Flag City Politico

Around the Country

Even though it seems we are in the calm before the storm (Pennsylvania and North Carolina primaries), the drama to the nomination continues.

Maybe you missed out on Clinton backers sending a message to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi...

In Letter, Top Clinton Donors Chastise Pelosi For Statements About Super-Delegates
Twenty top Hillary fundraisers and donors have sent a scathing private letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, chastising her for publicly saying that the super-delegates should support the winner of the pledged delegate count and demanding that she say that they should make an "independent" choice. >>
Talking Points Memo

You didn't think a little letter would sway Pelosi, did you?

Pelosi firm on not allowing superdelegates to tip race
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has reaffirmed her position that superdelegates should not “overturn the will of the voters” in the face of criticism from top donors to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). >>
The Hill

The best thing I have read over the past couple of days is about what the Democrats could do if the convention opens with no nominee. One possible solution...

Is Al Gore the Answer?
Unlike Barack Obama, Bill Clinton does not believe in "the fierce urgency of now." The former President has an exquisitely languid sense of how political time unfurls. He understands that those moments the political community, especially the media, considers urgent usually aren't. He has seen his own election and re-election—and completing his second term—pronounced "impossible" and lived to tell the tale. >>
Time

A possible VP option if Obama is the nominee?

No Endorsement; Bloomberg Plays It Down The Middle
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Sen. Barack Obama stood side-by-side once again Thursday, nearly four months after their mystery breakfast outing at a Manhattan diner. This time, Obama was in town to deliver what was billed as a major speech on the economy, while many believed Bloomberg was poised to deliver his endorsement. >>
WCBS

-RSKnopfJr

In November, what color will Ohio be?

poll conducted March 5-25, 2008

-RSKnopfJr

A Busy Day

It's difficult to decide on the day's biggest news story...

The day started off with news out of Florida that the Democratic Party decided not to hold any sort of vote. Later in the day, word out of Michigan was that the legislation to have another primary did not have enough support and would not pass. Perhaps the biggest story, however, was the 'race' speech that Barack Obama delivered from Constitution Hall in Philadelphia.

Florida Democrats scrap revote idea
Setting the stage for a contentious fight well into the summer, Florida Democrats gave up Monday on redoing their Jan. 29 presidential primary, leaving it to the national party or rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to hammer out a solution to make the state's delegates count. >>
Miami Herald

Democratic state leader calls repeat primary in Michigan 'unlikely'
A Senate Democratic leader said today "it's highly unlikely" the Legislature will pass a do-over Democratic presidential primary election bill.  >>
Detroit News

Neither result surprised me all that much, and in a certain way, I am happy that this has happened. Not because it may hurt Democrats or teach the two states a lesson about being greedy, but because it takes growing pains sometimes to get to the results we need and deserve.

By going through these problems in 2008, we finally see the pitfalls and ramifications of states jostling for recognition and influence. Hopefully, both parties will see this as a wake-up call and put a plan in motion that will alleviate this problem for the next Presidential election cycle.

Whether there are regional primaries, or a national primary, or the start of some sort of rotation every four years, something needs to be done by 2012 so voters do not feel disenfranchised. In a year where record numbers are turning out, we ought to be finding a way to keep the excitement going and continue the momentum.

While voters in Michigan and Florida were wondering what this all means (or even if they were paying attention), Obama was in Pennsylvania trying to address the issue of race (and more importantly, do some damage control from the relationship with his pastor). In case you missed it, here is the speech (text).

Results from commentators were extremely positive and supportive, and you saw the skill Obama possesses in delivering what some called the most important speech of his political career. If that was the case, this may have been the speech that secured him the nomination.

He has the lead in pledged delegates, is closing in on super-delegates, still holds the advantage in popular vote and states won. With all eyes on him, he gave a speech which shows his command (and the importance) of rhetoric.

In a nation that is tired from a never-ending war, and an economy most certainly in a recession, any sort of hope and relief on the horizon is welcome news, and a theme that may carry Obama to the Presidency.

-RSKnopfJr

Politics and St. Patrick's Day

With Pennsylvania only five weeks away, the candidates are doing anything they can for votes. If that includes targeting Irish-American voters, so be it. Smart politics or pandering is in the eye of the beholder, but make no mistake, everyone is doing it.

