Politics

Ohio Primary Election set for March 19

TV talk, radio commentary and social media are filled to the brim with reports about primary elections, to the point that Ohio residents could be quite confused. Many people may find that Ohio’s Presidential Primary election is “sneaking up” on them. 

It will take place on March 19, 2024, instead of the traditional May date for other primaries. Citizens have just a few weeks to take the steps needed to be ready to vote. 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 20, is the postmark deadline for registering to vote at your present address, if you have recently moved.
  • Tuesday, March 12, is the postmark deadline for requesting an absentee ballot. If you are going to be basking in a warmer place in mid-March, you can ask for your ballot to be mailed to your temporary address.

Ohio has an “open” primary.  You can request either the Democratic or Republican ballot, regardless of which party ballot you used in a previous election.

Read Full Story
Volume 16, Issue 2, Posted 9:59 AM, 02.06.2024

Voting assistance offered by League of Women Voters

Members of the Westlake/North Olmsted Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland (LWVGC) are busily providing Westlake voters with information about the Nov. 7 General Election by staffing an information table each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, through Nov. 1, at Westlake Community Services, 28975 Hilliard Blvd. 

In addition, the chapter has provided recordings for the video library of 2023 election-related programs throughout Cuyahoga County that is available at www.youtube.com/@lwvgreatercleveland. This includes a one-hour video introduction to the three candidates for Rocky River Municipal Court Judge (bit.ly/LWV-judgeforum) and the chapter's forum for the North Olmsted Council member-at-large candidates.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 19, Posted 9:13 AM, 10.17.2023

Bay LWV to host school board candidate forum

The Bay Village League of Women Voters is hosting a school board candidate forum on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 7-8:15 p.m. in the Bay Middle School library, 27725 Wolf Road.

There are three candidates - Deborah Callihan, James Goodman and Patrick E. Mosier - running for two open positions.    The forum will be moderated by Pam Smith of the Lakewood LWV. 

Members of the audience are invited submit their questions in written form to the moderator. Answers will be timed to allow for the greatest variety of questions. Each candidate will have an information table available to them in the hallway after the forum.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:53 AM, 10.03.2023

Voting help available in October

Voting questions can be answered and voting paperwork can be completed on Wednesday mornings in October at the Westlake Community Services Department, 28975 Hilliard Blvd.   

Members of the League of Women Voters of Westlake/North Olmsted will be available between 10 a.m. and noon on Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25 to assist voters with voter registration and address changes (due before Oct. 10) and mail-in ballot requests (due before Oct. 31). 

The League will also have information available on issues and candidates and can describe Ohio’s recent changes in voter identification requirements.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:53 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 1: Dave Long

I was tired of sitting on the sidelines claiming to be a social media activist. I knew I felt strongly about certain issues, but just "liking" and sharing social media posts wasn’t going to be enough to get the things done that I wanted for my community. I decided to push myself outside my comfort zone and actually do something that would bring about change.  

Since I began circulating my neighborhood collecting enough petition signatures to get my name on the ballot, things have been ramping up relatively quickly. My first endorsement was by the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats for our shared values in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. My second endorsement came from the Ohio Environmental Council based on the ideas and concerns we share regarding cleaner air, cleaner water and renewable energy efforts.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:59 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 1: David Tadych

I am a long-time resident, seeking your support for my re-election to an eleventh term as your Ward 1 Councilman. When first elected, I originated semi-annual Ward 1 meetings and began connecting to residents directly, keeping the lines of communication open. I serve as the senior member of Council and have developed a good understanding of city issues and finance.

Regarding finance, I firmly support debt reduction and not debt repositioning. I have consistently worked toward this goal and have been appointed year after year to City Council’s Finance Committee. I believe that additional funds should be allocated for 2024 sewer/infrastructure projects. In 2024, I will begin my seventh year as the appointed chairman of the Finance Committee. Our city budget has been balanced each year with no increase in city income tax!

