ARCHIVES

LWVAA 2010 VOTERS GUIDE

SUMMIT COUNTY GENERAL ELECTION - NOVEMBER 2, 2010

 Published by the League of Women Voters of the Akron Area Education Fund

13^th DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
(1 TO BE ELECTED - TERM COMMENCES ON 01/03/11)

QUESTION 1:  WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN REGULATING THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

QUESTION 2:  HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO THE UNITED STATES POSED BY UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS?

QUESTION 3: WHAT SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN BE PERFORMED BETTER BY CONTRACTING WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR?  WHAT SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE CONTRACTED OUT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

TOM GANLEY  10802 Glen Forest Trail, Brecksville, OH 44141  Age: 68  Republican

OCCUPATION:  President & CEO of Ganley Automotive Group

EDUCATION:  Graduate, St. Peter Chanel High School

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  42 years of successful business experience; 

President of Northern Ohio Crime Stoppers; Board of Directors, 

Independence Bank; Recipient of multiple Northeast Ohio Law Enforcement 

Awards—including the 2007 FBI Louis E. Peters Memorial Award; Recognition 
of Action** 

QUESTION 1: Our federal government spends too much, taxes too much and 

borrows too much. In order for our private sector to grow, it must scale 

back its interference and allow individual freedom and responsibility to 

flourish.

QUESTION 2: We have witnessed the present issue of immigration in 1986 

with the passage of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. By reviewing 

this legislation it is clear that we must continue to maintain adequate 

border security and employer-hiring regulation.

QUESTION 3: The federal government has the responsibility of the 

functions enumerated in the Constitution. If contracting with the 

private sector proves more cost-efficient, more effective or more 

efficient, agencies should have the flexibility to do so.

BETTY SUTTON 1700 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44321  Age: 47
Democrat 

OCCUPATION:  U.S. House of Representatives
EDUCATION:  B.A. Kent State University, J.D. University of Akron
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Northeast Ohioans need a representative in Washington who will stand up and fight for them. Just as I have done in Congress and as a lawyer for workers, I will continue to fight the right fight for you.

QUESTION 1:  For too long Wall Street values governed business in Washington. We must increase regulations on Wall Street to prevent another meltdown, and hold the bankers and fund managers who drove our economy to the brink accountable. That’s why I co-sponsored the Let Wall Street Pay for Wall Street’s Bailout Act.

QUESTION 2:  We must get immigration under control through a comprehensive strategy of securing borders, holding employers accountable, and requiring that those who seek the American dream are productive members of our communities.

QUESTION 3:  Privatization of public services and programs is often proposed as a solution to cut costs in the public sector.  However, government provision of public services helps to ensure accountability, and public sector employees often cost considerably less than private contractors.

** Exceeded word limit
return to top

14^th DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
(1 TO BE ELECTED - TERM COMMENCES ON 01/03/11)

QUESTION 1:  WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN REGULATING THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

QUESTION 2:  HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO THE UNITED STATES POSED BY UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS?

QUESTION 3: WHAT SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN BE PERFORMED BETTER BY CONTRACTING WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR?  WHAT SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE CONTRACTED OUT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

JOHN M. JELENIC  38751 Lake Shore BV., Willoughby OH,                     Libertarian                            

Candidate did not respond.

STEVEN C. LATOURETTE  7082 Oak St., Bainbridge OH, 44022   Age:  56      Republican

OCCUPATION:  United States Member of Congress, Ohio, 14^th District
EDUCATION:   Cleveland Marshall College of Law, J.D.University of Michigan, B.A. History – 1976, Cleveland Heights High School - 1972
QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE:  not given 

QUESTION 1:  The government regulates many items.  My concern is when they over reach. For example, the new health care law contains a provision that requires every business to issue a "1099-MISC" IRS form to every vendor with which it had more than $600 in transactions in a year. This is overreaching.

QUESTION 2:  I do not favor amnesty.  Millions have entered the country legally, and those who try to short cut the system should not be rewarded.  We should secure our borders and enforce existing laws. 

QUESTION 3:  Contracting has its place, but we need to make sure it is used when it is cost effective and achieves public goals.  Each year, the government spends billions on service contracts. Unfortunately, it is unable to ensure that work performed by contractors is cost effective; and protects against fraud. 

BILL O’NEILL  119 Waverly Ln., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022                   Age:  63          Democrat 

OCCUPATION: Registered Pediatric Nurse, Hillcrest Hospital
EDUCATION: Ohio University, BS Journalism (1969), Cleveland State University, JD (1979), Huron School of Nursing, RN (2001)
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Vietnam War Veteran, U.S. Army (Awarded Bronze Star), Assistant Attorney General, The State of Ohio (1984 – 1996),      Judge, 11^th District Court of Appeals (1997-2007)

QUESTION 1:  The economic collapse of 2008 and the oil disaster are examples of corporations putting profits over people. The government must manage an economic environment that is conducive to business and positive for working families. When enacting regulation, the government must keep their priorities in the order – people then profits.

QUESTION 2:  The solution to the immigration challenge begins with the enforcement of our current federal laws. As a Representative, I will strive to secure our foreign borders and prosecute those companies employing unauthorized immigrants. Immigrants bring labor and skill to our workforce, but it must happen through legal processes.

QUESTION 3:  The government should allow the private sector to lead on green energy. Private actors can use their profit motivations to produce these technologies. The nature and importance of defense decisions cannot be left to private actors. Social Security must remain in government control because it is vital to our retirees.

return to top

17^th DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE
(1 TO BE ELECTED - TERM COMMENCES ON 01/03/11)

QUESTION 1:  WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN REGULATING THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

QUESTION 2:  HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES TO THE UNITED STATES POSED BY UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS?

QUESTION 3: WHAT SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN BE PERFORMED BETTER BY CONTRACTING WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR?  WHAT SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE CONTRACTED OUT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR?

