Forum provides glimpse of mayoral candidates
By
Rory Ryan-hcpress@cinci.rr.com
John Levo wasted little time firing the initial public salvo in the 2011 Hillsboro mayoral campaign.
In his prepared opening statement at the Oct. 10 AAUW Candidates and Issues Forum at Southern State Community College, Mr. Levo, an Independent, made a none-too-subtle allusion.
In referencing his personal health, Mr. Levo, 65, told the SSCC and WVNU listening audience, "I have never smoked nor have I used drugs. I am willing to take a drug test any time. I am willing to allow police to do a background check on me."
To be sure, there were a few murmurings from within the audience.
The allusion, whether intentional or not, brought to mind the April 16 complaint report filed with the Highland County Sheriff's Office, in which Mr. Levo's opponent, Republican Drew Hastings, 57, wrote to a friend, "I have a drug problem."
According to the HCSO report filed by Officer Scott Cooper, "Drew did admit to sending the Facebook pages … and further stated, that looking back, it was not a good decision made on his behalf."
Mr. Hastings responded in May by saying, "They were allegations. I would say anything regarding that matter can be directed to my attorney, J.D. Wagoner."
While the incident occurred prior to the May GOP primary, it was not published or aired on local radio until late May. No charges were filed; however, the HCSO said "If any further problems arise … the sheriff's office would pursue criminal charges."
Mr. Levo's opening comments on Monday brought mixed reviews after the conclusion of the AAUW forum. Some attendees said it was "over the top," while others downplayed its significance. Given the community's general reaction to the April 16 HCSO report, it would seem to fall under the "no harm, no foul" category.
In his opening comments, Mr. Hastings said: "I don't believe the wheel is broken. I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel in Hillsboro. I think we have some bent spokes that need fixed. I think we need to get some more air back in the tire to get it rolling. I don't think anything radical is needed. I think some common sense, and I think leadership, is what we need. I think there's been a lot of reacting over the years. I think Hillsboro, to a large degree, has been run a certain way for a number of years. I think it's time for a fresh look at it. What I bring is leadership and vision. I have spent the last two years preparing for this and trying to get momentum in Hillsboro."
While all of these are good points, observant readers may recall that in June 2010, Mr. Hastings wrote a column in which he essentially denied interest in the mayor's office. To now state that he's "spent the last two years preparing for this" would seem to contradict his earlier assertions. That's OK, of course. Candidates change their mind all the time.
Mr. Hastings earned high marks from fiscal conservatives when he said: "I do not believe the city exists to employ people. I believe the city exists to provide services for the citizens and taxpayers."
Both candidates referenced the people of Hillsboro and what they feel is a true sense of community.
When asked why he wanted the office of mayor, Mr. Levo replied: "Three simple words: 'I love Hillsboro.' I love its people. I have been in this community since 1965. During that time, I have gotten to know the people. I have seen families grow up. I have seen their wants, I have heard their wishes, I have seen their successes, I have seen their failures. It is a sense of community."
Neither candidate waded into the political waters of State Issue 2 – even though its passage could impact city expenses. Still, it was probably a smart move to give a "non-answer" answer on that question.
Of the two, Mr. Levo's 13 years on city council, plus service on the Hillsboro Planning Commission and Civil Service Commission, clearly give him an advantage on the operations of municipal government.
Mr. Hastings stumbled, at times, in discussing government. His comment on government mandates prompted a few incredulous gasps. "Generally, if there's a mandate – if a mandate is issued, it has to be funded. That's generally the way mandates work," Mr. Hastings said.
Not always.
Just this past June, one of Ohio's U.S. senators, Republican Rob Portman, introduced a bill to reduce excessive unfunded government mandates – a much-needed update to the 1995 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Last year, the National Education Association took its case to the U.S. Supreme Court (the NEA lost) to have the No Child Left Behind Act set aside as an unfunded mandate. Our schools and government offices are all too familiar with unfunded mandates.
Mr. Hastings also suggested an "industrial park" for the city. One might hope that a candidate for mayor would know that Hillsboro does, in fact, have an industrial park, with land available for development. (Its location is just a stone's throw from SSCC – where the forum was held – and it's advertised by the city and county websites.)
On the other hand, Mr. Levo arrived at the forum carrying a few campaign signs, which prompted a negative comment or two. (Typically, at such events, candidates will leave a small packet of campaign information for attendees to pick up after the forum. Campaign signs aren't usually part of the packet.)
