Plain Dealer Endorsement of Josh Mandel
Josh Mandel for Ohio House, District 17Thursday, September 11, 2008
This district includes Bentleyville, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Chagrin Falls, Chagrin Falls Township, Glenwillow, Hunting Valley, Independence, Lyndhurst, Moreland Hills, Oakwood, Pepper Pike, Seven Hills, Solon, Valley View, Walton Hills and part of Mayfield Heights.
THE CANDIDATES:
Josh Mandel,
30, a Republican, is a former member of Lyndhurst City Council now seeking his second term in the House. He has a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Mandel has served two stints in Iraq as a Marine Corps intelligence specialist.
Bob Belovich,
57, is an attorney with 30 years in private practice and is also vice president of the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Democratic Club. He has a bachelor's degree in economics from Case Western Reserve University and a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
OUR VIEW:
This is a contest between two good candidates. But Belovich was an unapologetic supporter of the jobs-killer initiative mandating paid sick time, since pulled from the ballot. But he is sincere, well-informed and would probably become an effective legislator. Mandel's first term was significantly interrupted by his admirable service in Iraq. A second term should tell us whether he will live up to his advance billing as a future political star. He has earned the chance to prove himself.
http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1221121926245600.xml&coll=2
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