JIM GRAHAM  248 Wae Trl., Cortland, OH 44410    Age:  57                                                 Republican

OCCUPATION: Humility of Mary Health Partners, Manager of Clinical Pharmacy Services; Trumbull County Sheriff’s Department, Reserve Deputy; Small Business Owner, DIVentures
EDUCATION: Warren Western Reserve HS 1967-71; Youngstown State University 71-73; Ohio Northern University 73-76 B.S. Pharmacy; Ohio Northern University 97-00, Doctor of Pharmacy
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE: Real World Experience and Common sense Leadership 

QUESTION 1: The federal government has a very limited role, particularly when talking about the regulation of the private sector. The Constitution is clear that the federal government can only get involved in interstate commerce. For too long, our government has bypassed this by using the general welfare portion of the Constitution. We need to stop the blurring of these lines between **

QUESTION 2: The protection of its citizens is the number one function of the federal government. We have fallen flat in this aspect and it needs to change. I can sympathize with wanting to come to this country for a better life. My family immigrated here when I was 1 year old, but we did it legally. I believe that we need**

QUESTION 3: The easy answer to this question would be that our defense and intelligence communities should never be dependent upon private contractors. Unfortunately, the rollercoaster appropriations that have hampered these communities have made it necessary to look to companies who can provide the services more efficiently. I believe that a overall audit of these and other government programs will allow us **

TIMOTHY J. RYAN  1504 Taft Ave., Niles, OH 44446            Age:  37                                 Democrat 

OCCUPATION:  Congressman – 17^th- Oh
EDUCATION:  Bowling Green State University, 1995, Political Science,  Franklin Pierce, 2000, Juris Doctorate
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  J.D.; 8 yrs experience as Congressman, 2 yrs experience as a State Senator 

QUESTION 1:   The role of the government should be a watchdog for the consumer to prevent corrupt practices by big businesses that take advantage of the consumer. 

QUESTION 2:   Securing our borders to protect from future unauthorized immigrant ion to our country; finding a path top citizenship for those immigrants that are already here; assimilating them into our economy once they are naturalized.

QUESTION 3: Specific functions that should not be contracted out to the private sector include social security, Medicare/Medicaid.

JIM TRAFICANT, JR.  429 Main Street, Poland OH 44514                               Independent

Candidate did not respond.

9^TH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE
(1 TO BE ELECTED - TERM COMMENCES ON 02/09/11)

QUESTION 1:  HOW DO YOU DEFINE "JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE," AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM?  WHAT MEASURES ENSURE AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY?

QUESTION 2:  WOULD YOU RECUSE YOURSELF IF A PARTY BEFORE YOU HAD MADE A SIGNIFICANT JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE TOWARD YOUR ELECTION?  PLEASE EXPLAIN. 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT DO YOU PERCEIVE TO BE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO JUSTICE IN OHIO?

CARLA D. MOORE  1038 Rolling Meadows Rd., Akron, OH 44333           Age:  58

OCCUPATION:  Judge, 9^th District Court of Appeals
EDUCATION:  J.D. Ohio State University, 1977, B.A. with honors - University of Akron, 1974
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Judge, 21 years; 15 years on the trial court; the past 6 years on the Court of Appeals. Endorsed by Akron Beacon Journal,          Rated “Highly Recommended” by the Akron Bar Association.  

QUESTION 1:  Judicial independence is the ability of a judge to perform her duties impartially without pressure from outside influence.  It is the foundation of our judicial system.  Citizens must be able to walk into a courtroom on an even playing field.  We need to reform our system of electing judges.

QUESTION 2:  I would, and have, recused myself where parties or attorneys appearing before me have made generous campaign contributions.  Judges have to not only avoid impropriety, but also the appearance of impropriety.

QUESTION 3:  The greatest obstacle to justice is the way we select judges.  The general public has no idea who the judges are or what their credentials are.  Name recognition, money or political affiliation can control elections despite the worthiness of candidates.  The public deserves better.

WILLIAM D. WELLEMEYER  743 Upper Merriman , Akron, OH 44303      Age: 52

OCCUPATION:  Judicial Attorney for Judge Tom Parker, Summit County Court of Common Pleas
EDUCATION:  BA Economics, JD, University of Akron
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Acting Magistrate, Judicial Attorney - research law and write opinions; former mediator; former assistant prosecuting attorney with Summit County Prosecutor appeals division - 250+ cases in the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ninth District **

QUESTION 1:  Judicial independence requires that judges decide cases according to the law and facts, without regard to other factors or improper influences. It is vital that the public have confidence in the judiciary. The Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct provides the necessary guidance to ensure an independent judiciary.

QUESTION 2:  Ultimately, I would determine whether my sworn duty to uphold to the best of my abilities the Constitution and the laws of the state of Ohio would be compromised. Following full disclosure, if it could be reasonably perceived that my independent judgment was compromised or subject to inappropriate influences, yes. 

QUESTION 3:  Activist members of the judiciary.  Judges must not take progressive actions from the bench and must exercise judicial discipline and restraint to safeguard justice and to maintain the rule of law and stability in our society. Judges must maintain a disciplined approach to their work rather than a progressive approach.   

9^TH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE
(1 TO BE ELECTED - TERM COMMENCES ON 02/10/11)

QUESTION 1:  HOW DO YOU DEFINE "JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE," AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM?  WHAT MEASURES ENSURE AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY?

QUESTION 2:  WOULD YOU RECUSE YOURSELF IF A PARTY BEFORE YOU HAD MADE A SIGNIFICANT JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE TOWARD YOUR ELECTION?  PLEASE EXPLAIN. 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT DO YOU PERCEIVE TO BE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO JUSTICE IN OHIO?

ROBERT J. BROWN  403 Elm Drive, Wooster, OH 44691
Age:  61 

OCCUPATION: COMMON PLEAS JUDGE 1987-present
EDUCATION: THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, B.A. ENGLISH,  PEPPERDINE SCHOOL OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO SCHOOL OF LAW JURIS DOCTORATE
QUALIFICATIONS:  I HAVE BEEN A TRIAL COURT JUDGE FOR 24 YEARS AND IN THAT TIME I HAVE HEARD AND DECIDED THOUSANDS OF CRIMINAL, CIVIL AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS CASES. 

QUESTION 1:  JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE REQUIRES A JUDGE TO MAKE DECISIONS IN CASES WITHOUT REGARD TO POLITICAL, SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE PARTIES. IT REMAINS THE HALLMARK OF OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM. A JUDGE MUST LIMIT HIS POLITCAL ACTIVITIES AND THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR HIS CAMPAIGN.

QUESTION 2: YES. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE APPEARANCE OF PARTIALITY OR FAVORTISM HARMS THE CREDIBILITY OF THE COURT. EACH PARTY TO A LAWSUIT SHOULD HAVE ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND THE OUTCOME OF HIS OR HER CASE.

