The fate of both issues and candidates at the county and state levels are in the hands of Richland County voters at the primary election on May 6. For candidates contesting their spot on the ballot, it’s their chance to move on and appear on the November ballot. For the four local issues and one statewide issue, it’s pass or fail in the primaries.
Director Paulette Hankins from the Richland County Board of Elections stated it’s important to remember the winners in the primary elections only win a nomination, not an election. For those candidates not contesting for their position in the May primary election, they will automatically advance to the November ballot.
“You have to figure that this is actually a nominating process in the primary, and then the winner from each party goes on to the general to face each other,” she explained.
At the local level, Hankins and Deputy Director Bill Freytag agreed the most significant contested race is the race for the Republican nomination for County Commissioner. The three Republicans vying for the nomination are Marilyn John, Keith Markley and David Morgenstern, only one of which will move on to the November ballot to run against Democrat Phillip Scott for the commissioner seat.
“That’s probably going to be the one everybody is looking at for the fact that it affects the entire county,” said Freytag. “That will be on everyone’s ballot.”
At the state level, the Democratic nomination for the Ohio Court of Appeals 5th District is up for grabs between Democrats Natalie Haupt and Earle Wise, Jr., one of which will move on to the November ballot. For the State Central Committee, Democrats Nicholas Hanek and Joseph Mudra are vying for the male seat, and Republicans Dan Drockton, Sr. and Jim Woods are vying for the male seat, companion to the female seats of Democrat Paula Watson and Republican Sharon Ray. The State Central Committee candidates will be elected at the May primaries, and will not appear on the November ballot.
Also at the state level is the nomination for the Democratic candidate for governor. Candidates and their running mates for the nomination include Larry Ealy for Governor and Ken Gray for Lieutenant Governor, and Edward FitzGerald for Governor and Sharen Swartz Nauhardt for Lieutenant Governor. The winner at the May primary election will run against Green party members Anita Rios for Governor and Rob Fitrakis for Lieutenant Governor, and Republicans John Kasich for Governor and Mary Taylor for Lieutenant Governor in November.
Only state one issue appears on the May primary ballot, State Issue One: A proposed constitutional amendment to fund public infrastructure capital improvements by permitting the issuance of general obligation bonds.
The ballot language states capital improvement projects would be limited to roads, bridges, wastewater treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal facilities, storm water and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities. Hankins noted the ballot language for State Issue One would be posted at each of the polling places so voters can review it before they actually go up to vote.
The ballot language further states the total principal amount of the state general obligations issued under the amendment would be limited to no more than $1.875 billion over a 10-year period, with no more than $175 million issued in each of the first five fiscal years and no more than $200 million in each of the next five fiscal years. The obligations issued under the amendment would mature no later than 30 years after their date of issuance.
“If it’s a bond basically they’re borrowing the money, it’s not tax dollars,” said Freytag. “It’s to raise funding either through bonds or other obligations to assist with capital improvements for local governments and other government entities.”
Four local issues will be up for passage on the May ballot. Lexington Local School District is asking for a tax levy renewal at 8.0 mils for 10 years to avoid an operating deficit in the district. Freytag explained 8 mills means for every one dollar of property valuation, which amounts to $0.80 for each one hundred dollars of valuation paid by taxpayers.
“To me (this levy) means they don’t have enough money to meet their obligations and if they don’t pass it, they’re going to be in the red,” he said.
Franklin Township is asking voters to pass an additional tax levy for 2.5 mills for five years for the purpose of current expenses.
“Current expenses means it’ll go into their general fund and be used to pay all their bills,” said Freytag.
Plymouth Township (excluding Plymouth Village and the city of Shelby) is asking for a tax levy renewal of 1.5 mills for five years to go towards operating and maintaining the village fire department. Lastly, Troy Township is asking for a tax levy renewal of 0.5 mills for five years to go towards maintenance and operation of cemeteries.
“Additional means there is an existing levy already, and you’re going to pay more taxes,” explained Freytag. “If it’s a renewal your taxes won’t go up, you’re going to pay what it’s been. If it doesn’t pass, your taxes will go down. The renewal rate stays at the time it was originally passed.”
Hankins anticipates only about a 30 percent turnout of voters in the primary elections. She suspects the reason for such low numbers in the primary elections, it’s required in Ohio for a voter to declare a party.
“You have to declare a party, but you can change parties back and forth as much as you want,” she said. “You do have to declare and then only get the candidates for that party’s ballot.”
Deputy Director Bill Freytag echoed Hankins’ expectations, noting off-year elections are usually slower. He added only approximately 400 people have voted early absentee so far, which is a very slow turnout.
“Usually the early absentee is a pretty good indicator of what the rest of it is going to be,” he said. “If this were a presidential election we’d be in the thousands by now. There are not a lot of contested races and there are very few issues.”
For a full list of candidates and issues appearing on the May primary ballot, click here.
