In February of this year, Massillon's former 24 year elected Democratic mayor, and 38 year serving Democratic elected official, Frank Cicchinelli, was a Democrat, dutifully circulating Democratic nominating petitions for Democratic at large councilman Paul Manson. "Under penalty of election falsification," Cicchinelli affirmed he was "a member of the Democratic party."
That was February.
In April, Frank Cicchinelli completed an extraordinary political conversion, "cutting the cord" from the Democratic Party, and becoming an 'Independent.'
And since he was now 'Independent,' coincidentally, he decided it was a good time to run for mayor as an 'Independent.'
Now, as we all know, this political conversion was genuine. Frank Cicchinelli was obviously blinded by the white, hot light of 'Independence' on the road to the Stark County Board of Elections to collect his petition so he could return to the mayor's office he occupied for a quarter century as a Democrat.
The naysayers among us would argue that he converted merely for political opportunity, that he became an 'Independent' merely so he could run for mayor in the November election, thereby avoiding a Democratic primary against the woman who kicked his behind in the Democratic primary just four years before.
The naysayers would argue that Frank Cicchinelli left Massillon in such a mess, that there was "no way in Hell,' he could hope to convince over 50% of Massillon's voters to return him to power.
But in a four way race, now a three way race, as the other Independent candidate couldn't muster enough signatures on his petition to reach the ballot, Cicchinelli could cobble together a little more than a third of the votes in November, and that could return him to where he belongs, as Massillon's Supreme Leader.
His intent is critical to whether or not he gets to run.
If his conversion is proven to be genuine, he can legally run for mayor.
If it is determined his conversion is not genuine, that he is an 'Independent' in Democratic clothing, the law will stop his running.
But of course, we believe our faithful readers are fully convinced by Frank Cicchinelli's word and deed that his conversion is genuine, that his beliefs are true, and that he is now 'Independent.'
And this 'Independence' should be celebrated.
On July 3rd, at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium, the City of Massillon will be celebrating the "City of Champions Independence Day Celebration" with live music, food, and of course fireworks!
It should be an extraordinary time.
And we believe an extraordinary event requires an extraordinary grand marshal.
We therefore nominate the newly minted 'Independent' Frank Cicchinelli to serve as grand marshal of the "Independence Day Celebration."
Just as the United States of America "cut the cord" from England back in 1776, Frank Cicchinelli "cut the cord" from the Democratic Party way back in April.
And we should celebrate.
Because if Frank Cicchinelli isn't truly 'Independent,' then he doesn't get to run for mayor.
And what a terrible shame that would be!
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Under Penalty of Election Falsification
Former Democratic 24 year mayor, and now 'Independent' candidate, Frank Cicchinelli was well known for having an iron grip on Massillon's city council when he was mayor.
His faithful rubber stamps would support everything he proposed, from golf course boondoggles, to sweetheart hotel deals.
One of his most faithful rubber stamps was current Council Majority Leader Paul Manson.
It is well known that Manson faithfully pines for Cicchinelli's return to office. Manson even circulated Cicchinelli's 'Independent' Petition for Candidate, helping to pave the way for Cicchinelli to appear on the ballot.
And one good turn deserves another.
As a few months earlier, Frank Cicchinelli circulated a Petition for Candidate for his good friend and faithful supporter, Paul Manson.
If one is going to return to the mayor's office, one needs rubber stamps on city council.
When Frank Cicchinelli was circulating the Manson petition, just this year, in February, he must have forgot to read what he signed.
Let us jog his memory;
"I Francis H. Cicchinelli, Jr., declare under penalty of election falsification that I reside at the address appearing below my signature; that I am a member of the Democratic Party; "
That, "I am a member of the Democratic Party."
In February.
Of this year.
"under penalty of election falsification"
So much for "cutting the cord" four years ago...
His faithful rubber stamps would support everything he proposed, from golf course boondoggles, to sweetheart hotel deals.
One of his most faithful rubber stamps was current Council Majority Leader Paul Manson.
It is well known that Manson faithfully pines for Cicchinelli's return to office. Manson even circulated Cicchinelli's 'Independent' Petition for Candidate, helping to pave the way for Cicchinelli to appear on the ballot.
And one good turn deserves another.
As a few months earlier, Frank Cicchinelli circulated a Petition for Candidate for his good friend and faithful supporter, Paul Manson.
If one is going to return to the mayor's office, one needs rubber stamps on city council.
When Frank Cicchinelli was circulating the Manson petition, just this year, in February, he must have forgot to read what he signed.
Let us jog his memory;
"I Francis H. Cicchinelli, Jr., declare under penalty of election falsification that I reside at the address appearing below my signature; that I am a member of the Democratic Party; "
That, "I am a member of the Democratic Party."
In February.
Of this year.
"under penalty of election falsification"
So much for "cutting the cord" four years ago...
Thursday, June 18, 2015
When Was the Cord Cut?
Last week, the gospel according to Frank Cicchinelli's lawyer was that Frank Cicchinelli cut the umbilical cord to the Democratic Party four years ago.
"Being four years outside of public office and not being active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events should help refute any challenge to Cicchinelli’s bid as an independent, Conley said. “I’d say he’s successfully cut the umbilical cord,” Conley said."
(Frank Cicchinelli's attorney, Craig Conley, The Independent, June 9, 2015)
That was last week.
This week, the umbilical cord was cut a little more recently.
Apparently it wasn't four years ago.