QUESTION 3:  THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO JUSTICE IN OHIO IS SOCIAL STATUS AND A LACK OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES. OHIO JUDGES MUST ENSURE THAT INDIGENT CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS AND CIVIL LITIGANTS ARE TREATED FAIRLY.

DONNA J. CARR  743 Diandrea Drive, Akron, OH 44333                        Age:  50

OCCUPATION: Judge,9th District Court of Appeals
EDUCATION: Kent State University BA 1981, University of Akron School of Law J.D 1984
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE: I have a proven record and experience. I am the senior judge on the court with 12 years of service. I have participated in 4000 cases and authored 1300. 

QUESTION 1:  Judicial independence is the fair and impartial application of the law to the facts of a case, free from influence. It is critical for fairness and justice but also to ensure public confidence. Measures to ensure independence include:  campaign contribution limits and strong disciplinary procedures for Judicial misconduct. Integrity is critical.
 

QUESTION 2:  Yes. I would recuse myself to avoid even the appearance of impropriety and maintain judicial independence.
 

return to top

9^TH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE
(1 TO BE ELECTED - TERM COMMENCES ON 02/11/11)

QUESTION 1:  HOW DO YOU DEFINE "JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE," AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM?  WHAT MEASURES ENSURE AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY?

QUESTION 2:  WOULD YOU RECUSE YOURSELF IF A PARTY BEFORE YOU HAD MADE A SIGNIFICANT JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE TOWARD YOUR ELECTION?  PLEASE EXPLAIN. 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT DO YOU PERCEIVE TO BE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE TO JUSTICE IN OHIO?

RITA M. ROCHFORD  710 Upper Merriman Dr., Akron, OH 44303

Candidate did not respond.

BETH WHITMORE  3346 S. Smith Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333                      Age:  65 

OCCUPATION: Judge
EDUCATION: Grinnell College, BA in Sociology/anthropology 1967; University of Akron, Juris Doctor, 1982.
QUALIFICATIONS: United States Air Force Veteran 1968-1972, Vietnam Era;       13 years private practice as attorney; 3 years judge, Summit County Court of Common Pleas; 6 years judge, Ninth District Court of Appeals for Summit, Lorain, Medina, and Wooster counties

QUESTION 1: Judicial independence is essential. Without it our Constitutional, tripartite, government fails in its essential purpose. An independent judge is one who faithfully applies the law despite the knowledge that doing so will be unpopular. Judges should not be elected and should serve without term limits subject to good behavior.

QUESTION 2: There are limitations on campaign contributions and in kind campaign expenditures.  When does a contribution/expenditure become “significant” enough for recusal?  Does any financial support mandate recusal?  If so only independently wealthy candidates could seek office.  I have recused myself in cases involving some contributors.

QUESTION 3:  “Justice delayed is Justice denied.” Our courts are clogged with many meritless cases. The British system where the loosing party reimburses the prevailing party for attorney fees would likely sort out the good from the bad and reduce civil dockets.

return to top

27^th DISTRICT STATE SENATOR
(1 TO BE ELECTED - TERM COMMENCES ON 01/01/11) 

QUESTION 1: OHIO IS FACING A HUGE BUDGET DEFICIT FOR THE FYS ENDING IN 2012 AND 2013.  WHAT SPECIFIC REVENUE INCREASES WOULD YOU SUPPORT AND WHAT CUTS WOULD YOU MAKE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET? 

QUESTION 2: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT ACCEPT STATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT (INCLUDING VOUCHERS) ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC? 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE, IF ANYTHING, TO CHANGE OHIO’S TAX STRUCTURE?

FRANK C. COMUNALE  25 Berkshire Ct., Akron, OH 44313 Age: 62 Democrat

OCCUPATION: Vice President S.A. Comunale Inc.
EDUCATION: College Graduate
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE: I have spent my life serving the community. I served as a Board Member of the Summit County Public Library system.  I have served on the Summit County Council since January 2007, and am currently Vice President of Summit County Council. 

QUESTION 1:    I support the streamlining of school administrations and other government programs.  I support equalizing the taxes between cigarettes and other tobacco products which currently have lower tax rates.  I may also consider reducing the salaries of legislators.

QUESTION 2:    I would work to ensure that the reforms and time tables outlined in HB1 are upheld.  I would also seek to ensure that charter schools have a greater level of transparency in order to hold them accountable to standards at least equal to those of our public schools.

QUESTION 3:    I believe it is necessary to review our current tax structure to determine what has and has not worked, as well as to remove loopholes. 

FRANK LaROSE  3800 Rosemont Blvd 109-C Akron, OH 44333 Age: 31 Republican 

OCCUPATION:  Director of Economic Development, City of Brecksville

EDUCATION:  Ohio State: BS Business/Consumer Affairs; Army Leadership school; Special Forces Training

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Served 10 years in the United States Army, efficiently managing multimillion dollar budgets, practicing fiscal discipline.  I distinguished myself by exhibiting leadership qualities and a proven ability to perform under pressure.

QUESTION 1:  A pragmatic, bipartisan approach requires all options be considered.  Ohio taxpayers already the 7^th highest burdened nationally, priority is balancing the budget without raising taxes.  Reducing public-sector compensation, streamlining state government, reforming entitlements and vast efficiency improvements are needed.

QUESTION 2:  Ohio taxpayers deserve quantifiable results in exchange for their investment in education.  A fair and equitable measure of student achievement must be found, and used statewide to assure success.  School-choice has important role to play so that parents, regardless of economic status can choose what’s best for their children.

QUESTION 3:  Ohio’s current tax structure is too complex and burdensome, costing us jobs.  Correcting it is essential to our growth and prosperity.  First, the tax code should be streamlined and simplified.  Second, taxation based on income disincentives growth and success so a transition to taxation based on consumption should be studied.

return to top

41^ST DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

(ONE TO BE ELECTED- TERM COMMENCES ON 01/01/11)

QUESTION 1: OHIO IS FACING A HUGE BUDGET DEFICIT FOR THE FYS ENDING IN 2012 AND 2013.  WHAT SPECIFIC REVENUE INCREASES WOULD YOU SUPPORT AND WHAT CUTS WOULD YOU MAKE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET? 

QUESTION 2: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT ACCEPT STATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT (INCLUDING VOUCHERS) ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC? 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE, IF ANYTHING, TO CHANGE OHIO’S TAX STRUCTURE?
 

DAVID S. FINLEY  7783 Creekside Pkwy, Macedonia, Ohio 44056
Libertarian

Candidate did not respond.

