Greater Cleveland Partnership
 Presidential Race
What does Trump’s win mean for business?
Americans awoke today to a largely unpredicted reality: Donald Trump will be the next President of
the United States of America.
In many ways, it is impossible to predict what a Trump presidency will mean for the Greater
Cleveland business community. Of the two candidates for president, Hillary Clinton projected more
of the status quo – vowing to largely continue many of the programs and issues favored by the Obama
Administration. With President-elect Trump, there is much more uncertainty for business.
Throughout the campaign, however some consistent themes have emerged:
Donald Trump

The Affordable Care Act: Trump has called President Obama’s crowning achievement a disaster
that he will push to repeal. In its place, Trump has vowed to push for a more free market approach that reduces federal
regulations and would repeal the individual mandate.

Immigration: Arguably his most contentious position, Trump has vowed to build a wall on the Mexican border and
immediately begin the process of identifying and deporting all undocumented immigrants with criminal records. He would
also immediately suspend immigration from “terror prone” regions, largely consisting of the Middle East. Noticeably
absent from his plan are any details on high-skilled immigration or legal migrant worker programs.
Cont’d on page 3
 U.S. Senate Race
 Issue 32/Issue 108
Portman by a landslide
Cleveland schools, income tax
issues approved
What was initially pegged as one of the
key U.S. Senate races to watch this cycle
never materialized, as Senator Rob
Portman easily defeated former Governor
Ted Strickland.
Two issues backed by GCP — a Cleveland school levy
renewal and a 0.5 percent income tax increase — won voter
approval allowing the City to continue academic
improvement and protect city services.
On paper, Strickland looked like he could
mount a strong challenge to Portman and
early polling showed the race to be
Rob Portman
competitive. But Portman built an
impressive statewide organization, significantly outspending
Strickland and relentlessly traveling across the state to meet
Cont’d on page 4
Issue 32: The City of Cleveland faced a budget shor tfall
headed into 2017 that could have placed safety forces and
other essential municipal services in jeopardy. Clevelanders
understood how critical the passage of Issue 32 was to the
future of our region and approved the City’s first income tax
increase in 35 years to compensate for next year’s potential
budget gap.
Cont’d on page 16
Page 9
Page 18
Page 15
Page 5
Ohio General
Assembly Results
Preview 2017
Mayoral Race &
Minimum Wage
2018 State Previews
Federal Races
 Table of Contents
 A message from GCP’s Government Affairs Council
Dear Greater Cleveland Partnership Member,
NATIONAL RESULTS
President
1
US Senate/Portman
1
Other US Senate Races
4
STATE RACES
Ohio Senate
9-10
Ohio House
11-13
This has been an exciting year for the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP). From
our new association with the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE), which has
strengthened our voice as a lead advocate for the Northeast Ohio business
community, to the success of the Republican National Convention, we are wellpoised for continued growth and success on the issues that matter most to you.
We have strived in this Overnight Election Report to highlight how the results of key
races and ballot issues will impact the business community.
As we release this election analysis, we are also in the final stages of establishing our
next Public Policy Agenda. This core document helps us to articulate our vision for
the region. As we prepare to release our 2017-2018 edition of this document at the
beginning of next year, key themes have already emerged that, in addition to our
primary focus on business costs and competitiveness issues, will be instrumental in
advancing the economic development priorities of our region. They include:
Supreme Court Justices
14

Gubernatorial Outlook
15

LOCAL RESULTS

Cleveland School Levy
16
County Council
17
2017 Muni Elections Outlook 18
FEDERAL RACES
Preview 2018
4
U.S. Senate Races
5-6
Ohio Congressional Races
7-8
Working with our elected leaders on a competitive tax policy that allows us to
invest in the things we know are important to our region’s growth;
Protecting the federal and other civic assets – NASA Glenn and the lakefront,
in particular – that add to the economic strength and vibrancy of our region;
and
Advancing key business development priorities that help our companies grow,
support our entrepreneurial ecosystem and develop a skilled talent pipeline by
our continued investment in education reform.
Please take time to read our Public Policy Agenda when it is released early next year.
We hope that it inspires you to join us in our advocacy efforts, whether that be
working with us to communicate our public policy priorities to elected leaders or
supporting the GCP Political Action Committee, which supports our efforts to forge
strong partnerships with our public officials. No matter how you choose to engage
with us, it will be a tremendous opportunity to achieve one common goal – advancing
economic development priorities that will strengthen our competitiveness and lead to
greater opportunity for all in our region.
Tom Zenty, Chair
GCP Government Affairs Council
Chief Executive Officer
University Hospitals
Health System
OTHER
Advocacy Team
19
GCP/COSE PAC
20
Deborah Read, Vice Chair
GCP Government Affairs Council
Managing Partner
Thompson Hine
2
Kevin Johnson, Vice Chair
GCP Government Affairs Council
President
Glenwood Management
 Race for the White House
(cont’d from page 1)

years.