Clinton website

Clinton Marching In Pennsylvania


Obama website

Obama Supporters in St. Patrick's Day Parade


Even John McCain, who is in Iraq with the Vice-President, has merchandise on his website marketed toward this unique constituency. I guess when you look at it, none of this is necessarily bad...candidates should recognize that all of us are immigrants and make up one of the most diverse populations in the world. If Irish-Americans have their day, that is fine. With all of the talk over the past several months about women and African-Americans (and how they will vote during the elections), the Irish segment of the population is just another demographic. This year, March 17 just happens to fall during a time of the year when a primary election is not decided...and there are votes to be had.

I hope everyone has a safe SPD, and if you drink too much green beer, make sure you don't drink and drive.

-RSKnopfJr

Random Musings

Some random questions and thoughts...

Does the planned half-percent tax increase pay for just the jail expansion, or does that include the library expansion, parking garage, taking down buildings and everything else? Is the tax temporary? If so, for how long?  Don't the city leaders worry about being land-locked with no room for expansion of their own? It seems like there are a lot of questions that need to be answered - must be time for another town forum.

Is the color of the new building going to be fuchsia?

Since when does not having a basement solve a flooding problem?  Being located at the corner of Main and Main Cross, seems to me everything on the first floor is in danger as well.

Consolidate three middle schools into two? Where did that idea come from? Has anyone heard of that idea before? If this happens, who gets control of the auditorium - Arts Partnership? Or do they do away with it because there will be a fine arts pavilion opening up down the road?

John McCain, please pick Condoleezza Rice as your VP nominee. That way, we might be able to have an intelligent debate over the issues this year instead of everyone claiming sexism or racism every time you open your mouth.

Hey Rush Limbaugh and crossover Republicans voting for Clinton in the primaries because you think she would be the weaker candidate...be careful what you wish for!

Hey Rush Limbaugh and crossover Republicans voting for Clinton in the primaries because you think she would be the weaker candidate...grow up - I am ashamed by a party that would not hope the two best people were the final two candidates come November. Even if my candidate didn't win, I would hope that the victor would be the second-best person for the job.

Oh, BTW, those last two statements don't make me a bad Republican or a traitor to the party. I just happen to have a core set of values that supercedes following the company line.

Democrats, don't think that I forgot about you. For the party that preaches inclusion, why all the talk, accusations and allegations about sexism and racism? I hoped that we had moved into an era where we could talk about the person running for President...not the first woman or African-American who happen to be seriously in the running for President.

When the primaries are over, if candidate A has more delegates pledged to them, and has won more of the popular vote, and won more overall states...how can candidate B claim that because of their credentials and assumption of political strength they should win the election? Just because they say so? And no one calls them out on this? Please, someone explain that to me because I am confused how that can happen.

Can you really feel bad for New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's wife? Here he is, caught in an international prostitution ring, breaking federal laws, and she is standing by her man. I know about a strong marriage and wanting to salvage a relationship...but seriously, why - money?...future book deal or spot on The View?...sympathy and empathy?...political aspirations of her own?... Seems to me I have seen this movie before.

If it was my wife, I would have been dead a long time before the press  or government ever found out. Just ask the PolitiGal...she'll tell you.

-RSKnopfJr

An early look at electoral math

With all of the attention given to the Democratic Presidential race the past several months, and the stories in the media, one might believe that we are going to see a landslide in this November's election. Remember, however, that the race for the Presidency is not a popularity contest...it is a race to get to 270 electoral votes.

With the strength of Obama and Clinton evident by the outstanding number of citizens voting in Democratic primaries and caucuses, the early focus by the media has been that the sheer numbers alone will give the nominee an insurmountable advantage later this year. But is this really what is going to happen?

Remember that McCain is known for his maverick nature, and that is an appeal to independent voters and moderates from both parties. Even though he had to proclaim his conservatism to hard-core GOPers, he is the nominee now and can make a move back toward the center. It is not a foregone conclusion that he will end up as a sacrificial elephant this year, and in head-to-head polls, he has been holding his own or besting the potential Democratic nominee.