LYNN SLABY  527 Cheswyck Ct., Copley, Ohio 44321       Age:  71          Republican

OCCUPATION:  RETIRED JUDGE NINTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
EDUCATION:  BACHLOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION; JURIS DOCTORATE
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  14 YEARS AS SUMMIT COUNTY PROSECTUTING ATTORNEY, 14 YEARS JUDGE ON THE NINTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS REVIEWING OHIO’S LAWS. 

QUESTION 1:  WE HAVE TO MAKE BUDGET CUTS. WE HAVE OVER 300 BOARDS AND AGENCIES IN OHIO. WE MUST REDUCE WASTE AND SPENDING. REDUCING ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES BY MAKING EVERY BOARD AND AGENCY SET COST EFFICIENCY STANDARDS. COMBINING ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS WHERE THERE IS AN OVERLAP OF SERVICE.

QUESTION 2:  PUBLIC FUNDS SHOULD ALWAYS BE AUDITABLE.

QUESTION 3:  WE MUST REDUCE THE REGULATORY BURDON AND TAXES ON SMALL BUSINESSES. WORKERS COMPENSATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION MUST BE REFORMED. THE STATE IS ALREADY UNDER A DICTATE TO REFORM THE SYSTEM OR LOOSE MILLIONS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

BRIAN G. WILLIAMS 1725 Brookwood Drive, Akron, Ohio 44313 Age: 68 Democrat

OCCUPATION:  State Representaton(Incumbent-41st House District)
EDUCATION:  Bachelors/Masters in Education, Akron University
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE: Professional educator--Teacher, principal,administrator, Superintendent of Akron Public Schools (1995-2001).

QUESTION 1:  Revenue enhancements should include a review of all State tax exemptions, deductions,credits, etc. to assure their value.  Also, all department expenditures must be scrutinized and if possible reduced, recognizing the importance of services to the citizens of Ohio.  Federal stimulus money should be pursued as in the past.

QUESTION 2:  CommunitySchools should undergo periodic Performance Audits(academic and financial) and if the results are not positive they should be provided assistance.  If they fail to improve over a reasonable period of time they should be closed.

QUESTION 3:  As a general premise, those who have more should pay more; this should apply to personal and business income.  We must continue to invest in education and job creation as this will place Ohio in a good position when the recession passes.

return to top

42^ND  DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

(ONE TO BE ELECTED- TERM COMMENCES ON 01/01/11)

QUESTION 1: OHIO IS FACING A HUGE BUDGET DEFICIT FOR THE FYS ENDING IN 2012 AND 2013.  WHAT SPECIFIC REVENUE INCREASES WOULD YOU SUPPORT AND WHAT CUTS WOULD YOU MAKE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET? 

QUESTION 2: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT ACCEPT STATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT (INCLUDING VOUCHERS) ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC? 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE, IF ANYTHING, TO CHANGE OHIO’S TAX STRUCTURE?
 

MIKE MORAN  93 E. Case Dr., Hudson, Ohio 44236    Age:  45                Democrat

OCCUPATION:  Legislator; previously manager for 13 years
EDUCATION:  B.S. Civil Engineering, 1988, University of Colorado J.D., 1991, Georgetown University
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE: Married with two children, Supports public schools, Elected to Hudson City Council in 2005; elected president 2008, Member of First Congregational Church, Awarded Public Official of the Year 2010 by Ohio Restaurant Association 

QUESTION 1:  We need to keep a balanced budget, like we currently have, and ensure state government is running efficiently. The recent reductions in state individual and corporate taxes, along with the national recession, make this challenging. I will fight to increase efficiency and will support state funding for our public schools.

QUESTION 2:  All schools that accept state financial support should be held to equal standards of financial and academic transparency and accountability.

QUESTION 3:  Now that the reductions in the state personal income tax have been phased-in, and now that the corporate franchise tax and tangible personal property tax have been phased out and replaced by the commercial activity tax, the results of those changes should be evaluated.

KRISTINA DALEY ROEGNER  2222 E. Streetsboro Rd., Hudson, Ohio 44236  Age: 41  Republican

OCCUPATION:  Mechanical Engineer, Westinghouse, 1990-1993; Management Consultant, McKinsey & Co., 1994-2001; Founder & President, The Language Lodge LLC,  2003-2010
EDUCATION:  BS Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University (cum laude); MBA (finance) Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Hudson City Council 2005-present, Leadership Hudson 2007 (Hudson Farmer’s Market), Seton Board Member

QUESTION 1:  I have taken the “taxpayers protection pledge” NOT to raise taxes.  We should balance the budget through reduction of spending; including reducing the size and cost of government.  We must challenge the necessity of every budget line item.

QUESTION 2:  I would support compliance audits of those schools which have accepted state financial support to ensure that those public funds are being used appropriately. If a school accepts public funding, it is their responsibility to show the taxpayers that they are indeed good stewards of those tax dollars.

QUESTION 3:  Ohio is ranked 47^th of 50 states on “business tax climate”. No surprise that businesses are leaving Ohio and taking the jobs with them.  We need broad based tax reform; streamline our complete tax structure. After dramatically cutting government spending, I support eliminating one of the major taxes in Ohio.

return to top

43^RD  DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE
(ONE TO BE ELECTED- TERM COMMENCES ON 01/01/11)

QUESTION 1: OHIO IS FACING A HUGE BUDGET DEFICIT FOR THE FYS ENDING IN 2012 AND 2013.  WHAT SPECIFIC REVENUE INCREASES WOULD YOU SUPPORT AND WHAT CUTS WOULD YOU MAKE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET? 

QUESTION 2: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT ACCEPT STATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT (INCLUDING VOUCHERS) ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC? 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE, IF ANYTHING, TO CHANGE OHIO’S TAX STRUCTURE?
 

STEPHEN DYER  4362 Ridge View Dr., Uniontown, Ohio 44685  Age: 38  Democrat

OCCUPATION:  Legislator
EDUCATION:  English BA Tufts University; Journalism MA KSU; JD Akron Law
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  I succeeded where generations of legislators had failed and turned around Ohio’s school funding system. I sponsored several common-sense bills while holding an unprecedented number of town hall meetings, giving 43^rd District residents ready access to their State Representative. 

QUESTION 1:  I oppose raising taxes in a recession. Our best hope for revenue growth is job growth. If we were at the national average for per capita Medicaid spending, we would save $2.6 billion a year. We need a more community-based Medicaid delivery system, not our current institution-based system.

