -- either at the polls or absentee.

Brunner's estimate is based on the high number of absentee ballots being requested statewide. She said 10 to 20 percent of voters will cast ballots absentee, either through the mail or in person at county boards of elections before Tuesday.

In Hancock County, the turnout is expected to be closer to 40 percent, according to Lori Miller, director of the Hancock County Board of Elections.

Miller said interest in the presidential primaries and the county races, park issue and school levies will result in about 20,670 people voting during the election. The county currently has 51,673 registered voters.

“We're hoping it will be higher than that, but based on past (presidential) primaries we feel it will be close to 40 percent,” she said. There was a 40.1 percent county turnout in 2000 and 40.6 percent in 1996.

As of Friday, Miller said more than 2,000 county voters had cast absentee ballots. She expected the final absentee total to end up between 3,000 and 4,000, about the same total as in other elections.



Commissioner races

A total of five Republican candidates are seeking the party's nomination in two Hancock County commissioner races.

Incumbent Ed Ingold is facing a challenge from Robert Kuhlman in one battle, while a three-way contest is on the ballot for the post currently held by Emily Walton. Walton's opponents are former commissioner Steve Oman and newcomer Brad Griffin.

With no Democrats running, the winners of both contests will only face opposition in November if an independent files candidacy petitions by Monday.



Other county contests

Hancock County Sheriff Mike Heldman, seeking a fourth term, is facing a challenge from former city police chief Tom Renninger.

The first race for Hancock County coroner in 28 years will pit Dr. Mark Fox against Dr. John Ziegler. Current Coroner Dr. Leroy Schroeder is not seeking re-election.

In the treasurer race, incumbent J. Steve Welton has two opponents, Carl Moses and Larry Settlemire.

All these candidates are Republicans; no Democrats are running for sheriff, coroner or treasurer.



Park levy

The Hancock Park District is asking voters to replace its tax levy. The proposed 0.8-mill levy would generate $1.3 million annually for eight years. The money would be used to pay for day-to-day park operations.



School issues

Voters in the McComb School District are being asked to approve a 5.7-mill bond issue for renovations and additions to the McComb school building. It would raise $6.2 million over 28 years.

The Van Buren School District is asking voters to renew a 5.2-mill emergency levy that generates $1,275,000 annually, for four years.

A renewal is also before voters in the Arcadia School District, where a 6.4-mill emergency levy would generate $440,000 annually for four years.



Presidential races

Republican voters in Hancock County will choose between Arizona Sen. John McCain, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas for president.

Democrats have a choice between New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

Other presidential candidates will appear on both parties' ballots, but they are no longer running.

Even though the names of presidential candidates will be on the ballots, citizens aren't really voting for them. When they cast a vote, people are really voting for a delegate who promises to vote for a particular candidate during the party's national convention this summer.

Republican voters will cast two ballots -- one for an “at large” delegate, and one for a “district delegate.”

Democrats will cast only one ballot for a delegate.



Congressional contest

Three candidates, incumbent Bob Latta, Scott Radcliffe and Michael Reynolds, are vying for the Republican nomination for Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The Republican nominee will face Democrat George Mays in November.

The 5th District includes Wood, Seneca, Henry, Putnam, and eastern Wyandot County.



Legislature races

There are primary election races for three area seats in the Ohio Legislature.

Candidates are competing for party nominations for an Ohio Senate seat in the 2nd District, and for Ohio House seats in the 81st and 82nd districts.

In the 2nd, incumbent state Sen. Mark Wagoner is competing with Mark Hollenbaugh and John Schulte in the Republican primary. On the Democratic side, Darwitt R. Garrett and Sylvia A. Washburn are seeking that party's nomination. The 2nd District includes Wood County.

A Republican primary race for an Ohio House seat in the 81st District pits incumbent Jeff Wagner against former state representative Gene Damschroder. The district includes the western side of Seneca County.

