Senator Spada to Run Cuyahoga Board of Elections?
Gongwer News Service (subscription required), reported on Friday that State Senator Bob Spada is applying to be Director or Deputy Director of the troubled Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. RAB and others wrote last year that this deal was in the works and that former State Rep. Jim Trakas would get the appointment to the Senate seat.
Lately, however, newly elected State Rep. Josh Mandel has been getting a lot of buzz. The Senate is apparently looking at Josh because of his deep ties in the Cleveland legal and Jewish communities, and his strong fundraising abilities. Mandel replaced Trakas last month because of term limits.
Appointing Mandel to the Senate could be problematic, however. First, it puts another GOP house seat into play in the already slim Republican majority. In addition, an appointment of Mandel could set up an expensive GOP primary battle between him and term limited Rep. Tom Patton. Mandel may even choose to turn his fundraising strength into a top leadership position in the House and run for the Senate later.
At the same time, Senator Spada's quest to run the Cuyahoga Board of Elections may simply not pass muster. He doesn't really bring any exceptional qualities to the table and his appointment will just look like another PERS sweetheart deal for a career politician.
Scott A. Pullins, Esq.
Publisher,
The Pullins Report
Lately, however, newly elected State Rep. Josh Mandel has been getting a lot of buzz. The Senate is apparently looking at Josh because of his deep ties in the Cleveland legal and Jewish communities, and his strong fundraising abilities. Mandel replaced Trakas last month because of term limits.
Appointing Mandel to the Senate could be problematic, however. First, it puts another GOP house seat into play in the already slim Republican majority. In addition, an appointment of Mandel could set up an expensive GOP primary battle between him and term limited Rep. Tom Patton. Mandel may even choose to turn his fundraising strength into a top leadership position in the House and run for the Senate later.
At the same time, Senator Spada's quest to run the Cuyahoga Board of Elections may simply not pass muster. He doesn't really bring any exceptional qualities to the table and his appointment will just look like another PERS sweetheart deal for a career politician.
Scott A. Pullins, Esq.
Publisher,
The Pullins Report
No appointment to the BOE of Cuyahoga County will be a sweetheart deal, it may be the kiss of death. Senator Spada would bring respect and fresh prespective, but a honeymoon would not be long lasting. Most of the employees are temps paid $10 per hour, no benefits, little training, and no job security. The board faces national scrutiny, and interference by dozens of groups. In Cleveland it is rumored Senator Spada may not want the grief. It is also rumored that Rep Trakas who is admired by both parties in Cuyahoga, might be asked to come back to the BOE if Senator Spada turns it down. We can only hope that one of these fine servents is willing to put his head on the chopping block in hopes of restoring voter confidence in this county.
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