It was this spring.
"Cicchinelli referred all inquiries regarding the protest to his attorney, Craig T. Conley, who said he’s not “legally concerned” about the protest filing against his client. The former mayor has had no ties to the Democratic Party since filing an independent candidate petition earlier this spring, and people have a right to disaffiliate from a political party, Conley added. “Nothing has been pointed out (as far as Democratic affiliations) after Cicchinelli filed his petition,” Conley said."
(The Independent, June 17, 2015)
"spring" appears to be a little more recent than "four years" ago.
It would appear that Team Cicchinelli is now conceding that our Extraordinary 'Independent' Once & Future Mayor for Life was indeed a Democrat as he was busily signing Democratic Petitions for Candidates just a few months ago.
Petitions which state;
"We, the undersigned qualified electors of the State of Ohio, whose voting residence is in the county, city, village, or township, set opposite our names, and members of the Democratic Party, hereby certify..."
So things have indeed changed for Team Cicchinelli.
He was a Democrat, until spring, and then he was blinded by the white, hot light of 'Independence.'
Although, the change from "four years" to "spring." is quite a bit of shrinkage in the 'Independent' timeline.
At this rate, by this time next week, Cicchinelli will once more be a Democrat.
"Being four years outside of public office and not being active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events should help refute any challenge to Cicchinelli’s bid as an independent, Conley said. “I’d say he’s successfully cut the umbilical cord,” Conley said."
(Frank Cicchinelli's attorney, Craig Conley, The Independent, June 9, 2015)
That was last week.
This week, the umbilical cord was cut a little more recently.
Apparently it wasn't four years ago.
It was this spring.
"Cicchinelli referred all inquiries regarding the protest to his attorney, Craig T. Conley, who said he’s not “legally concerned” about the protest filing against his client. The former mayor has had no ties to the Democratic Party since filing an independent candidate petition earlier this spring, and people have a right to disaffiliate from a political party, Conley added. “Nothing has been pointed out (as far as Democratic affiliations) after Cicchinelli filed his petition,” Conley said."
(The Independent, June 17, 2015)
"spring" appears to be a little more recent than "four years" ago.
It would appear that Team Cicchinelli is now conceding that our Extraordinary 'Independent' Once & Future Mayor for Life was indeed a Democrat as he was busily signing Democratic Petitions for Candidates just a few months ago.
Petitions which state;
"We, the undersigned qualified electors of the State of Ohio, whose voting residence is in the county, city, village, or township, set opposite our names, and members of the Democratic Party, hereby certify..."
So things have indeed changed for Team Cicchinelli.
He was a Democrat, until spring, and then he was blinded by the white, hot light of 'Independence.'
Although, the change from "four years" to "spring." is quite a bit of shrinkage in the 'Independent' timeline.
At this rate, by this time next week, Cicchinelli will once more be a Democrat.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Independence Day
An official protest has been filed against Frank Cicchinelli's quest to return to the mayor's office he once occupied for a quarter century.
Attorney Steve Okey has filed the objection.
According to today's Independent, “Flip-flopping is not a good-faith indicator of being a good independent,” Okey said. “He (Cicchinelli) signed a nominating petition for Ress, who ran as a Democrat. Running now as an independent should invalidate his (own) petition.”
And we are just shocked, shocked we say that someone would question the sincerity (& legality) of our former mayor's 'Independence.'
Just because he served as an elected Massillon Democratic official for a mere 38 years.
Just because he kept voting in Democratic primary after Democratic primary, year after year.
Just because he kept signing Democratic petitions for candidate, including one for the very office he is now running for as an 'Independent.'
Even though signers of those petitions are attesting to the fact that they are Democrats.
Just because he contributed cash to the Western Stark Co. Democratic Club.
How could anyone possibly argue that he is a Democrat?
He 'cut the cord.'
He freed himself from the shackles of the Democratic Party.
And he was blinded by the white, hot light of 'Independence.'
It was an extraordinary conversion!
We urge the Stark County Board of Elections to reject logic, common sense, and Frank Cicchinelli's own pattern of serial Democraticness, and see that he gets to run for mayor as the 'Independent' we all know him to be.
Attorney Steve Okey has filed the objection.
According to today's Independent, “Flip-flopping is not a good-faith indicator of being a good independent,” Okey said. “He (Cicchinelli) signed a nominating petition for Ress, who ran as a Democrat. Running now as an independent should invalidate his (own) petition.”
And we are just shocked, shocked we say that someone would question the sincerity (& legality) of our former mayor's 'Independence.'
Just because he served as an elected Massillon Democratic official for a mere 38 years.
Just because he kept voting in Democratic primary after Democratic primary, year after year.
Just because he kept signing Democratic petitions for candidate, including one for the very office he is now running for as an 'Independent.'
Even though signers of those petitions are attesting to the fact that they are Democrats.
Just because he contributed cash to the Western Stark Co. Democratic Club.
How could anyone possibly argue that he is a Democrat?
He 'cut the cord.'
He freed himself from the shackles of the Democratic Party.
And he was blinded by the white, hot light of 'Independence.'
It was an extraordinary conversion!
We urge the Stark County Board of Elections to reject logic, common sense, and Frank Cicchinelli's own pattern of serial Democraticness, and see that he gets to run for mayor as the 'Independent' we all know him to be.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Fore!