Overall, the AAUW forum provided voters with a bit more information than they may have had – which is always the intent. Neither candidate won – or lost – the election last night. Both picked up a few points for expressing their respective vision for the city of Hillsboro.
A candidate's personal political philosophy is all well and good, but it's worth remembering that there is a legal and ethical structure in place with which a city government must be operated. It takes leadership, to be sure. But it also takes judgment. Effective leadership without solid judgment is dubious, at best.
Prior to the Oct. 10 forum, those presenting the event, the American Association of University Women, WVNU Radio and The Highland County Press read this statement from Mr. Hastings' Facebook page: "There's a forum tonight at Southern State Community College. … I doubt very much it will be fair or balanced, but I'll be there anyway."
None of us appreciated being prejudged by the candidate. Given that the AAUW has presented this annual event with relatively few – if any – complaints from either political party, and given that those of us who have worked together on this for general elections in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 did so without a single accusation of unfairness toward any candidate, I take serious exception to the prejudgment accusation. The fact of the matter is this: the majority of questions for the candidates were identical by design. There were no "setup" or "gotcha" type questions.
In fact, three days prior to the forum, I sent these assurances to Mr. Hastings, with copies to the AAUW and WVNU:
Drew,
I understand that you have some reservations about attending the 2011 AAUW Candidates Forum.
Let me offer some background that may put your mind somewhat more at ease.
If my participation in this event is a concern, I will share the following:
I have participated in Ohio political debates since 1991, including serving on a media panel for two congressional debates, several forums (fora) for state senators, state representatives, county commissioners, city councils and city and village mayors.
At the request of the AAUW, I have assisted with this forum off and on for more than a decade. The last four years (maybe more), I have worked with Mr. Pat Hays, owner of WVNU Radio, to bring the informational event to Highland County voters.
In all of these years, there have been one or two candidates for office who were similarly apprehensive about an openly conservative newspaper columnist's participation in the forum/debate. That's understandable. But there remains one undeniable fact through all these events and all of these years: There has never been a single occurrence of favoritism for any candidate or political party during Pat's and my association with the AAUW forum. It has never happened, nor will it.
In fact, through the years I only recall candidates thanking the AAUW and its panelists for maintaining a fair and impartial presentation of candidates and issues. I trust you will find the same consistency with this year's forum.
Lastly, I am putting the questions we have received in an appropriate sequence for the Oct. 10 forum. For the most part, the questions are very similar for each candidate. Yes, there are a few exceptions based on the respective candidate's background, but there are no "setup" or "gotcha" type questions. That's not what this forum is about.
And while I would never provide any candidate with a question in advance of the event, I will say this: There will be no questions by the panelists related to any HCSO reports.
Our questions will be fair, straightforward and, if answered candidly, informative for Hillsboro voters.
I look forward to seeing you on Oct. 10.
* * *
Thus, my considerable dismay to read Mr. Hastings' online posting just hours before the forum.
Following the forum, Mr. Hastings had this to say: "I made a comment earlier that I thought tonight's event would be unfairly biased. I apologize to the AAUW and WVNU – they put on a good event. I assumed that there would be low blows from The Highland County Press, who appear to be fixated on me, but it didn't happen."
No, it didn't happen. It's never happened. And as long as the AAUW, Pat Hays, Sue Hillger, Cindi Pearce, Frances Larkin, Gary Lewis and I work together, it will never happen. Not one of us would be associated with the forum if it were anything but fair and unbiased.
As for the allegation that this newspaper appears "fixated" on Mr. Hastings, perhaps the issue of judgment is worth revisiting. This newspaper does not publish a column by the candidate nor does it lease a building from the candidate.
The only things The Highland County Press are fixated on are publishing a fair and accurate account of the community's news and events. We are fixated on our commitment to customer service. We are fixated on an attention to detail for our readers and advertisers. We are fixated on our commitment to being one of the very few locally owned and operated newspapers left in Ohio.
We are certainly not "fixated" on any candidate for any public office or any political party.
Ultimately, this political race, like any other contested campaign, comes down to the will of the voters. That's the beauty of America's republican form of government.
Regardless of the outcome of the Hillsboro's mayor's race, we look forward to working with the next city administration, much as we have enjoyed working with the present administration.
After all, it is our government – and we'll have the government we deserve.
