2014 Ohio, Mich. Primary Election Guide

5/4/2014

Tea Party brings fierce challenge to GOP side

The modern-day Tea Party rebellion is fueling much of the political combat on the primary election ballot Tuesday for Ohio’s Statehouse and congressional seats — including several here in northwest Ohio.

After fielding no candidates in 2012, the statewide Tea Party group Ohio Citizens PAC says it is taking the direct route to political power after seeing what it contends is a drift toward big-government spending by the current Ohio GOP. READ MORE.

 

Newcomer Ealy eyes upset of FitzGerald

The bid for the Democratic nomination to challenge Gov. John Kasich in November is the only statewide contest on Tuesday’s primary election ballot.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, the party’s endorsed candidate, faces a challenge from the little-known and little-financed Larry Ealy of Trotwood near Dayton. Mr. Ealy’s campaign has been largely invisible, relying primarily on occasional appearances at local government meetings to gain free TV exposure. READ MORE.

 

Southwyck area key as 4 campaign for S. Toledo seat

The race to fill the South Toledo district council seat vacated by D. Michael Collins after his victory over Mayor Mike Bell has centered around the need to redevelop the Southwyck area, promote small businesses, improve road conditions, and help maintain neighborhoods.

Incumbent Matt Cherry, a Democrat and business agent for Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 — who was appointed to the seat by council when Mayor Collins took office — is attempting to retain the post in Tuesday’s special election against challengers Democrat Bob Vasquez, a member of the Toledo Board of Education since 2008; Republican Joe Celusta, and political independent Marcia Helman, a South Toledo business owner. READ MORE.

 

Sylvania, Bedford asking voters for new tax revenue

Officials in two of Toledo’s large suburban school districts — Sylvania and Bedford — are asking voters for additional tax money Tuesday, and would use the funds for different purposes.

In the Sylvania schools, school officials said diminished funding has necessitated the request for a 3.8-mill continuing levy that would generate about $4.9 million yearly for operations, Superintendent Brad Rieger said. The added annual cost to the owner of a $100,000 home would be $133 each year, according to district figures. READ MORE.

 

Ohio seeks OK to borrow $1.875B for infrastructure

Ohio voters have not said “no” to a proposed bond issue placed before them by lawmakers in 11 years, and supporters of a renewal and expansion of a local public works program hope that trend continues Tuesday.

Issue 1, the sole statewide question on the primary ballot, asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment authorizing $1.875 billion in new borrowing over 10 years to provide loans and grants to help finance roads, bridges, sewer, drinking water, and solid waste. READ MORE.

 

Contrada, Hood face off for Democratic nod

This week’s primary contest for a 4-year term on the Lucas County Board of Commissioners will see incumbent Carol Contrada, a Democrat, being challenged by a longtime Spencer Township trustee.

Mrs. Contrada said she is asking voters for another term to see through several initiatives already in the works. But her opponent, Michael Hood, said his opponent has failed to show any results in four years.

Republicans Benjamin Porter Roberts and Kevin Haddad will face off to see who challenges the Democratic opponent in November. Mr. Roberts and Mr. Haddad agree that the current all-Democratic board needs some Republican representation and better fiscal oversight. READ MORE.

 

2 Republicans challenge Wood County commissioner

Two Republicans are challenging the party’s endorsed candidate who wants to remain a Wood County commissioner.

Commissioner Doris Herringshaw, 64, of Liberty Township faces opposition from Kristi Kennelly, 46, of Perrysburg Township and Jim Matuszak, 49, of Perrysburg in the Tuesday primary election, one of several contested races voters throughout the region will decide. READ MORE.

 

Rossford voters to mull levies for recreation, fire departments

Voters in Rossford will be asked to approve two replacement levies to fund the city’s recreation department and decide on renewal requests for two levies that support fire department operations.

The primary ballot for the Toledo suburb — among a host of issues locally and across the region — include two five-year, 0.4-mill replacement taxes, one for capital improvements for recreation facilities and another for operations in the department. Each levy, if approved, will generate about $49,000 annually. The owner of a house with an assessed value of $100,000 would pay $14 a year, or $28 if both are approved. READ MORE.

 

8 candidates vying for pair of judicial seats

With two Lucas County judges barred by age limits from seeking re-election, county voters will select candidates for both races in Tuesday’s primary election.

Three Democrats — Ian English, Laura Restivo, and Richard Roberts — are seeking their party’s nomination to fill Common Pleas Judge Frederick McDonald’s seat on the court’s general division. In November, the winner of the three-way race will face Republican Mark Davis, who is unopposed in the primary. READ MORE.