Energy: A strong supporter of coal,
Trump has consistently attacked the
President’s Clean Power Plan and the
“war on coal,” vowing to repeal not
only the Clean Power Plan but other
EPA regulations that he believes are
hurting the economy.
Trade: In a clear break from
traditional Republican orthodoxy,
Trump is firmly opposed to North
American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA), the Trans Pacific
Partnership (TPP), and other free
trade agreements that he says have
shipped American jobs overseas. This
issue clearly resonated with voters in
Ohio, where he outperformed
projections.
Some of the uncertainty
surrounding a Trump
presidency is predicated
upon the lack of details on
his key positions that will
make it difficult to make
informed business decisions.
Trump’s campaign has been
infamously short on
specifics.
County breakdown of
President’s Race
While many of his positions
are largely in line with
Republican orthodoxy, there
are some clear distinctions.
In these instances, which
side will win? Legislators
Trump’s win will make it even more drafting the bills or the new
Trump
likely that President Obama will urge President? What exactly are
Clinton
the specifics of Trump’s
Congress to pass TPP in the
Affordable Care Act replacement plan?
upcoming lame duck session as the
way to extend the olive branch not only to
Which regulations would he repeal? How Senate Democrats, whose cooperation
deal will likely be dead on arrival
will he handle trade negotiations?
once Trump is sworn in.
will still be needed, but also
establishment Republicans in both
These are the types of questions
The issue of trade is of substantial
chambers, many of whom he has openly
businesses will be asking in the weeks
concern in Ohio, which exports
warred with throughout the campaign.
and months to come.
considerable amounts of
manufactured products and
He will also need to learn fast: Presidents
agricultural goods. Even the hint of With Republicans controlling the Senate, are often judged by their first 100 days in
many predict one of Trump’s first acts as office, and while Trump will certainly
trade wars could be a cause for
President will be to address the Supreme have many ideas of his own, he will now
concern for Ohio businesses that
Court vacancy. Earlier this year, Trump
depend upon exports.
lead a nation reaching its debt limit in
announced a list of potential Justices,
March, face growing turmoil in the
Taxes: Trump has vowed to radically largely to the acclaim of Republican
Middle East and work within a global
lawmakers. If a replacement for the late
simplify the tax code: reducing the
economy adjusting to his surprising
Antonin Scalia is confirmed, it would
number of individual tax brackets
election as leader of the free world.
break the current 4-4 tie on the Court,
from six to three, lowering rates
freeing it up to potentially consider high
across the board, and increasing
standard deduction amounts. On the profile cases dealing with issues as
corporate side, Trump has vowed to contentious as the President’s
immigration orders, gun control, and the
lower rates from 35 percent to 15
Clean Power Plan.
percent, including a onetime 10
percent rate on repatriation foreign
profits. While lower taxes may sound Whether Trump is able to enact any of
appealing, critics have pointed out the these policies however remains to be
plan would increase the deficit by an seen: after the most contentious race in
estimated $7 trillion over its first 10 modern history, he will need to find a
3
 U.S. Senate Race (cont’d from page 1)
with voters. Portman used his fundraising advantage to prosecute the case against
Strickland on the airwaves, highlighting the tax increases and jobs lost during
Strickland’s term as Governor. Those were the same arguments Governor John
Kasich used to effectively unseat Strickland in 2010.
When he returns to the Senate, Portman will look to continue his push to fight
opioid addiction. His Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)
legislation was signed into law in July, but funding for CARA’s programs must
be reauthorized beyond the current fiscal year, which ends in September 2017.
From his seat on the Finance Committee, Portman will also play a key role in
any tax reform efforts. In the past, Portman pushed a bipartisan plan to lower the
tax owed on repatriated corporate profits o encourage corporations to invest in
the United States, a concept that could be revived next year as part of a broader
corporate tax reform effort.
ROB PORTMAN (R)
Ted Strickland (D)
Other
58%
36%
6%
County breakdown of
U.S. Senate Race
Portman, along with Senator Sherrod Brown and others in the Ohio delegation,
will continue to fight to protect NASA Glenn from any potential budget cuts that
would have significant effects on the economy of Northeast Ohio. Last year, our
Senators and Congressman Dave Joyce worked tirelessly to avert a massive cut
to NASA Glenn’s budget and have, thus far, been successful in avoiding any
such cuts from being enacted this year as well.
Portman
Strickland
 U.S. Senate
Looking Ahead: Ohio’s U.S. Senate Race 2018
In two years, Senator Sherrod Brown
will be up for re-election in what is
expected to be a highly contentious
race. Although President-Elect
Trump will not be on the ballot, the
first midterm election of a new
president is oftentimes viewed as a
referendum on his first two years in
office.
Trans Pacific Partnership. He has
advocated for a nationwide $15 an
hour minimum wage. Brown has also
supported measures to invest in
workforce development and help train
workers in the skills needed to obtain
jobs – a key issue for the Northeast
Ohio business community.
While many are predicting Brown’s
race to be a rematch with current State
Treasurer Josh Mandel, that matchup is
not a foregone conclusion. Mandel is
expected to challenge Brown, but he
could face opposition in the primary
from several candidates. Columbusarea Congressman Pat Tiberi has
already commissioned statewide polling, and current
Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor is also rumored to be
looking at the race.
Since FDR in 1934, the new
President’s party has lost an average
of 25 House seats and two Senate
seats in the first midterm election.
This could play to Sen. Brown’s
advantage in keeping this seat in
Democratic Party control.
Although the 2018 Senate map heavily favors Republicans,
who will be only defending eight seats compared to 25 for
Democrats, Republicans have little room for error.
No matter whom Brown faces, expect a tight race.
A two-term Senator, Brown is an unabashed liberal who has
strongly supported the Affordable Care Act and opposed the
4
 Federal Races—Key U.S. Senate Races
* Denotes Incumbent, Winner in CAPS
Florida: MARCO RUBIO* (R) vs. Patrick Murphy (D)
In one of many Republican bright spots Tuesday night, Senator Marco Rubio defeated Congressman Patrick Murphy to retain his seat. After
his Presidential bid failed, Rubio re-entered the race for his Senate seat in August and almost immediately shot to the top of the polls. In some
ways, Rubio’s failed presidential bid was a blessing in disguise: he was far better known statewide than his opponent and was also able to
greatly outspend Murphy.
Illinois: Mark Kirk* (R) vs. TAMMY DUCKWORTH (D)
One of the earliest races called Tuesday night went to the Democrats, as Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth easily cruised to victory over
incumbent Republican Mark Kirk in Illinois. From the outset, Kirk was facing an uphill battle: Illinois is a heavily Democratic state and
Duckworth is a well-respected Congresswoman. She is a protégé of the state’s senior Senator Dick Durbin and a military veteran who lost her
legs in a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2004. While Republicans anticipated the loss, it did not impact their ability to maintain control of the U.S.
Senate.
Indiana: TODD YOUNG (R) vs. Evan Bayh (D)
Congressman Todd Young defeated former Senator Evan Bayh on Tuesday night, capping off a remarkable comeback in a race that appeared
to be Bayh’s to lose when he announced his campaign in July. Bayh’s story is well-known in Indiana: He is the son of former Senator Birch
Bayh, he served two terms as governor, and a subsequent two terms in the Senate. However, his Washington ties ultimately did him more
harm than good. Republican groups attacked Bayh as a carpetbagger who rarely set foot in Indiana after leaving office, opting instead to stay
in Washington to make millions in consulting and speaking fees. Young’s election to the Senate was not only his first statewide win, it was
also the first time Bayh has ever lost an election.
Missouri: ROY BLUNT* (R) vs. Jason Kander (D)
Senator Roy Blunt won re-election, after facing a surprisingly tough challenge from Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander. Initially, Blunt
was seen as a shoo-in for reelection as a popular former Congressman running for his second Senate term in a state that voted solidly
Republican in every presidential election this century. Kander ran an excellent campaign and Blunt quickly found himself in a close race. In
the end, however, Blunt was able to rely on the state’s Republican tilt to avoid a defeat that would have spelled doom for Republicans.
Nevada: Joe Heck (R) vs. CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO (D)
Former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto defeated Congressman Joe Heck to replace retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry
Reid. Although the race was close throughout, Cortez Masto edged into the lead in recent weeks thanks in part to Heck’s decision to retract
his endorsement of Donald Trump, which both hurt him with the Republican base and was seen as “too little, too late” for the state’s Hispanic
community, which represents approximately 20 percent of the electorate. Cortez Masto was also buoyed by a late push from President Obama
and national Democratic groups.
New Hampshire: Kelly Ayotte* (R) vs. MAGGIE HASSAN (D)
The race that many predicted to be the closest in the country lived up to its billing Tuesday night. Governor Maggie Hassan narrowly defeated
Senator Kelly Ayotte in a race that was too close to call until the following day. In this race, Ayotte fought to retain her seat and in recent
weeks distanced herself from her party’s nominee going so far as to say she would write in Mike Pence, Trump’s Vice Presidential choice,
when she cast her ballot after saying initially she saw him as a role model. This closely watched race cost an estimated $120 million in a
small state. Hassan is a former State Senate majority leader.
North Carolina: RICHARD BURR* (R) vs. Deborah Ross (D)
Senator Richard Burr was able to hold on and win reelection over former State Legislator Deborah Ross. Earlier this year, Burr, a two-term
Senator and five-term Congressman before that, looked like he would cruise to re-election after no top tier Democratic challenger
materialized. But outside Democratic groups focused their attention on the race, spending heavily to link Burr to both Donald Trump and
Republican Governor Pat McCrory, both of whom had issues with independent and minority voters in the state. Ultimately, however Burr was
able to withstand this challenge and give Republicans a much-needed victory in the Tar Heel State.
Pennsylvania: PAT TOOMEY* (R) vs. Katie McGinty (D)
In one of the closest races in the country, Senator Pat Toomey narrowly edged Katie McGinty, the former Pennsylvania Secretary of
Environmental Protection. Toomey, a Republican Senator in a Democratic leaning state, refused to endorse or support his party’s nominee
and still won reelection. This was one of the major surprises in the battle to control the U.S. Senate.
Wisconsin: RON JOHNSON* (R) vs. Russ Feingold (D)
In a shocking result, Ron Johnson successfully defended his Senate seat in a rematch with the man he unseated in 2010, former Senator Russ
Feingold. For months, operatives on both sides wrote off the Wisconsin race as a certain Democratic win, given the state’s Democratic tilt: no
Republican has won a Senate race in a Presidential election year in Wisconsin since 1980. However, Johnson was not deterred and steadily
chipped away at Feingold’s lead, thanks in part to allegations that Feingold may have violated campaign finance law.
5
 U.S. Senate Races
State
Republican
AK
Lisa Murkowski *
AL
Richard Shelby*
AZ
John McCain*
AR
John Boozman*
Democrat




CA



Roy Blunt*
Ron Crumpton
NC
Richard Burr*
Ann Kirkpatrick
ND
John Hoeven*
NH
Kelly Ayotte*
Maggie Hassan