After Massillon's Ward 6 councilman Ed Lewis, and at large councilwoman Michelle Del Rio Keller got done playing musical chairs with their council seats, Ed Lewis had a free ride to re-election as a councilman at large, while Del Rio Keller had to battle it out in the Democratic primary against former Ed Lewis nemesis, Linda Litman.
Michelle Del Rio Keller then proceeded to lose her race to Litman by 6 votes.
6 votes.
And word around town is that Michelle ain't happy.
While she should be unhappy with Ed Lewis, for having conned her into switching council races, or unhappy with herself, for being conned, she was ultimately unhappy with a member of the Parks Board who supported Litman over her.
And why would this Parks Board member oppose Del Rio Keller, who herself was a former Parks Board member, appointed by none other than the Extraordinary One himself, King Francis the 'Independent,' once and future ruler of the City of Champions?
Because she was "all about the golf course," and it was believed she wanted to close, or possibly sell some of Massillon's parks, because the debt ridden Legends of Massillon Golf Course was financially crushing the parks department.
And as a member of Team Cicchinelli, one has to support the golf course, or the Cicchinelli led "Legends of Massillon" political party, the political movement comprised of homeowners who live around the Legends golf course, ginned up by the Cicchinellis, would be unhappy.
There was one problem for Del Rio Keller's alleged support of the golf course.
The golf course isn't in ward 6, where she was campaigning to be elected as a ward council member.
And Ward 6, being primarily a working class area, probably didn't have a lot of voters who thought Massillon should close parks to keep the golf course open.
The Litman campaign accused Del Rio Keller of wanting to close Wampler Park.
Del Rio Keller cried foul, and if one believes the rumors around town, contemplated legal action against Litman.
So did Del Rio Keller want to close Wampler park?
Decide for yourself.
One of our faithful readers sent us the audio clip from the September Parks Board Meeting, claiming that the audio would indicate Del Rio Keller would close Wampler Park.
And as Wampler Park was in Ward 6, closing the local park probably wasn't her best political move.
But at least Michelle Del Rio Keller protected what is critically important to Massillon voters.
The golf course.
Fore!
Michelle Del Rio Keller then proceeded to lose her race to Litman by 6 votes.
6 votes.
And word around town is that Michelle ain't happy.
While she should be unhappy with Ed Lewis, for having conned her into switching council races, or unhappy with herself, for being conned, she was ultimately unhappy with a member of the Parks Board who supported Litman over her.
And why would this Parks Board member oppose Del Rio Keller, who herself was a former Parks Board member, appointed by none other than the Extraordinary One himself, King Francis the 'Independent,' once and future ruler of the City of Champions?
Because she was "all about the golf course," and it was believed she wanted to close, or possibly sell some of Massillon's parks, because the debt ridden Legends of Massillon Golf Course was financially crushing the parks department.
And as a member of Team Cicchinelli, one has to support the golf course, or the Cicchinelli led "Legends of Massillon" political party, the political movement comprised of homeowners who live around the Legends golf course, ginned up by the Cicchinellis, would be unhappy.
There was one problem for Del Rio Keller's alleged support of the golf course.
The golf course isn't in ward 6, where she was campaigning to be elected as a ward council member.
And Ward 6, being primarily a working class area, probably didn't have a lot of voters who thought Massillon should close parks to keep the golf course open.
The Litman campaign accused Del Rio Keller of wanting to close Wampler Park.
Del Rio Keller cried foul, and if one believes the rumors around town, contemplated legal action against Litman.
So did Del Rio Keller want to close Wampler park?
Decide for yourself.
One of our faithful readers sent us the audio clip from the September Parks Board Meeting, claiming that the audio would indicate Del Rio Keller would close Wampler Park.
And as Wampler Park was in Ward 6, closing the local park probably wasn't her best political move.
But at least Michelle Del Rio Keller protected what is critically important to Massillon voters.
The golf course.
Fore!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
The Cord is Cut
"Being four years outside of public office and not being
active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events should help refute any
challenge to Cicchinelli’s bid as an independent, Conley said. “I’d say he’s successfully cut the umbilical cord,” Conley said."
(Frank Cicchinelli's attorney, Craig Conley, The Independent, June 9, 2015)
"Being four years outside of public office and not being active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events..."
"Four years" and "not being active" are the words that have come down from the pulpit to to the pew, that Frank Cicchinelli hasn't been active in the Democratic Party, that he has seen the white, hot light of 'Independence,' and has broken free from the shackles of the Democratic Party.
"Being four years outside of public office and not being active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events ..."
This statement appears to be definitive.
And unfortunately for Team Cicchinelli, it also appears to be false.
One of our faithful readers has shared with us an "Ohio Campaign Finance Report" for the Western Stark Co. Democratic Club.
We emphasize the words "Democratic Club."
According to the report filed by Western Stark Co. Democratic Club Treasurer John Kurtzman, Frank Cicchinelli donated to the "Democratic Club" late last year.
The Democratic Club held an event on September 20, 2014.
And our 'Independent' candidate for mayor, a man, and let us quote his lawyer, "Being four years outside of public office and not being active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events..." gave a contribution.
Cicchinelli contributed cash to the Western Stark Co. Democratic Club.
For an event held on September 20, 2014.
Certainly within the four year window he was supposedly not active.
Except that he was active.
Financially active.
According to the report filed by Democratic Club Treasurer John Kurtzman.
And who is John Kurtzman?
He is the Chief Counsel to Democratic Stark County Prosecutor, John D. Ferrero.
