|
With the delayed Ohio 2020 primary election now complete,
local politicians and their operatives now focus their
attention on the general election. Here is my very early
(but not too soon) peek at how local elections might unfold
come November 3.
1.
Democratic Party Chair: Mike Ashford. First things
first! The Dems have to have a functioning party to turn out
voters to support its candidates and to get behind issues
such as the TARTA levy and the failed Issue One. Longtime
attorney Keith Mitchell seeks the nod and is supported by
Local 500’s charismatic and influential leader David
Fleetwood. However, Mike Ashford has assembled a powerful
coalition that includes the Building Trades who like the
results he provided them while serving in the State
Legislature. Look for the Party to elect Ashford in late May
or early June and put its campaign operations in gear.
2.
Issue One: Renew 0.75 tax. Unofficial results
predict Issue One’s defeat in the just concluded primary
despite a 3 to 1 turnout advantage by Dems over Republicans.
The initiative, obviously, did not obtain the support it
needed from its traditional backers. Early momentum on the
initiative was indeed squelched by the COVID-19 pandemic, as
Mayor Kapszukiewicz asserts. Yet the City has only itself to
blame for a bewildering messaging strategy where voters
struggled to understand whether the focus was education,
streets, or police and fire. Taxes for Toledoans are near
the top in the state of Ohio. Yet, look for the City to ask
for voters to renew the 0.75 percent tax in November without
asking for an additional raise. Budget woes resulting from
the pandemic will cause the City to make do without the
latest and greatest equipment, mow grass less frequently,
curtail nuisance calls and reduce the jail population.
However, the administration must find a way to pave roads
and maintain safety forces.
3.
Lucas County Sheriff: Mike Navarre. The Democratic
primary race was predicated on name recognition. In
selecting Mike Navarre over closest challenger Gary Johnson,
voters indicated that they wanted a Sheriff with an
extensive law enforcement background, a name they could
trust and who possessed real administrative experience in
the public sector. The Navarre name resonates with the
voting public who remember Mike Navarre as Toledo’s former
Chief of Police where he served honorably under several
mayors. As the Democratic Party nominee, Navarre will have
the entire Party machine as well as his defeated primary
challenger, a “humbled” Gary Johnson, behind him doing
whatever they can to get him elected. Look for Navarre to
prevail in November over equally prominent candidate Earl
Mack who is running as an Independent.
4.
Lucas County Treasurer: Lindsay Webb. I can’t think
of the name of her opponent or even if Webb has one. There’s
your answer. Webb wins. Name recognition is a powerful tool.
5.
Lucas County Recorder: Veteran politician Phil Copeland
gets the nod over Republican, Pam Haynam, a virtual unknown
in Lucas County.
6.
Lucas County Commissioner: Pete Gerken and Tina
Skeldon-Wozniak, in what could conceivably be their
“Last Dance,” win handily over Ron Murphy and Tom Names,
respectively.
7.
Other Notables: Toledo Favorite Son
Judge Myron Duhart, wins election to the 6th
District Court of Appeals. Marcy Kaptur continues her
long and honorable career of service in the U.S. House of
Representatives; Political stalwart Julia Bates
continues as Lucas County Prosecutor and likable politician
Bernie Quilter extends his service as Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas.
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, D.Min, at
drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org
|
