Page A22 Geauga County Maple Leaf Thursday, October 21, 2010

Commentary & PerspectiveI have been asked why I don’t

write editorials. The reason is simple:I don’t want to use this newspaper asa bully pulpit. I want to providereaders with news and informationin a fair and objective manner, andlet them form their own opinions ormake their own informed decisions.While I naturally have opinions onmany of the stories, people andissues we cover, I expect this news-paper to be an impartial reporter ofthe news.

Unfortunately, this election sea-son has seen a new low in electioncampaigning and I feel compelled towrite. One of the most honorable,ethical, intellectual and honest per-sons I have come to admire in thenearly 10 years my family has ownedthis newspaper is the target of per-sonal attacks and vendettas.

Geauga County Common PleasCourt Judge David Fuhry is beingaccused of bilking the public becausehe has expressed an intent to retirefrom the bench to draw his pension,and then start a new term if he is re-elected Nov. 2.

Ohio law allows the practice,which critics commonly refer to as“double-dipping.” The process israther simple. Prior to an election, aperson has to inform the board ofelections of their intent to retire. Itdoesn’t even mean they are going todo it. It simply preserves an electedofficial’s right to retire before theend of their term and receive theirpension.

So, is the phase “double-dipping”an accurate portrayal of what JudgeFuhry is doing? After all, he simplyhas indicated an intent to beginreceiving pension money HE haspaid into the Ohio Public EmployeesRetirement System. It isn’t costingcounty taxpayers a penny — thecounty would be contributing thesame amount to OPERS regardlessof whether Judge Fuhry retires and isre-elected or simply is re-elected.The only difference is what retire-ment bucket — pension fund versusmoney purchase annuity — OPERSwould deposit the money.

And, his “rehire” — or re-electionas an elected officials — would beanything but political. The PEOPLEwould rehire Judge Fuhry, not politi-cal party leaders. Also, whoever iselected is paid a fixed salary definedin the Ohio Revised Code.

The purpose of this editorial,however, is not to endorse JudgeFuhry nor to condemn or condone

the retire-rehire practice. Rather, it isto shed light on who is behind theattacks on a person’s whose integrityis beyond reproach, thereby allowingvoters to make an informed decisionon whether the vitriol against an out-standing jurist is politically or per-sonally motivated.

While most motorists ignore elec-tion signs — and for good reason —some might have noticed the smat-tering of “Stop Double-DippingDave” signs littering the roadside.Those signs are part of an unprece-dented negative ad campaign wagedthrough Terry Carson, the husbandof Geauga County Democratic Partychairwoman Janet Carson. For thoseunfamiliar with Mr. Carson, he is aformer Bainbridge Township trusteewho was ousted from office in 1980after being found guilty of malfea-sance in office.

In his ruling removing Mr. Carsonfrom office, Geauga CountyCommon Pleas Court Judge RobertB. Ford wrote: “There is evidencethat Terry Carson has a foul mouth.There is evidence that Terry Carsonis at least amoral, if not immoral.There is evidence that Terry Carsonis an occasional traffic law violator.There is evidence that Terry Carsonpersonifies the ruthless, vicious, per-verting qualities, or lack of quality,with which a minority of men bringdisgrace to the proud calling ofpolitician.”

I won’t comment on the nobilityof politicians. And, while I do notknow Mr. Carson, I do believe thateveryone has ingrained personalitytraits that don’t change over time.

There’s more. Last week, Ireceived a call from Tim Covert, aChester Township resident who ownsElectolite Lite for Life. Mr. Covertasked me if I had seen the electionsigns and had an opinion aboutthem. He asked lots of innocuousquestions about Judge Fuhry —which I answered truthfully —before revealing he didn’t like thejudge. He also asked if I had seen orheard of the full-page ads Mr.Carson and his cohorts intended topublish in local newspapers, sharingwith me Mr. Carson’s toxic message.

