Flag City Politico

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

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.

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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

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!

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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

Election 2008: Bradley L. Griffin, 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 Bradley L. Griffin; 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?

no response


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

no response


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

no response


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

no response


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?

no response


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?

no response


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

no response 


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

no response


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

no response


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

no response


Next up, Stephen F. Oman, candidate for Hancock County Commissioner.

-RSKnopfJr

Election 2008: Robert J. Kuhlman, 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 Robert J. Kuhlman; 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?

I desire to bring my no nonsense approach to decision making to the Hancock County Commissioner's office. For the past 25 years, I have been an active advocate for responsible fiscal decisions that affect the current and future issues of our county. I have seen the county commissioners making decisions in a reactive rather than proactive mode. A perfect example is the past and now current planning to raise the sales tax. As we have seen this temporary tax was fruitful in the short term. Our commissioners pledged they would not come back to the well, but did not do the saving and planning they needed to do for a "rainy day". Well, we are now in that rainy day.


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

My opponent when faced with decision making stalls and has to consider far too many what ifs. It is as if he is afraid to be decisive, so won't decide until he is convinced he has absolutely every rock uncovered. Well, waiting to gather increasing input means that no decisions are made and opportunities for service pass by. I am very knowledgeable about both city and county government and desire to work in concert for the betterment of this community. I was on City Council when we were able to build the Municipal Building and a new water plant without raising taxes. Success like this is only possible through goal setting, cooperative action, and connecting with others. This is my track record I plan to bring to the Commissioner's office.


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

The first priority is to reign in the after the flood spending that has resulted from being a tenant when we could have fixed the offices that were flooded for far less than renting scattered offices all over town. In the six months following the flood we can see that this Commissioner Board has absolutely no plan to be fiscally responsible to recover county government offices. Instead they are operating in a passive aggressive manner by renting space for the next two years at a much higher cost than repairing the current buildings, by watching the deserted buildings fall down from lack of maintenance and then going to the voters to ask - no demand- higher taxes to build a new government center. At that point the citizens of Hancock County will have no choice but to be reactive. I intend to provide a plan to not only recover government offices and stabilize the budget, but to save for future capital expenditures.


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

There is a need for all governmental entities, townships, villages, cities, counties, state and federal to agree to collaborate in addressing the problem of flooding across the Blanchard Watershed. The business sector has made a positive step to create a nonprofit entity supported financially by them to work with the federal and state government to create a plan for alleviating or diminishing the flood problem in the entire watershed. The county must continue to be at the table to bring the best interests of the citizens to bear in being part of the solution.


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?

To be fiscally conservative means to carefully look at economic ways to deliver services expected from government within the means government has - to operate within the budget. The August flood destroyed both the city and county health department buildings. This is an opportunity to co-locate these offices, not to merge them. They each perform a different function under the governmental code. However, they could share the costs of a building, a single conference room, a single phone system, and other economies of scale. In actual fact, the Commissioner Board has no vote here.


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?

As in a household budget, both sides of the ledger must be looked at. The Commissioner Board must listen to the facts presented by the County Auditor (CFO) and adjust the budget accordingly. I have observed my opponent dismissing the advice of the County Auditor. He and the other commissioners tried to figure out a way to lower the reserves (designated to carry county government into a new calendar year until the fiscal year begins) thus increasing the risk for a financial meltdown of county government. I have already said that being a tenant for an extended period of time is more costly than repairing the flooded buildings. So, the first thing I would do is begin the process of fixing the properties we own and moving our offices back into them. We have more pressing matters to address like supporting flood mitigation than to build a government edifice. I would always prioritize the services expected by and important to citizens, such as safety - sanitary - security - then look at other things county government supports. Just as in a household tightening the belt may mean some recreational things are postponed, so it is with government tightening its belt.


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

MONEY - this county needs a fiscally sound budget for operations based on the facts from the County Auditor and a long range planning budget for capital expenditures. There are challenges due to timing of the inflow of tax revenues and the requirements of the Ohio Revised Code, however, this Commissioner Board has never truly grasped the concept of how to operate within the timing issues, saving for extraordinary expenditures and planning for long range capital needs. I would do all of the above in cooperation with the various county departments that submit their budgets for approval. 


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

My observation is that communication is the key. I believe that misinformation is at the root of criticism. Although Commissioner meetings are open and announced, many citizens are not able to avail themselves of the opportunity to attend these meetings. So, using current technology, I propose to make the flow of information more easily accessible. This could be through an interactive web town hall meeting or chat. Just as the radio was used in its early days to inform, I believe we can use technology to keep the citizens engaged.