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:59 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 4: David Florez

I am running for Council Ward 4 in Bay Village. Ashley, my wife, and three daughters have lived in Bay Village for the past 22 years and we love our community. Bay is more than beautiful homes and parks. It’s Bay Days on 4th of July, the homecoming parades, the annual BMS Rake Out, and the community pulling together to accomplish building a new Home of the Rockets.   

  • If elected, I commit to making our infrastructure issue a top priority, and my past experience in water and waste treatment, stormwater management, and EPA regulations/compliance make me uniquely positioned to help the community with this issue. 
  • The safety of our community is also a priority, and I will work with the city and police to leverage new surveillance technologies to assist police officers in deterring criminals responsible for vandalism and overall crime. In addition, I will work with our city departments to provide safer routes for walkers along our major roads.
  • I also want to continue to build and enhance the green space within Bay Village. I plan to find and utilize local and national grants to continue to enhance our parks, lakeshore, and recreation facilities
Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:59 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 4: Daniel Rettig

I am running for the Bay Village City Council to be your advocate and voice. Having lived in Bay Village for 14 years, with 11 of those years in Ward 4, this city holds a special place in my, and my family’s, heart. It is not just a great place to live and raise our children, but it is our community. I have always felt the need to contribute and serve as an active member.  

My community involvement began with coaching youth sports teams, and soon after, I joined the Bay Men's Club (BMC), leading efforts such as the rake-out, and raising money for high school scholarships. As the current President of BMC, I initiated our participation in the Snow Angels program, helping residents by shoveling driveways.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:59 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village School Board: Deborah Callihan

“Every dream pursued starts with education as the foundation.”

40 years ago, my husband and I chose Bay Village because of its excellent schools and its commitment to the whole child. Our daughter attended Bay Schools through graduation and today, she and her husband are raising their three boys here.  

After teaching Math/Algebra for 33 years, I retired from Lakewood City Schools. I proudly earned recognition as Lakewood City Schools Teacher of the Year. I also worked as a Classroom Teacher Educator for Cleveland State University, training undergraduates in classroom instruction and management. 

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:58 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village School Board: James Goodman

My family and I have called Bay Village home for seven years. We have two boys: a sixth-grader attending Bay Middle School and a preschooler. We love this amazing community and have a vested interest for years to come.

Professionally, I work in the IT Contracts, Finance and Vendor Management Office at Case Western Reserve University managing a multi-million dollar portfolio of vendor agreements. Much of my time is spent negotiating contracts on behalf of the university, with a focus on information security and financial stewardship. My experience here is directly applicable as learning becomes increasingly reliant on technology.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:58 AM, 10.03.2023

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village School Board: Patrick Mosier

I am running for an open seat on the Bay Village School Board and am asking for your support. My family and I have called Bay Village home for over 27 years. I am the proud father of three Bay High School graduates, all of whom have chosen to stay in Bay Village after college.

This is a special community; and it would be my privilege to keep Bay Village the unique community that we all love. Bay Village Schools has a long legacy of providing excellent education and experiences for our children, our grandchildren, and our entire community. Maintaining that quality is a responsibility and a challenge, a challenge that I am excited to accept.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 8:58 AM, 10.03.2023

Bay LWV to host council candidate event Sept. 19

The Bay Village Chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV) will be holding a Face2Face candidate event for residents of Wards 1 and 4 at the Bay Middle School library on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m.

Members of the community are invited to meet the candidates for the two contested city council races this year. From Ward 1, running for re-election is Dave Tadych with challenger Dave Long. Ward 4 has two new candidates: David Florez and Daniel Rettig.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 16, Posted 9:04 AM, 09.06.2023

August election coming for constitutional amendment

Hear ye, all citizens. There will be a “pop-up” election on Tuesday, Aug. 8, and you will need to be ready to vote (by absentee ballot or in person) beginning July 9, 2023. The Ohio Legislature voted 62-37 on Wednesday, May 10, to submit this proposal to the electorate this year. even though the same body had voted at the end of last year to eliminate August elections statewide.