National polls are meaningless this time of year, but it is fun to speculate. Even more so if someone has taken the time to poll voters in all states and show us how the electoral map is starting to take shape. You will see these types of graphics MANY MORE TIMES between now and November, but to start off, let's see what the good people across the USofA are telling SurveyUSA

click here for state-by-state poll results

click here for state-by-state poll results

Not much of a surprise, unless you are like me and believe that it could have been MUCH worse for McCain. While Obama and Clinton continue to go at it, McCain is out there raising money, crafting his message and getting ready for...well, we may not know for several months yet, but whomever it is, they better be ready for another close election because it looks like that is where we are headed.

-RSKnopfJr

What was the biggest local story from 'Junior Tuesday'?

poll conducted March 5-10, 2008

-RSKnopfJr

How did Flag City Politico do with endorsements for the Hancock County races?

poll conducted March 3-4, 2008

-RSKnopfJr

Junior Tuesday Results

A huge win for Michael Heldman tonight - anytime you get over 75% of the vote, especially against a well known opponent, you are doing something right. This might give Heldman some clout (or at least garner some public support) when it comes time to talk budget with the commissioners, discussing a jail expansion or the possibility of another temporary justice center tax.

Stephen Oman has now lost three commissioners races in a row, but you have to wonder what would have happened if Bradley Griffin wasn't running. Was there some sort of anti-Walton sentiment that was muted by Griffin's presence? Considering Walton did not receive a majority of the votes, it was not exactly a ringing endorsement of someone who has the credentials but may not be communicating effectively with the electorate.

Besides the Hancock Park levy passing so handily, there were not many other surprises, although the number of votes for Democratic Presidential delegates did pique my interest. I wonder if this was due to the mobilization of Democratic voters, or the call to arms by political commentators like Rush Limbaugh urging GOPers to vote for Clinton. I hope it was the former, because the other goes against the principles I value.

On the national level, two things to bring out of what happened tonight:

1. McCain is now the Republican nominee and will do everything he can to start raising money and set the political agenda while the Democrats settle on a nominee over the next three months (or longer)
2. The race to become the Democratic nominee, despite Clinton winning three of four states tonight, barely changed from where we began the day...Obama is still in the lead, and when all the votes are counted, he may even come out earning more delegates for today's trouble. Nice system they implemented, huh?

It was great to finally see Ohio play a small part in Presidential primary politics; let's just hope we come up with some system for 2012 that is fair to every state and eliminates all the bickering and issues we have seen this cycle. Anyway, it is quickly approaching 1:30a. If Chris Matthews and Keith Olberman have had enough and are turning the anchor desk over to Norah O'Donnell, it must be time to go to bed.

Registered Voters 51695 - Cards Cast 21109 40.83%   
Num. Report Precinct 63 - Num. Reporting 63 100.00%

DEM DEL AND ALT NATL CONV
HILLARY CLINTON - 55.53%
JOHN EDWARDS - 1.43%
BARACK OBAMA - 43.04%

DEM STATE COMM MAN
CHARLES R. GRAY - 48.78%
DONALD L. TRAXLER - 51.22%

REP DEL AND ALT LARGE NATL CONV
MIKE HUCKABEE - 31.72%
JOHN MCCAIN - 55.29%
RON PAUL - 7.65%
MITT ROMNEY - 3.58%
FRED THOMPSON - 1.77%

REP COUNTY COMMISSIONER 1-2-09
EDWARD D. INGOLD - 54.24%
ROBERT J. KUHLMAN - 45.76%

REP COUNTY COMMISSIONER 1-3-09
BRADLEY L. GRIFFIN - 14.48%
STEPHEN F. OMAN - 37.27%
EMILY A. WALTON - 48.24%

REP SHERIFF
MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - 78.25%
THOMAS L. RENNINGER - 21.75%

REP COUNTY TREASURER
CARL MOSES - 7.98%
LARRY SETTLEMIRE - 17.44%
J. STEVE WELTON - 74.58%

REP CORONER
MARK R. FOX - 58.68%
JOHN P. ZIEGLER - 41.32%

ARCADIA TAX LEVY
FOR THE TAX LEVY - 52.45%
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY - 47.55%

