Kimberly Laurie, candidate for Lake County commissioner

Kimberly Laurie, 33, is a full-time office manager and a part-time Realtor making her first attempt at elected county office.
She considers herself active in the Liberty movement and has worked to create positive changes in representation and governance.
Laurie said her decision to run for office is a result of continual disappointment and frustration with the political candidates presented to us by establishment Republicans.
She aims to work to lower taxes, increase transparency and reestablish strong local sovereignty to protect against overreach by the federal government.

Kimberly Laurie questionnaire

Christopher A. Galloway, candidate for Lake County commissioner

Galloway, 41, is a political consultant and he has served as a Concord Township trustee since 2006.
He said the county needs new proven leadership and aims to improve county budgeting and operations, economic development planning, and communication and cooperation with local officials and communities.
He said during his time as trustee the township has grown its budget surplus to $7 million through conservative budgeting and spending less than what is collected despite challenging times.

Christopher A. Galloway election questionnaire

Linda O'Brien, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 76

O’Brien is a business consultant who looks to win her first election to public office.
She said her work experience has helped companies for more than 20 years become more productive and profitable.
O'Brien believes she knows how to create jobs and build a stronger economy.
She said her vote is not for sale to special interest groups and aims to protect the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children and she stands against Common Core.
O’Brien would work to end Obamacare and defend citizens from government overreach and burdensome taxes.

Linda J OBrien questionnaire by The News-Herald

Sarah LaTourette, candidate for Ohio House 76th District

LaTourette plans to work to ensure the people of the Ohio’s 76th House District have a partner in Columbus who will look out for their interests.
She said the state needs to continue to reform and streamline the tax code, cut burdensome regulation and continue our aggressive push to attract and grow new jobs..
She said the state needs to focus on preparing students for the modern workforce by increasing efforts for science, technology, engineering and math education.
LaTourette said the Republican Party needs to unify behind a positive agenda to move the state forward to continue growth.

Sarah LaTourette questionnaire

Dennis N. LoConti for Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge

Dennis N. LoConti said he would seek to involve schools with local attorneys to develop a broader-based program of educating students about specific laws to show the negative impact criminal conduct can have.

Dennis N. LoConti Questionnaire by The News-Herald

Ron Graham for Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge

Ron Graham would like to continue to have cases heard within one year of filing just as Judge Joe Gibson does now. He thinks it is important to have a Drug Court in Common Pleas.

Ron Graham Questionnaire by The News-Herald

Mary Brigid Matheney running for Geauga County Auditor

Matheney was elected in 2012 to serve as representative for the 98th district of the Ohio House including Geauga County and parts of Cuyahoga County.
She said if she were elected she would distribute the remaining moneys in the real estate assessment fund to the townships, schools, parks, libraries and county agencies.
“The current Auditor is sitting on between $1.2 million and $1.7 million that is supposed to be returned to the townships, schools, and other taxing authorities,” she said.
Matheny said she would attempt to improve upon “leadership” in the Auditor’s Office.
She said 15 employees with many years of experience have left the Auditor’s Office recently.
“The current Auditor’s failure to lead and effectively manage good employees has created a disruptive work environment. Over the last seven years as an assistant prosecuting attorney representing many county and township officials, boards, and commissions, I have earned the respect that is necessary to lead,” she said.
“I appreciate the fact that it takes all of the county agencies and officials working together to keep Geauga County great.”
“The role of the county auditor is driven by the law, as the Ohio Revised Code expressly states the county auditor’s responsibilities,” she said. “I am a hardworking, effective, and efficient attorney and I have earned the respect and praise of those I represent. If elected, I will work tirelessly to restore professional leadership to the Geauga County Auditor’s Office.”

Brigid Matheney Candidate Questionnaire