QUESTION 2:  If public dollars are spent in educational institutions, those dollars need to be accounted for in the same way across systems. Right now, DOE has a very hard time tracking the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on charter schools, especially those run by for-profit operators. DOE needs more authority.

QUESTION 3:  The new school funding system I was instrumental in developing provides the first opportunity for property tax relief in decades. Our biggest structural issue for too long has been our overreliance on property taxes to fund schools. HB 1 would put an end to that, if we fulfill its promise.

TODD M. McKENNEY  5706 Sherwood Forest, Akron, Ohio 44319 Age: 46  Republican

OCCUPATION:  Attorney at Law representing families and small businesses:  McKenney & Gingrich (Akron)
EDUCATION:  Manchester HS1982, Hiram College GA Magna Cum Laude (1986), The Ohio State University College of Law (1989)
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Attorney at Law—20+ years.  New Franklin City Councilman At Large.  Pastor at The Chapel—14years.

QUESTION 1:  In New Jersey and Virginia, fiscal conservatives have balanced budgets without raising taxes. One time federal money and the sale of non-essential Ohio assets will continue to be used, but the real answer is to reform government and the way essential services are delivered to make government less costly.

QUESTION 2:  We need accountability for money and accountability for results. This applies to all schools. One planned change is for charter schools to receive money directly from the state rather than local districts which would be helpful. Audits should be a regular part of all school spending reviews.

QUESTION 3:  Compared to other states, we spend too much money on government services and pay higher property taxes as a result. We can reduce administration costs by combining and streamlining government services and then seek to reduce local property tax burdens which fall hard on seniors and property owners. 

return to top

44^TH  DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

(ONE TO BE ELECTED- TERM COMMENCES ON 01/01/11)

QUESTION 1: OHIO IS FACING A HUGE BUDGET DEFICIT FOR THE FYS ENDING IN 2012 AND 2013.  WHAT SPECIFIC REVENUE INCREASES WOULD YOU SUPPORT AND WHAT CUTS WOULD YOU MAKE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET? 

QUESTION 2: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT ACCEPT STATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT (INCLUDING VOUCHERS) ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC? 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE, IF ANYTHING, TO CHANGE OHIO’S TAX STRUCTURE?
 

KURTIS S.F. LISTON   539 Roslyn Ave., Akron, Ohio 44320  Age:  33          Libertarian

OCCUPATION:  Horticulturist
EDUCATION:  A.A.S. in Plant Science, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) class of 2010 , St. Vincent – St. Mary High School class of 1995

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  I am energetic, pragmatic, but most of all realistic! I have also been a local activist for over five years for the Libertarian Party.

QUESTION 1:  I am calling for the creation of an Ohio Grace commission to examine, line by line, the state budget for waste, theft, fraud, and mismanagement. This commission will be made up entirely of private professionals as well as non-partisan groups. The spending must stop!

QUESTION 2:  Introduce real competition into the education market place by giving the parent the ultimate choice on how and where their children are educated,  as well as attaching the money to the child not the institution.

QUESTION 3:  the entire tax structure needs to be reformed. This process would be directly tied into the Ohio Grace commissions exposing of waste, fraud, theft, and mismanagement in the state budget. Through this process we can eliminate the income, death, payroll, and many more oppressive taxes.

JOSH SINES  851 Ranney Street, Akron, Ohio 44310           Age: 35 Republican

OCCUPATION:  Manager at Rockne’s on Merriman
EDUCATION:  B.A. Political Science, University of Akron, Bliss Certificate for Applied Politics
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  I’m ambitious and well-liked, with an old world work ethic and small business background, who coaches and volunteers in the community.  Political experiences include the Board of Elections, City Council Candidate, and Precinct Committeeman.

QUESTION 1:  Balancing the budget takes the right combination of long term fiscal discipline and support for the economy in the short term.  An economic recovery, which boosts tax revenue and reduces spending on unemployment and Medicaid, will have the greatest impact.  A tax increase will hurt the fragile recovery.

QUESTION 2:  All Ohio Schools need held to high accountability standards.  They need to meet State requirements or have their charter revoked.  Performance criteria should trigger automatic closure of community schools that have been in academic emergency for three of the four most recent years.  Parents need to have school choice options.

QUESTION 3:  I support “The Future of Ohio” jobs package, which includes:  small business regulatory reforms, estate tax relief, tax credits for Ohio graduates and tradesmen, vacant property tax credits, small business resource portals, private sector compensatory time, job placement success tracking, unemployed Ohioan employer tax credits, and analyzing company exodus.

VERNON SYKES  133 Furnace Run Dr., Akron, Ohio 44307       Age:                Democrat

OCCUPATION:  Professor
EDUCATION:  Ph.D., University of Akron 2001, MPA, Harvard University 1986, MS, Wright State University 1980, BS, Ohio University 1974
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Served two terms on Akron City Council and in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1983-2000, in the capacity of Assistant Majority Floor Leader and President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.

QUESTION 1:  I would use performance audits to identify inefficiencies and use the information learned from the audits to re-align priorities, eliminate waste, and duplication.

QUESTION 2:  I support improving academic accountability of charter schools and I support shutting down persistently failing charter schools.

QUESTION 3:  I believe that all options for guaranteeing that the state’s budget is balanced must be considered.  Different economic realities call for different solutions, so evaluating the current climate is the key to ensuring economic prosperity and fiscal responsibility.

return to top

45^TH  DISTRICT STATE REPRESENTATIVE

(ONE TO BE ELECTED- TERM COMMENCES ON 01/01/11)

QUESTION 1: OHIO IS FACING A HUGE BUDGET DEFICIT FOR THE FYS ENDING IN 2012 AND 2013.  WHAT SPECIFIC REVENUE INCREASES WOULD YOU SUPPORT AND WHAT CUTS WOULD YOU MAKE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET? 

QUESTION 2: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS THAT ACCEPT STATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT (INCLUDING VOUCHERS) ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC? 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT WOULD YOU PROPOSE, IF ANYTHING, TO CHANGE OHIO’S TAX STRUCTURE?
 

CHARLES LASHER  431 Stanley Road, Akron, Ohio 44312
Republican
 

Candidate did not respond.

ZACK MILKOVICH  2055 Cramer Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44312
Democrat
 

Candidate did not respond.
 