MCCOMB BOND ISSUE
FOR THE BOND ISSUE - 47.92%
AGAINST BOND ISSUE - 52.08%

NORTH BALTIMORE TAX LEVY
FOR THE TAX LEVY - 100.00%
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY - 0.00%

VAN BUREN TAX LEVY
FOR THE TAX LEVY - 53.75%
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY - 46.25%

HANCOCK PARK DISTRICT TAX LEVY
FOR THE TAX LEVY - 65.81%
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY - 34.19%

 

Results from the Texas Democratic Caucus have not yet been announced.

updated 1:30a  03-05-08

-RSKnopfJr

Latest News from Ohio

Wintry mess could slow voter turnout in Ohio
Election watchers kept a nervous eye on the weather in four states holding primaries Tuesday, with Ohio the most likely spot for conditions that could dampen voters' enthusiasm. >>
CNN

Ohio's do or die for Clinton as candidates race to seal deal
Sen. Hillary Clinton got up before dawn to shake hands at Toledo's Jeep plant yesterday and Sen. Barack Obama blanketed Ohio with a new 2-minute TV ad as the two scrambled to influence voters going to the polls today. >>
Toledo Blade

Some Republicans cross over
With Arizona Sen. John McCain poised to clinch the GOP nomination, some central Ohio Republicans decided to cross over and vote in today’s Democratic primary. >>
Columbus Dispatch

Bad weather not slowing Montgomery County voters
A light but steady rain and temperatures just above freezing didn't seem to be slowing down Montgomery County voting Tuesday morning, March 4, in a primary election where turnout is expected to be heavy. >>
Dayton Daily News

Absentee voter turnout indicates lines will be long today
If lines at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections the last few days are any indication, expect a wait to vote at the polls today. >>
Cleveland Plain Dealer

Voters energized by campaign
Voters throughout southwest Ohio went to the polls this morning to cast ballots in an Ohio primary featuring the historic showdown between Democratic presidential contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. >>
Cincinnati Enquirer

Voting going well in area
Voting today appeared to be ''going very well,'' said Summit County Board of Elections Director Bryan Williams about 9:30 a.m. >>
Akron Beacon Journal

Casting her vote
Steubenville resident Nicole Campana was an early visitor today to the election polls at the Holiday Inn on University Boulevard. Officials expect voter turnout to be about 47 percent of the county’s 47,867 registered voters in today’s primary election. >>
Herald Star

Campaigns battle into final hours
The eyes of the nation will be on Ohio tonight as returns come in for the heated Democratic primary battle between senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. >>
Sandusky Register

-RSKnopfJr

Remember to vote today!

Races for county commissioners, sheriff, treasurer and coroner, not to mention something about electing a President.  The 2008 primary election has a little bit for everyone. The county board of elections is predicting that only 40% of registered voters will be going to the polls, but once again, I have faith that the people of Findlay and Hancock County are going to ignore the weather and come out today and beat that number.

Over the past month, I have asked YOU who you were going to support in some of the races from today. What should we expect according to your prognostications?

• Stephen Oman will regain a seat for the Hancock County Commissioners - he got 48.5% of the vote, compared to 27.8% for Emily Walton and 22.4% for Brad Griffin
• The race for the other Commissioners seat is a toss-up with Ed Ingold and Robert Kuhlman both receiving 47.4% of the vote
• Hancock County will have a new sheriff, with Thomas Renninger getting more support than incumbent Michael Heldman 56%-40%

Even if you do not feel like it, please get out to vote today. Our democratic process of electing leaders and then the transfer of power and responsibility from one person to another is one of the truly great things our government has sustained. It is a shame that so few people accept this opportunity for what it is: the right to have your voice heard!

Polls are open from 6:30am to 7:30pm.

To find out the candidates on the ballot, click here.

To find out the issues on the ballot, click here.

To find out where you vote, click here.

To find out results after the polls close, click here.

The weather for today: Periods of snow, freezing rain and sleet, becoming all freezing rain after 1pm. High near 31. Blustery, with a northeast wind between 17 and 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of around an inch possible.

If you need something to take along to the polls with you, print and clip this copy of the FCPolitico Republican primary ballot and endorsement guide.

