Lynn Olman basically says “hell no I won’t go”
This in via email:
Dear Chairman Stainbrook,
I am in receipt of your letter dated June 26, 2008. I must respectfully decline your request that I resign my position on the Lucas County Board of Elections.
I was appointed to the Lucas County Board of elections to fill an unexpired term on April 29, 2005 by the Secretary of State on recommendation from the Lucas County Republican Party Executive Committee (ORC 3501.7). On March 1, 2006 the Secretary of State appointed me to a full four year term through February 2010. Section 3501.16 ORC gives the Ohio Secretary of State the sole authority to remove members of the Board of Election from office. I speak often with representatives from the Secretary of State’s office and I have no reason to believe that they are dissatisfied with my performance or the performance of the other Board members. With that I see no reason to resign.
When I and my three colleagues were asked to join the Lucas County Board of Elections in 2005, we found it in a state of turmoil with low morale. Political infighting and public bickering between the two political party chairperson’s, who were also on the Board, had deteriorated to the extent that the Secretary of State put the Lucas County Board of Elections on administrative oversight. This is the condition that the four current Board members found the office when we were appointed in 2005.
At our very first meeting, the four new board members Rita Clark (D), Gary Johnson (D), Patrick Kriner(R), and I pledged to each other to leave our partisan hats at the door when we entered the Lucas County Board of Elections office. We further pledged to work to the best of our ability to restore the public’s confidence in the Board of Elections by focusing not on political posturing but rather by working towards the goal of carrying out honest, transparent, and accurate elections.
We worked closely with our professional full time Board staff and their leaders to learn how to carry out elections as the technologies changed from the lever machines, to touch screens, and to paper ballots to “no fault” absentee ballots. We’ve endured countless changes from the legislature and the Secretary of State all in an attempt to improve the sanctity of the election process. We established a comprehensive plan to educate the hundreds of volunteer precinct workers as well as the thousands of voters on the new rule and technological changes. In spite of all these challenges the Lucas County Board of Elections was taken off of administrative oversight last year by the Secretary of State which acknowledges how far we have come under very demanding circumstances. This is a tribute to much hard work on the part of all four Board members and our staff of election professionals.
With the Presidential election fast approaching experience and professionalism are going to be essential at the Lucas County Board of Elections. Partisanship has no place inside the Board office. I believe it would be irresponsible to make wholesale changes in leadership and staff at the Board of Elections at such a critical time.
I must respectfully take exception with the following statement in your letter to me; “It is very important that a Chairman have faith that the board members represent the best interests of the party’s candidates, elected officials, and the election process as a whole”. I have held elected office from 1980 through 2004 on Maumee City Council and in the Ohio House of Representatives. I have served for three years on the Lucas County Board of Elections. My fairness and impartiality to members of all political parties has never been called into question during that 28 year period and I am offended that you would make such an outrageous accusation.
As Chairman of the Lucas County Republican Party, it is right and proper for you to represent “the party’s candidates and elected officials”; as a member of the Lucas County Board of elections it is my responsibility to represent “all candidates and elected officials”.
You also expressed concern with my outside business interests. May I remind you that I served as an elected official for 25 years while running a successful insurance business and serving on numerous charitable and civic boards? While I appreciate your concern for my workload, I can assure you that I remain physically and mentally capable and committed to the task of carrying out honest, transparent, and accurate elections in Lucas County.
Finally, I wish you well in your new leadership role and will continue to work cooperatively with you in our respective roles in the election process.
Respectfully,
Lynn Olman
Could not have said it better myself, good job Mr. Olman.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:30 pmI think that this was handled tactfully. This ought to be interesting….
June 30th, 2008 at 8:57 pmMind if I say, “Bitch Slap.”
June 30th, 2008 at 9:56 pmAs long as you don’t say “shit”
(laughing)
June 30th, 2008 at 9:59 pmA politely written FU letter….
June 30th, 2008 at 10:43 pmMr. “O” is a man of few words….I like that.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:04 pmPretty wordy for a man of few words, wouldn’t you say Tom? While Mr. Olman has served on the board from he has also championed and heartily endorsed candidates in his party. Wouldn’t that be considered “Partisanship”, Mr. Olman?
July 1st, 2008 at 12:41 amDude, you make us proud!
July 1st, 2008 at 1:33 amTKJCB
Keep up the good work Mr. Olman. Put the skid mark in his place!