Rory Ryan is publisher and editor of The Highland County Press.[[In-content Ad]]
In his prepared opening statement at the Oct. 10 AAUW Candidates and Issues Forum at Southern State Community College, Mr. Levo, an Independent, made a none-too-subtle allusion.
In referencing his personal health, Mr. Levo, 65, told the SSCC and WVNU listening audience, "I have never smoked nor have I used drugs. I am willing to take a drug test any time. I am willing to allow police to do a background check on me."
To be sure, there were a few murmurings from within the audience.
The allusion, whether intentional or not, brought to mind the April 16 complaint report filed with the Highland County Sheriff's Office, in which Mr. Levo's opponent, Republican Drew Hastings, 57, wrote to a friend, "I have a drug problem."
According to the HCSO report filed by Officer Scott Cooper, "Drew did admit to sending the Facebook pages … and further stated, that looking back, it was not a good decision made on his behalf."
Mr. Hastings responded in May by saying, "They were allegations. I would say anything regarding that matter can be directed to my attorney, J.D. Wagoner."
While the incident occurred prior to the May GOP primary, it was not published or aired on local radio until late May. No charges were filed; however, the HCSO said "If any further problems arise … the sheriff's office would pursue criminal charges."
Mr. Levo's opening comments on Monday brought mixed reviews after the conclusion of the AAUW forum. Some attendees said it was "over the top," while others downplayed its significance. Given the community's general reaction to the April 16 HCSO report, it would seem to fall under the "no harm, no foul" category.
In his opening comments, Mr. Hastings said: "I don't believe the wheel is broken. I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel in Hillsboro. I think we have some bent spokes that need fixed. I think we need to get some more air back in the tire to get it rolling. I don't think anything radical is needed. I think some common sense, and I think leadership, is what we need. I think there's been a lot of reacting over the years. I think Hillsboro, to a large degree, has been run a certain way for a number of years. I think it's time for a fresh look at it. What I bring is leadership and vision. I have spent the last two years preparing for this and trying to get momentum in Hillsboro."
While all of these are good points, observant readers may recall that in June 2010, Mr. Hastings wrote a column in which he essentially denied interest in the mayor's office. To now state that he's "spent the last two years preparing for this" would seem to contradict his earlier assertions. That's OK, of course. Candidates change their mind all the time.
Mr. Hastings earned high marks from fiscal conservatives when he said: "I do not believe the city exists to employ people. I believe the city exists to provide services for the citizens and taxpayers."
Both candidates referenced the people of Hillsboro and what they feel is a true sense of community.
When asked why he wanted the office of mayor, Mr. Levo replied: "Three simple words: 'I love Hillsboro.' I love its people. I have been in this community since 1965. During that time, I have gotten to know the people. I have seen families grow up. I have seen their wants, I have heard their wishes, I have seen their successes, I have seen their failures. It is a sense of community."
Neither candidate waded into the political waters of State Issue 2 – even though its passage could impact city expenses. Still, it was probably a smart move to give a "non-answer" answer on that question.
Of the two, Mr. Levo's 13 years on city council, plus service on the Hillsboro Planning Commission and Civil Service Commission, clearly give him an advantage on the operations of municipal government.
Mr. Hastings stumbled, at times, in discussing government. His comment on government mandates prompted a few incredulous gasps. "Generally, if there's a mandate – if a mandate is issued, it has to be funded. That's generally the way mandates work," Mr. Hastings said.
Not always.
Just this past June, one of Ohio's U.S. senators, Republican Rob Portman, introduced a bill to reduce excessive unfunded government mandates – a much-needed update to the 1995 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Last year, the National Education Association took its case to the U.S. Supreme Court (the NEA lost) to have the No Child Left Behind Act set aside as an unfunded mandate. Our schools and government offices are all too familiar with unfunded mandates.
Mr. Hastings also suggested an "industrial park" for the city. One might hope that a candidate for mayor would know that Hillsboro does, in fact, have an industrial park, with land available for development. (Its location is just a stone's throw from SSCC – where the forum was held – and it's advertised by the city and county websites.)
On the other hand, Mr. Levo arrived at the forum carrying a few campaign signs, which prompted a negative comment or two. (Typically, at such events, candidates will leave a small packet of campaign information for attendees to pick up after the forum. Campaign signs aren't usually part of the packet.)