In the 82nd District, State Rep. Steve Reinhard has reached term limits. Seeking the GOP nomination in that district, which includes Wyandot County, are Lois Fisher and Jeffrey McClain. Craig S. Swartz and Wanda L. Sharrock are squaring off on the Democratic side.



Area counties

Major election issues Tuesday in surrounding counties:

Allen County -- Republicans and Democrats will pick candidates for judge of Allen County probate/juvenile court.

Hardin County -- Republicans will choose party nominees for county prosecutor, county commissioner and treasurer. Countywide, voters will decide whether to replace a 0.75-mill levy for the 911 telephone system.

Putnam County -- Two Republican county commissioner races and a Columbus Grove school building project are on the primary ballot. The school district is seeking a .25 percent income tax and a 6.38-mill bond issue for a new school. The district also seeks a half-mill levy to maintain the new building.

Seneca County -- Voters will decide whether to restore and renovate the Seneca County Courthouse. An additional 0.8-mill levy for the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board also is on the ballot. County Republicans will pick nominees for two county commissioner seats, juvenile judge and sheriff.

Wood County -- North Baltimore School District is asking voters to renew an 8-mill operating levy, and four Republicans are competing for Wood County prosecutor. No Democrats are running for the job.

Wyandot County -- Voters will decide a countywide tax issue for mental health and recovery services. Republican voters will decide a party race for commissioner.

Contact staff writer J. Steven Dillon at: (419) 427-8423 Send an e-mail to Steve Dillon

Comment on This Story
NOTE: Comment moderation has been enabled. If you see a comment that violates our Electronic User Agreement, please e-mail webmaster@thecourier.com. Thank you. If you are having problems viewing this Web page, please contact our Internet Department to help us diagnose and correct the problem. We may contact you for more information. Thanks in advance.
Your e-mail address will not be displayed on this website or shared with anyone. It is used by our online editor for contacting purposes.
Comments are moderated by The Courier according to its Electronic User Agreement within one business day. Comments that slander others or include language that violates the agreement will be rejected. All comments that impart opinion and information are welcome.
   NEWS VIDEO

Emotional plea

Nicole R. Peters was sentenced Jan. 30 to 23 years in prison for charges including conspiracy to commit the March murder of Vera Jo Reigle.

  • MORE COURIER VIDEOS
  •    WEEKEND
    Weekend Section

    'THE ART OF LAUGHTER': World's fastest painter and "Last Comic Standing" alum coming to UF on Feb. 8.

    ALSO IN WEEKEND: Groovin' with black history, area young musicians to play crowd favorites, and Tim McGraw calls his latest album his best.

       STAY IN TOUCH
    The Courier on Facebook

       PHOTO GALLERY
    Randy's Seen

    IMAGE BLOG: Go behind the scenes with Courier photographer Randy Roberts.


    You can purchase photographs from The Courier through our easy-to-use online system. Get prints, mousepads, T-shirts and more!

      LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
    Nina Parker wrote in article "Thumbs":
    Thumbs up for the Black Heritage Library & Multicultural Center
    “ Thank you so much for noting The Library's Grand Re-Opening!! Your thumbs up and compliment meant a lot to me!!! Mr. Heminger... ” Read More...
    cry me a river
    “ If you don't work at Cooper how do you know the scabs are hard workers, and to give you a little of your own advise. If you don'... ” Read More...
    Marlene wrote in article "Kucinich to meet with Cooper union":
    Police & fire
    “ Observer -- Yes.... but it's still a form of socialism, darling!

    Since these loudmouths who've been trolling on here claim to...
    ” Read More...
    lovinwife wrote in article "Kucinich to meet with Cooper union":
    wonderful time in Florida
    “ you are an idiot...Max unemployment is less than $500 and it isn't $200 a week in gift cards and they aren't makin all of your c... ” Read More...
    The more things change...
    “ ...the more they stay the same.