My comments before prior elections still hold true this morning: "It will be fun to look back at this after the election and see if any of this matters...It should be a fun, and LOOOOOOONG, day...I hope to see all of you getting out to vote. Grab a neighbor, phone a friend, drive a senior citizen...". Just get out the vote (GOTV)!

-RSKnopfJr

FCPolitico endorses...

Here they are, my picks for Hancock County Commissioner, Sheriff, Treasurer and Coroner. Your feedback and comments are suggested and encouraged. You can agree or disagree with who and why - just keep it civil when telling me (and others) where I went wrong and how I failed you. Now, without further delay...

For Hancock County Coroner, FCPolitico endorses JOHN P. ZIEGLER. Even though challenger Mark Fox has been working under the current coroner, Leroy Schroeder, for the past seven years, I think that a fresh perspective and a clean start are sometimes more important that continuity.

Ziegler operates a private practice (versus working for Blanchard Valley Medical Associates), and also believes that the county should look at saving a little money by doing autopsies here instead of paying Lucas County. Just the idea of doing that, and not keeping the status quo in place because it is working, gets my vote.

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For Hancock County Treasurer, FCPolitico endorses J. STEVE WELTON. Even though he has taken a lot of criticism for closing the treasurer's office over the lunch hour, he explained it as a result of limited personnel and security concerns...two things that he should not be faulted for. Now that he has enough people to keep the office manned, people will be looking to make sure that opening back up over the noon hour was more than a political maneuver.

While in office, Welton has implemented ways to pay taxes via the computer and telephone, showing a move into the technological arena. Larry Settlemire has experience running a company (as President of Imperial Construction), but I am not sure how well that translates into being the treasurer for the county (he is young and could run again in four years). For now, I will stick with Welton, and make sure he delivers on what he promises.

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For Hancock County Sheriff, FCPolitico endorses THOMAS L. RENNINGER. I appreciate the job that Michael Heldman has done over the past 12 years, especially considering the financial limitations he has faced, but perhaps a change in management style will help address some of these issues.

Thomas Renninger has the experience to do the job, and can take what he learned handling a large budget and staff as Findlay police chief and apply it on the county level. I am not suggesting that the change WILL make a difference, but as someone who pays taxes, I think that a new course of action should be looked at - and that means a change in leadership.

The duties of the office will remain the same no matter how much the county is bringing in and giving the departments, so it is important to spend money wisely. I am sure that Sheriff Heldman has done what he thinks is correct (and I cannot fault him for any specific action), but I think that someone else may be needed to take the office to 'the next level', especially when it comes to jail expansion and allocation of resources. That is why I am willing to give Renninger the opportunity to show us what he thinks he can do.

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For Hancock County Commissioner, FCPolitico endorses ROBERT J. KUHLMAN and EMILY A. WALTON.

I am selecting Kuhlman over Ingold for two reasons: communications and credibility. Ingold may be a brilliant man with a knowledge of finances and operations that surpasses those of the common citizens...and he would be the first to let you know of it. On three occasions, I have had the opportunity to watch him answer questions from people just like you and me, and every time I have come away disappointed. He is smart, and he does his best to prove it to you. Instead of being empathetic about your situation, be is emphatic that it is not the county's fault. Yet despite whatever skills or intentions Ingold has, the county is pretty much in the same position it was in when he took office...and that's not good.

Kuhlman may be brash sometimes, but he gets to the point. He knows be might be better than others...but it is usually directed at those who are in the positions of responsibility, not those paying the salaries. I believe Kuhlman would be a better communicator, and in my opinion, anything coming from him is instantly more credible than his opponent. I appreciate that he is willing to look at technology to keep citizens engaged (one look at the Commissioners website tells you all you need to know about their technical skills), and he would bring a no-nonsense attitude, and a conservative fiscal policy, when it comes to managing county resources. He may not be an ideal candidate, but I think he is a better option than who currently holds the office.

For the other seat, we are left between selecting an incumbent, a commissioner who has been voted out (and lost in a comeback bid), or a political newcomer. First, let's take Brad Griffin out of the mix...not necessarily because he does not have any experience, but because the time just is not right for someone new with good intentions and a willingness to learn. That time was two years ago, and someone filled the position. I would encourage Griffin to remain involved (attend meetings, write letters to the editor, become a trustee) and come back in two (or four) years. If nothing else, the experience of running for office will help him if he decides to try again.