This single-issue election will present voters with a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the requirements for citizen-led proposals for amendments. It would increase the percentage of valid voter signatures needed from the current 50%-plus-one of total registered voters to 60% and would also require that signatures be collected from all 88 counties. (The current requirement is for petition signatures to be submitted from at least 44 of the 88 counties and be equal to at least 5 percent of the total vote cast for the office of governor in that county at the last gubernatorial election.)

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 9, Posted 9:51 AM, 05.16.2023

Rules changes described for May 2 Primary Election voters

Ohio’s voting laws changed considerably in January 2023, when Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 458 into law. Changes are outlined here for Westlake citizens who want to participate in the May 2, 2023, Primary Election. (Bay Village's Primary Election will be held on Sept. 12, 2023.) Some actions need to be taken before April 3, 2023, the deadline for new and updated registrations for voters in the May 2 Primary.

The main changes involve the documents needed to prove identity when registering and voting. Also changed are the deadlines for mail-in-balloting actions and the schedule for early voting at the Cuyahoga Board of Elections, 2925 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 5, Posted 10:13 AM, 03.21.2023

State, county making changes to voting

Westshore voters may notice some changes in how they vote in 2023, thanks to new state requirements and adjustments to ward and precinct boundaries following the 2020 census.

Tony Perlatti, Director of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, told members of the Bay Village Democratic Club that the recently enacted House Bill 458 will strengthen the state’s voter identification requirement, reduce time for requesting and returning mail-in ballots, nearly eliminate curb-side voting, and cut the number of days of early voting. Perlatti spoke to Democrats at their Jan. 23 meeting.

In a January news release touting the signing of HB 458 by Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said the changes will improve Ohio’s voting.

Read Full Story
Volume 15, Issue 2, Posted 10:04 AM, 02.07.2023

Are you ready for the May 3 primary election?

Today or tomorrow would be a good day to apply for a mail-in-ballot. You can do this by visiting the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website (boe.cuyahogacounty.gov) or by asking for an application form at a library.

The primary election date is May 3. However, this election may not include state and federal legislators since the Ohio Redistricting Committee’s duty to produce constitutional district boundaries for the Ohio House and Senate and U.S. Congress is still under legal scrutiny. (For more detail on this controversial approval situation, visit the website of the Ohio Secretary of State, www.ohiosos.gov). A second primary election later in the year may be necessary.

Read Full Story
Volume 14, Issue 7, Posted 10:54 AM, 04.05.2022

Checklist for Nov. 2 voting

Election Day is near – Tuesday, Nov. 2. Here’s a checklist for making sure you are ready to vote:

  • It’s too late to register or to change your name and address, so put a reminder on your phone or calendar to do these tasks early in the new year.
  • Decide whether you will vote by mail or in person.
  • If you are going to vote by mail, apply for a ballot NOW. (Go to Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website for the application form: boe.cuyahogacounty.gov. Fill out the form and mail it back right away.)
  • Buy TWO 58-cent stamps: one to use to mail back your application and the other one to use to mail back your completed ballot.
Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 20, Posted 10:13 AM, 10.19.2021

Meet the Candidates, Westlake Ward 2: Nate Cross

I am running because this role serves as an additional opportunity for me to serve my community, in a capacity I am well qualified for.

Most importantly, I am running because I firmly believe that service on City Council requires a non-partisan approach, and fully understand that there isn't a Republican or Democrat way to patch a pothole, or pick-up rubbish. To me, it is all about service and responsiveness to every taxpayer, while listening to everyone's concerns, so that each resident (regardless of political affiliation) truly has a voice on council.

I also pledge to provide straight talk to find solutions to resident's concerns, without any nonsense rhetoric; and will follow through with action, not promises.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 19, Posted 10:02 AM, 10.05.2021

Meet the Candidates, Westlake Ward 2: Nick Nunnari

I am proud to announce my re-election bid for Westlake Ward 2 City Council. We have accomplished so much the last eight years, including The Community Center, Aquatic Center, Clague Playhouse Fields, and Market Square at Crocker Park. We’ve worked as a team (council, mayor & schools) to get land deals done to finish the new schools.  