    Remember the 2004 trip our old Mayor Spendsalot took on the taxpayer dime to Japan and Taiwa...
    ” Read More...
    Dan Merkle wrote in article "Kucinich to meet with Cooper union":
    Another Democrat
    “ . "The workers at Cooper have shown great courage and fortitude."
    Should read, . "The workers at Cooper have shown great stupid...
    ” Read More...
    Kenny Powers wrote in article "Public Record":
    Bob
    “ You are correct, If the driver was 21 or older and he got pulled over for speeding but only blew a .053. That means he was under... ” Read More...
    Ben L wrote in article "Kucinich to meet with Cooper union":
    Barrel Basher
    “ Yep, you "figured" wrong again. But that seems to be the norm with you. I find it disturbing that a person from corporate would... ” Read More...
    T-Mark wrote in article "Kucinich to meet with Cooper union":
    I'm amazed...
    “ at the ability and talent of some of the people that post here. It would appear that some people are able to determine if you a... ” Read More...
    bornandbreed wrote in article "Regional leaders traveling to Japan":
    Mihalik
    “ Thinks she is so important that she will impress Japan by her presence? She is having trouble impressing the voters of Findlay.... ” Read More...
      U.S. Headlines
      World News
      Ohio News
    CourierBridal: 28th Wedding Showcase 2012!
    News Briefs Fire destroys Mount Blanchard home
    MOUNT BLANCHARD -- A rural Mount Blanchard home was destroyed by fire Friday.

    The blaze struck a single-family residence on Delaware Township 149 at about 7 a.m., said Phyllis Davis with the Hancock County Red Cross Disaster Action Team.

    Firefighters said the fire may have been caused by an electrical problem in the older house, Davis said.

    No one was injured and the family is staying with friends, she said. The Red Cross provided food and clothing to the family, she said.

    Additional details about the fire were not available Friday night.


    Motorist cited after hitting train
    MORTIMER -- A Van Buren woman drove a pickup truck into a stopped train and was cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated early Friday, authorities say.

    Autumn Miller, 31, of Van Buren, was driving north on Hancock County 220, near Hancock 216 in Allen Township, at 1:46 a.m. when she failed to yield to a stopped train on the tracks, according to Hancock County Sheriff's Deputy Mike DeVore.

    Miller's 1997 Dodge Dakota pickup hit a lowered, lit crossbar and a stationary coal car, according to DeVore.

    Employees of Norfolk Southern Railroad were unaware the train car was damaged until a later stop, according to DeVore.

    Miller declined medical treatment, according to DeVore.

    She was cited for failing to maintain an assured clear distance ahead, and was taken into custody for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, according to DeVore.

    The pickup was towed by Dick's Towing.


    Photo exhibition to open Sunday
    BLUFFTON -- An exhibition of black and white photography, titled "Gray Space: Windows from the Ordinary into the Extraordinary," will open Sunday in the Grace Albrecht Gallery of Bluffton University's Sauder Visual Arts Center.

    Photography by international and American artists will be included in the exhibit, which will continue through March 2.

    The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

    The work of Findlay native and visiting artist Craig Line, now a Vermont resident, will be part of the exhibit. He has worked for "Vermont Magazine" and will present a talk at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 in the arts center's Hester Lecture Hall.

    Another Findlay native, Roger Sugden, now a resident of Fort Wayne, as well as Findlay artists Spencer Cunningham and Danny Gantchev will also have work included in the exhibition.


    Absentee ballots available in Tiffin
    TIFFIN -- Absentee ballots for the March 6 primary are available at the Seneca County Board of Elections, 71 S. Washington St., Tiffin. Absentee voting can be done at the board of elections offices, too.

    Ballots can be mailed if an application, signed by the voter, is sent to the office. Applications by mail must be returned by noon March 3. To request an application, call the office at 419-447-4424.


    Clarification
    Also traveling to Japan today to advance economic development are John Haywood, president and CEO of the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance; Tim Mayle, assistant director, Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development; Dennis Hellmann, director of external affairs for AT&T; and Paul Zito, vice president of international development for JobsOhio. A story about the trade mission appeared Friday.