A loyal team member to 'Independent' mayoral candidate Frank Cicchinelli.
Treasurer of the Western Stark Co. Democratic Club.
And a signer to Frank Cicchinelli's 'Independent' Nominating Petition.
John Kurtzman signed the Nominating Petition for 'Independent' mayoral candidate Frank Cicchinelli which was circulated by another prominent Democratic functionary.
John Kurtzman signed the Nominating Petition for 'Independent' mayoral candidate Frank Cicchinelli which, coincidentally, was circulated by a member of the Democratic Central Committee.
None other than Joy Cicchinelli, the wife of the 'Independent' Frank Cicchinelli.
Yes, we can clearly see how the cord has been cut.
How could we miss it?
(Frank Cicchinelli's attorney, Craig Conley, The Independent, June 9, 2015)
"Being four years outside of public office and not being active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events..."
"Four years" and "not being active" are the words that have come down from the pulpit to to the pew, that Frank Cicchinelli hasn't been active in the Democratic Party, that he has seen the white, hot light of 'Independence,' and has broken free from the shackles of the Democratic Party.
"Being four years outside of public office and not being active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events ..."
This statement appears to be definitive.
And unfortunately for Team Cicchinelli, it also appears to be false.
One of our faithful readers has shared with us an "Ohio Campaign Finance Report" for the Western Stark Co. Democratic Club.
We emphasize the words "Democratic Club."
According to the report filed by Western Stark Co. Democratic Club Treasurer John Kurtzman, Frank Cicchinelli donated to the "Democratic Club" late last year.
The Democratic Club held an event on September 20, 2014.
And our 'Independent' candidate for mayor, a man, and let us quote his lawyer, "Being four years outside of public office and not being active in recent Democratic Party clubs or events..." gave a contribution.
Cicchinelli contributed cash to the Western Stark Co. Democratic Club.
For an event held on September 20, 2014.
Certainly within the four year window he was supposedly not active.
Except that he was active.
Financially active.
According to the report filed by Democratic Club Treasurer John Kurtzman.
And who is John Kurtzman?
He is the Chief Counsel to Democratic Stark County Prosecutor, John D. Ferrero.
A loyal team member to 'Independent' mayoral candidate Frank Cicchinelli.
Treasurer of the Western Stark Co. Democratic Club.
And a signer to Frank Cicchinelli's 'Independent' Nominating Petition.
John Kurtzman signed the Nominating Petition for 'Independent' mayoral candidate Frank Cicchinelli which was circulated by another prominent Democratic functionary.
John Kurtzman signed the Nominating Petition for 'Independent' mayoral candidate Frank Cicchinelli which, coincidentally, was circulated by a member of the Democratic Central Committee.
None other than Joy Cicchinelli, the wife of the 'Independent' Frank Cicchinelli.
Yes, we can clearly see how the cord has been cut.
How could we miss it?
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Cutting the Cord
Massillon's former mayor, the newly 'Independent' Frank Cicchinelli has a problem with Democrats.
He doesn't want the two Democratic members of the Stark County Board of Elections to participate in deciding whether, or not Frank Cicchinelli is a Democrat, and not an 'Independent' as he would have us believe.
What?
Things are definitely getting stranger and stranger in the City of Champions.
Cicchinelli, who was a 38 year elected Democratic officeholder in Massillon, having won election 13 times as a Democrat, doesn't want Democrats deciding whether, or not, he is truly an 'Independent.'
From today's Independent - "Cicchinelli claims through his attorney, Craig T. Conley, the two should not be involved in the proceeding due to their membership roles on the Stark County Democratic Executive Committee with incumbent city Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry, who is seeking re-election as a party candidate."
Maybe Kathy Catazaro-Perry should ask that Frank Cicchinelli not be allowed to run as an Independent candidate as his wife, Joy Cicchinelli, is a member of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party "with incumbent city Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry, who is seeking re-election as a party candidate."
Hey, it's his logic!
Cicchinelli's attorney also stated, in relation to Cicchinelli's quest for 'Independence,' and his shedding the yoke of the Democratic Party, “I’d say he’s successfully cut the umbilical cord,” Conley said (The Independent, June 9, 2015).
"Cut the umbilical cord?"
Except for the fact he kept signing Democratic petitions for candidate, multiple times, just this year, where he affirmed he was a Democrat.
Over and over.
You know, those documents where it states, "We, the undersigned qualified electors of the State of Ohio, whose voting residence is in the county, city, village, or township, set opposite our names, and members of the Democratic Party..."
And then they state, "Signatures on this petition should be from only one county and must be written in ink. Signatures on this petition shall be of persons who are of the same political party as stated above by the candidate."
Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Democratic Petition for Candidate for J. David Ress, Democratic candidate for mayor, the office Cicchinelli is also running for.
And
Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Democratic Petition for Candidate for Jill Creamer, Democratic candidate for city council in Massillon's 4th Ward.
And
Cicchinelli signed a Democratic Petition for Candidate for Paul Manson, Democratic candidate for Massillon Council at Large.
All 3 Petitions for Candidate signed in the last few months.
For Democratic candidates.
So much for cutting the cord.
He doesn't want the two Democratic members of the Stark County Board of Elections to participate in deciding whether, or not Frank Cicchinelli is a Democrat, and not an 'Independent' as he would have us believe.
What?
Things are definitely getting stranger and stranger in the City of Champions.
