Loading ...
Republicans Have a Champion for Change in the 41st District
- Filed under: Local, Ohio Government, Williams / Cole
- Date: Jun 3,2008
Late last week I had the chance to sit down with Randy Cole. Randy is running as a Republican for State Representative in the 41st District. (Here is the 41st). He will face off against Democrat Brian G. Williams, who was first elected in 2004, replacing Bryan C. Williams who held the seat from 1996 to 2004. Confused? So were many voters. Some still don't know there is a different Williams holding the seat, one of the opposite party.
This is a district that is winnable for Republicans this cycle. In 2004, Marilyn Slaby lost to Williams by 279 votes out of around 64,700 cast. Slaby did virtually no campaigning of any kind, did not attend candidate forums, and put in little other effort and still almost won. In sharp contrast, Randy Cole has been out knocking on doors across the county and making the rounds in the district and has good, knowledgeable people working with him at his side when he goes out. He said the feedback he has been getting from all virtually all voters has been positive. During our sit down, I got the impression that Cole is fully committed to winning this race and being a full-time legislator. Based on his lack of action, Williams seems to be just content to collect a second state paycheck in addition to his state retirement plan.
Brian Williams ran for office on an education platform, saying he would bring his years of professional educational experience to the Ohio House. Brian Williams has introduced 4 non-important bills in his time in the Ohio House; he has passed exactly 0 bills to this point. That is not exactly getting things done. His constituent service is legendary - for being very poor, at almost an insulting level. However, if you need a ribbon cut, Williams may find his way to your event. Here are the four bills he has introduced - including a "no spanking" and a second animal cruelty bill from this year: 127 HB 22, 127 HB 115, 127 HB 406, and 127 HB 418. Here is an actual quote from the Beacon that Williams gave regarding his animal cruelty bill: "Ohio trails 46 other states in penalties. I feel strongly that this problem should be addressed at an early age, as studies show that cruelty to animals is often a precursor of more deep-seated problems, which, if left untreated, lead to more heinous crimes. We need to get at it while they are young before they become a Jeffrey Dahmer or something." Besides being insulted that a fellow Revere High School graduate was brought into this (Dahmer), I find it odd that it is given characterization of such high importance by Williams.
In our discussion, Randy's big focus was the economy. One interesting thing we talked about was the potential our area has if we maximize the use of our water. It is no secret that in some parts of the country water is starting to get scarce. This is natural resource that our region of Ohio is not taking full advantage of. Cole feels that our water is a potential gold mine for jobs and tourism. He also talked about how so many kids now want to go to school out of state and never come back. This is a major problem around here and he wants to try and reverse that trend. Part of that is bringing quality jobs to our area which was another point of interest in our meeting. As President of a small business, Randy knows all about what it takes to create jobs.
The bottom line is that this race is in a 52% Republican district that is currently occupied by a do-nothing Democrat who appears to care very little about the people he represents. The 41st District deserves some real leadership. This is a race I am going to focus on as we head towards November.
Unrelated: Kyle's favorite candidate for Congress, Bill O'Neill, gets hung up on by Lanigan and Malone on Friday. Thanks to an anonymous tipster for this clip. It is at about the 35 minute mark.
33 Responses for "Republicans Have a Champion for Change in the 41st District"
Well as useual I guess it's Ok for the democrats to do it but not for the Republicans in using name recognition. Now in using this failure of a school board member that voted to raise taxes to solve the problem how many times we accually have an excellent candidate. Randy, you had better shake alexis if anything he'll bring you down. You have an excellent platform and it's about schooling, imagine that. Being that your oponent only ran on name recognition and I'm not taft you could win.
Randy is a capable guy, but has ZERO chance of winning this year unless he publicly separates himself from Alex Arshinkoff. Unfortunately, he's showing that he is more than willing to become Arshinkoff's new tool.