Let’s keep the momentum going. We’re in the midst of building a brand new state of the art handicap/wheelchair accessible playground. As we face these unprecedented times with the pandemic, Westlake has stayed strong. We will survive these challenging times together.  

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 19, Posted 10:03 AM, 10.05.2021

Meet the Candidates, Westlake Ward 4: Jennifer Meyer

My name is Jennifer M. Meyer and I am a candidate for Westlake City Council for Ward 4. I am a wife, mother of two young children, and a government attorney who has dedicated my entire career to public service. Over the course of my career, I have represented law enforcement in federal civil rights cases, argued criminal appeals, shut down nuisance drug and human trafficking houses, bars, and hotels, among many other criminal and civil matters. I have learned to work with people from all walks of life.

We are very fortunate to live in a wonderful community. I want to safeguard the low taxes and fiscally responsible budget that the current Council and Mayor have implemented for years.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 19, Posted 10:04 AM, 10.05.2021

Meet the Candidates, Westlake Ward 4: Michael O'Donnell

I am writing to let you know I am running for re-election to the Westlake City Council.

As I walk through our city, neighbors share stories of how happy they are to live in Westlake and love that we are a top ten community in northeast Ohio. I am proud of our success working with Westlake business partners developing Crocker Park, attracting corporations like American Greetings, and providing a safe quality of life for families.

As your councilman for 22 years I have worked with Mayor Clough and his administration, on major capital improvements that have successfully improved your streets, added sidewalks, removed a trailer park, rebuilt the library, expanded our recreation center, added an aquatic center, and built a new community center.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 19, Posted 10:04 AM, 10.05.2021

Westlake LWV schedules ways to meet city council, school board candidates

“Voting month” (Oct. 4-Nov. 2) is almost here and the Westlake/North Olmsted chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland has planned several ways for voters to obtain information about the candidates for Westlake elective offices.

The first is an “in person” program Saturday, Sept. 25, 2-4 p.m., at Porter Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, where attendees can mingle for informal conversations with the candidates. All candidates for Mayor, President of Council, Council Member, Law Director and Board of Education have been invited to participate. This event will take place in the Library Courtyard, but attendees must wear masks in order to enter the library.

The only contested race in Westlake for the Nov. 2 election is for the City Council representatives of Wards 2 and 4. A candidate forum via Zoom featuring the four contenders will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. The Zoom webinar format has been selected to address COVID concerns and to broaden voters’ choices for learning about the candidates.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 18, Posted 10:12 AM, 09.21.2021

Redistricting is underway for Ohio's 2022 elections

No matter where you live in Cuyahoga County (and every other Ohio county) you are surrounded by a series of invisible lines that are about to undergo big revisions. These lines determine the size and the shape of our wards, our county council districts, our Ohio House and Senate districts and the geographical boundaries for our representatives to the U.S. Congress.

Such adjustments are made every 10 years, based on U.S. Census population figures. These processes are getting extra attention in Ohio in 2021 because the 2020 Census information was delayed due to the strictures of the Covid pandemic. Governing bodies now have short time frames for the all-important rearrangements. (The U.S. Census Bureau released the needed Census data on Aug. 12.)

Four factors add to the pressure for quick decision-making regarding the new governmental boundaries:

1. The state of Ohio overall has had a very modest gain in population in the past decade, but not by comparison to many other states. This results in the loss of one seat in the population-based U.S. House.  The 2022 elections will select 15 members of the U.S. House to represent Ohio, not 16. 

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 16, Posted 10:11 AM, 08.17.2021

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 3: Mike Greco

Hello Ward 3 Residents,

I hope that this letter finds you well and in good health. 

I was honored to be appointed by the Bay Village City Council by a 6-0 vote and ask to be retained serving Ward 3. 