COMMON PLEAS COURT JUDGE
(ONE TO BE ELECTED – TERM COMMENCES 01/05/11

 QUESTION 1:   PLEASE LIST YOUR OCCUPATION, EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE.  

QUESTION 2:  TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU BELIEVE THAT A JUDGE SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT DEFER TO THE ACTIONS OF A LEGISLATURE?

QUESTION 3:  WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR IMPROVING COURT PROCEDURES AND EFFICIENCY?  WHAT OTHER METHODS WOULD YOU SUGGEST?

SCOT A. STEVENSON  441 Wolf Ledges Pkwy Akron, OH 44311 Age:  44

QUESTION 1:  I am an attorney in private practice in Akron.  I graduated from the University of Akron Law School with honors.  My experience representing citizens before Ohio courts enables me to understand the importance every party to a case places in fairness and respect from a judge.

QUESTION 2:  I believe a judge’s role is to interpret the laws and constitutions adopted by our elected representatives.  If the laws are clear those judges should follow the actions of our legislature as the people’s representatives.  A judge should not place his beliefs above the duly enacted laws of our state.

QUESTION 3:  Our courts have been most improved by use of mediation.  Using mediation allows the parties a larger voice in shaping the outcome of their disputes.  As people are more invested in mediated resolutions, they are more likely to be satisfied with the result of their cases.

ELINORE MARSH STORMER  209 South Main St., Akron, Ohio 44308
Age: 53

        QUESTION 1:  Judge, Summit County, BA Davidson Honors College;   JD University of Akron, Judge for 19 years handling hundreds of Trials and thousands of cases.   Started Drug, Mental Health and Reentry Courts to promote public safety and reduce future crime. Active in the community and recognized as such with numerous awards.

QUESTION 2:  Notwithstanding political posturing about “activist judges”, judges must follow and interpret the law as written, with a goal toward achieving justice.  Judicial philosophy can guide a decision, but if legislative intent is clear, we are bound by it, whether we like it or not.  However, I have found laws unconstitutional.

QUESTION 3:  I have a fairly low docket with minimal “overage” cases which suggests that my court is efficient.  But, since justice is the goal, efficiency is a secondary consideration. 

return to top

DOMESTIC RELATIONS JUDGE
(ONE TO BE ELECTED – TERM COMMENCES 01/06/11

QUESTION 1:   PLEASE LIST YOUR OCCUPATION, EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE.  

QUESTION 2:  WHAT PROBLEMS IN THE DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURT DO YOU FEEL NEED ATTENTION?

QUESTION 3:  IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT AFFECTS YOUR COURT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

JOHN A. CASALINUOVO  471 Bobwhite Trail, Akron, Ohio, 44319

Candidate did not respond.

CAROL J. DEZSO  205 South High Street,  Akron, Ohio 44320                   Age:  56

QUESTION 1:   Education  University of Akron (B.A. History) 1976, Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Juris Doctorate 1979. Occupation Administrative Judge, Summit County Domestic Relations Court. Qualifications 27 years experience in the Summit County Domestic Relations Court, 18 years as a judge and 9 years as a court referee.

QUESTION 2:  The loss of court funding over the last two years has required court personnel to take up to 18 unpaid furlough days per year.  This has adversely impacted the overall efficiency of the court.  Albeit slower we are still providing complete court services for the families we serve.

QUESTION 3:  I would repeal the provisions for cash medical support.  They are both very confusing and often unfair.  It is not unusual for an obligor, who would himself be eligible for Medicaid, to have to pay cash medical support.  However, the mandate for parents with affordable private medical insurance should continue.

return to top

SUMMIT COUNTY COUNCIL-AT-LARGE
(3 TO BE ELECTED – TERM COMMENCES 01/01/11)

QUESTION 1: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF COUNTY COUNCIL?  

QUESTION 2:  AS A MEMBER OF COUNTY COUNCIL, WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ENSURE THAT PROPER CHECKS AND BALANCES ARE MAINTAINED IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT? 

QUESTION 3:  WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT? 

PETE CROSSLAND 29 Borton Avenue Akron, Ohio 44302 Age:                Democrat

OCCUPATION:  Professor Emeritus of Political Science,  Kent State University(taught for 30years); Member of Summit County Council since 1989
EDUCATION:  Miami Univ. B.A. , M.A. ;  Yale Univ. B.D. :   Duke Univ. PhD.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  :  My education and experience.  I served in the Ohio House of Representatives for 10 years and have been President,  Summit County Council

QUESTION 1:  To read, understand, analyze,  and vote intelligently on each piece of legislation before council.

QUESTION 2:  Doing the primary responsibilities well is the essential  maintenance.   Also working  hard to establish good communications  with everyone  who is related to county government  provides a framework for receiving good information and having input.  Working cooperatively with the Executive is essential and the current Executive, Russ Pry,  has made this **

QUESTION 3:  Summit County is most challenged in the area of  the economy.   We are in tough times because revenues have fallen dramatically.   We have deal with this with a series of belt tightening measures.  So far it is tough but we are afloat.   Creating jobs and strengthening the economy  is a challenge**

JON PODA  2798 Alexandria Ct. Uniontown, Ohio 44685    Age: 53
Democrat

OCCUPATION: Executive Accounts Representative, Ohio Lottery-Sales Mgmt.
EDUCATION:  Attended the University of Akron; Licensed Ohio Real Estate Broker, since 1991; Licensed Ohio Real Estate Appraiser, since 2001
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Current President-Summit County Council   (Elected by Colleagues 10-0) Vice President, Summit County Council-2009 Previously have served as Chairman of Public Works-2008

QUESTION 1:  Primary Responsibility of County Council): Represent the citizens of Summit County through legislative and taxing authority as well as policy-making, based upon the Summit Count Charter;

QUESTION 2:  1 believe that we currently as a Council do a good job of providing checks and balances necessary between the Executive and Legislative Branches of Summit County Government. Our duties, per the Charter give Council the authority to oversee and review awarding contracts, establishing departments, wide-ranging policies and procedures, to**

QUESTION 3:  Number One issue of County Government presently is to be fiscally responsible with the taxpayers dollars, to insure proper delivery of services to our residents, in conjunction with both retaining and creating job opportunities, thus enhancing economic development for our communities.