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

Within the first year, I would bring the county into the conversation with the varied interests in the downtown of our county seat, especially concerning the public library, the judicial system needs, and other county services that are located downtown. I would begin to project the costs to do what needs to be done after so many citizen committees have already met and made recommendations, prioritize the projects on a timeline and a cost benefit line, then take it to the voters for their opinion on the recommended direction. I would provide the much needed leadership to move us in a positive direction out of chaos.


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

All of us have been affected by the worst floods in our county in such a short time. We have experienced 5 floods in 14 months; the last two were only six months apart. I truly believe that the citizens are suffering from "flood fatigue" and that our city and county leaders have good ideas, but unless there is a catalyst to put them in action, they are only talked about or put on a shelf until "the time is right". Well, the time is right now and I have the experience and ability to provide the much needed leadership to move forward rather than slide backward. I have the knowledge, the ability, the desire and the energy to stay focused on the community needs while staying fiscally responsible. I will bring Better Decisions…For a Change. 

I am Bob Kuhlman  and I ask for your vote on March 4, 2008.


Next up, Bradley L. Griffin, candidate for Hancock County Commissioner.

-RSKnopfJr

Election 2008: Edward D. Ingold, 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 Edward D. Ingold; 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?

No disrespect and with no prejudice I am going to decline your offer to be a part of your blog.  Number one I really do not have the time to keep monitoring it and two I am a creature more of email and the phone.  Blogs I believe are still an unknown and I don't know whether they are for entertainment or serious discussions.  Certainly if anyone wants to discuss an issue with me I am available on email and by phone.


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

see previous response


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

see previous response


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

see previous response


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?

see previous response


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?

see previous response


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

see previous response


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

see previous response


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

see previous response


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

see previous response


Next up, Robert J. Kuhlman, candidate for Hancock County Commissioner.

-RSKnopfJr

Election 2008: Candidates for Hancock County Sheriff

On February 8, I sent letters to the candidates running for Hancock County Sheriff. I asked them a series of questions, and offered to publish their answers, unedited. Below are the responses I received; 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 Hancock County sheriff?

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - In 2003 Sheriff Heldman was talking about making budget cuts along with the other county agencies. Some employees were laid off and allegedly services were reduced. I stepped up as the Findlay Police Chief and took the unprecedented measure to send City Police Officers anywhere they were needed within Hancock County to ensure the Deputy’s safety but we never had to do so.

The Commissioners placed a sales tax increase on the ballot. During the tax campaign Sheriff Heldman repeatedly spoke of cuts in services, lay offs and that he would close sections of the jail and release prisoners. His statements regarding closing sections of the jail were disingenuous. The public called his bluff by defeating the sales tax increase. As a result the jail remained status quo. Sheriff Heldman betrayed the community’s trust, including his employees who placed their personal credibility on the line in support of him. It was demoralizing when the truth played out. 

Shortly after that sales tax defeat, I was contacted about running for the Office of Sheriff. Due to the timing in November of 2004, I was unable to put the necessary infrastructure in place to conduct a campaign and I sat out the election cycle. However, since that time I have positioned myself for this campaign and I have spent the last three years speaking with citizens throughout Hancock County and listening to what they think.

I am qualified to be the next Sheriff of Hancock County because I am an experienced Law Enforcement Administrator whose methodology is tested, proven and successful. I am ready to work for the people of Hancock County as a fiscally responsible Sheriff.


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

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - Michael Heldman and I are different in many ways, yet we share commonalities. When discussing our differences I am reluctant to use the word “better”. Our differences stem from our experience. 

Michael Heldman has specialized in the Crime Prevention field and worked in Corrections. He directed his focus to Community Oriented Policing. As Sheriff, Michael Heldman has also spent a considerable amount of time in Columbus participating with the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association and it’s political lobby. Proof of this is supported by his endorsement from the former State of Ohio Attorney General, Betty Montgomery. Normally a local race does not garner this level of support from a professional politician.

In contrast, I have worked extensively in criminal investigation and enforcement.

As a criminal investigator I have a wide range of first hand experience investigating crimes including but not limited to drugs, felonious assaults, kidnappings, robberies, burglaries, arsons, bombings, death investigation (suicides and homicides) and more.

I am comfortable conducting an interrogation with a suspect who has committed the most heinous crime. 

As an administrator, I am a graduate of the North Western University - Center For Public Safety – School of Staff and Command. I have nineteen years of first hand management experience. I have instructed many levels of criminal justice training including the collegiate level. As the Chief of Police I formed a strong and effective crime fighting team. We increased the number of sworn police officers bringing the force strength to seventy-four sworn officers. Findlay purchased and installed a 800 MHZ radio communication system, built a new Dispatch Center, implemented wireless mobile data with in car computers, upgraded the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and implemented a new computerized Records Management System (RMS). I also expanded, equipped and trained the Emergency Response Team (ERT) to a level that would rival many metropolitan police agencies. This was done while operating within my means and maintaining a yearly budget carry over.


