THE ISOLATION OF THE 'ORGANIZED" STARK COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY? CONSEQUENCE: MAKING THE REPUBLICANS THE MAJORITY PARTY IN STARK?

It appears to the SCPR that in naming Phil Giavasis (Canton Muny clerk of courts) to the recently vacated Johnnie A. Maier, Jr. (Massillon Muny clerk of courts) post at the Stark County Board of Elections, the Stark County Democratic Party Executive Committee is expediting the process where Democrats will soon hold less countywide offices than the Republicans.

The turnaround could happen as soon as the 2012 elections.

Boosted by what local attorney and civic activist Craig T. Conley has tabbed as Zeiglergate and a general Republican resurgence in much of the country and certainly in Ohio, Stark County Republicans are on a roll in its quest to go from zero countywide offices just three months ago to majority status.

An important "unwitting" ally in the quest appears to be former Stark Democratic Party chairman Johnnie A. Maier, Jr and his political disciple and current chairman Randy Gonzalez.

Several years ago Maier obtained the "acquiescence?" of 13-year Stark Board of Elections (BOE) member Billy Sherer (a strong, strong unionist from the Ironworkers) into stepping down so that the Dems could appoint a lawyer (Sam Ferruccio); in accordance with - said Maier - the wishes of then Democratic secretary of state Jennifer Brunner to have a Democrat lawyer on each and every county BOE.  Brunner denied Maier's claim.

Maier's move caused a huge rift between the local organized Democratic Party that remains to this day.  Negotiations, the SCPR is told by union officials,  have been underway to heal the division.  But as long as labor remains ousted from what it feels is "a labor position" on the Stark BOE, the unions will stay with their "pick and choose among the Democratic candidates on a case by case basis" model.  For the unchosen, the unions have and will continue to sit of their hands.

Stark's organized Republicans could not be more delighted.

Undoubtedly, Stark's unions will see what the SCPR sees in terms of the evolving of a Canton/Massillon "clerk of courts seat" for the Stark Dems.  While Ferruccio continues to hold what was once "Labor's seat," Maier, Gonzalez et al have turned the other Democratic seat into a "clerk of courts seat."  All of the holders of the second seat in recent years are either clerks themselves or key officials in the clerks' office.

Until the recent turn of events in which Stark's Democrats have lost the treasurer's office, the auditor's office and one county commissioner seat, the union element of the Stark County Democratic Party likely seemed irrelevant to the bigs at 4220 12th Street NW.

One would think - with further electoral losses looming in 2012 with the most likely being the Stark County prosecutor's office, and perhaps, the sheriff's office  - Chairman Gonzalez would be pursuing a reapproachment with the unions.

If he is, the creation of a de facto "clerk of courts BOE seat" in an "in your face" to the unions, is hardly the way to go.

DISCUSSION: REPUBLICANS EYEING AT LEAST ONE TRUSTEE SEAT IN PLAIN TOWNSHIP?

UPDATE MARCH 3, 2009

The latest list of Plain Township citizens who have either taken out or filed petitions to run for trustee. The STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report) has been lead to believe that incumbent Pam Bossart will not be running to retain office.

With all the wrangling that has broken out in Plain Township among the trustees, is it merely coincidental that Republican Scott Haws has chosen this time (yesterday) to announce that he is running to replace either Democrat Louis Giavasis or Pam Bossart.

Republicans only control one of Stark County's major (population wise) townships (Lake). Perhaps there is an opening in Plain. Fighting broke out at this week's township trustee meeting because Trustee Al Leno exploded on fellow Democrat Pam Bossart for not participating in township meeting; other than to be there physically and to vote. From Bossart: no seconding; no nothing, that is, up until this past meeting.

Apparently, Bossart has been giving Leno and Bossart the cold shoulder, as suggested in The Repository article which reported on the meeting) because she was not elected president in last month's organizational meeting.

The Plain Township trustees race (which officially is non-partisan) could be very interesting Haws entry. The STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report) believes it could be more interesting if Stark County Republicans come up with another candidate. Two trustees are to be elected this time around.

Here is Haws' bio and statement of why he is running for trustee:

The high tax burden faced by Plain Township retirees and working families has prompted Scott Haws to declare his candidacy for Township Trustee.

Haws, a Diebold Product Specialist, believes the township must better prioritize spending, seek economies and secure regional partners to cut costs.

"I am deeply concerned that the cost of local government is beyond the means of taxpayers." We must find better ways to stretch our dollars out. I favor a State Auditor's performance audit to identify wasted money."

Haws has been employed by Diebold Inc. since 2000. He is a graduate of
Kent State University and holds an MBA from Walsh University. Haws is a graduate of Leadership Stark County Signature Program and Government Academy. Haws was also an inaugural recipient of the Chamber of Commerce’s YStark! Twenty under 40 Leadership recognition. Scott is a life long resident of Stark County.

Scott has regularly attended the Plain Township Trustee meetings over the last year and half. As well Scott Haws is involved with various organizations in the community including but not limited to:

• YStark! Events Committee
• Diebold Federal Credit Union Board of Directors Officer
• North Canton Jaycees

As Trustee, Scott Haws will look to work with local and state organizations to improve the business climate, making Plain Township appealing for employers to remain in and for investors to bring new opportunities. It is vital that our next Trustee understand how economic development, regional collaboration and annexation will impact Plain Township. Haws’ goal is to make Plain Township a thriving place of business opportunity in Stark County.

Scott’s strong educational background, community involvement, integrity and vision for Plain Township will allow him to be an influential member of the Plain Township Board of Trustees should the voters of Plain Township elect him on November 3rd, 2009 to the position.