During this time of the year we can count on several things, the World Series, Clam Bakes, Halloween, the Browns, leaves changing colors and candidates campaigning for election.
As they are selling themselves, we can only expect the campaigning candidates will have a certain amount of "spin" in the portrayal of their accomplishments and goals on how to better serve you.
But what happens when this spin crosses the line to deceit? It appears this is the case in the Council race for Ward 1 in Rocky River where Thomas Hunt is trying to keep this gift from his old friend.
Thomas Hunt who was given the seat when Rob Frost stepped down, has to now earn the seat. As he is out on the campaign trail trying to fool voters into electing him, it appears he maybe spinning a web of deceit.
Already accused of stealing the yard signs of his opponent, Hunt also seems to be less than truthful in his campaign literature....
Tom began private practice in 1996 and has been an associate to the law director for the City of Highland Heights, Ohio.
When contacting the City of Highland Hts., I was informed they did not know a Thomas Hunt, nor did any Thomas Hunt work for their Law Department. Upon further questioning I was directed to Finance Director, Mr. Tony Ianiro. Mr. Ianiro confirmed that Hunt's law partner is the Law Director of their city, but the City of Highland Hts has no relationship whatsoever with Thomas Hunt.
In fact Mr. Ianiro stated that "the City of Highland Hts does not even recognize the position of Associate Law Director, has never retained the services of Hunt - individually or through his partners firm." In short, no payment was ever made to Hunt for any legal work on behalf of the City of Highland Hts.
Could this be an innocent typo on Hunt's part? I think not - I have verified with several RPCC Scanning Committee members that Hunt portrayed himself to be Associate Law Director of Highland Hts in his dog & pony endorsement interview. In fact, during a phone conversation, Mr. Hunt, thinking he was speaking with a potential client, personally informed me that he did not work for Highland Hts, but his partner was their Law Director.
But wait, there is more!
It appears that Hunt may also be getting help in the way of questionable votes from family members.
A simple search through 411.com and local directory assistance will verify Mr. Hunt has a brother Neal, who resides in Ward 3 of Rocky River. Problem being, Neal is and has been voting from his old address in Ward 1 for quite some time. An oversight - maybe, but it appears even more suspect when you continue voting from an address outside the ward in which you live - especially when your brother is running for council in that ward.
Voter lists are a basic tool for all candidates. How is that Hunt does not know his brother is registered in Ward 1, but living in Ward 3? Will the residents again be told this is just ANOTHER misunderstanding by candidate Hunt?
- Stealing signs - misunderstanding
- Not knowing where you work - misunderstanding
- Brother lives & votes in different wards - misunderstanding
Whether deceit, incompetence, or just ANOTHER unfortunate misunderstanding (Yeah Right!) - is this someone that should be elected to office? You must ask yourself - if a play on words will be used to deceive you during the campaign, could you not only expect this behavior if elected?
If Hunt does not know who he represents as an attorney, how the hell will he know who he represents if elected to council? Can you be sure - it will be you?
And what would you expect coming from one of Frosty the Snowmans' cronies?
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty sad when our chairmen promotes a guy like this and then has to make a deal to keep the Mayor's seat in exchange for not running anyone against the democrat law director.
One can only hope someone will let the Cuyahoga County BOE know about the conflict in his bro's addresses.
Isn't it illegal to live one place and register to vote in another?
hey king,
ReplyDeletewe have a republican judicial candidate on the ballot for cleveland muny judge. sitting judge marilyn cassidy has a shot to win this one. we should be concentrating our efforts on this race.
I agree Judge Cassidy should have more than just a shot in winning her race and I will post something about her.
ReplyDeleteBut are you suggesting efforts not be expended on exposing someone who misrepresented themselves to our scanning committee? Which in turn means they misrepresented themselves to the Central & Executive Committee members of our party.
Behavior such as this cannot be tolerated if the RPCC is ever going to again be successful.
very sad
ReplyDeleteno, i wasn't suggesting anything other than organizing all the republican resources in Cleveland and getting them out to the polls on election day. i doubt 30,000 people (if that) will vote in this off cycle election and she could and should win this with a semi-organized effort. that's all. i wasn't being critical. the only two things on the ballot are her race and port authority renewal.
ReplyDeleteThis from a man who has NO job. Pathetic. Mr. Hunt's literature clearly states he is the Associate to the Law Director, he never held himself out as the Associate Law Director - talk about word play.
ReplyDeleteMr. Kotoch it is time for you to get a job - and not a council seat!
Honesty, Integrity, Experience thats what Hunt brings to RR. It's unfortunate Mr Kotoch had to use some peoples names on his endorsement list that did NOT even endorse him and had NOT given him approval to publish. Very sad and sneaky. Congratulations Tom Hunt!
ReplyDelete