Overall, the AAUW forum provided voters with a bit more information than they may have had – which is always the intent. Neither candidate won – or lost – the election last night. Both picked up a few points for expressing their respective vision for the city of Hillsboro.
A candidate's personal political philosophy is all well and good, but it's worth remembering that there is a legal and ethical structure in place with which a city government must be operated. It takes leadership, to be sure. But it also takes judgment. Effective leadership without solid judgment is dubious, at best.
Prior to the Oct. 10 forum, those presenting the event, the American Association of University Women, WVNU Radio and The Highland County Press read this statement from Mr. Hastings' Facebook page: "There's a forum tonight at Southern State Community College. … I doubt very much it will be fair or balanced, but I'll be there anyway."
None of us appreciated being prejudged by the candidate. Given that the AAUW has presented this annual event with relatively few – if any – complaints from either political party, and given that those of us who have worked together on this for general elections in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 did so without a single accusation of unfairness toward any candidate, I take serious exception to the prejudgment accusation. The fact of the matter is this: the majority of questions for the candidates were identical by design. There were no "setup" or "gotcha" type questions.
In fact, three days prior to the forum, I sent these assurances to Mr. Hastings, with copies to the AAUW and WVNU:
Drew,
I understand that you have some reservations about attending the 2011 AAUW Candidates Forum.
Let me offer some background that may put your mind somewhat more at ease.
If my participation in this event is a concern, I will share the following:
I have participated in Ohio political debates since 1991, including serving on a media panel for two congressional debates, several forums (fora) for state senators, state representatives, county commissioners, city councils and city and village mayors.
At the request of the AAUW, I have assisted with this forum off and on for more than a decade. The last four years (maybe more), I have worked with Mr. Pat Hays, owner of WVNU Radio, to bring the informational event to Highland County voters.
In all of these years, there have been one or two candidates for office who were similarly apprehensive about an openly conservative newspaper columnist's participation in the forum/debate. That's understandable. But there remains one undeniable fact through all these events and all of these years: There has never been a single occurrence of favoritism for any candidate or political party during Pat's and my association with the AAUW forum. It has never happened, nor will it.
In fact, through the years I only recall candidates thanking the AAUW and its panelists for maintaining a fair and impartial presentation of candidates and issues. I trust you will find the same consistency with this year's forum.
Lastly, I am putting the questions we have received in an appropriate sequence for the Oct. 10 forum. For the most part, the questions are very similar for each candidate. Yes, there are a few exceptions based on the respective candidate's background, but there are no "setup" or "gotcha" type questions. That's not what this forum is about.
And while I would never provide any candidate with a question in advance of the event, I will say this: There will be no questions by the panelists related to any HCSO reports.
Our questions will be fair, straightforward and, if answered candidly, informative for Hillsboro voters.
I look forward to seeing you on Oct. 10.
* * *
Thus, my considerable dismay to read Mr. Hastings' online posting just hours before the forum.
Following the forum, Mr. Hastings had this to say: "I made a comment earlier that I thought tonight's event would be unfairly biased. I apologize to the AAUW and WVNU – they put on a good event. I assumed that there would be low blows from The Highland County Press, who appear to be fixated on me, but it didn't happen."
No, it didn't happen. It's never happened. And as long as the AAUW, Pat Hays, Sue Hillger, Cindi Pearce, Frances Larkin, Gary Lewis and I work together, it will never happen. Not one of us would be associated with the forum if it were anything but fair and unbiased.
As for the allegation that this newspaper appears "fixated" on Mr. Hastings, perhaps the issue of judgment is worth revisiting. This newspaper does not publish a column by the candidate nor does it lease a building from the candidate.
The only things The Highland County Press are fixated on are publishing a fair and accurate account of the community's news and events. We are fixated on our commitment to customer service. We are fixated on an attention to detail for our readers and advertisers. We are fixated on our commitment to being one of the very few locally owned and operated newspapers left in Ohio.
We are certainly not "fixated" on any candidate for any public office or any political party.
Ultimately, this political race, like any other contested campaign, comes down to the will of the voters. That's the beauty of America's republican form of government.
Regardless of the outcome of the Hillsboro's mayor's race, we look forward to working with the next city administration, much as we have enjoyed working with the present administration.
After all, it is our government – and we'll have the government we deserve.
Rory Ryan is publisher and editor of The Highland County Press.[[In-content Ad]]