July 1st, 2008 at 6:41 amI must have missed this in the Blade today.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:23 am# 10 Anonymous Says:
July 1st, 2008 at 8:23 am
“I must have missed this in the Blade today.”
Ha, ha,…ha, ha.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:47 amThis letter explains EXACTLY why Olman has to Go!!
The BOE is set up specifically as a BI-partisan entity with exactly as many Republicans as Democrats so each side can manage the election, and be an advocate for their party.
When one side goes in as a “non-partisan” representative, then the other side has already won. This is the very core of the operation of elections in Ohio. Bi-partisan, not non-partisan! I understand cooperation with your co-workers, but not at the expense of your duty.
I realize some of my pithy comments can be somewhat acerbic, but if I were a Republican candidate for office, this year I’d be very afraid to think that Lynn Olman was my advocate on the BOE.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:50 am“…this year I’d be very afraid to think that Lynn Olman was my advocate on the BOE.”
Why is this year different from others?
Maybe the rogue would prefer an elections cheater to stack the deck in favor of stain’s thugs.
July 1st, 2008 at 9:26 amInteresting indeed! But “Bitch Slap”, I can think of a few other names that are more in keeping with the male anatomy!
July 1st, 2008 at 10:18 amOh how I love my new home in Perrysburg/Wood County.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:31 amNot Again?
Rouge obviously didn’t read the release close enough.
Going to ruin that credibility skimming and not reading.
But most of us can see Jon’s intentions lol
July 1st, 2008 at 11:57 amNot only did I read the text, I’ve read other published comments by Mr. Olman that leads me to believe he is not working for Republicans.
The fact that he’s got a “seal of approval” from the Democrat Secretary of State tells me a lot.
July 1st, 2008 at 3:00 pmIt tells you that he’s doing the job the way it’s supposed to be done. It wasn’t being done that way before which is why the BOE was under administrative oversight in the past and if you look at the year he was first appointed? Ask yourself, who was Secretary of State in 2005?
July 1st, 2008 at 3:05 pmIt tells me a lot that the stain is collaborating with Mr. Block; and if he is doing the same with kurt the progressive, well let’s just say, they would make an interesting threesome.
July 1st, 2008 at 3:07 pmHey, let’s make a commitment to count 95% of the votes, this election.
Introducing President McCain, give or take 5%, or so….
July 1st, 2008 at 3:44 pmI would feel best if the Board of Elections represented EVERYBODY – Democrats, Republicans, Independents.. all people who are fair and favor neither side over the other… Just as WE as voters, should support candidates based on their individual accomplishments and individual ideals, and not just based on the party they represent. I’m relieved that Olman is from that school of thought.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:11 pmGlad to see that you will not stoop to Mr. Stainbrook’s level. The world needs more peacemakers and level-headed thinkers out there like yourself. I appreciate your resolve and ability to get the job done right. Continue to do that, and Mr. Stainbrook will just keep making himself look like a fool.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:23 pmRogue said,”this year I’d be very afraid to think that Lynn Olman was my advocate on the BOE.”
But you would feel good about Jon Stainbrook as your advocate? Really?
July 1st, 2008 at 4:33 pmNot again,
Mr. Stainbrook and I have not collaborated in any nefarious way. Mr. Stainbrook hired me to represent him in a certain matter. I handled that matter well, and achieved the result he wanted. I do not politically align with the republican party, Mr. Stainbrook, or frankly anyone else. I did my job. It’s as simple as that. I am an ardent Barack Obama supporter (but for this election only). As towards my own political beliefs… I believe in progress, whether it be by conservative or liberal means. While I find myself turning more and more conservative, I also stand for personal freedoms and liberties. This includes my right to free speech and questioning bloggers and radio talk show hosts who don’t give Mr. Stainbrook a chance. You may not like my style, but do not question me for doing my job. I stand for the people that ask me to. To be quite frank, none of you know any of my personal beliefs.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:50 amAnd to be sure, I’ve been asked to post blog comments for people on both sides for years.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 am# 24 progressivetoledo@gmail.com Says:
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:50 am
“As towards my own political beliefs… I believe in progress, whether it be by conservative or liberal means. While I find myself turning more and more conservative, I also stand for personal freedoms and liberties.”
Thanks for the clarification Kurt.
It sounds like you and Mr. Stainbrook have a lot in common then. Politically speaking, I mean. Except, maybe Stainbrook isn’t supporting Obama.
