Republicans hear Wachtmann, candidates

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert County Republicans heard from some of their candidates for city office on Friday, while State Representative Lynn Wachtmann, who will lose the county as part of his district this coming year, had plenty to say about Issue 2 and other Republican legislative efforts.

Mayoral candidate Don Farmer, law director candidate John Hatcher and at-large City Council candidates Stan Agler, Brent Crone and Louis Ehmer all had the chance to address fellow Republicans during a luncheon held Friday at Willow Bend Country Club.

All five candidates gave fellow Republicans some reasons why they feel they are best suited for the positions they’re seeking in the November 8 general election. Ken Mengerink, a write-in candidate for mayor, attended the luncheon, but did not have the opportunity to speak.

Wachtmann talked about the three state issues on the November ballot, and gave strong support to Issue 2, which is a referendum on state legislation that curtails the bargaining rights of government employees, such as teachers, firefighters and police.

The state legislator noted that, despite the opposition’s claims that the measure will decrease the number of firefighters and police officers, he sees Issue 2 as a way to better ensure that the best teachers and safety workers are on the job.

“Most people in Ohio want the best teachers in the classroom … they want the best firefighters, the best police force,” Wachtmann said. “With today’s collective bargaining law, they simply cannot have it.”

He also said Issue 2 would result in lower taxes — both income and property — if Issue 2 is passed by voters on November 8.

Wachtmann, who voted for Senate Bill 5, the legislation Issue 2 seeks to remove, says the measure allows school districts to choose teachers based on merit considerations, rather than being forced to take substandard teachers just because they are part of a collective bargaining unit.

The state representative also spoke on the possibility of having two primary elections in 2012, noting that the $15 million price tag for the additional primary, while not the best option available, was worth it if it allows military personnel to vote in next year’s primary election.

“To make sure that our military has the right to vote is worth $15 million,” Wachtmann told Republicans at the luncheon, adding that he also supports the Ohio Constitution and its language related to redrawing congressional districts in the state.

He also urged Van Wert County Republicans to vote for Issue 3, which is, in essence, a referendum on President Obama’s healthcare initiative. “Obamacare has got to be repealed, and I urge you to vote ‘yes’ on Issue 3 also,” Wachtmann told those at the luncheon, noting that the federal healthcare plan would add $5 billion state healthcare costs related to Medicaid alone.

Under redistricting, Van Wert County will be placed in the 74th Ohio district now represented by Bruce W. Goodwin. The county will remain in the First Senate District currently served by Cliff Hite.