So that leaves me to choose between Oman and Walton...and let me put it this way - back in 2004, even I was thinking about running for commissioner so we could get Oman out of office. I do not harbor any ill will toward him personally, but I do not think that he did a good job while he was commissioner, and I am not willing to give him another opportunity at the expense of removing Walton (he picked the wrong person to run against). Walton, on the other hand, is a tireless worker who has come to understand the nuances of the position. I was impressed by her at the candidate's forum, and also believe that she provided the most thoughtful set of answers to the questionnaire I sent out.

Also, I like how the commissioners office shapes up if everything happens the way I want

• Emily Walton, a older female, with four years of experience
• Philip Riegle, a younger male, with two years of experience
• Robert Kuhlman, an older male, bringing new ideas to the group with a wealth of experience from other boards and Findlay City Council

It is a nice mix of young and old, both genders, different backgrounds and philosophies, working together with our best interests in mind. Now, if it only works out that way in real life instead of in my politically idealistic world.

---

No matter what party you are from, or whether the weather is going to be icky, make sure you get out and vote tomorrow. Polls are open from 6:30a to 7:30p. If you are not sure where to vote, click here or call the Hancock County Board of Elections at          419-422-3245       . As always, if you need a ride, e-mail me and I will hook up Xavier and Snowflake to the sled and come get you. Democracy...it's fan-tastic!

-RSKnopfJr

If the election were held today, which candidate for commissioner would you vote for?

poll conducted February 25 - March 2, 2008

-RSKnopfJr

Election 2008: Emily A. Walton, candidate for Hancock County Commissioner

On February 8, I sent letters to the candidates running for Hancock County Commissioner. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from commissioner candidate Emily A. Walton; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

---

Why do you want to be a Hancock County commissioner?

I originally ran for this office in 2004 when Mrs. Clymer announced her retirement from the Board of County Commissioners.  After selling my food animal / small animal practice, the Arlington Veterinary Clinic, I wanted to be more involved in my community.  I feel I have a skill set, knowledge base, business background, legislative experience and people skills that enable me to be of service to my county.  I am always eager to learn new things ( and wow—have I ever!!) and I spend many hours researching topics and gathering information before I make decisions.    I continue to hold the belief that I can have a positive impact.


Why are you a better candidate for commissioner than your opponent?

As a current County Commissioner I will not need several months to become familiar with the ongoing challenges we are facing.  It is easy to look in from the outside, pick a topic and criticize past decisions.  But until you know why, how and what influenced those decisions, you are doing yourself and the community a disservice.  I do not have obligations to any group or sector of the community.  I believe in building consensus, not “stirring the pot”.  There is no  “I” in the word Government, so one commissioner does not make changes individually. As a public servant, it is my job to serve everyone in Hancock County in the best manner available to benefit the most people. 


If elected, what would be the primary goal you would like to achieve within the first...100 days?...year?

The Board of County Commissioners is not a legislative body, so the buzzword ‘the first 100 days’ is not applicable to this position.  Continuity is important and may long term projects are being processed.


With all of the focus on flooding, what steps can the county take that have not been proposed or thought of yet?

The Army Corps of Engineers has just this week met with the public-private Flood Mitigation Committee to share their Scope of Study outlining any and all possible solutions.  From that list, the most feasible options will be sorted out and studied in greater detail.  It is my understanding that the timeline for this is June 1st, but the committee is pushing for an April deadline.  The county already has available much of the information the Corps will need, so that should shorten the information gathering timeline.


There have been ideas to combine city and government offices, such as the health department. Do you support this type of merging between city and county services?

The Township Trustee Association held an informational meeting about the Combined Health Department proposal on Wednesday, February 20th.  This was well attended and many questions were answered.  To correct any misunderstanding, Hancock County and therefore the Board of County Commissioners, under Ohio Revised Code, is only responsible to provide the Health Department with offices.  We do not control or provide dollars for their operation.  We have combined forces with the city for the purchase of office supplies, supporting the maintenance of the ROC, studying the need, location and type of Justice Center needed in the future and studying the feasibility of combined dispatch centers.  There are certain areas that cannot be combined due to differences in the responsibilities of each entity.  For example, the county doesn’t have a water and sewer department and the county doesn’t collect any income tax.