NV
Joe Heck
Catherine CortezMasto

NY
Wendy Long
Chuck Schumer*

Patrick Murphy
OH
Rob Portman*
Jim Barksdale
OK
James Lankford*
OR
Mark Callahan
Patty Judge
PA
Pat Toomey*
Jerry Sturgill
SC
Tim Scott*
SD
John Thune*
UT
Mike Lee*
VT
Scott Milne
Patrick Leahy*
WA
Chris Vance
Patty Murray*
WI
Ron Johnson*
Conner Eldridge
Darryl Glenn
Michael Bennet*
CT
Dan Carter
Richard Blumenthal*
FL
Marco Rubio
GA
Johnny Isakson*
HI
John Carroll
IA
Chuck Grassley*
ID
Mike Crapo*
IL
Mark Kirk*
IN
Todd Young
KY
Rand Paul*
KS
Jerry Moran*
LA**
John Kennedy
Foster Campbell
MD
Kathy Szeliga
Chris Van Hollen
Brian Schatz*
Tammy Duckworth



Democrat
MO
CO


Republican
Ray Metcalfe
Kamala Harris


State





Evan Bayh
Jim Gray
Patrick Wiesner



Jason Kander
Deborah Ross
Eliot Glasshelm
Ted Strickland
Mike Workman

Ron Wyden*





Katie McGinty
Thomas Dixon
Jay Williams
Misty Snow


Russ Feingold
*Denotes incumbent
**In Louisiana, if no candidate receives 50 percent of the vote, a run-off election between the top two finishers will be held in December.
U.S. Senate – Membership Breakdown
Pre-Election
Post-Election
Republican
54
51
Democrat
44
45
Independent
2
2
2
Undecided
6
 Federal Races—U.S. House of Representatives
* Denotes Incumbent, Winner in CAPS
As was the case in 2014, none of the Ohio Congressional races were particularly close this year, with each incumbent winning their respective
race comfortably. The results in Ohio are representative of a national trend: The number of competitive House races nationwide has shrunk in
recent years due in part to redistricting, making it more difficult for either party to pick up seats in large numbers.
Northeast Ohio
Congressional
Delegation
District 1 (Warren County and most of Hamilton)
Results
STEVE CHABOT (R-Westwood)*
60%
Michele Young (D)
40%
District 2 (Counties of Clermont, Highland, Brown, Adams, Pike, portions of Scioto, Ross and
Hamilton)
Dave Joyce
BRAD WENSTRUP (R)*
67%
William Smith (D)
33%
District 3 (Northeast half of Franklin County)
JOYCE BEATTY (D)*
68%
John Adams (R)
32%
District 4 (Allen, Auglaize, Champaign, Logan, Shelby, Union, Crawford, Seneca and
Sandusky counties with portions of Erie, Huron, Lorain, Mercer and Marion counties)
Tim Ryan
JIM JORDAN (R)*
68%
Janet Garrett (D)
32%
District 5 (Williams, Fulton, Defiance, Henry, Wood, Paulding, Putnam, Hancock, Wyandot,
Hardin and Van Wert counties and portions of Muskingum, Scioto and Athens counties)
Marcia Fudge
BOB LATTA (R)*
71%
James New (D)
29%
District 6 (Jackson, Lawrence, Gallie, Meigs, Washington, Noble, Monroe, Belmont, Guernsey,
Harrison, Carroll, Jefferson and Columbiana counties, and parts of Mahoning, Tuscarawas, Muskingum, Scioto and Athens counties)
BILL JOHNSON (R)*
71%
Michael Lortenz (D)
29%
District 7 (Knox, Coshocton, Holmes, Ashland counties and portions of Huron, Medina, Stark,
Marcy Kaptur
Tuscarawas, Richland and Lorain counties)
BOB GIBBS (R)*
64%
Roy Rich (D)
29%
District 8 (Butler, Preble, Darke, Miami and Clark counties and a portion of Mercer)
Jim Renacci
WARREN DAVIDSON (R)
69%
Steven Fought (D)
27%
7
 Federal Races—U.S. House of Representatives
* Denotes Incumbent, Winner in CAPS
District 9 (Portions of Lorain, Cuyahoga, Erie, Lucas and Ottawa counties)
Results
MARCY KAPTUR (D)*
69%
Donald Larson (R)
31%
District 10
(All of Greene and Montgomery counties and a portion of Fayette County)
MICHAEL TURNER (R)*
64%
Robert Kelipinger (D)
32%
District 11
(Central portion of Cuyahoga County, Eastern portion of Summit County)
MARCIA FUDGE (D)*
80%
Beverly Goldstein (R)
20%
District 12
(Delaware, Morrow, Licking, and parts of Muskingum, Richland, Marion and Franklin)
PAT TIBERI (R)*
67%
Ed Albertson (D)
30%
District 13
(Portions of Summit, Portage, Trumbull, Mahoning and Stark counties)
TIM RYAN (D)*
68%
Richard Morckel (R)
32%
District 14
(Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake counties and parts of Trumbull, Cuyahoga, Portage and Summit counties)
DAVE JOYCE (R)*
63%
Michael Wager (D)
37%
District 15
(Clinton, Fairfield, Hocking, Madison, Morgan, Perry, Pickaway and Vinton counties and portions of others)
STEVE STIVERS (R)*
66%
Scott Wharton (D)
34%
District 16 (Wayne County and parts of Cuyahoga, Medina, Summit, Portage and Stark counties)
JIM RENACCI (R)*
65%
Keith Mundy (D)
35%
U.S. House of Representatives – Membership Breakdown
Pre-Election
Post-Election
Republican
246
233
Democrat
186
173
Independent
0
0
Vacancies
3
0
19
Undecided
8
 Ohio Senate
Larry Obhof likely to succeed Keith Faber as Senate President
Republicans added to an already strong majority in the
Ohio Senate and picked up a seat to increase their lead in
the Upper Chamber to 24-9. As a result of their success at
the polls yesterday, Republican legislators will have the
opportunity to elect a new Senate President at the
beginning of the next General Assembly to succeed
current President, Keith Faber (R-Celina), who returns to
the House of Representatives in January 2017.
Sen. Larry Obhof (R-Medina) who represents the 22nd
Senate District including Medina, Ashland and Richland Larry Obhof
Gayle Manning
John Eklund
counties as well as portions of Holmes County, is anticipated
Senator Peterson currently co-chairs the Ohio 2020 Tax Policy
to assume the role of Senate President in the 132nd General
Study Commission and has successfully thwarted efforts to
Assembly.
increase taxes on the business community as chairman of the
Senate Ways and Means Committee and member of the Senate
As Senate President, Obhof will be uniquely qualified to
Finance Committee.
represent the interests of Northeast Ohio and will continue to
lead the Senate in a direction that will be beneficial for Ohio
Senator Gardner is a well-respected leader who has served in
businesses. Sen. Obhof is a supporter of tax code and
the Ohio legislature since 1985 and previously held the
regulation reform that would simplify requirements and
number two leadership spot in both chambers. In the most
improve the speed of commerce, and was a part of the legal
recent General Assembly, he was the lead sponsor of
team that challenged President Obama’s health care laws on
legislation to help address water quality issues in Lake Erie.
behalf of small businesses.
Senator John Eklund (R-Chardon) will hold a key position
in the Ohio Senate Republican Caucus. Sen. Eklund’s noted
legal career in Northeast Ohio has allowed him to be a
respected voice during the numerous policy debates in the
Ohio Senate. Sen. Eklund is a partner at Calfee, Halter &
Griswold and serves as chairman of the Criminal Justice
Committee as well as vice chair of the Financial Institutions
Committee.
As current Senate President Pro-Tempore and member of
several other Senate Committees, he has been instrumental in
passing key bills supportive of Ohio businesses. Senator
Obhof has received numerous honors in recognition of his
work, including Legislator of the Year Awards.
Sen. Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville), the current
Majority Whip, will return to the Senate and will occupy a
leadership position in the final two years of her term. Senator
Manning represents Huron and Lorain counties and her
numerous years of service to Northeast Ohio have helped
promote and strengthen our local economy.
Senate Minority Leadership will see one change as Minority
Assistant Whip Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) was upset in his
re-election effort. The other three members of Senate
Minority leadership are expected to retain their respective
posts including Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman),
Assistant Minority Leader Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus),
and Minority Whip Edna Brown (D-Toledo).
Senator and Majority Floor Leader Tom Patton (RStrongsville) will return to the House of Representatives,
forced from the Senate due to term limits. Sen. Obhof’s
promotion coupled with the absence of Sen. Patton will create
two Senate leadership vacancies that need to be filled. The
Senate leadership team is expected to be rounded out by Sen.
Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) and Sen. Randy Gardner (RBowling Green).
9
 Ohio Senate
* Denotes Incumbent, Winner in Bold
Noteworthy Ohio Senate Races
Senate District # 18 – John Eklund* (R-Chardon) v. Wiley Runnestrand (D-Kent)
Senator John Eklund will return to the Senate for a second four-year term after defending his seat from Democratic challenger
Wiley Runnestrand. Eklund is a partner at Calfee, Halter & Griswold, and draws on his extensive experience in business
litigation to lead several committees. Sen. Eklund is Chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.
Senate District # 22 – Larry Obhof* (R-Medina) v. Christopher King (D-Sullivan)
Likely future Senate President, Sen. Larry Obhof earned re-election after defeating retired firefighter and paramedic Christopher
King (D-Sullivan).
Senate District # 24 – Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) v. Emily Hagan (D-Rocky River)
In order to capture the open 24th District seat in the Ohio Senate, Matt Dolan first had to emerge from a veteran
GOP primary field that included former state representatives Nan Baker (R-Westlake) and Mike Dovilla (RBerea). Dolan, a former representative himself, secured the nomination in the district vacated by Sen. Tom
Patton – who was forced out by term limits.
Matt Dolan
Dolan defeated formidable Democratic challenger Emily Hagan, an attorney and former schoolteacher, and
will make a return to Columbus after a six-year break from public office. Dolan is a partner at Thrasher,
Dismore & Dolan and Vice President of 7th Avenue Properties. He previously served as an adjunct professor
of law at Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University, and was also Assistant Attorney General
for the State of Ohio.
Senate District # 28 – Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) v. Jonathan Schulz (R-Cuyahoga Falls)
The end of Sen. Tom Sawyer’s (D-Akron) second term in the Ohio Senate left the 28th District open, and that seat will again be
occupied by a Democrat. Vernon Sykes, a professor at Kent State University and former state representative, beat out
Republican hopeful Jonathan Schulz for the seat.
Senate District # 30 – Frank Hoagland (R-Adena) v. Lou Gentile* (D-Steubenville)
Republican challenger Frank Hoagland, a retired Navy SEAL, defeated Sen. Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) in this
Southeast Ohio seat relying on a pro-coal industry sediment in this region of the state. This is the race that pushed the
Senate Republican Majority advantage to 24 - 9.
Results: Northeast Ohio Senate Races
Republican
*JOHN EKLUND
*LARRY OBHOF
MATT DOLAN