Richard Nero is getting the big bucks from Columbus and the backing of Kevin Coughlin. He will probably win in his race. But Cole has given lip service to the Coughlin crowd and showed up at the central committee meeting wearing a Save Alex sticker at the central committee. At a candidates meeting with Alex last month, Cole was firmly embedded in Arshinkoff's hole.
All republican candidates should heed this advice - if you want to have any shot at winning your elections, denounce Alex Arshinkoff today.
That clip is hilarious.
Goes to show O'Neill doesn't have much of a sense of humor. I guess when you're always angry and railing against the powers that be, you don't have time to laugh.
Randy is going to do great things for the 41st. I've been working with Randy and he is getting things done and has his priorities straight! Focusing on the economy is exactly what Ohioans need to do and Randy will create ways to grow the pie not cut it differently. Moreover, we need to defeat the democrats not our selves.
Right now the Republican’s biggest setback is to run into an internal turf war. We need to ban together as republicans, so that our kids will not only have a bright future, but have one in Ohio.
All Republicans need to do the right thing and stand up in support for Randy Cole, a good man, strong leader, and best candidate to win in November.
For the sake of electing good leaders to our party, we can not allow continued bickering within our party.
Continued sniping at Alex only plays into the hands of Democrats.
The road to Republican victory in November is simple - we to join forces to defeat the Democrats, otherwise we will end up separated and defeated.
You have our support.
Keep up the fine work Randy!
This is not about Kevin or Alex. Randy is neither a one-sided supporter of eiether, he's a Republican. This is about him running for 41st district and making some changes. I don't understand why people cannot get over this inner-party fighting. It's about defeating the Democrats, we are all one PARTY. And this blog was about Randy, not Kevin, not Alex.
Randy is intelligent, innovative, and actually loves talking to the voters. He cares about what happens in the district. I haven't seen BGW out talking to voters, have you???
Randy will bring his youth, personality, and voters opinions (because he actually takes the time to speak to them) to plate and win in November! I have spoke to him and he has the best Republican potential I have seen in a long time!!
Thanks.
Randy Cole was the only viable Republican in the City of Akron in 2007 and even was endorsed by the Akron Beacon Journal, but lost to a good candidate in Bob Keith. Keith had the support of Mayor Plusquellic and the Summit County Democratic Party. They know how to organize people and win races. Keith had a team. Cole seemed to be on his own with no support from the Summit County GOP. I think his house campaign is going to be a similar story. The problem that Randy Cole faces, as do many Republicans here in Ohio, is that this is a Democratic year. Republicans in Ohio have too many holes in the dike and not enough money to plug them all. Randy is going to need to raise a ton of money in order to get his message out in a year saturated with political messages. Plus, Brian Williams has to have great name ID (for a State Rep) because of his past races. Brian Williams will have strong support from the Ohio Democratic Party because he is a ranking member. Randy is going to need money from the state and county party. We'll have to look at some campaign finance reports in the near future to see if that is happening.
Ben, great work on this post. This is the kind of race that we can cover with this blog that I think our readers will appreciate. I know I find it very interesting.
Kyle, I dont know why makes you think that this is going to be an across the board Democratic year. Not all voters are the same nor are all districts. Running in Akron city limits and running in the 41st District are totally opposite.
Randy is a great candidate and Williams is going to have one tough fight on his hands.
Let's redirect our focus on the best person to lead us as the new State Representative of the 41st District and that is Randy Cole.
Randy continually works hard to garner the support of all of the voters. In my meetings with Randy I've never heard a negative comment from him but rather words of how we can all to work together to strengthen our county, our community, our lives.
Randy is going to be a great leader for our District and we need to come together to support his efforts.
RANDY COLE IS ROCK SOLID AND HAS HIS PRIORITIES IN THE RIGHT PLACE. This race is about the best man for the job. True that the Republicans need to ban together and forget the party infighting, but let's keep the focus on the candidates and their capabilites. Williams has a lousy track record. Let's vote for the person, not the name. Ben Keeler has it correct - Randy is a CHAMPION to get things done, and done right the first time, in the best interest of the people and district. He is a man of character with a solid work ethic and is truly passionate about his work. He is out there talking to people in the district, asking what's on their minds, and not just resting on name recognition like his opponent. He is the right man, at the right time. We need a man like Randy in the 41st district, right NOW!
