A commentary published in a local newspaper near my hometown highlighting my dad and the struggles he's facing in his campaign for reelection to Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge.
Thanks to the author for not being afraid to point out deception!
Original Title
Why the negative ads? Let's look behind the curtain
A commentary published in a local newspaper near my hometown highlighting my dad and the struggles he's facing in his campaign for reelection to Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge.
Thanks to the author for not being afraid to point out deception!
A commentary published in a local newspaper near my hometown highlighting my dad and the struggles he's facing in his campaign for reelection to Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge.
Thanks to the author for not being afraid to point out deception!
Page A22 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, October 21, 2010
Commentary & Perspective
Why the negative ads? Let’s look behind the curtain I have been asked why I don’t the retire-rehire practice. Rather, it is then asked him if he was voting for write editorials. The reason is simple: to shed light on who is behind the Judge Fuhry’s opponent because he I don’t want to use this newspaper as attacks on a person’s whose integrity thought she would not follow the a bully pulpit. I want to provide is beyond reproach, thereby allowing law. The question posed a dilemma readers with news and information voters to make an informed decision for the caller. in a fair and objective manner, and on whether the vitriol against an out- After hanging up and reflecting let them form their own opinions or standing jurist is politically or per- on the conversation, I became suspi- make their own informed decisions. sonally motivated. cious of Mr. Covert’s motives. I While I naturally have opinions on While most motorists ignore elec- searched the Geauga County Court many of the stories, people and tion signs — and for good reason — of Common Pleas docket and discov- issues we cover, I expect this news- some might have noticed the smat- ered Judge Fuhry sentenced Mr. paper to be an impartial reporter of tering of “Stop Double-Dipping Covert to jail in 2008 for drug abuse. the news. Dave” signs littering the roadside. It was Mr. Covert’s second time Unfortunately, this election sea- Those signs are part of an unprece- behind bars. Five years earlier, Judge son has seen a new low in election dented negative ad campaign waged Forrest Burt had sentenced Mr. campaigning and I feel compelled to through Terry Carson, the husband Covert to jail after he pleaded guilty write. One of the most honorable, of Geauga County Democratic Party to possession of criminal tools. ethical, intellectual and honest per- chairwoman Janet Carson. For those On Nov. 2, Geauga County voters JOHN KARLOVEC sons I have come to admire in the unfamiliar with Mr. Carson, he is a will have the right to exercise an nearly 10 years my family has owned former Bainbridge Township trustee American privilege. That privilege Spectators are allowed. Any citizen this newspaper is the target of per- who was ousted from office in 1980 didn’t come cheap. So, whether you may sit in on court proceedings. sonal attacks and vendettas. after being found guilty of malfea- vote Republican, Democrat or inde- Doing this provides an evaluator Geauga County Common Pleas sance in office. pendent, take the time to educate with first-hand knowledge of a judge Court Judge David Fuhry is being In his ruling removing Mr. Carson yourself on the issues and candi- such as how he/she conducts their accused of bilking the public because from office, Geauga County dates. Don’t allow people with ulteri- courtroom; how lawyers interact with he has expressed an intent to retire Common Pleas Court Judge Robert or motives to influence your deci- the judge; mannerisms, temperament from the bench to draw his pension, B. Ford wrote: “There is evidence sion. Ask yourself, “Why the nega- and patience; and applicability of the and then start a new term if he is re- that Terry Carson has a foul mouth. tive ads?” “Why aren’t these people law. elected Nov. 2. There is evidence that Terry Carson spending their resources extolling Although it requires more effort Ohio law allows the practice, is at least amoral, if not immoral. the qualifications and virtues of on a citizen’s part, visit the county which critics commonly refer to as There is evidence that Terry Carson Judge Fuhry’s opponent?” “Why is law library and read judicial reports. “double-dipping.” The process is is an occasional traffic law violator. Judge Fuhry’s preservation of a right A judicial opinion demonstrates a rather simple. Prior to an election, a There is evidence that Terry Carson to receive his pension even an