Cicchinelli, who was a 38 year elected Democratic officeholder in Massillon, having won election 13 times as a Democrat, doesn't want Democrats deciding whether, or not, he is truly an 'Independent.'
From today's Independent - "Cicchinelli claims through his attorney, Craig T. Conley, the two should not be involved in the proceeding due to their membership roles on the Stark County Democratic Executive Committee with incumbent city Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry, who is seeking re-election as a party candidate."
Maybe Kathy Catazaro-Perry should ask that Frank Cicchinelli not be allowed to run as an Independent candidate as his wife, Joy Cicchinelli, is a member of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party "with incumbent city Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry, who is seeking re-election as a party candidate."
Hey, it's his logic!
Cicchinelli's attorney also stated, in relation to Cicchinelli's quest for 'Independence,' and his shedding the yoke of the Democratic Party, “I’d say he’s successfully cut the umbilical cord,” Conley said (The Independent, June 9, 2015).
"Cut the umbilical cord?"
Except for the fact he kept signing Democratic petitions for candidate, multiple times, just this year, where he affirmed he was a Democrat.
Over and over.
You know, those documents where it states, "We, the undersigned qualified electors of the State of Ohio, whose voting residence is in the county, city, village, or township, set opposite our names, and members of the Democratic Party..."
And then they state, "Signatures on this petition should be from only one county and must be written in ink. Signatures on this petition shall be of persons who are of the same political party as stated above by the candidate."
Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Democratic Petition for Candidate for J. David Ress, Democratic candidate for mayor, the office Cicchinelli is also running for.
And
Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Democratic Petition for Candidate for Jill Creamer, Democratic candidate for city council in Massillon's 4th Ward.
And
Cicchinelli signed a Democratic Petition for Candidate for Paul Manson, Democratic candidate for Massillon Council at Large.
All 3 Petitions for Candidate signed in the last few months.
For Democratic candidates.
So much for cutting the cord.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Six Part Two
Republican Ed Lewis' burgeoning political career was in trouble.
He envisioned himself as a future mayor of the City of Champions, but a 2015 campaign against the incumbent was not in the offing.
He took a close shave in the sixth ward in 2013 from FirstMerit bank executive Linda Litman, and Litman was coming back for another run.
Lewis wanted to run for council at large, so he could cultivate a city wide base that he could utilize when he finally did run for mayor, but there were already three strong incumbents serving the city at large, and he probably wasn't going to beat any of them.
Ed Lewis needed help.
Without some serious intervention, the City of Champions could have been deprived of the enlightened wisdom and leadership of Ed Lewis.
Fortunately for Ed Lewis, Democrat at large councilwoman Michelle Del Rio Keller came to save the day.
In a bi-partisan spirit of cooperation, and behind closed doors machinations reminiscent of old school Chicago political machines, Ed Lewis cooked up a plan to save his bacon.
Lewis and Del Rio Keller would switch seats.
Del Rio Keller would give up her safe council at large seat, and run for Lewis' Ward 6 seat, and Lewis would slide into Del Rio Keller's safe council at large seat.
Word around town is that Ed Lewis begged and pleaded Del Rio Keller to switch races with him.
Word is he implored Del Rio Keller to make this switch, or his political career could come to end.
Most surprising to any reasonable observer is that Del Rio Keller agreed to the switch.
She appeared to be more worried about Ed Lewis' political future than her own.
Normally, incumbents of one political party, in this case a Democrat, don't worry about incumbents of the other party, in this case a Republican.
Del Rio Keller would now face a difficult Democratic Primary against a very serious candidate who came within a handful of votes of winning in 2013 in Ward 6.
Ed Lewis would basically get a free ride as a candidate for council at large, thereby creating a city wide base for when he does run for mayor, and avoiding a tough election.
Democrat Del Rio Keller would put her own political career in jeopardy while Republican Ed Lewis got a freebie.
What did Del Rio Keller get from this deal other than a tough campaign which she eventually lost?
By six votes.
Apparently, nothing.
Usually when someone 'cuts a deal,' they get something.
Anything.
In this case, Del Rio Keller was had.
At least the Indians who sold Manhattan island to the Dutch got $24 worth of wampum when they were swindled.
Michelle Del Rio Keller didn't get that much.
She did, however, get beat.
Ed Lewis may have gotten beaten by Linda Litman as well.
But we will never know, as he convinced Michelle Del Rio to take it on the chin instead.
Ed Lewis must be a masterful negotiator, or Del Rio Keller was just a total patsy.
A number of our faithful readers have shared with us that Del Rio Keller holds the Parks Board responsible for her loss, and that she has been on a jihad against them since her defeat
By six votes.
But the person most responsible for Michelle Del Rio Keller's loss is Michelle Del Rio Keller.
She listened to the pleas of Ed Lewis, whose negotiating skills must be so good, he can literally sell ice to Eskimos.
Maybe his plan to eventually become mayor of Massillon is to convince the incumbent to switch seats with him.
Although, we doubt his next opponent will be so easily manipulated.
Unless that opponent is Michelle Del Rio Keller.
He envisioned himself as a future mayor of the City of Champions, but a 2015 campaign against the incumbent was not in the offing.
He took a close shave in the sixth ward in 2013 from FirstMerit bank executive Linda Litman, and Litman was coming back for another run.