I’m married to my husband, Brad, who is a retired military veteran that served honorably with the U.S. Coast Guard. I have a B.A. in Political Science and American History from Hiram College and a Master’s in Public Administration from Kent State.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 16, Posted 10:12 AM, 08.17.2021

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 3: Bernadette Power

Our family moved to Bay Village during the height of the Pandemic (June 2020). Even during that very difficult time, we were received by a wonderful community with open arms.

I was raised in Fairview Park, and attended Cleveland State, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. I have found my professional calling outside that field, and I am honored to work in the accounting field for the Department of Defense. I find purpose there, making sure our military members are paid for their service to our country.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 16, Posted 10:13 AM, 08.17.2021

Meet the Candidates, Bay Village Ward 3: Gary Sharp

My name is Gary Sharp and I am running for Bay Village City Council – Ward 3. Here’s why. I love where I live! After serving honorably in the US Navy for 10 years and being decorated for heroics in the Gulf War, I want to now serve Bay Village Ward 3. 

We have lived in Bay Village for 26 years. My grandchildren are now being raised here. Like us, families live here, pay taxes here and raise families here. They should be afforded a voice in City matters that directly affect their life and future here.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 16, Posted 10:12 AM, 08.17.2021

WCOG meets in the heat at Big Met

This report contains member observations and selected highlights of the June 9 meeting of the Westshore Council of Governments. It is not an official statement by the League of Women Voters, nor does it represent the official minutes of the meeting.

Another disclaimer: This meeting was held in the room off the pro shop/snack bar at Big Met Golf Course. Due to the heat and everyone speaking quietly and rapidly, this observer was unable to hear much of what was being said.

Present: Mayors Cooney, Fairview Park, presiding; Koomar, Bay Village; George, Lakewood; Bobst, Rocky River: Kennedy, North Olmsted.

Meeting was called to order at 2:06 p.m.

Cleveland Metroparks: Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metroparks spoke first, filling mayors in on numerous current, recently completed, or about to be started, projects; mainly those affecting West Side communities. He is particularly excited about ongoing building of bike trails connecting the parks with Lake Erie, and connecting the West Side with the East Side of the Cleveland area.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 13, Posted 10:29 AM, 07.06.2021

Koomar to seek re-election in Bay Village

Dear Residents: 

It has been a great honor to serve as your Mayor the past five years. As you may know this is an election year and I have decided to seek re-election. I will be on the ballot Nov. 2 and hope that I have earned your support for another term.

I am excited about the prospect of having an opportunity to build upon our many successes. We have built an outstanding administrative team which has done a tremendous job managing city services while landing significant grants to improve livability for our residents.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 9, Posted 9:59 AM, 05.04.2021

When is a primary not a primary?

This question sounds like a riddle. However, the answer is complicated. May 4, 2021, was scheduled for a Westlake primary election but since there are no contested candidates for mayor, president of council, members of council, or law director, there will be no May election. For Bay Village, the primary date for 2021 is Sept. 14. The candidate filing date ends on June 16, so it is too soon to know whether or not there will be a primary election in September.

The longer explanation for this variation lies in the city charters of Bay Village and Westlake. As in other municipalities, Westlake and Bay Village have charter provisions that eliminate a primary when there are positions on the would-be ballot that have only one or two candidates. The charter wording varies but the rule is the same in both cities.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 8, Posted 10:48 AM, 04.20.2021

Westshore Council of Governments (WCOG) Meeting, March 10, 2021

This report contains member observations and selected highlights of a meeting of the Westshore Council of Governments, and is not an official statement by the League of Women Voters, nor does it represent the official minutes of the meeting, which are prepared by Mayor Cooney's office.

Present: Mayors Cooney, Fairview Park, presiding; Koomar, Bay Village; George, Lakewood; Bobst, Rocky River.

The meeting was held in the Fairview Park Gemini Center. It was called to order at 9:46 a.m.