Johnathan Schulz
FRANK HOAGLAND
* Denotes Incumbent, Winner in CAPS
Democrat
Dist
Counties
Wiley Runnestrand
18
Portage/Geauga/Lake
Christopher King
22
Medina/Ashland/Richland
Emily Hagan
24
Cuyahoga
28
Summit

VERNON SYKES

*Lou Gentile
30
Ohio Senate – Membership Breakdown
Republican
Democrat
Pre-Election
23
10
10
Post-Election
24
9
Change
1
0
 Ohio House of Representatives
GOP keeps control of Ohio House as Seitz, Hughes, Faber, Patton change chambers
Republicans will continue
their historic majority in the
House for the 132nd General
Assembly but look for some
shuffling within the
majority leadership team.
whether they will pursue
any leadership positions
within the House.
Minority Leadership will
likely remain untouched,
although a surprise
With Speaker Cliff
contender could be Rep.
Rosenberger (RDavid Leland (DClarksville) returning, it is
Columbus). Minority
likely he will serve a second
Leader Fred Strahorn (Dterm as Speaker. The highly
Dayton), Assistant Minority
influential Majority Floor
Leader Nicholas Celebrezze
Leader Kirk Schuring (R(D-Parma), Minority Whip
Sarah LaTourette
Cliff Rosenberger
Kirk Schuring
Dorothy Pelanda
Canton), Majority Whip
Nickie Antonio (DDorothy Pelanda (R-Marysville) and Majority Assistant Whip Sarah Lakewood), and Assistant Minority Whip Jack Cera (D-Bellaire) ran
LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Twp.) also declared victory, but several
unopposed in their respective districts to reclaim their House seats for
leadership positions will remain open due to term limits.
another two years.
Speaker Pro-Tempore Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) and Assistant Floor
Leader Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) were both unable to run, and their
vacancies will lead to a restructuring of leadership roles.
Rep. Antonio and Rep. Celebrezze both call Northeast Ohio home.
Rep. Antonio is a former special education teacher and was an
Adjunct Professor at Cleveland State University. She also served on
Lakewood City Council. Rep. Celebrezze served six years as a Parma
Additionally, an interesting dynamic may arise with the return of
City Councilman and is a former Cuyahoga County Adult Probation
Senate veterans Bill Seitz (R- Cincinnati), Jim Hughes (R-Columbus), Officer and Assistant County Prosecutor.
Keith Faber (R-Celina) and Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) to the lower
chamber. All three made the successful transition to the House of
Barring any surprises all are expected to be reelected for another term
Representatives after serving the maximum number of consecutive
in leadership roles.
terms (two) allowed in the Ohio Senate – and it remains to be seen
Noteworthy Ohio House Races * Denotes Incumbent, Winner in Bold
House District # 6 – Marlene Anielski* (R-Walton Hills) v. Phillip Robinson (D-Solon)
Republican Rep. Marlene Anielski will return to Columbus for her fourth and final term in the House of Representatives after defeating
Democratic hopeful Phillip Robinson. Anielski, former Mayor and Safety Director of Walton Hills, represents many communities in
Cuyahoga County including Brecksville, Chagrin Falls, Independence and Seven Hills.
House District # 7 – Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) - unopposed
After being unable to run again in the Senate due to term limits, former Majority Leader Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) won re-election
in Ohio’s House District 7. The Democratic challenger withdrew from the race in June, leaving Patton unopposed. Patton brings
considerable experience to the House. As the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Transportation, Commerce, and Labor Committee, Patton
pushed for issues including lower taxes, increased access to higher education, and the creation of a film tax credit that helped bring
major motion picture sets to Cleveland.
House District # 8 – Kent Smith* (D-Euclid) v. Cassandra McDonald (R – South Euclid)
Democratic incumbent Kent Smith defeated challenger Cassandra McDonald to retain his position representing House District 8. Prior
to becoming a legislator, Rep. Smith was Director of Development and Communications for the East Akron Neighborhood
Development Corporation and served on the Euclid Board of Education from 2002- 2013.
House District # 10 – Bill Patmon* (D-Cleveland) v. Thomas Pekarek (R-Cleveland)
Rep. Bill Patmon will retain his seat in the Ohio House after decisively defeating Republican hopeful Thomas Pekarek. A 12-year
member of Cleveland’s City Council, Patmon served as Chairman of the Council Finance Committee and currently serves on the Board
of Trustees for the Regional Transit Authority.
House District # 11 – Stephanie Howse* (D-Cleveland) v. Shalira Taylor (R-Cleveland)
Stephanie Howse was one of many Cleveland-area Democrats to retain their House seat this year, following her defeat of Shalira
Taylor. Howse serves on several committees, including the Committee on Community and Family Advancement and Transportation
and Infrastructure Committee. Rep. Howse is an executive committee member of the NAACP’s Cleveland branch and also the founder
of Footprints – a girls leadership development program based in Cleveland.
11
 Ohio House of Representatives
House District # 12 – John Barnes* (D-Cleveland) unopposed
John Barnes Jr. ran unopposed and reclaimed his seat representing Ohio House District 12. Barnes, a member of four different House
Committees including Economic and Workforce Development and Ways and Means, will return to the House for his fourth and final
term.
House District # 13 – Nickie Antonio* (D-Lakewood) unopposed
Rep. Nickie Antonio, Democratic Whip for the 131st General Assembly, ran unopposed and will return to the House for a fourth term
representing Lakewood as well as several parts of Cleveland’s West Side. Antonio is Ranking Member on the Health and Aging
Committee as well as a member of the House Finance Committee. She is also a member of the Lake Erie Caucus and Children's
Caucus of Legislators.
House District # 14 – Martin Sweeney* (D-Cleveland) unopposed
Former Cleveland City Council President Martin Sweeney faced no opposition in reclaiming House District 14. Sweeney has been
very involved with the redevelopment of downtown Cleveland, including the Global Center for Health Innovation, Huntington
Convention Center, a downtown urban casino, new construction in the historic Flats and an expansion of Cleveland State University.
House District # 15 – Nicholas Celebrezze* (D-Parma) unopposed
Democratic Parma native Nicholas Celebrezze (D-Parma) found himself unchallenged in a race for House District 15 and will return
to the Ohio House for a third term. A former Cuyahoga County Probation Officer and Prosecutor, Rep. Celebrezze has demonstrated
a commitment to keeping city streets safe during his legislative career.
House District # 16 – Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake) v. Tommy Greene (D-Rocky River)
In a contested race for House District 16 (Fairview, Westlake, North Olmsted, and Bay Village), Republican Dave
Greenspan defeated Democratic upstart Tommy Greene. The two vied for the seat of incumbent Republican Rep. Nan
Baker (R-Westlake) in a district many Republicans considered vulnerable. Greenspan, a Georgia native and Cuyahoga
County Council member, fended off a well-funded and well-organized rival campaign and managed to keep the district
red. He looks to bring his extensive finance and budgeting experience to Columbus in order to maximize the potential
for economic development in Northeast Ohio.
Dave Greenspan
House District # 36 – Anthony DeVitis* (R-Uniontown) v. Bobby McDowall (D-Mogadore)
Republican incumbent Anthony DeVitis defeated challenger Bobby McDowall to defend a competitive seat in the House and earn a
third term. DeVitis is the co-owner of several Akron-based businesses, including DeVitis Fine Italian Foods, and previously served
on Green City Council.
House District # 37 – Kristina Roegner* (R-Hudson) v. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson)
Rep. Kristina Roegner will return to the Ohio House after fending off a challenge from Hudson City Councilman Casey Weinstein.
Weinstein was a late addition to the ticket, replacing Tom Schmida, a former school teacher who withdrew his candidacy in June.
Roegner, a six-year member of the Hudson City Council with a mechanical engineering background, will be back in Columbus for her
fourth term in the Ohio House.
House District # 55 – Nathan Manning* (R-North Ridgeville) v. Kelly Kraus Mencke (D-Elyria)
House District 55, representing parts of Lorain County, will again be served by Nathan Manning, who won the seat for Republicans in
the 2014 election cycle. Manning, son of Senator Gayle Manning and State Rep. Jeffrey Manning, defeated Democrat Kelly Kraus
Mencke. Manning is a Partner at the law firm Manning and Manning with his sister and is a former Prosecutor for the City of North
Ridgeville.
House District # 57 – Dick Stein (R-Norwalk) v. Tom Dunlap (D-Norwalk)
Emerging from a crowded Republican primary field in House District 57, Dick Stein retained Republican control of the seat after term
limits forced out incumbent Terry Boose (R-Norwalk). Stein, the owner and operator of Stein photography and an advocate for
common sense business initiatives, defeated former Huron County Sheriff Tom Dunlap (D-Norwalk) to earn his first term in
Columbus.
House District # 60 – John Rogers* (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) v. Robert Rule (R-Mentor)
Incumbent Democrat John Rogers, former mayor and safety director of Mentor-on-the-lake, won re-election over rival Republican
Robert Rule. This will be Rogers’ third term representing District 60.
House District # 61 – Ron Young* (R-Leroy) v. Rick Walker (D-Perry)
Rep. Ron Young (R-Leroy), U.S. Army veteran and former public school teacher, will return for a fourth term after beating
Democratic challenger Rick Walker (D-Perry). The two squared off in the 2014 election cycle, where Young handily defeated
Walker, the owner of a family windows and floors business.
12
 Ohio House of Representatives
House District # 69 – Stephen Hambley* (R-Brunswick) v. Frank Zona (D-Hinckley)
Republican incumbent Stephen Hambley, who served as Medina County Commissioner for 18 years, won a second term in the Ohio
House after defeating a young Democratic upstart, Frank Zona. Hambley earned his place on the ticket after a contested primary with
Chris Sawicki (R-Medina), who ran against him in the 2014 primary.
House District # 75 – Kathleen Clyde* (D-Kent) v. Jim Lutz (R-Mogadore)
Democrat Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent) will return to the House for a fourth term serving District 75, including central and southern
Portage County. Clyde serves as Ranking Member of the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee, and is a member on
both the Finance Committee and Public Utilities Committee.
House District # 76 – Sarah LaTourette* (R-Chagrin Falls) v. Teri McIntee (D-Burton)
Rep. Sarah LaTourette (R-Chagrin Falls) defeated Democratic rival Teri McIntee (D-Burton) to represent District 76 (Geauga,
northern Portage counties). LaTourette previously worked at a political communications firm that coordinated advocacy campaigns for
several Fortune 100 companies and is the daughter of former Republican Congressman Steve LaTourette. She currently serves as the
Assistant Majority Whip and member of the Committee on State Government.
House District # 94 – Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville) v. Sarah Grace (D-Athens)
Republicans pulled off an upset and picked up this Democrat seat as Republican Jay Edwards relied on a strong grassroots effort in a
pro-Trump region of the state to defeat Sarah Grace in Southeast Ohio. This Republican pick-up is responsible for the record
66thRepublican Member.
Results: Northeast Ohio State Representative Races
Republican
*MARLENE ANIELSKI
TOM PATTON
Democrat