Lewis wanted to run for council at large, so he could cultivate a city wide base that he could utilize when he finally did run for mayor, but there were already three strong incumbents serving the city at large, and he probably wasn't going to beat any of them.
Ed Lewis needed help.
Without some serious intervention, the City of Champions could have been deprived of the enlightened wisdom and leadership of Ed Lewis.
Fortunately for Ed Lewis, Democrat at large councilwoman Michelle Del Rio Keller came to save the day.
In a bi-partisan spirit of cooperation, and behind closed doors machinations reminiscent of old school Chicago political machines, Ed Lewis cooked up a plan to save his bacon.
Lewis and Del Rio Keller would switch seats.
Del Rio Keller would give up her safe council at large seat, and run for Lewis' Ward 6 seat, and Lewis would slide into Del Rio Keller's safe council at large seat.
Word around town is that Ed Lewis begged and pleaded Del Rio Keller to switch races with him.
Word is he implored Del Rio Keller to make this switch, or his political career could come to end.
Most surprising to any reasonable observer is that Del Rio Keller agreed to the switch.
She appeared to be more worried about Ed Lewis' political future than her own.
Normally, incumbents of one political party, in this case a Democrat, don't worry about incumbents of the other party, in this case a Republican.
Del Rio Keller would now face a difficult Democratic Primary against a very serious candidate who came within a handful of votes of winning in 2013 in Ward 6.
Ed Lewis would basically get a free ride as a candidate for council at large, thereby creating a city wide base for when he does run for mayor, and avoiding a tough election.
Democrat Del Rio Keller would put her own political career in jeopardy while Republican Ed Lewis got a freebie.
What did Del Rio Keller get from this deal other than a tough campaign which she eventually lost?
By six votes.
Apparently, nothing.
Usually when someone 'cuts a deal,' they get something.
Anything.
In this case, Del Rio Keller was had.
At least the Indians who sold Manhattan island to the Dutch got $24 worth of wampum when they were swindled.
Michelle Del Rio Keller didn't get that much.
She did, however, get beat.
Ed Lewis may have gotten beaten by Linda Litman as well.
But we will never know, as he convinced Michelle Del Rio to take it on the chin instead.
Ed Lewis must be a masterful negotiator, or Del Rio Keller was just a total patsy.
A number of our faithful readers have shared with us that Del Rio Keller holds the Parks Board responsible for her loss, and that she has been on a jihad against them since her defeat
By six votes.
But the person most responsible for Michelle Del Rio Keller's loss is Michelle Del Rio Keller.
She listened to the pleas of Ed Lewis, whose negotiating skills must be so good, he can literally sell ice to Eskimos.
Maybe his plan to eventually become mayor of Massillon is to convince the incumbent to switch seats with him.
Although, we doubt his next opponent will be so easily manipulated.
Unless that opponent is Michelle Del Rio Keller.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Six Part One
In 2011, Republican Ed Lewis was elected as Massillon's new Ward 6 member of council.
Lewis took about 54% of the vote in knocking out incumbent Dave McCune.
The biggest surprise wasn't that Lewis won, but that he didn't win with a larger share of the vote.
You see, Councilman McCune stopped going to the meetings.
And didn't much campaign for re-election.
On Massillon Review Throwback Thursday, we take a look at the attendance issues of Ed Lewis' predecessor on city council.
Absent
Within weeks of being elected to his first political office, Ed Lewis decided it was time to move onwards and upwards.
Word was spreading quickly around town that Lewis had his eyes on the mayor's office.
Ed Lewis was a man on the rise.
But before moving on up, Lewis had to defend his Ward 6 council seat.
In 2013, he faces re-election against Democrat Linda Litman, a bank executive with FirstMerit.
Lewis takes a closer than expected shave from Litman and hangs on by the skin of his teeth.
Switch 12 votes, and Litman would have been elected, and Lewis' burgeoning political career would have come to an end.
Last year, Ed Lewis once more contemplated running for mayor.
Word is, he hosted a number of campaign fundraisers to test the waters, but just didn't get the support he needed to take on incumbent mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry.
So he would need to run for re-election to council this year.
But Democrat Linda Litman was coming back to take another shot at Lewis' Ward 6 seat.
And Lewis didn't think he could hold her off this time.
And, as an aspiring future leader of the City of Champions, he needed to expand his profile, and increase his name recognition across the whole city.
He wanted to run for a city wide office.
Unfortunately for our aspiring leader, there weren't any open city wide opportunities.
Running and being elected for council at large would certainly raise his profile, but Massillon already had 3 strong incumbent council members serving at large; Milan Chovin, Michelle Del Rio Keller, and Paul Manson.
And it was extremely unlikely he would dislodge any of them from their city wide offices.
Ed Lewis' political future hung in the balance. What would our future mayor do?
Would Massillon forever be deprived of his future leadership?
What would he do?
Run for council at large, where he would probably lose, or run for re-election to his Ward 6 seat, where he almost lost last time.
Lewis needed help, or the embers of his his budding political career would surely be extinguished.
He needed someone to take it on the chin for the team.
And fortunately for Ed Lewis, he found someone to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.
Lewis took about 54% of the vote in knocking out incumbent Dave McCune.
The biggest surprise wasn't that Lewis won, but that he didn't win with a larger share of the vote.
You see, Councilman McCune stopped going to the meetings.
And didn't much campaign for re-election.
On Massillon Review Throwback Thursday, we take a look at the attendance issues of Ed Lewis' predecessor on city council.