I was very excited when Randy Cole ran for Ward 8 Council. I had the opportunity to talk to him and see how he would solve our Ward 8 problems. It was sad that he lost an election by so few votes. I believe Randy can work with both parties and can present his own opinions, without help from any party leaders! As long as we have the same" good ole boys" running the local show and area, we will continue to allow them to spend our money any way they think fit and alas, nothing promising to show for it! AS for BGW, he got out before the roof caved in, as he did very little to improve our school's situation, financially or on an improved learning basis. As long as there was a stable B of E membership, he could do no wrong. And now we see has sponsored virtually nothing of importance, while collecting a pension and another salary. Until we get off our behinds and make our positions heard, we should not blame anyone but ourselves. I am looking forward to having a responsible candidate who thinks for himself in this race, as well as walking with Randy Cole in my neighborhood this summer and fall, so people can hear his views! Good luck Randy.
I look forward to observing a debate between Brian Williams and Randy Cole — a contrast between a man who knows little to nothing of the private sector and one who has worked in the private sector. Mr. Cole needs to emphasize that the market and free individuals, left unfettered by an over-reaching state (and city), create jobs and grow the pie. Money from the "state" comes out of our pockets, and redistributed state money will never create a job or improve a life with any permanence. As for retaining young people in Ohio, again, the legislature needs to get off individuals' and corporations' backs, lower taxes, enact real tort reform, and urge cities to lower their taxes and enable school choice.
I've known Randy Cole for three years and he has been a terrific mentor and friend. In this time I have learned his number one passion is helping people in any way possible: from co-workers to fellow church members to complete strangers who need assistance. Randy's compassion for others and strong desire to serve the public and better his community, combined with his experience in government and business make him the perfect choice for the 41st district state representative seat. I whole-heartedly support Randy Cole in his race and look forward to seeing all the good things he can do for his community if he is elected.
Randy, alexis is a fraud. He'll drag you down. Get rid of him, NOW!
Williams lucked into office
lets get him out
Randy Cole is presented as a promising candidate for the upcoming race for the 41st Ohio House seat. Let's hear more about him. Also, local republicans will be interested in knowing on which side of the AA/KC divide that Cole lands. This could ultimately enhance or decrease his support, especially with Alex's star waning. Someone implied that he is already cozy with Alex. If so, why isn't he getting local/state Rep money for the contest, as someone else implied? Not many people have the money to run even a modest campaign without party support.
What is Cole's website address? Since I refuse to send a dime of my money to either McCain or the Ohio GOP, I'm looking to send some small donations to individual candidates in competitive House races around Ohio.
I have known Randy for 20 years. He is a dedicated father, an asset to his church and community. Randy is a hard worker and works smart. He is dedicated to NE Ohio and has the right set of priorities: 1) Fiscal discipline, 2) Protection of our citizens, 3) JOBS. Randy will be a representative that will return your call or answer your e-mail. He is independent thinker however he is open to ideas and input. The election in the fall is not about Alex or Kevin. Its about the citizens of NE Ohio. Every day it is tougher to re-main in NE Ohio however its up to us to elect people that will best represent us in government. I will be out on the campaign trail volunteering my time for Randy and the canidiates that will best represent me. Will you join me or sit on the sidelines and watch the side show then complain that you are not properly represented? I hope to see you on the campaign trail.
His website is: http://www.electrandycole.com/
Also, dont forget about our live chat tonight at 8:30 to discuss the latest in the Dem race that is now over and any other topics.
All these comments above about Randy are true. He's an excellent candidate and a good guy.
Having said that, he stands no chance of winning unless he publicly repudiates Alex Arshinkoff. If he is perceived to be Widowfield's successor in the role of Alex's water carrier, he's toast. Simple as that. No matter how nice or capable he is, that's just fact.