(Unopposed)
Shalira Taylor
(unopposed)
(unopposed)
(unopposed)
(unopposed)
DAVE GREENSPAN
*ANTHONY DeVITIS


Democrat
*KRISTINA DALEY
ROEGNER
Casey Weinstein
37
Summit
Judith Lynn Lee
38
Summit
Kelly Kraus Mencke
55
Lorain
56
Lorain
57
Lorain
60
Lake
Rick Walker
61
Lake
Frank Zona
69
Medina
75
Portage
76
Geauga/
Portage

*MARILYN SLABY 
*NATHAN MANNING 
6
Cuyahoga
(Unopposed)
7
Cuyahoga
8
Cuyahoga
9
Cuyahoga
Jessie Tower
10
Cuyahoga
DICK STEIN
11
Cuyahoga
Robert Rule
12
Cuyahoga
*RON YOUNG
13
Cuyahoga
*STEVE HAMBLEY
14
Cuyahoga
Jim Lutz
15
Cuyahoga
*SARAH LATOURETTE

Terri McIntee
Tommy Greene
16
Cuyahoga
*STEVE ARNDT

Lawrence Hartlaub
Bobby McDowall
36
Summit
(unopposed)
*KENT SMITH
Joe Miller
Republican
Phillip Robinson

JANINE BOYD

*BILL PATMON

*STEPHANIE HOWSE 
*JOHN BARNES, JR. 
*NICKIE ANTONIO 
*MARTIN SWEENEY 
*NICHOLAS CELEBREZZE 
Cassandra McDonald
Dist Counties
* Denotes Incumbent, Winner in CAPS
Ohio House of Representatives – Membership Breakdown
Republican
Democrat
13
*DANIEL RAMOS