Fiscal Officer’s Report – Renee Mahoney: Special Agent Matt Vanyo has completed all exams and formally accepted the Westshore Enforcement Bureau's offer of the special agent position, to start June 1. Retiring Special Agent Jeff Capretto was planning on retiring May 1. It is yet to be determined if he will remain in his position through May, full or part time. Fiscal Officer Mahoney asked for the approval of the $84,500 annual salary for Special Agent Vanyo. Motion passed.

February financial reports: They are produced by a new financial system and Fiscal Officer Mahoney explained the differences in reporting from the old system. Three reports were presented: Summary, Revenue, and Expense. Mayor Bobst inquired about Westshore CERT's financial status. Mahoney will request a report from CERT. Finance report was approved.

COMMISSION REPORTS

RTA: Mayor Koomar was sworn in as RTA board member; he was briefed by former board president, Mayor Clough.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 7, Posted 10:36 AM, 04.06.2021

League of Women Voters to hear education bill status

The Westlake-North Olmsted Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland will meet by Zoom on Monday, Jan. 18, to receive an update on education funding legislation in the Ohio General Assembly. The education lobbyist for the League of Women Voters of Ohio, Susie Kaeser, will describe the ins and outs of efforts to change Ohio's system for funding public education.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Members will receive the Zoom log-in information by e-mail in the week prior to the meeting. Non-members who would like to attend this session may do so by calling the chapter's phone voicemail, 216-264-6496, to leave their name and e-mail address in order to receive the Zoom link.

Read Full Story
Volume 13, Issue 1, Posted 9:39 AM, 01.05.2021

Questions about vote-by-mail? Here are some answers

Did you request a mail-in ballot and are wondering where it is? Track My Ballot has answers!

  • Go to boe.cuyahogacounty.gov. In the upper left corner, click on Track My Ballot.
  • Enter your last name and birthdate, and click Search. 
  • Select your record and choose the November 3, 2020, election.
  • If you requested a mail-in ballot, you will see the date your application was processed, the date by which it will be placed in the mail, and (if you have returned it) the date it was received by the Board of Elections.

Alternatively, call 216-443-VOTE (8683), select option 4, and follow the prompts.

Should you trust the Post Office to deliver your ballot?

Yes – but mail it early, on the off chance the postmark is unclear or absent. Ballots must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 2 and received by Nov. 13.

Read Full Story
Volume 12, Issue 20, Posted 10:22 AM, 10.20.2020

Westlake Mayor and City Council publish materials on 2020 ballot issues

Among the issues Westlake voters will be asked to vote on in November 2020 are 11 proposed amendments to the Westlake City Charter, including a 0.9 mill Police and Fire Levy.

Mayor Dennis M. Clough and City Council have distributed informational materials to voters about changes proposed by each of these issues, including ballot language and explanations of actions taken with regard to each proposed amendment.

All of this information is available on the city's website: www.cityofwestlake.org/834/2020-Ballot-Issues.

Read Full Story
Volume 12, Issue 20, Posted 10:25 AM, 10.20.2020

Vote411 information distribution underway

The Westlake/North Olmsted Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland (LWVGC) will participate in National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 22, in a different way than in previous years when registration tables could be easily set up in high-traffic public places. This year, the chapter’s focus will be to provide voters with information that will help them fill out their general election ballots.

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the chapter will distribute VOTE411 bookmarks at both Westlake Porter Public Library and the North Olmsted branch of Cuyahoga County Library. In addition, the chapter will deliver VOTE411 bookmarks to selected senior living facilities and to food pantries in both cities.

Read Full Story
Volume 12, Issue 18, Posted 10:22 AM, 09.15.2020

College Student Dilemma: Absentee Voting

Many college students who live in Bay Village and Westlake have a number of challenges as they think about how to vote in the 2020 presidential election. Even in early July, not all students know where they will be living come November. Asking for an absentee ballot to be mailed to your Ohio home address and then expecting your parents to mail it on to you has a few hazards: Is there enough time for all this back-and-forth mailing? What if some piece is addressed wrong? 