Mr. Covert also shared with methat he intended to vote for JudgeFuhry’s opponent because the judgedismissed the class action lawsuitthat all-electric homeowners filedagainst FirstEnergy. I asked Mr.Covert if he thought Judge Fuhryfollowed the law . He said he did. I

then asked him if he was voting forJudge Fuhry’s opponent because hethought she would not follow thelaw. The question posed a dilemmafor the caller.

After hanging up and reflectingon the conversation, I became suspi-cious of Mr. Covert’s motives. Isearched the Geauga County Courtof Common Pleas docket and discov-ered Judge Fuhry sentenced Mr.Covert to jail in 2008 for drug abuse.It was Mr. Covert’s second timebehind bars. Five years earlier, JudgeForrest Burt had sentenced Mr.Covert to jail after he pleaded guiltyto possession of criminal tools.

On Nov. 2, Geauga County voterswill have the right to exercise anAmerican privilege. That privilegedidn’t come cheap. So, whether youvote Republican, Democrat or inde-pendent, take the time to educateyourself on the issues and candi-dates. Don’t allow people with ulteri-or motives to influence your deci-sion. Ask yourself, “Why the nega-tive ads?” “Why aren’t these peoplespending their resources extollingthe qualifications and virtues ofJudge Fuhry’s opponent?” “Why isJudge Fuhry’s preservation of a rightto receive his pension even an issuein a judicial race?”

When it comes to judicial candi-dates, obtain a copy of the GeaugaCounty Bar Association’s judicialevaluation survey. Members of thecounty bar anonymously rate alljudidical candidates for office. Whilethe survey has no legal weight, itdoes provide voters with need toknow information which should beconsidered when voting for oragainst retaining a judge.

Most courtrooms are public.

Spectators are allowed. Any citizenmay sit in on court proceedings.Doing this provides an evaluatorwith first-hand knowledge of a judgesuch as how he/she conducts theircourtroom; how lawyers interact withthe judge; mannerisms, temperamentand patience; and applicability of thelaw.

Although it requires more efforton a citizen’s part, visit the countylaw library and read judicial reports.A judicial opinion demonstrates ajudge’s logic abilities in applying thelaw and reaching a ruling in favor ofone side and against the other.(Anyone interested in reading JudgeFuhry’s ruling in the all-electric casecan call me at (440) 285-2013 torequest a copy.)

Finally, read our election story onthe race in this week’s issue.

Staying informed improves com-munities and allows citizens to makebetter choices — it also has a way ofvanquishing scoundrels.

Why the negative ads? Let’s look behind the curtain

Gracious thanks —Permit me to take this opportunity

in gracious thanks for the heldChardon Alumni Baseball Game(Sept. 25) in my benefit.

There are many to thank, particu-larly alumni Josh Leikala, whoexhaustively put this benefit gametogether. I thank CHS varsity base-ball coach Greg Fronk and theChardon alumni that he has coachedfor their willingness and efforts tohelp bring this day together. Thanksto Butch Lauderback (NortheastUmpire Association) and the respec-tive umpires for their benevolentumpiring of this ballgame. Manythanks to the wonderful people andlocal businesses that volunteeredtheir time and giving willingly inorder to make this day successful.And, to all that attended, supportedin spirit and/or gave donations for mybenefit via the CHS Alumni Game.

This cancer journey of four yearshas been nothing but God’s blessingafter blessing. Where I have perse-vered in the strength of my heart andspirit, this coming together in span-ning 25 years of coached players, theirparents, prior and subsequent coach-es, and alumni baseball players that Ihad the opportunity to befriend ismuch more than any contributoryvalue raised.

Know of my graciousness in ourLord God for this help and to bereunited with those that never left myheart. It was an honor to havecoached many through the summerleagues and through their baseballyears at Chardon High School. It is inthese blessings that the medicine ofhealing is realized. Thank all of youfor your lives in mine. Be assured ofmy continued life in yours.

Coach Philip Hlabse

Notes of Gratitude

JOHN KARLOVEC

Bon Appetit!Invite new customers to enjoy

your restaurant.

Advertise in the Geauga Maple Leaf.

Call 440-285-2013