Dist Counties

Tom Dunlap
*JOHN ROGERS


*KATHLEEN CLYDE
*JOHN PATTERSON


89 Erie/Ottawa

99
Ashtabula/
Geauga
Pre-Election
Post-Election
65
34
66
33
 Ohio Supreme Court Races
Republicans Elect Two New Justices to Ohio Supreme Court
*As of 11/9, counting of ballots in the Fischer v. O’Donnell contest continues. This report is written assuming Fischer’s lead on
Election Night stands. Fischer is ahead by 24K votes with more than 200K yet to be counted.
Republicans yesterday maintained their 6-1 majority on the Ohio Supreme Court, which some believe may become
more conservative than it was before the election. The newly elected GOP jurists, at least at the outset, appear to have
a more conservative philosophy than their Republican predecessors. Democrats had hoped to pick up at least one if
not both of the open seats in which there was not an established Republican incumbent in the race.
The outcome of these races is significant to Northeast Ohio businesses because justices at times consider pertinent
cases on tort reform, workers’ compensation and employment regulations, tax decisions, and energy issues.
Over the past two cycles, the business community has put forth significant resources and efforts to elect judges that
understand the needs of Ohio businesses and employers. Both Justice-elect Pat Fischer and Justice-elect Pat DeWine
emphasized judicial restraint on the campaign trail consistent with the business community’s mantra of preventing
activist judges from legislating from the bench – which can lead to over-regulation and a less competitive
marketplace.
Maureen O’Connor Re-elected to Supreme Court
Republican Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor ran unopposed to return to the Ohio Supreme
Court. O’Connor became the first woman in state history to lead the judicial branch when she took
office as chief justice in 2011 and has led significant court reforms that include elections and death
penalty administration. She was first elected to the Supreme Court as an associate justice in
2002. Chief Justice O'Connor's career in public service and the law spans three decades and
includes service as a private lawyer, magistrate, common pleas court judge, prosecutor, Lieutenant
Governor, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and Supreme Court justice. Chief
Justice O’Connor will continue to lead a 6-1 majority in 2017.
Judge Pat Fischer Wins Close Race for Ohio Supreme Court Justice
*As of 11/9, counting of ballots in the Fischer v. O’Donnell contest continues. This report is written assuming
Fischer’s lead on Election Night stands. Fischer is ahead by 24K votes with more than 200K yet to be counted.
Republican Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger reached the mandatory retirement age (70) during her last
term, thus creating a hotly contested open seat on the Ohio Supreme Court. Republican Pat Fischer,
currently serving the Ohio First District Court of Appeals, defeated Democratic candidate and
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge John O’Donnell by a razor thin margin. Judge
Fischer is the only judge to serve on the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission and holds
both his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. Justice-elect Fischer’s victory
maintains a Republican stronghold in the highest level of the judicial branch of state government.
Judge Pat DeWine Captures Decisive Victory to Ohio Supreme Court
In a contest between two Court of Appeals judges, Judge Pat DeWine defeated Judge Cynthia Rice
by over thirteen percentage points to fill the vacancy created by the exit of Justice Paul Pfieffer after
serving 24 years on the Supreme Court due to age limits. Pat DeWine, a Republican serving the
Ohio First District Court of Appeals, a law professor at the University of Cincinnati, and son of
Attorney General Mike DeWine capitalized on a strong name ID and his long history of public
service to defeat Democratic candidate and Presiding Judge Cynthia Rice of the Eleventh District
Court of Appeals. Judge Rice came up short in spite of receiving endorsements from the Cleveland
Plain Dealer and Columbus Dispatch and being rated “highly recommended” by the Ohio State
Association.
14
 Statewide Elections
Final two years of Kasich’s governorship may present tough challenges
John Kasich, coming off an unsuccessful bid for
the Presidency, will be entering the final stretch of
his two terms as Governor of Ohio in 2017.
Whether it’s an expansion in the sales tax base in
exchange for a reduction in the state income tax, budget
negotiations on taxing and spending will have a direct
impact on Northeast Ohio business.
As Governor, Kasich has been instrumental in
implementing several key business programs in
Ohio. One of these was the privatization of the
state’s job creation and business expansion efforts
through the creation of the JobsOhio program.
Revenues coming in below estimate and a decrease in
automobile sales taxes indicate to some that Ohio may
soon experience an economic slowdown that could
affect revenue estimates.
JobsOhio, a private not-for-profit company that
operates on revenues from the state’s wholesale
John Kasich
liquor tax, was founded in 2011 to replace the
Ohio Department of Development. Although JobsOhio has
faced push back in the media, it has been an important player in
driving Ohio’s economic recovery. Its most recent annual
report highlights some of its impressive accomplishments in
2015 – 330 projects that led to the creation of 23,602 Ohio jobs
and generated $6.7 billion in total capital investment.
The last two years of Kasich’s governorship may be
challenging. The political environment could become more
difficult because of impending budget discussions, leadership
changes and the 2018 gubernatorial race.
Additionally, next year, Ohio will begin to pay its
portion of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which
equates to 5 percent or $125 million per year. Federal
regulators have also prohibited Ohio from applying a sales tax
on managed care, thus eliminating a profitable funding stream
and leaving the Administration and lawmakers with a structural
hole of $1.2 billion dollars.
However, with the election results, many of these issues remain
up in the air. The election and the discussion on the ACA will
have a direct impact on the Ohio budget process, which has the
potential to have a dramatic impact on both the insured and
health care providers.
 2018 Gubernatorial Race
The 2018 race for Ohio governor will now accelerate
Term limits will force Gov. John Kasich out of office, and
although the 2018 gubernatorial election is still two years away,
there’s already been a great deal of
buzz generated around potential
candidates.
For the Republicans, Attorney
General Mike DeWine was one of
the earliest to have his name linked
to the election. DeWine has also
served as an Ohio State Senator, a
Member of the U.S. House of
Representatives, Ohio Lieutenant
Governor and as a U.S. Senator.
Mike DeWine
The Democrats are likely to have a similarly crowded field,
although no rumored candidates have officially confirmed their
intention to run. Connie Pillich, a
former Air Force captain and state
representative, is likely to have
interest after an unsuccessful run
against Josh Mandel for Ohio
Treasurer in 2014. Richard
Cordray, Director of the federal
Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau and former Ohio treasurer
and attorney general, has been the
subject of media speculation about
the governor’s race.
John Husted
Mary Taylor
His primary opponents will likely include
Secretary of State John Husted and
Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor.
Other potential Democratic candidates
include Joe Schiavoni, current Senate
Minority Leader from Youngstown, as well
as Congressman Tim Ryan and former U.S.
Representative Betty Sutton.
Husted previously served as Speaker of the
Ohio House from 2004-2008 and was also
elected to the Ohio Senate. As Lieutenant
Governor, Taylor leads Ohio’s Common
Sense Initiative – aimed at reforming Ohio’s
regulatory climate to help create more jobs
Connie Pillich
and promote economic development– and
serves as Director of Ohio’s Department of Insurance. As a
lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, Taylor also served as a state
representative from Summit County.
Richard Cordray
15
Amid all of the unknowns, one thing is
certain – the 2018 gubernatorial race will
cost big money, particularly if the three
rumored Republican candidates find
themselves in a primary contest.
 School Levy Renewal/Income Tax Increase
(cont’d from page 1)
Cleveland’s income tax will rise by 0.5 percent on January 1, 2017 and is a necessary adjustment that was proposed by Mayor
Frank Jackson. The increase is designed to generate additional revenue (estimated at roughly $80 million annually), ensuring
that Cleveland is able to provide adequate services for residents, workers and visitors and position the city for future growth.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) became convinced of the importance of this measure and supported the initiative
several months ago because it will give our City the ability to improve services that are desperately in need of additional
resources – especially for public safety. The funds will also be used to further develop our neighborhoods and lessen the impact
of other revenue cuts recently imposed upon Cleveland.
“The Greater Cleveland Partnership does not take tax increases lightly,” said Joe Roman, President and CEO of the GCP. “Our
support of this issue came after lengthy review and analysis. We believe the passage of Issue 32 will help to further energize
Cleveland’s renaissance and will offer multiple benefits to people who live and/or work in the city, as well as those who visit. It
will make Cleveland an even greater city.”
The passage of Issue 32 will help to improve many city services like trash collection, pothole patching, demolition of vacant
homes, and allow for the hiring of more than 100 additional police and safety personnel, among others.
Issue 108: The r enewal of the Cleveland Metr opolitan School Distr ict’s (CMSD) 15 mill operating levy by voters yesterday
will provide the support necessary for the continued success of the Cleveland Plan – without raising taxes.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership has been a leading supporter of efforts to improve public education in Cleveland. We
played a key role in the creation of the Cleveland Plan – a progressive and collaborative blueprint for the CMSD to help
Cleveland students succeed - and the passage of the original levy, and we were active once again in support of the levy’s
renewal.
“The Cleveland Plan was never intended to be a sprint,” said Joe Roman, President and CEO of the GCP. “There is no quick
fix to such an important and challenging objective. We are seeing signs of improvement, and we need to continue to work
together as a community toward the goal of helping more of our city’s children become successful, productive adults. This
success will also represent a step toward developing a local skilled workforce for the future.”
The levy, which generates $77 million annually, was initially passed in 2012 thanks to the efforts of Mayor Frank Jackson,
parents, teachers and our business community. It was much more than the passage of a new tax – the levy coincided with
changes in state law that would allow for significant changes in CMSD operations. Mayor Jackson’s Cleveland Plan – aiming
to grow the number of high-performing district and charter schools and replace failing schools – was designed to function
within this new structure with the goal of providing improved education opportunities for Cleveland’s school children.
The Cleveland Plan has already yielded promising results. The Greater Cleveland Higher Education Compact (a collaboration
between CMSD and 16 colleges and universities that focuses on retention of students in higher education) noted all-time highs
in many categories including: percentages of students graduating, graduating with a 3.0 GPA or better, participating in
advanced placement (AP) testing, and scoring above a 20 on the ACT.
While the encouraging results demonstrate the increasing college readiness of CMSD students, the report also highlights the
need for accelerating the pace of improvement. The 2012 levy was essential to beginning the upward trend of our city’s public
education system, and its renewal in 2016 demonstrates an ongoing commitment from the community. Continued funding will
allow students and teachers to keep building on progress.
16
 Cuyahoga County Council
County Council getting two new members; Leadership expected to remain intact
Leadership on the Cuyahoga
County Council is not expected to
change as a result of yesterday’s
election, with five of eleven
Council seats up for a vote.
brought a welcome business perspective to public service.
In the 4th District, Councilman Chuck Germana did not seek
reelection, which led to the election yesterday of newcomer Scott
Tuma as his replacement. Tuma is an attorney and a Parma City
Councilman.
Councilman Dan Brady is
expected to continue as President
and Councilman Pernel Jones Jr. is
expected to remain as Vice
Dan Brady
Pernel Jones
President. Council leadership
maintains a relationship with County Executive Armond Budish that
includes open lines of communication. While the county council
fulfills its obligation as a body that questions county proposals and
operations, maintaining civil discourse helps with promoting an
efficiency that can be beneficial to Cuyahoga County residents and
businesses.
Incumbent council members Pernel Jones (D), Jack Schron (R) and
Anthony Hairston (D) ran unopposed to reclaim their seats. Dale
Miller coasted to victory over Republican challenger Tim Corrigan.
Anticipated County issues for 2017
The council and Budish will face a number of challenging issues in
2017 that involve potentially substantial spending commitments
including:

