Portage County elects familiar faces

As the United States focused on the Presidential election in 2016, Portage County faced an important year as well, as it also had to decide who would help run its governmental offices.

Many past officials were re-elected or returned after a couple of years to serve Portage County. Sabrina Christian-Bennett was elected to serve as one of the County Commissioners, and Jill Fankhauser was elected as the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas.

Both Fankhauser and Christian-Bennett served in their previous positions before. Christian-Bennett was one of the County Commissioners in 2014, and Fankhauser was the Clerk last year. Even though both have done their respective jobs in the past, both have new ideas for the county going forward.

Fankhauser’s plan is to update and modernize the clerk of courts system. She says on her website, “I run the office with honesty, integrity, and with an open door policy. As for the future of the Clerk of Courts office, I would like to put in place a system for the electronic filing of court documents. My focus is to make the Clerk of Courts Office and the records we keep as easily accessible to the public as possible. For example, we are in the process of updating our computer system to allow e-ticketing and e-filing. These updates will streamline the intake of court documents and allow easier access for the public, law-enforcement, and all others that utilize the courts.”

Christian-Bennett has been a part of Portage for many years, and she’s served in leadership positions in the past besides being a County Commissioner.

Her resume includes the following:
• President of the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce
• Secretary/Treasurer of the Portage Development Board
• Director of Leadership Portage County

The list could go on and on.

“I love Portage County and want to see it flourish economically with a high quality of life for everyone,” Christian-Bennett said on her official website. “With my broad base of experience, commitment to our community, proven leadership capabilities, and a real passion to create a brighter future in Portage County, I ask for your support and your vote for County Commissioner!”

According to the county’s election summary on the Portage County Official Canvass, Christian-Bennett (Rep.) beat Mike Kerrigan (Dem.) for the seat for commissioner with 51.09 percent of the votes, winning by a slight 2.18 percent. Fankhauser (Dem.) made easy work of her competition, Tia Paoloni (Rep.), in winning by nearly 7,000 votes of the 70,698 total votes cast.

Dave Doak (Dem.), Sheriff, and Victor Vigluicci (Dem.), Prosecuting Attorney, ran uncontested and were not available for interview. Doak has been Portage County’s Sheriff since 2008.
Lori Calcei (Rep.) won the race for County Recorder over Renee Howe-Aboul (Dem.). Brad Cromes (Dem.) beat Trisha Heath (Rep.) for County Treasurer with 52.8 percent of the vote.

All of Portage Counties new electors will take office after the new year.

Check out my group's story on the newly elected officials of Portage County #JMCRPP https://t.co/SXXwSejhKw

— Kyle Samec (@LakeCougar2012) December 14, 2016

#JMCRPP check out PortageCount'y newly elected officials https://t.co/LObxHMTHMt

— samantha (@samlough9) December 14, 2016