July 2nd, 2008 at 5:34 amTo: # 23 T. Neff
Give or take 5%, could Stainbrook do worse?
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:11 amKurt,
I know your politics fairly well, and there is a huge difference between questioning someone and bashing them. Our “history” goes back quite far and while I very rarely have a problem with someone asking a legitimate question, that’s not what you’ve done. While tempting, I’ve never treated you the way you have me on the blog or in conversation with others. You rarely focus on the topic, you instead focus on me most of the time. I don’t allow our current “relationship” to color posting about stories that are remotely connected to you.
It’s sad because while at times we disagreed you at least used to present some interesting thoughts and points of view.
July 2nd, 2008 at 11:46 amIt is not that I am not giving Stainbrook a chance. It’s that I did just a little homework (that’s all it took) and found out that many of his recruits couldn’t give a rats ass about helping the Republican Party. They did what they did because Jon asked them too. I’d love to see a vibrant local party to take on the Dem’s. I’ll be the first to stand and applaud Jon if I’m wrong, and say so on the air.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pmYes, T. Neff you’ve said plenty on the radio airwaves, and I don’t think any of it could be construed as “giving Stainbrook a chance”.
Just as there were “Democrats for Nixon”, and “Reagan Democrats”, Mr. Stainbrook was able to tap into a group of individuals who were disaffected, and disenfranchised by a party that had ignored them.
Stainbrook comes along and says, “follow me”, and somehow he’s accused, not of starting a revolution in Lucas County politics, but of stealing an election from a kindly old man.
Everybody wants change, right up until they get it.
T. Neff, if you ever get confused about whether you are really giving Stainbrook a chance, I recommend you check out troyneff.com, on the Stainbrook page, you’ll find a guy “ranting”.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:29 pmamen rogue
conservativevoiceofreason.blogspot.com
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:34 pmOut of curiousity, exactly when will those of you who are Stainbrook supporters hold him accountable? One month, two, three? Is there a time frame that you suggest that things that are happening should not be questioned? I mean that sincerely since it’s being suggested that despite some of the things that happened initially that there should be this “give him a chance” period.
As it stands right now, things aren’t being done and questions still never addressed. So what type of a time frame are you actually suggesting things continue as they are now before people start to hold Jon accountable?
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:51 pmWhy Lisa, you of all people should know the answer to that. It’s Lucas County politics, his “chance” period lasts until he steps down or gets booted out
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:05 pmOkay, I agree, let’s see how long it takes Stainbrook to recriut a prominent candidate for elective office.
That would be a start.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:13 pmRogue, that would be a start. I was thinking more in terms of the actual operation of the party but that’s a start and thank you.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:16 pmSorry Rogue, the Stain did not tap the “disaffected and disenfranchised.” He asked friends, some who have told me they are democrats, to help him gain power. By the way, thanks for visiting TroyNeff.com.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:37 pmYeah, I go to 6-pack, too. Ashley was so afraid of being sued by Doug Haynam, she would have said she was Rastafarian.
July 2nd, 2008 at 4:51 pmLisa,
With respect, I’ve not meant anything I’ve said in a personal nature. I’ve been conducting a study of my own. Much like your study of Stainbrook recruits, I’ve been studying reactions to seemingly unpopular statements. The only difference is that I have guidelines. I’ve often been accused of being too academic with my methods, as opposed to having no methods at all (but of course you refused to provide your methods when I requested them). But then again, why should I expect you to provide me with anything, after all, I’m just an asshole. But unlike you, I’ve never sworn on the air, yet I’ve done radio for about 5 years. I choose nolonger to do radio. I’ve found my calling, as I’m sure you have.
But, I find it odd that you think I’m personally attacking you. I’m certainly not. I’m attacking bloggers in general. Like those who claim to be citizen journalists only to later disclaim being journalists at all (perhaps you should update your linkedin profile so as to remove the fact that you call yourself a citizen journalist). While you accuse me of making everything about you, this is true. It’s called constructive criticism. The bottom line is that you enter question marks and elipsys where they don’t belong. Not to mention the fact that you seem to love run-on sentences. To be quite frank, if you had any pride in what you were doing, you would write in a manner respectful to the English language. I don’t mind a few errors, but what you write seems careless… it’s like you have no pride. Perhaps I’m being too rude. Too mean. But this is what you do for a living. You rag on the Blade for their Stainbrook coverage, but you don’t hold yourself to a higher standard.