MetroHealth, which is already subsidized by Cuyahoga County,
is preparing for its so-called “transformation” – a massive
overhaul that includes updating facilities at its Near West Side
campus. The transformation comes with a price tag of up to $1
billion, and MetroHealth is looking to Cuyahoga County to assist
with the financing.

Publicly-owned Quicken Loans Arena is in need of an overhaul
in order to keep current, according to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With ongoing technology improvements, major arenas can
quickly become outdated. Updating/expanding the existing “Q”
will be much less costly than building a new arena. The
Cavaliers are willing to pay for half of this project – with an
estimated total cost of about $140 million – but are looking for
assistance from the county.

It has been estimated that the 40 year old Cuyahoga County
Justice Center in downtown Cleveland is in need of more than
$300 million in repairs. There has been speculation that a new
justice center may be built, though no such decision has been
made. Budish and the County Council will have to decide that
best course on this potentially costly issue.
Perhaps the biggest change will be the departure of respected
Councilman Dave Greenspan from the 1st County Council district,
who was elected yesterday over Democratic opponent Tommy
Greene, to the Ohio House of Representatives from a West Side
suburban district that mirrors his county council district.
Greenspan, who is a Republican, will have his replacement selected
by GOP central committee members from his county council district.
Two potential successors include former state representative Nan
Baker, who was term-limited and ran for the State Senate seat being
vacated by Sen. Tom Patton. Baker lost her primary bid to former
GOP representative Matt Dolan. Also rumored to be a candidate is
Brad Lamb, a bailiff for Common Pleas Judge Rob McClelland and a
former Fairview Park school board president.
Greenspan chairs council’s important Finance and Budgeting
Committee, that is generally regarded as the most important county
council committee. We believe that Councilman Dale Miller’s
previous legislative experience along with his prior chairmanship of
this committee will place him in a good position to step into that role
again.
Council also is now on a two-year budget cycle, but don’t anticipate
Greenspan has served on county council since the county executive
form of government was instituted in Cuyahoga County six years ago. any major changes as Council meets later this year for its budget
update.
Greenspan, who is CEO of a consulting firm that assists startups,
Dale Miller (D)* v. Tim Corrigan (R)
District 2: Brook Park, Lakewood and Wards 16 and 17 in Cleveland.
Scott Tuma (D) ran unopposed
District 4: Middleburg Heights, Parma and Parma Heights. Seat vacated by Chuck
Germana (D)
Dale Miller
Scott Tuma
Jack Schron
Anthony Hairston
Jack Schron (R)* ran unopposed
District 6: Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Independence, Mayfield Heights, Seven Hills, Solon, Bentleyville, Brooklyn Heights, Chagrin
Falls, Gates Mills, Glenwillow, Hunting Valley, Mayfield, Moreland Hills, Oakwood, Valley View, Walton Hills, Chagrin Falls Township.
Pernel Jones (D)* ran unopposed
District 8: Cleveland (parts of Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, 6), Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, Newburgh Heights.
Anthony Hairston (D)* ran unopposed
District 10: Cleveland (all of Ward 8, part of Ward 10), East Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, University Heights, Bratenahl.
17
 2017 Municipal Election Outlook
Mayor Jackson mum but is expected to seek fourth term in 2017
The conclusion of this year’s elections will
result in heightened focus upon the 2017
The GCP continues to work hard to sustain Cleveland’s job-retaining
Cleveland mayoral race.
and job-creating efforts. Because the City’s success is inextricably
linked to policy decisions that are made in Columbus, GCP will
Mayor Frank Jackson, soon to enter the
continue to be a strong supporter of promoting cooperation and
final year of his third term in office, has
partnership between the City of Cleveland and the State of Ohio.
not said if he will seek re-election though
he is expected to run for an unprecedented Cleveland and the rest of Northeast Ohio are already on a strong
fourth term. If he runs and were to win,
economic course in collaboration with the state. The 18 counties that
Jackson would be the longest-serving
comprise Northeast Ohio are responsible for 40 percent of the
mayor in Cleveland’s history. Former
economic output for the state and maintain a strong partnership with
Mayor Michael White, who held the city’s JobsOhio, the state’s core economic development program. Likewise,
top office for 12 years, is now the city’s
the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Ohio (with much of the
longest serving chief executive.
activity taking place in the City of Cleveland) is growing and has
Frank Jackson
attracted more than $1 billion in venture capital and created thousands
In addition to Jackson facing a re-election effort, he will also be
of jobs in the region thanks to investment and collaboration with
looking at a campaign to defeat an economically disastrous bid to
Ohio’s Third Frontier program.
raise the minimum wage in Cleveland to $15 an hour. Cleveland
voters will decide that issue May 2, 2017.
Our continued momentum will rely upon more of this vital, mutually
beneficial collaboration between the city and the state. This includes
The proposal is strongly opposed by the Greater Cleveland
a continued focus on education reform that is achieving the core goal
Partnership (GCP) because it would trigger a wave of business
of preparing a highly skilled and educated future workforce for Ohio.
closings, job losses and more bad economic reverberations in the city. And it includes state tax policy and funding that allows us to be
Cleveland’s residents would bear the brunt of that negative fallout, as economically competitive as a region and state while investing in the
businesses and jobs would leave the city for the suburbs or beyond to things that make our cities vibrant and attractive such as public
escape a minimum wage that would rise to $15 an hour – which is 85 transportation, infrastructure and other essential economic
percent higher than the minimum wage of $8.10 in the rest of Ohio.
development tools that help retain and create jobs in Greater
Cleveland would become economically isolated, and many believe
Cleveland.
this dangerous effort would derail the city’s ongoing economic
renaissance.
A look ahead: Cleveland-only minimum wage hike in 2017 would be
economic disaster for city, region
The 2016 General Election is over but at least one municipal ballot
initiative will likely be center stage throughout the region –
particularly in Cleveland – in the not-so-distant future.
A national organization interested in advancing its own agenda
regardless of the negative consequences that Cleveland and its
residents would incur has finalized language for a Cleveland-only
minimum wage ballot measure. The initiative calls for the City’s
minimum wage to increase to $12 in its first year, with $1 annual
increases annually thereafter, until it ultimately reaches $15. Future
increases would be tied to the cost-of-living. Cleveland voters are
scheduled to decide on the issue through a special election on May 2,
2017.
Members of the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) oppose this
effort because it puts Cleveland on an un-level playing field with the
rest of the state. Ohio voters approved annual increases tied to
inflation through a 2006 amendment to the Ohio Constitution.
Ohio's current minimum wage, $8.10, increases with inflation and
it is more than the federal wage standard of $7.25.
The Mayor and Cleveland City Council are strongly opposed to a
Cleveland-only minimum wage and the public is learning more about
the petitioners’ misguided approach and why a Cleveland-only wage
is a bad deal for Clevelanders. A Cleveland-only minimum wage
would create substantial economic burdens for the city such as:
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Higher unemployment and job losses in Cleveland.
Neighborhood businesses will move to other cities that do not
have a unique minimum wage.
Cleveland residents would have to travel further to access the
goods and services they need
Higher prices will be levied for necessities, like meals and
groceries, in Cleveland.
This election saw Arizona, Colorado and Maine approve measures
phasing in a $12 minimum wage by 2020. Washington state voters