Here are some questions for students (and their parents) to consider:

  • Are you registered to vote? In what state?
  • Do you need to update your official address?
  • Do you have a driver's license from the state whose ballot you prefer to use?
  • Do you want to vote using an absentee/mail-in ballot?
  • Do you have the needed postal stamps for both your ballot request and your ballot?
  • What are the deadlines for each of these steps?

Basic answers to all of these are provided on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website at voteohio.gov. Brief answers are provided below to help students think through their voting plans.

Read Full Story
Volume 12, Issue 13, Posted 10:06 AM, 07.07.2020

Help is on the way! Read this, then vote for judges

Soon you will be face-to-face with your 2020 primary ballot, pondering over the long list of judgeships that appear there. Here is some information that may help you figure out what to do with those races. These details have been distilled from the 2018 edition of “Here’s Cuyahoga County,” a publication prepared and distributed by the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland.

One listing on the ballot is under the category “Ohio Court of Appeals, 8th District.” Ohio has 12 appellate districts. Populous Cuyahoga County comprises the entire 8th District which has 12 judges in total. This court hears appeals from the Court of Common Pleas and the municipal courts in our county.

Read Full Story
Volume 12, Issue 4, Posted 10:05 AM, 02.18.2020

Westlake Board of Education Candidate: Joe Kraft

My name is Joe Kraft. I ask the citizens and voters of Westlake to support my re-election to the office of Board Member – Westlake City Schools. I have truly enjoyed serving my City and making a difference the last 4 years.

Four years ago, I asked for your trust and partnership to help make the district better. Together, we hired new visionary leadership. We empowered staff to create and improve academics and programming. We completed our facilities project with the new Westlake Elementary School, a design saving over $1.2 million annually in operating budget. We are fiscally responsible. We passed a significant permanent improvement measure to take care of district capital. We improved the stature and reputation of Westlake City Schools. We formed growing relationships with citizens and City officials. These are just a few of the things we accomplished together. Let’s continue our partnership.

Read Full Story
Volume 11, Issue 19, Posted 9:18 AM, 10.01.2019

Westlake Board of Education Candidate: Liz Pernat

As a parent and active member of the community, I care deeply about the Westlake Schools.

My daughter has attended Westlake Schools since Kindergarten and is currently in 6th grade at Dover Intermediate. I’ve been involved with Westlake PTA units since she was born, beginning with Westlake Early Childhood PTA, followed by Bassett PTA. Currently I am involved with Dover Intermediate PTA and Westlake Council of PTAs. In these units, I’ve served in a variety of leadership positions, including Bassett PTA president, 2017-18.

I’ve also been involved in the Westlake Schools as a classroom volunteer and member of strategic planning committees, and have worked on several school ballot initiatives through Citizens for Westlake Schools.

Read Full Story
Volume 11, Issue 19, Posted 9:18 AM, 10.01.2019

Westlake Board of Education Candidate: Robert G. Stoll

As a current Westlake School Board Member, I have achieved five main goals while focusing on students:

  1. Opened a new elementary school (K-4) on time and on budget. The consolidation of four elementary schools into one saves over one million dollars each year.
  2. Fiscally responsible – Westlake has not had an operating levy since 2006.
  3. Hired a new superintendent and treasurer.
  4. Improved City of Westlake and Westlake Schools working relationship.
  5. 2019 Ohio Department of Education Report Card final grade is an “A”
Read Full Story
Volume 11, Issue 19, Posted 9:18 AM, 10.01.2019

Challengers for the Ohio House will speak at Democrats' corn roast

Joe Romano, an attorney specializing in consumer protection and bankruptcy, and Monique Smith, a community activist and former marketing specialist, are both seeking the Democratic nomination for state representative for Bay Village, Westlake, Rocky River, Fairview Park and North Olmsted.

They will speak Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the annual corn roast sponsored by the Bay Village Democratic Club. Corn, hot dogs, soda, desserts and other goodies will be provided at no charge starting at 6 p.m. at the Bay Lodge, 492 Bradley Road.

Read Full Story
Volume 11, Issue 18, Posted 9:12 AM, 09.17.2019