I used to love this blog. It provided great information. It was only until you started opining where it went wrong. In fact, this blog still provides great information. But for some reason or another, it has become a place for opinion. This blog used to be better than the blade. This blog used to be better than all the news stations. This blog is still better than all talk radio. You still do great things, but it has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
July 3rd, 2008 at 2:31 amLisa, I’d be more offended at the blue hair with 12 things in the “10 or Less Express” lane than what this douchebag can complain about.
Explains a lot why The Skidmark hired you, Kurt. Birds of a feather stuff.
And by the way, FYI, you quit your blog because not only was nobody participating except your radio buddies, but that crap you passed off as your perspective was so over the top stupid, you made no sense. And because of your failure in your endeavour, progressivetoledo.blogspot.com, you “claimed” you were quitting blogs and moving far awayyyyyyyyyy…….
And now your legacy is denouncing how a credible source of information and exchange of ideas is an insult to you? That envy will taste better with a splot of Lea & Perrins, buddy.
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:31 amoh lookie, Kurt, ain’t that your site under “On Life Support”?
it’s been there a long time. long enough, in fact, you can re-register it!
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:55 amDing, Ding, Ding! It only took 38 posts to degenerate into personal attacks. Not a record, to be sure, but not bad.
So who is the Kat-Kicker, Kurt or Brian?
July 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 amActually we’d have to go to number 24 where the expectation that it would turn personal would start. Then 38 where it continues and I’m supposed to be upset that I’m now only considered a little better than talk radio. Considering the history of some of the discussion on Toledo Talk, Progressive Toledo both times it was live and this blog, that involved Kurt, Brian’s responses are mild when put into that historical perspective. That’s another side of the blogosphere, when you have discussed/debated/read and had previous encounters with someone it’s hard to make all of that *poof*.
That said, neither one given that to me would be Kat-Kickers.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 amWell Brian, it looks like someone jumped on the chance to re-register, now it’s “Ralphie’s Place” so I guess it’s time to move Progressive Toledo off the blog roll completely.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 amhee hee hee
btw, I’ve rescued 6 cats, so the odds of one being kicked through the uprights at 2 AM are high.
fyi
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:44 amBrian, accidental kat kickings don’t count – especially at 2:00 a.m. Mine have never ever learned that sleeping on the steps is a baddddd idea.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:50 ambtw, Lisa, I’ve decided to not even address Kurt earlier (#24) because of the fact that his schtick is predictable. Because you put the onus back on him, this is how he expectedly retaliates.
I think the most humorous is the fact that Kurt has to spend tens of thousands of dollars to get an alleged law degree, and what he types out here just shows the return of his investment.
oh hark, I hear an ambulance….
Oh, and Rouge, shame you missed the ol’ progressivetoledo.blogspot.com days. If it weren’t for the Nuklear Option, there’d have been no credibility on his site, for they were the only one’s posting there.
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:51 amwell, that’s a relief to me, not my feline pigskins!
I still got one that thinks he can run faster than I can get the front door shut. Still working on him!
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:53 amThe Sylvania Republican Club passed a resolution supporting the current Republican members on the BOE. Stain’s “assistant” and handpicked chair of the Central Committee sat there looking like a dear in the headlights.
She declined when ask to speak and it was clear that she was completely clueless. What a pathetic situation!
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 pmI’ll be waiting for goprecruits to post that video on YouTube!
Wasn’t it the Skidmark that allegedly videotaped Joanne Wack in the park that day?
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 pmHey Jo…err…I mean “goprecruits”, come on and post that video!
CHOP! CHOP!
July 6th, 2008 at 5:57 amBrian,
July 6th, 2008 at 7:44 amThank you for the link to the Wack – ee you-tube videos. I found them to be quite interesting.
interesting, I agree wholeheartedly
videotaping with sound, without consent, is illegal.
# 4 Gop Recruits Says:
March 19th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Wack says Reichert is her puppy!
Administration edit – link to video was removed by request of the person taped who stated this was done without their consent.
July 6th, 2008 at 8:20 amawwwwwwwwwwwww, come on GOPRecruits, dontcha wanna be fair and balanced like Fox News?
We know you’re taping anything and everything Republican, so just post the damn thing!
July 8th, 2008 at 5:08 amI wish the Republican Party would focus on getting people elected, not getting rid of good Republicans in the positions that they currently have.
July 18th, 2008 at 6:18 pm