Transparency Needed in Executive Race

Responding to the open request by Democratic Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Member Ebin O “Sandy” McNair IV, Independent Ken Lanci has filed a protest over the petitions of Mr. Donald Scipione as a “no party” or independent candidate for Cuyahoga County Executive.  Mr. McNair, in an interview with The Plain Dealer on August 22, 2010, openly questioned the true Independence of several candidates running for office who did not appear to be very Independent.

“I treasure my Independent status and do not want to see partisan candidates attempting to deceive the public into thinking that they are somehow non-partisan candidates.  I am for transparency and truth, and want to make sure that The Board of Elections has this debate,” said Lanci.  “The public has a right to know if someone is truly independent or just masquerading as an independent.  I trust that the Board of Elections will follow the law and its very specific interpretations.”

“I believe in giving voters choice, and do not want to see anyone denied ballot access.  If candidates are partisan candidates, they have the opportunity to run in partisan primary elections, like the one conducted this week.  If a candidate chooses to bypass a partisan primary, and go to the ballot as an independent, when they are really very partisan, then that is deception to the voters.  Either way, it is good to have the discussion and I will abide by the board’s decision,” said Lanci.

Lanci concluded, “I wish nothing but the best for Mr. Scipione, but all the evidence suggests he is really a very strong member of the Democratic Party, and as such, he should run for office as a member of his party, and not claim independence.”

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