Aurora candidate petitions court over ballot
An Aurora City Council candidate thrown off the November ballot because of a residency issue has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to intercede. Richard Duncan has requested that the court grant a writ of mandamus requiring the Portage County Board of Elections to put his name back on the Nov. 6 ballot. His driver’s license has the Middlefield address, and he has not been paying income tax in Aurora.
This is considered an expedited election matter, meaning the parties have short time periods to file briefs and responses. Duncan, a candidate for an at-large council seat, contends he has homes in Aurora and Middlefield, but lives in Aurora. Elections board members didn’t think he made a persuasiveenough case. His driver’s license has the Middlefield address, and he has not been paying income tax in Aurora.
I had heard that someone had gone by the house he owns in Aurora (Geauga Lake), and that it appeared to be occupied by some kids/young adults (ie it is a rental). It appears that this guy owns some other rental properties in Geauga Lake. Also per the auditor’s website he is not taking the 2.5% homestead exemption, so my gut tells me that the elections board made the right decision.
Notwithstanding, I am surprised that no one else wanted to run for City Council, especially with 2 at-large seats up for grabs this year.
There is 2 other people running for the 2 positions.
Yes, but the two candidates are basically incumbents, albeit Mr. Kudley has not technically been on council for 2 years. 4 years ago (2003) there were 5 people running for two at-large slots.
Actually- he does live in Aurora and own that house- that is his daughter that lives there.
He frequently stays in Middlefield to care for his elderly mother, but his home address is in Aurora- I am a long-time neighbor who sees him there all the time.
The elections board just didn’t want any competition in Aurora, so they threw him off- too bad, it would have been nice to have a shake up in this town.
Well i believe he is registered to run for president now.