By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Jonathan Broadbent

On a crisp Northeastern Ohio morning, the familiar voice of Jonathan Broadbent drifted through kitchens and farms, reminding listeners that the next few months will decide who sits on Geauga’s most influential boards. While the chatter about sales at Great Lakes Outdoor Supply filled the air, the real focus was on the civic tools that empower voters to see exactly who is vying for office and what decisions will shape their neighborhoods.

Using the County Board of Elections Website

Broadbent highlighted a newly refreshed Geauga County Board of Elections site, urging residents to explore the “Candidate and Voter Tools” tab. By entering a precinct name—such as “Chardon B” or “Chesterland D”—voters can instantly pull up a sample ballot tailored to their address. This feature eliminates the guesswork on election day and ensures citizens know which names will appear on their ticket.

He explained, “Once you know that, you can actually get a preview of what your ballot is going to look like. So you’re not going in blind.” The site also provides lookup tools for upcoming elections, term lengths, and filing deadlines, making it a one‑stop resource for both voters and prospective candidates.

Key Races and Board Positions on the Horizon

The broadcast broke down the most consequential contests slated for the upcoming primary and general elections. On the Republican side, incumbent County Commissioner Jim Devorak faces challenger Steve Olovich, a race that could reshape the commission’s approach to zoning and development. Broadbent noted his personal familiarity with both candidates, adding a nuanced perspective to the discussion.

Other highlighted positions include the County Auditor, currently held by Chuck Walder, whose budget management has drawn criticism. Broadbent warned that “the ADP budget’s gone way out of line,” signaling potential voter dissatisfaction. He also mentioned the probate and juvenile court judgeship, noting the retirement of Judge Tim Grindell and the candidacies of Katie Jacobs and Abby King.

Planning Commission and Rural Preservation

Beyond elections, the show emphasized the ongoing influence of the Planning Commission, where Broadbent himself serves after being appointed by a commissioner. The commission decides on property splits, zoning changes, and development proposals—decisions that directly affect Geauga’s rural landscape. He lamented the removal of architect Gary Neola, saying, “Gary’s a fantastic guy” and underscoring how political alignment can impact board composition.

Broadbent urged listeners to attend upcoming commission meetings, noting that many are streamed online. “You can actually listen to a board meeting. We’ve got one coming up in January. There’s a special meeting on the 9th and then there’s the organizational meetings on the 12th,” he said, encouraging community members to stay informed through live or recorded sessions.

Expanding Digital Outreach and Community Engagement

The hosts discussed efforts to broaden the program’s digital footprint via platforms like Rumble, Facebook, and Twitch, despite technical hiccups. By creating a calendar of county events and streaming board meetings, they aim to make local governance more accessible. This push aligns with their broader goal of fostering an “entertained, enlightened, and informed” citizenry.

Skip Claypool added that a clearer understanding of election mechanics and board operations can empower residents to hold officials accountable, whether through voting or public commentary during meetings.

Why Participation Matters

Ultimately, the broadcast reinforced a simple but powerful message: local decisions ripple through everyday life, from school zoning to property taxes. By leveraging the Board of Elections tools, watching streamed meetings, and staying aware of candidate platforms, Geauga County voters can shape the future of their community.

As Broadbent concluded, “We want you to be as informed as possible about the upcoming elections and the issues,” a call to action that resonates beyond the airwaves.

The full episode of Voice of Geauga is available on OBBM Network TV.