issue judge’s logic abilities in applying the person has to inform the board of personifies the ruthless, vicious, per- in a judicial race?” law and reaching a ruling in favor of elections of their intent to retire. It verting qualities, or lack of quality, When it comes to judicial candi- one side and against the other. doesn’t even mean they are going to with which a minority of men bring dates, obtain a copy of the Geauga (Anyone interested in reading Judge do it. It simply preserves an elected disgrace to the proud calling of County Bar Association’s judicial Fuhry’s ruling in the all-electric case official’s right to retire before the politician.” evaluation survey. Members of the can call me at (440) 285-20 13 to end of their term and receive their I won’t comment on the nobility county bar anonymously rate all request a copy.) pension. of politicians. And, while I do not judidical candidates for office. While Finally, read our election story on So, is the phase “double-dipping” know Mr. Carson, I do believe that the survey has no legal weight, it the race in this week’s issue. an accurate portrayal of what Judge everyone has ingrained personality does provide voters with need to Staying informed improves com- Fuhry is doing? After all, he simply traits that don’t change over time. know information which should be munities and allows citizens to make has indicated an intent to begin There’s more. Last week, I considered when voting for or better choices — it also has a way of receiving pension money HE has received a call from Tim Covert, a against retaining a judge. vanquishing scoundrels. paid into the Ohio Public Employees Chester Township resident who owns Most courtrooms are public. Retirement System. It isn’t costing Electolite Lite for Life. Mr. Covert county taxpayers a penny — the asked me if I had seen the election county would be contributing the signs and had an opinion about same amount to OPERS regardless of whether Judge Fuhry retires and is re-elected or simply is re-elected. The only difference is what retire- them. He asked lots of innocuous questions about Judge Fuhry — which I answered truthfully — before revealing he didn’t like the Notes of Gratitude ment bucket — pension fund versus judge. He also asked if I had seen or Gracious thanks — This cancer journey of four years money purchase annuity — OPERS heard of the full-page ads Mr. has been nothing but God’s blessing would deposit the money. Carson and his cohorts intended to Permit me to take this opportunity in gracious thanks for the held after blessing. Where I have perse- And, his “rehire” — or re-election publish in local newspapers, sharing vered in the strength of my heart and as an elected officials — would be with me Mr. Carson’s toxic message. Chardon Alumni Baseball Game (Sept. 25) in my benefit. spirit, this coming together in span- anything but political. The PEOPLE Mr. Covert also shared with me ning 25 years of coached players, their would rehire Judge Fuhry, not politi- that he intended to vote for Judge There are many to thank, particu- larly alumni Josh Leikala, who parents, prior and subsequent coach- cal party leaders. Also, whoever is Fuhry’s opponent because the judge es, and alumni baseball players that I elected is paid a fixed salary defined dismissed the class action lawsuit exhaustively put this benefit game together. I thank CHS varsity base- had the opportunity to befriend is in the Ohio Revised Code. that all-electric homeowners filed much more than any contributory The purpose of this editorial, against FirstEnergy. I asked Mr. ball coach Greg Fronk and the Chardon alumni that he has coached value raised. however, is not to endorse Judge Covert if he thought Judge Fuhry for their willingness and efforts to Know of my graciousness in our Fuhry nor to condemn or condone followed the law . He said he did. I help bring this day together. Thanks Lord God for this help and to be to Butch Lauderback (Northeast reunited with those that never left my
Bon Appetit! Umpire Association) and the respec-
tive umpires for their benevolent heart. It was an honor to have coached many through the summer umpiring of this ballgame. Many leagues and through their baseball Invite new customers to enjoy thanks to the wonderful people and years at Chardon High School. It is in your restaurant. local businesses that volunteered these blessings that the medicine of their time and giving willingly in healing is realized. Thank all of you Advertise in the order to make this day successful. for your lives in mine. Be assured of Geauga Maple Leaf. my continued life in yours. And, to all that attended, supported Call 440-285-2013 in spirit and/or gave donations for my benefit via the CHS Alumni Game. Coach Philip Hlabse
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