In troubled economic times, would you choose to raise taxes or fees or choose to cut services to balance the budget? If you choose to cut services, what would you cut?

If and when that time comes, I will look at the facts, study the options and make the most responsible decision available.  I do not make promises I cannot keep!


What do you see as the biggest issue the county faces, and how would you resolve it?

In general, most people do not understand what the County is and is not responsible for and able to do.  To give details would take too much space.  However the obvious issues revolve around funding day to day operations and providing the services needed and required by the public, and now the flood recovery.  Everyone who was impacted and still is impacted by the flood want a solution right now, and I don’t blame them.  So do I.  I offer my heartfelt concern for those individuals who are still without a home or reasonable living conditions.  If you have not received help, make your situation kown.  Neither the city nor the county wants anyone to “fall thru the cracks”.  As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and a practice owner, I am accustomed to solving problems in an expedient manner.  In fact, I have found that my profession treats animal emergency patients much more quickly than the time we spend in our own emergency rooms.   But that is another debate.  Suffice it to say, since I have been involved in government, I have been the most frustrated by the inability to get things done quickly.  But I do realize the flood and Blanchard River watershed are complicated and multi-faceted areas of concern, and aren’t solved easily or without an enormous amount of study and collaboration.   


How would you respond to community members who are critical of country services and programs?

I have always been more than willing to discuss concerns with anyone who contacts me directly.  If I don’t know the answer, I will find someone who does.  However individuals must take the personal initiative to make the contact with me so that they can receive correct first-hand information and/or explanations.  It is impossible to respond to rumors, when I don’t know the source or the background. 


What unique ideas would you like to implement that would help the citizens of the county?

A person can have all the unique ideas they want, but the stumbling block is the implementation.  I have learned this quite vividly during the last three years in office.


Is there anything else you would like to share with the FCPolitico community?

The final decision on the County Engineer,s combination storage garage / vehicle maintenance facility has not been made.  We haven’t seen final plans and we have not started any bidding process.  It can still change or stop. This seems to be causing a lot of concern.  I respectfully recommend that individuals contact the Engineer, as he is also an elected official, and ask him questions and express your beliefs.   This is his project and he may have to reconsider his recommendations to the Commissioners.  I would sincerely hope that my three years of hard work and hopefully beneficial service to the county is NOT summarized by another Official’s way of operating his office.

-RSKnopfJr

Election 2008: Stephen F. Oman, candidate for Hancock County Commissioner

On February 8, I sent letters to the candidates running for Hancock County Commissioner. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received from commissioner candidate Stephen F. Oman; I offer no comment or interpretation about what appears...that is up to you, the voter!

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Why do you want to be a Hancock County commissioner?

To help make Hancock County the best county to live in the state of Ohio.


Why are you a better candidate for commissioner than your opponent?

My experience and back ground in Business, Agriculture and Government.


If elected, what would be the primary goal you would like to achieve within the first...100 days?...year?

Get a handle on county finances.


With all of the focus on flooding, what steps can the county take that have not been proposed or thought of yet?

It will take a joint effort between the public and private sector in the whole Blanchard River Watershed.


There have been ideas to combine city and government offices, such as the health department. Do you support this type of merging between city and county services?

All governments need to do everything they can do to bring the best service at the lowest cost to the citizens of Hancock County.


In troubled economic times, would you choose to raise taxes or fees or choose to cut services to balance the budget? If you choose to cut services, what would you cut?

You should not be raising taxes in a recession. You need to prioritize the services that need to be delivered and eliminate the waste that we all know exists.


What do you see as the biggest issue the county faces, and how would you resolve it?

They have to get county offices back in county buildings and stop spending money on buildings that do not belong to the county. 


How would you respond to community members who are critical of country services and programs?

They need to talk to the ones that deliver the services.


What unique ideas would you like to implement that would help the citizens of the county?

We do not need more ideas till we get the county back on its feet finically.


Is there anything else you would like to share with the FCPolitico community?

Would invite everybody to visit my web site. www.Oman08.com.


Next up, Emily A. Walton, candidate for Hancock County Commissioner.

-RSKnopfJr