Absent
Within weeks of being elected to his first political office, Ed Lewis decided it was time to move onwards and upwards.
Word was spreading quickly around town that Lewis had his eyes on the mayor's office.
Ed Lewis was a man on the rise.
But before moving on up, Lewis had to defend his Ward 6 council seat.
In 2013, he faces re-election against Democrat Linda Litman, a bank executive with FirstMerit.
Lewis takes a closer than expected shave from Litman and hangs on by the skin of his teeth.
Switch 12 votes, and Litman would have been elected, and Lewis' burgeoning political career would have come to an end.
Last year, Ed Lewis once more contemplated running for mayor.
Word is, he hosted a number of campaign fundraisers to test the waters, but just didn't get the support he needed to take on incumbent mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry.
So he would need to run for re-election to council this year.
But Democrat Linda Litman was coming back to take another shot at Lewis' Ward 6 seat.
And Lewis didn't think he could hold her off this time.
And, as an aspiring future leader of the City of Champions, he needed to expand his profile, and increase his name recognition across the whole city.
He wanted to run for a city wide office.
Unfortunately for our aspiring leader, there weren't any open city wide opportunities.
Running and being elected for council at large would certainly raise his profile, but Massillon already had 3 strong incumbent council members serving at large; Milan Chovin, Michelle Del Rio Keller, and Paul Manson.
And it was extremely unlikely he would dislodge any of them from their city wide offices.
Ed Lewis' political future hung in the balance. What would our future mayor do?
Would Massillon forever be deprived of his future leadership?
What would he do?
Run for council at large, where he would probably lose, or run for re-election to his Ward 6 seat, where he almost lost last time.
Lewis needed help, or the embers of his his budding political career would surely be extinguished.
He needed someone to take it on the chin for the team.
And fortunately for Ed Lewis, he found someone to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
We are Big in Germany
The Massillon Review is pleased to have a robust readership, comprised of faithful supporters who recently have been following the 'Independent' exploits of Massillon's former 38 year Democratic office holder, the Extraordinary One, Frank Cicchinelli, as he has broken free from the yoke of the Democratic Party.
The blogger software which hosts the Review is useful in that it tracks our viewership during a given day, week, or year. Or an approximate time during the day.
And it would appear that during a few odd times every few days, our readership seems to explode to an off the chart level.
And as much as we would like to believe this is the result of our extraordinary popularity, we realize this is probably just not the case.
It would appear an over-zealous fan may be attempting to log in and join the staff.
And we understand their desire to do so, as joining the Review team is just, well, just extraordinary!
Perhaps it is one of those Russian hackers we read so much about.
Except that we can track our traffic source, and countries of origin, and sadly, no one from Russia joined us those days.
While the vast majority of our visitors are from the Good 'Ol US of A, the country providing us the second most visitors is Germany.
We are big in Germany.
Perhaps German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants to learn from the master how to hold power forever.
Merkel has only led Germany for a mere 10 years. She has a long way to go to be considered 'extraordinary.'
Or, perhaps, just like the unexplained popularity of David Hasselhoff's singing career in Germany, it's just something that defies logic.
In honor of our German friends, and in honor of our 38 year Democratic elected Massillon officeholder, Frank Cicchinelli, who is celebrating his new found 'Independence,' we bring you David Hasselhoff, singing Looking for Freedom shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The East Germans were celebrating their freedom from communism, just as Frank Cicchinelli is celebrating his freedom from the Democratic party.
The blogger software which hosts the Review is useful in that it tracks our viewership during a given day, week, or year. Or an approximate time during the day.
And it would appear that during a few odd times every few days, our readership seems to explode to an off the chart level.
And as much as we would like to believe this is the result of our extraordinary popularity, we realize this is probably just not the case.
It would appear an over-zealous fan may be attempting to log in and join the staff.
And we understand their desire to do so, as joining the Review team is just, well, just extraordinary!
Perhaps it is one of those Russian hackers we read so much about.
Except that we can track our traffic source, and countries of origin, and sadly, no one from Russia joined us those days.
While the vast majority of our visitors are from the Good 'Ol US of A, the country providing us the second most visitors is Germany.
We are big in Germany.
Perhaps German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants to learn from the master how to hold power forever.
Merkel has only led Germany for a mere 10 years. She has a long way to go to be considered 'extraordinary.'
Or, perhaps, just like the unexplained popularity of David Hasselhoff's singing career in Germany, it's just something that defies logic.
In honor of our German friends, and in honor of our 38 year Democratic elected Massillon officeholder, Frank Cicchinelli, who is celebrating his new found 'Independence,' we bring you David Hasselhoff, singing Looking for Freedom shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The East Germans were celebrating their freedom from communism, just as Frank Cicchinelli is celebrating his freedom from the Democratic party.
Monday, June 1, 2015
A Long, Long Time Ago
This past Saturday, the Canton Repository published a very thorough story about the legal challenge filed against Stark County Democratic County Commissioner Tom Bernabei's 'Independent' candidacy for mayor of the City of Canton.
If you have yet to read it, we suggest it is worth a look;
Bernabei's candidacy challenged
Basically, a number of Canton City Council members, the Stark County Democratic Party, and the Ohio Democratic Party are asking the Stark County Elections Board to reject Bernabei's independent candidacy because Bernabei really isn't an independent, and may not even be a Canton resident.