GLORIA J. RODGERS  4562 Newcomer Rd. Stow, Ohio 44224 Age: 65          Republican

OCCUPATION:  Charge Nurse Portage Path Emergency Services, Summit County Council Representative – District #3
EDUCATION:  Graduate – Akron City Hospital of Nursing (attend University of Akron)
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Small business owner operator, Medical and psychiatric emergency room experience, Community involvement

QUESTION 1:  Coordinating county organizations and services while maintaining fiscal responsibility

QUESTION 2:  Require and maintain a more open process in county legislation.

QUESTION 3:  Fiscal issues and the down turn in the economy

BILL ROEMER  3616 Southern Rd. Richfield, OH 44286          Age:  54          Republican

OCCUPATION:  Substitute Teacher – Math - Revere Schools, Director of Sales Ameritech (AT&T) retired  

EDUCATION:  BS - Accounting (Summa Cum Laude) and MBA - Finance Case Western Reserve University
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Certified Public Accountant (inactive) Long time community volunteer: treasurer and umpire director, coach for Revere Baseball; tutor coordinator for Revere Schools; president Slovak fraternity.  

QUESTION 1:  Council’s primary responsibility is to insure the financial integrity of the County through spending limitation and promotion of job growth.  During the last four years, County Council has approved deficits of about $30,000,000 completely eliminating the accumulated surplus.  I will donate ½ of my salary until the deficit is eliminated.

QUESTION 2:  With ten Democrats on Council and a Democratic county administrator, checks and balances do not currently exist.  Were I elected, I would review every piece of legislation to insure that tax dollars are spent wisely. With my strong financial background, I have the ability to insure sound financial decisions.

QUESTION 3:  The most important issue for Summit County government is promotion of job growth while limiting tax and fee increases. Additionally, I have promised to meet with officials in every municipality in Summit County to make sure that I am aware of and can respond to the issues facing the communities.

AMY SCHWAN  142 Westover Dr. Akron, Ohio  44313              Age:  56          Republican

OCCUPATION:  Retired small business owner in Summit County.
EDUCATION:  Buchtel High School ’72, Ohio University BSEd ’76.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  Concerned Citizen of Summit County.

QUESTION 1:  The primary responsibility of County Council is to focus on core responsibilities; Public safety and Environmental Services (sewers, infrastructure).

QUESTION 2:  Council needs to be accountable to the people to ensure proper checks and balances. To that end, Council meetings need to be accessible and totally visible to the public. There needs to be evening hours for Council meetings, local district meetings and community forums on important issues.

QUESTION 3:  Jobs. By focusing County Government on its core responsibilities (public safety and environmental issues), and getting out of the way of small business by reducing taxes and regulations, we would encourage those small businesses and ensure jobs and sustainable growth in Summit County.

 ILENE SHAPIRO  295 Wyant Road Akron, Ohio 44313     Age:                Democrat

OCCUPATION:  Director Business Development Summa Foundation
EDUCATION:  not given
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE:  As Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee we worked to retain Goodyear and Bridgestone and their 4000 jobs. Committees include rules, finance, long term planning, public safety.   I Chair the Summit County Green Policy Task Force and developed the Financial Sustainability Task Force.

QUESTION 1:  Summit County approved a charter form of government in 1979. Organized with an Executive and a Council that consists of an eleven-member legislative authority, taxing authority and policy-making body. A primary responsibility is budgetary. Bond ratings are strong and we have weathered the economic downturn better then most.

QUESTION 2:  County Council is an independent legislative body. As a member of Council my ability to provide checks and balances spans a wide variety of other elected officials like the Fiscal Officer, Engineer, Sherriff, Judges, Prosecutor, and Executive whose budgets, personnel polices, benefits, etcetera are governed by the legislation Council passes.

QUESTION 3:  Financial sustainability is number one. To build a vital and growing community we must be fiscally responsible now while developing a forward thinking financial framework for economies of scale and revenue enhancements. Therefore, I have recently, along with Executive Pry, announced the creation of a Financial Sustainability Task Force.

**exceeded word limit 
return to top

ISSUE 11   
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF AKRON  

Shall Section 59 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to include the establishment Department of Economic and Job Development; Shall Section 95 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to increase amounts beyond which bids must be taken or Board of Control or Council approval must be given; shall Section 105 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to include certain additional positions within the unclassified service; shall Section 112 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to broaden the protections against discrimination for individuals seeking employment or currently employed by the City of Akron; shall Section 136 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to require that the percentage of votes be based upon qualified electors registered to vote at the last preceding general municipal election; and shall Section 142 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to permit a Charter Review Commission to convene prior to a 10 year period? 

LWVAA Explanation: The proposed revision of Section 59 of the City of Akron Charter recommends the elevation of the current Office of Economic Development to departmental status. The revision would formally change the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development to the Department of Economic and Job Development.

The proposed revision of Section 95 of the City of Akron Charter recommends that the maximum amounts for the awards of contracts without bidding be increased and would require the approval of Council and Board of Control. 

The proposed revision of Section 105 of the City of Akron Charter recommends the specification of certain additional positions within the unclassified service of the civil service of the City of Akron.  The revision will make clear that anyone holding elective office is considered unclassified, even if he or she was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office rather than elected to it.  It also clarifies that the Personnel Director, Deputy Mayor of Public Safety, and Director of Economic and Job Development are considered unclassified employees.

The proposed revision of Section 112 of the City of Akron Charter seeks to broaden the protections against discrimination for individuals seeking employment or currently employed by the City of Akron.  Section 112 designates that the City shall not discriminate in hiring or during employment because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, or familial status.

The proposed revision of Section 136 of the City of Akron Charter recommends that charter amendments be submitted to the voters either upon a two-thirds vote of the City Council or if a petition is signed by ten percent of the electors. Currently, the number of elector petition signatures required is determined by reference to the number of ballots cast in the last general municipal election.

The proposed revision of Section 142 of the City of Akron Charter seeks to permit the Mayor to convene, with the approval of Council, a Charter Review Commission at any time prior to the ten (10) year period currently provided for in the Charter.

return to top

ISSUE 12
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF AKRON

Shall Section 13 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to increase the time to obtain signatures to 50 days, clarify that 10 days means 10 business days, and prohibit the circulation of recall petitions during the last 6 months after an unsuccessful recall attempt; shall Section 17 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to increase the time period initiative legislation will be submitted to the voters to 60 days; shall Section 19 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to increase the period of time in which to obtain signatures to 50 days and increase the time period the referendum legislation is submitted to the voters to 60 days to allow time for ballots to be printed for absentee voting; shall Section 21 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to require the number of petitioners for initiative and referendum to be based on the number of qualified electors registered to vote at the last general municipal election; and shall Section 22 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to clarify that ten days means ten business days and to identify the change in the duties of the Clerk of Council caused by the lengthening of time to gather petitions?