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

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - Within the first 100 days I will ask for an external audit to be conducted. I will personally meet with the employees, review personnel files, become familiar with all work unit contracts, meet with union officials, review policy and procedures and establish an educational and training base line. 

Within the first year I will study the corrections operation and facility. I will design a plan to address the four thousand (4000) plus outstanding warrants that currently exist. I will use the audit to see where cuts can be made. I will review the current projects and see them through to their respective conclusions. 


There have been ideas to combine city and government offices. Do you support this type of merging between city and county services, and what challenges does this present to the sheriff’s department?

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - Over the years there have been various attempts to address the consolidation of City and County Government operations. There have been small successes such as the former Community Development Foundation (CDF), a small operation with one employee and in kind donations from both government and the private sector. In law enforcement I have personally participated with several drug task forces that combined City and County personnel over the years. Until joining the METRICH task force, the two previous attempts, one in 70’s and one in the 80’s both collapsed because of political influences and a turf war for control occurred when leadership changes happened. 

Currently there is an effort combine the City and County Health Departments within one building. Since both office spaces were destroyed by the flood this appears like the right time for a beta test. Time will tell if this works out. The physical movement is the easy part, but combining employees who have different job requirements, benefits and pay will be difficult. I can see blended employees frequently saying, “It’s not my job”.

While the prospect of combining service sounds like a good idea, the reality is that I do not foresee it in the future. I do not think the County can afford the enormous cost involved in such a venture.


In troubled economic times, would you choose to eliminate staff or services to balance the budget? If you choose to cut services, what would you cut?

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - In the criminal justice system the majority of the employees must obtain and maintain state certifications (professional licenses) to continue their employment. For the most part the employer pays for training, clothing, and equipping employees. In the City’s case, a non-certified employee who needed training cost about $7,500.00 to get them started, and this figure did not include their salary while receiving training. Civilian employees (Dispatchers, Clerks, Parking persons) were substantially less because we did not have to clothe or equip them. Before eliminating certified employees I would look at reductions in services to see if it would achieve the savings needed. Once employees are lost either by layoff and/or attrition replacing them takes an extremely long time. So I would look to reduce service first and employees only as a last resort even though employees represent the largest savings. 

I cannot answer the second part of this question “what service”, I do not have the necessary information and any answer would be nothing more then a guess.


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

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - The one word answer is MONEY. There are many important issues facing Hancock County and most involve money. The August 2007 flood inflicted much more than physical damage to structures. This County is in dire financial straights and it seems the only way is to increase revenue at a time when we are in an economic recession. The prospect of the public supporting any type of tax increase is unlikely. Therefore, in order to resolve this crisis we must figure out a way to adapt, improvise and overcome the obstacles before they overwhelm us. It will take tough leadership to see us out of this crisis and it is no place for politicians who have a weak constitution and are concerned about maintaining a politically correct posture. 


What unique ideas would you like to implement at the sheriff’s department?

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - The idea that I believe is “unique” is simple. I work for the people! The residents of this County will provide my direction. The Revised Code instructs me as to what I am required to do. I could care less about receiving glowing reports from bureaucratic State agencies. As long as we meet the standards for human decency and dignity I can live with that. That’s a new and unique idea!


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

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - It is an American right to criticize. There is an old saying in law enforcement that if you are not making people mad then you’re not doing your job. When someone is critical of services and programs I simply listen to the issues and challenge them to find ways to improve the program. What I have experienced is that some things that occur are unpopular among a few, but normally the majority remains silent.

My entire professional life I have lived by and practiced a few simple rules:

• First, my word is my bond. I will not promise something that I have no intention of doing.
•  Second, I do not lie. You can tell the public anything, as long as it is truthful.
• Third, everyone is treated the same. I hold the line even when doing so is uncomfortable. I do not cater to special interest nor am I easily influenced. What you see is what you get nothing more or anything less!

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

MICHAEL E. HELDMAN - no response

THOMAS L. RENNINGER - I was recruited to enter this race. A common theme that has been reiterated is that the public wants a change. Michael Heldman’s record is clear, he has been the most expensive Sheriff in the history of Hancock County. While telling the public he was making cuts, he has continued to expand rather than reduce. His goal has been to be the head of the largest Law Enforcement operation within Hancock County, Why, because he is the elected official not appointed, as is the Chief of Police. I do not share his ideological vision.

I posses a strong background in planning and I have supervised multi million dollar projects. I have administered the County’s largest police agency. I posses sound leadership qualities and I am passionate about my work. I will develop a strong team. My methodology is tested and I am ready to work.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in your forum.


Next up, Edward D. Ingold, candidate for Hancock County Commissioner.

-RSKnopfJr