approved a measure raising the wage to $13.50 an hour by 2020. Our
members may not be philosophically opposed to a minimum wage
discussion, but if the issue is to be addressed, it should be at the state
or federal level. Increasing the minimum wage only in Cleveland, as
this plan would do, would immediately make Cleveland less
competitive.
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A snapshot of the Advocacy Team
Marty McGann, Senior Vice President, Government
Advocacy, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Marty is responsible for developing and advancing GCP’s public
policy agenda at the federal, state and local levels of government.
Marty joined GCP as vice president of state and local government
advocacy in 2011. In that capacity, he served as the point person on
many GCP priorities including the Cleveland education reform
legislative effort, the extension of the Cuyahoga County sin tax, the
state capital bill and advocating for state legislation that enabled the
funding of Opportunity Corridor.
Alesha Washington, Vice President, Government
Advocacy, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Alesha joined GCP in 2014 and is the point person for policy issues
related to education, workforce, diversity and inclusion, aerospace
and defense, water quality and economic development. In her role
she has helped secure needed changes to Ohio’s New Market Tax
Credit program, supported legislative needs for the 2016 Republican
National Convention, and led GCP’s advocacy efforts on the state
capital budget bill. Prior to joining GCP, Alesha worked in the
health and human services and community development sectors on
public policy issues at the local, state and federal level.
Nathanael Jonhenry, Associate, Squire Patton Boggs
Nathanael’s practice focuses upon legislative counseling,
government relations, election law, campaign finance and public/
infrastructure finance. He previously worked as a legislative aide in
the Ohio House and has served as campaign manager for candidates
on the state and local levels in Northeast and Central Ohio.
Sante Ghetti, Vice President, Government Advocacy,
Greater Cleveland Partnership
Sante joined GCP in 2013, is the point person for policy issues
related to small business advocacy, energy, health care, regulations,
taxes, and workers’ compensation. He also manages the GCP
Political Action Committee (GCP PAC). Sante has served the nonprofit, public, and private sectors for over 17 years in The White
House Advance Office, Governor’s Office, State Treasurer’s Office,
UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and as a statewide
campaign manager.
Claire Childers, Public Policy Specialist, Squire Patton
Boggs
Claire works with clients on a wide range of legislative matters. She
researches, analyzes and tracks legislation and administrative rules,
coordinates communication with legislators and administrative
decision makers , and assists in coalition activities with other
organizations and special interest groups.
Nancy Lesic, Principal, Lesic & Camper Communications
Nancy has a rich and vast knowledge of Cuyahoga County’s
political, civic and business leadership. A former newspaper reporter
and press secretary for the mayor of Cleveland, Nancy founded her
firm more than 10 years ago. Lesic & Camper has offices in
Cleveland and Columbus.
Josh Rubin, Founder, CJR Group
Josh represents the GCP on federal issues, and splits his time
between Ohio and Washington, D.C. Before he founded his firm,
Josh served as campaign manager for Mike DeWine’s successful
U.S. Senate re-election campaign in 2000. Prior to that, he directed
the senator’s Northeast Ohio office. Josh also worked in the
administration of Gov. George Voinovich.
Steve Luttner, Vice President, Lesic & Camper
Communications
A veteran Ohio newspaper reporter and editor, Luttner worked for
newspapers in Warren and Columbus before serving as a staff writer
and the politics writer at The Plain Dealer. He covered and wrote
about dozens of political campaigns – big and small. He has been at
Lesic & Camper for 10 years.
Tim Cosgrove, Partner, Squire Patton Boggs
Tim primarily represents the GCP on state-related issues and can
frequently be found at the Statehouse. Tim served as director of
policy and legislation for Gov. George Voinovich and as an attorney
has expertise in the areas of legislative counseling, public finance
and administrative law.
Mark Rickel, Vice President, Lesic & Camper
Communications
Mark brings a vast range of marketing and public affairs experience
including serving as press secretary for Ohio Governor Bob Taft. He
also held positions with the National Federation of Independent
Business, Ohio Lottery Commission, and the Ohio Department of
Development. Mark has been at Lesic & Camper for nine years.
Brian Wise, Vice President, CJR Group
Brian focuses on federal advocacy, working closely with members of
Congress and their staffs on a variety of issues vital to the GCP.
Prior to joining The CJR Group, Brian served in the Political
Department at campaign headquarters for Senator John McCain's
Presidential campaign, before working for the Committee on
Arrangements at the 2008 Republican National Convention.
Thanks also to the GCP Internship Class of 2016 for their assistance
in preparing this report.
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The prosperity and growth of the Northeast Ohio business community depends largely on
policymakers that understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our region.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership Political Action Committee (GCP PAC) is a non-partisan endeavor
committed to advancing the business community’s interests by building and reinforcing relationships
and supporting candidates and current elected officials at the state and local levels of government. By
contributing to the campaign efforts of those that will further advance our shared priorities, the GCP
PAC provides our members with a unique opportunity to advocate for initiatives and best practices that
encourage economic growth and prosperity.
The GCP PAC is a strong, unified voice for businesses of all sizes and industries in our region and aids businesses in educating key
decision makers on the issues that are important to our members. The dollars contributed through the GCP PAC are used to provide
support for government leaders campaigning for election who share your interests.
Participation in the process is not a requirement, but it is crucial business leaders and their elected representatives take action together to
support the kind of environment in which businesses can thrive. Workforce development, workers’ compensation, tax, regulatory,
health care, energy, economic development, labor, and human resource challenges can interfere with your work and when it is least
expected. That is why the GCP and our partners advocate on your behalf on a daily basis while you focus on your business. Please
consider making your contribution to the GCP PAC today.
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Want to learn more about the GCP PAC? Contact us at advocacy@gcpar tner ship.com
Want to make a contribution, so we can continue to lead the conversation in the development of common sense
economic policy and regulatory reform? Use your non-corporate credit card to make a secure online donation today at:
www.gcpartnership.com/GCPPACcontribute
Please note individuals, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships and sole proprietorships can legally make contributions to a
PAC. Contributions must include itemized allocations by partners in partnerships or members of a LLC. Ohio law prohibits other
corporate political contributions.
Your participation in the GCP PAC is completely voluntary. Donations are not tax-deductible and will be used for political purposes.
An individual may contribute up to $12,532 annually to an Ohio Political Action Committee. You may choose not to participate without
fear of reprisal. You will not be favored or disadvantaged by reason of the amount of your contribution or decision not to contribute.
GREATER CLEVELAND PARTNERSHIP
1240 Huron Road E., Suite 300
Cleveland, OH 44115
Joe Roman
President & CEO
216-621-3300
[email protected]
Marty McGann
Senior Vice President, Government Advocacy
216-592-2244
[email protected]
Alesha Washington
Vice President, Government Advocacy
216-592-2225
[email protected]
Sante Ghetti
Vice President, Government Advocacy
216-592-2392
[email protected]
Follow us on Twitter @GCPAdvocacy or @GCPartnership or search Greater Cleveland Partnership on Facebook
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