LWVAA Explanation:  The proposed revision of Section 13 of the City of Akron Charter seeks to simplify the recall petition process and clearly define the procedures for conducting a recall. First, the revision seeks to eliminate the 20-day period for gathering additional signatures if insufficient signatures were initially gathered.  The revision recommends that the period for gathering signatures be extended from 30 days to 50 days to avoid complication and possible manipulation of the procedures.  As it stands, the revision would prevent petitioners from knowingly collecting insufficient signatures and utilizing the 20-day extension to gather more. Additionally, the revision clarifies that ten (10) days means ten (10) business days for the Clerk of Council to determine the sufficiency of each petition.

The proposed revision also seeks to eliminate inconsistency between the City of Akron Charter and Ohio state law concerning the affidavits of persons circulating petitions. Currently, the charter requires that the signer of the recall petition attest to the number and validity of signatures.  State law requires that petition circulators must attest to the number and validity of the signatures and may not sign their own petitions. The proposed revision would adopt state law as superior and thus avoid signers attesting to the validity of their own signature. 

The proposed revision also recommends prohibiting recall elections during the last six months of an officeholder’s term.  The revision also recommends prohibiting the initiation of the recall procedure for six months after an unsuccessful recall election.

The proposed revision of Section 17 of the City of Akron Charter recommends that the same percentage of voters for initiative petitions be required as those currently called for in referendum petitions.  The proposed revision would change from 7% to 10% the percentage of electors required.  Additionally, the revision would increase the time period the initiative legislation will be submitted from 30 days to 60 days.  The recommendation is deemed necessary to allow sufficient time for early and absentee voting.  The revision would also use the term “general election” to describe the election to be consistent with Ohio state law.

The proposed revision of Section 19 of the City of Akron Charter recommends an increase in the period of time to obtain signatures for referendum petitions to 50 days and eliminate the need for supplemental petitions.  Additionally, the revision would increase the time period the initiative legislation will be submitted to voters from 30 days to 60 days to allow sufficient time for early and absentee voting.

The revision would also use the term “general election” to describe the election to be consistent with Ohio state law.

The proposed revision of Section 21 of the City of Akron Charter recommends that the number of petitioners for initiative and referendum to be based on the number of qualified electors registered to vote at the last general municipal election. Currently, the number of petitioners is based on the number of ballots cast in the general municipal election.

The proposed revision of Section 22 of the City of Akron Charter recommends that ten (10) days be clarified to ten (10) business days to file an initiative or referendum petition to the Clerk of Council.  It also reflects the changes in the duties of the Clerk of Council caused by the lengthening of time to gather petitions and the elimination of supplementary petitions in Section 13 (Recall) and 21 (Petitions).

return to top

ISSUE 13
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF AKRON

Shall Section 2 of the Charter of the City of Akron be adopted to provide that, where the City will save money, the City may enter into agreements with other governmental agencies to provide or receive services?

LWVAA Explanation:  This provision would clarify the City's ability to enter into agreements with other governmental agencies to provide or receive services when it is cost effective or promotes greater efficiency or effectiveness for the provision of services.

return to top

ISSUE 14
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF AKRON

Shall Section 5 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to require Akron City Council to enact campaign finance and ethics standards within 90 days of passage of this Charter amendment which shall include contribution limits of $200 for ward candidates and $450 for city-wide candidates, and a review of contribution limits every two years coming in 2012, such review to include a public hearing regarding campaign finance?

LWVAA Explanation:  The proposed revision of Section 5 of the City of Akron Charter seeks to remove campaign finance reform language from the charter in favor of the creation of reform through ordinance.  The revision proposes that the City of Akron Council enact campaign finance and ethics regulations within 90 days of the passage of the charter amendment, which would contain contribution limits of $200 for ward candidates and $450 for city-wide candidates. Additionally, the revision would require Council to review and amend the contribution limits every two years, beginning in 2012 and continuing in even-numbered years thereafter, as necessary.  Each review would include public hearings to obtain public comment regarding campaign finance.

return to top

ISSUE 15
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF AKRON

Shall Section 106a of the Charter of the City of Akron be adopted to add a section giving veterans of U.S. Armed Forces and Akron residents preference points on civil service examinations?

LWVAA Explanation: The proposed inclusion of Section 106a in the City of Akron Charter seeks to grant 20% preference points to both Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and Akron residents on any non-promotional and promotional civil service examinations where they have received a passing grade. In order to receive the 20% veterans preference points, the candidates must have served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States of America for more than 180 days, and submit proof of honorable discharge. In order to receive 20% preference points for being an Akron resident, the candidate must have been a resident citizen for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and remain a resident citizen of Akron throughout the selection process.

return to top

ISSUE 16
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF AKRON

Shall Section 64 of the Charter of the City of Akron be amended to allow the City of Akron to save money by leasing the recycle energy system?

LWVAA Explanation:  The proposed revision of Section 64 of the City of Akron Charter recommends the clarification of restrictions on sale, lease, or transfer of city utilities apply only to the City’s water and sewer systems.  Currently, Section 64 requires that any action by the Council or Mayor to sell, transfer, or lease any part of any interest in a public utility be without force or effect until it is approved by a majority of votes cast by the electors of the City of Akron in the next general election occurring at least 90 days after such action. The charter revision would exempt any lease of the recycle energy system.

return to top

ISSUE 17
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT CITY OF AKRON

Shall Section 86e of the Charter of the City of Akron be adopted to add a section allowing one-third (1/3) of the one-quarter percent (1/4%) income tax approved by the voters on May 6, 2003, to be used for public safety purposes in years 2011, 2012 and 2013, and extending collection of the one-quarter percent (1/4%) income tax through December 31, 2038 for the Akron Community Learning Centers?

LWVAA Explanation:  The proposed Charter amendment to Section 86e seeks to utilize 50% of the revenues generated by the 1/3 of the 1/4% for police purposes; 40% for fire and emergency medical service purposes; and 10% for snow removal purposes. Additionally, the income tax levy approved by voters on May 6, 2003 will be extended an additional 5 years through December 31, 2038 and during that additional period will be used for renovation, repair, reconstruction, maintenance, operations, furnishing, acquiring interests in real property and otherwise improving community learning centers.

return to top