He's a smart guy. He'll figure it out.
good to see Woodard Photo is still going strong.
Since Alex is his pal and he is so great, Alex and his strong grassroots organization should fight to get Randy over the top. I'm sitting this one out and encouraging other Rs to do the same. It won't matter to the outcome anyway, as to the party, we are only a small group of malcontents. Good luck in the fall Randy.
I have had the opportunity to meet with Randy in which time I have come to learn he is a man of integrity who cares about the State of Ohio. His ideas of bringing new companies to a depleting state are innovative and refreshing. His past experience in both the political arena, community,and as an active member of his church give him a solid background of what is needed in Ohio. He places people first and understands the needs for the middle class, his philosphy of utilizing our natural resources to attract companies to the State are brilliant and one that others seem to lack. He is honest, true to his family, and believes in right relationships. Those of you who have not had the opportunity to know Randy e-mail him for he will personally call you back not one of his volunteers but himself for he cares and believes in building this community and representing the working class. I am honored to know and to help Randy in his campaign work
Like clockwork: He's a family man, he's a religous man, he's easy going, honest, and hardworking. He's someone you can trust. The same playbook, different day. The same things were being said of Widowfield. Look where all that hard work, honesty, and religion took him.
Randy Cole is the right man for Summit County. Haven't we suffered enough from a do-nothing representative in Brian Williams who does as little of importance as possible, while collecting money hand over fist from the taxpayers of Ohio.
Lets cut the inside baseball crap with the county party and work to elect Randy as a state representative the citizens of Summit County deserve, not one they just get.
After checking out Cole's website, I am proud to say my check is in the mail.
Will the party help the man or has the Rep. party become so disfunctional and lacking a message that it is every man for himself?
angryconserv that is a big question. They damn well better.
In other news - On to Denver Hillary!
I have known Randy since his days at the engineer's office. He will represent the residents of the 41st District! Brian Williams hasn't accomplished anything of worth. Randy has my support and my vote!
I don't think so! he'll represent alexis first and foremost then everything else comes in a distant second.
Dear dad,
I will do thy bidding in Columbus. I will follow blindly to avoid the consequences. No principles only falsehoods (your word) will I follow.
your new acolyte.
Randy Cole is an upstanding guy who will not compromise his principles. Those are two traits the current office holder can’t brag about possessing. Also, accusing Randy Cole of being a stooge for “Alexis” Arshinkoff, is ludicrous. It demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge about who Randy Cole is. Anyone who knows or has had any interaction with Randy on either a personal or professional level knows he doesn’t carry “Alexis’s” water. Why do you think he hasn’t been able to get the Chairman’s backing to run for office until this year geniuses? It’s because he is not in “Alexis’s” circle of preferred candidates. “Alexis” was forced to run quality candidates this year like Randy Cole precisely because Kevin Coughlin made him. Why do you think Jim Laria was asked to run for County Executive? Because “Alexis” needs quality people to run for office. Randy will be a tremendous improvement over Bryan Williams. I hope Randy kicks his ass!
You idiots will never learn. Whenever the GOP and its followers realize that their candidate is behind in the polls they always resort to lying and cheating to try and turn the tide in their favor. It didn't work when Slaby ran and it didn't work when Cousineau ran. If you waqnt to win the 41st house seat back then put up a qualified candidate that actually has some experience. Brian G. Williams has done more in his 4 years than some have done in 8 years (Bryan C. Williams). The GOP was forced to apologize to Brian Williams for sending out campaign literature that lied about his voting record. Not to mention that Randy Cole chose to send out mailers with an endorsement from Bryan. C Williams. Hey dumbasses, it's against Ohio ethics laws to be endorsed by an employee of the Board of Elections. This is the kind of stuff that a qualified candidate(such as Brian Williams) would know. You can lie and cheat but you won't beat Brian Williams. He has too much name recognition and he is too well respected to lose to a no name career candidate like Mr. Cole. Polls don't lie. Williams will win again. Better luck in two years.
Leave a comment