Our favorite quote from the article comes from the challenge document itself -
"At best, Bernabei's candidacy is nothing more than an attempt to capitalize on a political opportunity through tactical maneuvering in order to achieve short-range political goals."
(The Canton Repository, May 30, 2015)
"political opportunity through tactical maneuvering?"
We are shocked, just shocked!
This sort of thing could never happen in Massillon!
Our former mayor, who definitely lives in the City of Champions (albeit in the Perry School District), has 'Independent' blood coursing through his veins.
He isn't doing the exact same thing Tom Bernabei is accused of doing, pretending to be an 'Independent,' while overwhelming evidence would lead most reasonable people to believe he is still a Democrat.
Oh no, not Frank Cicchinelli.
He hasn't declared his 'Independence' merely so he could avoid a Democratic primary against the women who kicked his behind just four years ago.
Nope.
Frank Cicchinelli has truly seen the light!
"In Massillon, Francis Cicchinelli, Jr., who said he lost faith in the party years ago following decades as a Democrat, also has filed a petition to run as an independent against the sitting mayor in the general election."
(The Canton Repository, May 30, 2015).
"he lost faith in the party years ago"
"years ago"
Except, and we hate to be picky here, but he kept signing those Democratic Petitions for Candidate just a few months ago, not "years ago."
You know, those pesky documents where it states, "We, the undersigned qualified electors of the State of Ohio, whose voting residence is in the county, city, village, or township, set opposite our names, and members of the Democratic Party..."
And then they state, "Signatures on this petition should be from only one county and must be written in ink. Signatures on this petition shall be of persons who are of the same political party as stated above by the candidate."
Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Democratic Petition for Candidate for J. David Ress, Democratic candidate for mayor, the office Cicchinelli is also running for.
And
Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Democratic Petition for Candidate for Jill Creamer, Democratic candidate for city council in Massillon's 4th Ward.
And
Cicchinelli signed a Democratic Petition for Candidate for Paul Manson, Democratic candidate for Massillon Council at Large.
All 3 Petitions for Candidate signed in the last few months.
Just this year.
Not, "years ago."
And just last year, Frank Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Petition for Candidate for his wife, Joy, so she could serve on the Central Committee... for the Democratic party.
No, what Tom Bernabei is being accused of doing is clearly different than what former 38 year Massillon Democratic officeholder Frank Cicchinelli is doing.
Frank Cicchinelli would never, "attempt to capitalize on a political opportunity through tactical maneuvering in order to achieve short-range political goals."
Absolutely not!
Frank Cicchinelli simply lost his faith "years ago."
If you have yet to read it, we suggest it is worth a look;
Bernabei's candidacy challenged
Basically, a number of Canton City Council members, the Stark County Democratic Party, and the Ohio Democratic Party are asking the Stark County Elections Board to reject Bernabei's independent candidacy because Bernabei really isn't an independent, and may not even be a Canton resident.
Our favorite quote from the article comes from the challenge document itself -
"At best, Bernabei's candidacy is nothing more than an attempt to capitalize on a political opportunity through tactical maneuvering in order to achieve short-range political goals."
(The Canton Repository, May 30, 2015)
"political opportunity through tactical maneuvering?"
We are shocked, just shocked!
This sort of thing could never happen in Massillon!
Our former mayor, who definitely lives in the City of Champions (albeit in the Perry School District), has 'Independent' blood coursing through his veins.
He isn't doing the exact same thing Tom Bernabei is accused of doing, pretending to be an 'Independent,' while overwhelming evidence would lead most reasonable people to believe he is still a Democrat.
Oh no, not Frank Cicchinelli.
He hasn't declared his 'Independence' merely so he could avoid a Democratic primary against the women who kicked his behind just four years ago.
Nope.
Frank Cicchinelli has truly seen the light!
"In Massillon, Francis Cicchinelli, Jr., who said he lost faith in the party years ago following decades as a Democrat, also has filed a petition to run as an independent against the sitting mayor in the general election."
(The Canton Repository, May 30, 2015).
"he lost faith in the party years ago"
"years ago"
Except, and we hate to be picky here, but he kept signing those Democratic Petitions for Candidate just a few months ago, not "years ago."
You know, those pesky documents where it states, "We, the undersigned qualified electors of the State of Ohio, whose voting residence is in the county, city, village, or township, set opposite our names, and members of the Democratic Party..."
And then they state, "Signatures on this petition should be from only one county and must be written in ink. Signatures on this petition shall be of persons who are of the same political party as stated above by the candidate."
Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Democratic Petition for Candidate for J. David Ress, Democratic candidate for mayor, the office Cicchinelli is also running for.
And
Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Democratic Petition for Candidate for Jill Creamer, Democratic candidate for city council in Massillon's 4th Ward.
And
Cicchinelli signed a Democratic Petition for Candidate for Paul Manson, Democratic candidate for Massillon Council at Large.
All 3 Petitions for Candidate signed in the last few months.
Just this year.
Not, "years ago."
And just last year, Frank Cicchinelli was the first signer on a Petition for Candidate for his wife, Joy, so she could serve on the Central Committee... for the Democratic party.
No, what Tom Bernabei is being accused of doing is clearly different than what former 38 year Massillon Democratic officeholder Frank Cicchinelli is doing.
Frank Cicchinelli would never, "attempt to capitalize on a political opportunity through tactical maneuvering in order to achieve short-range political goals."
Absolutely not!
Frank Cicchinelli simply lost his faith "years ago."
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