Primaries for both parties in bid to replace Portage Commissioner Vicki Kline

Lone Democratic Portage County Commissioner Vicki Kline isn't seeking re-election, and there are primaries Tuesday in both major political parties with people who want to take her place.

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On the Republican side, Mike Tinlin, a former police chief, and Ed Dean, a township trustee who has sought the office before, are seeking the nomination.

Meanwhile, two Democrats, Geraldine Hayes Nelson and Tim Moon are seeking their party's nomination.

In November, the winners of both contests will face off in a bid to replace Kline who, after two terms as a commissioner, decided not seeking a third.

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All the candidates cited similar themes of transparency and economic development as goals of their campaigns.

Mike Tinlin

Tinlin, of Brimfield, started his career in law enforcement at the Portage County Sheriff's Office, where he served as a sheriff's deputy at the age of 16. By the time he was 21, he was patrol commander. He also served as a firefighter, and at one time owned and operated Community Ambulance in his native Garrettsville.

He also worked at the Hudson Police Department, where he was a captain, lieutenant and assistant to the chief.

In 2003, he retired as chief of the Aurora Police Department, where he also had served as a part-time firefighter. He also was a member of Streetsboro City Council, leading the committee that built the city's police station.

"The reason I'm running is I feel I have credibility in the townships, villages and cities," he said, adding that he believes it's time for a change in the commissioner's office. "I'm just tired of what's going on."

Ed Dean

Dean lives in Deerfield, where he was recently elected to his fifth term as a township trustee. Four years ago, he sought the same seat on the board of commissioners, losing to Democrat Kathleen Clyde.

He said he wants to make sure commissioners are more transparent, and that the county brings in economic development to shore up the county's tax base.

"I saw the opportunity to serve Portage County," he said. "I understand the needs of the people and want to help them achieve the things they need."

Tim Moon

Moon, who lives in Randolph, has worked in law enforcement for 35 years, most of those as an investigator in the Portage County Prosecutor's Office. He also worked as a probation officer with juveniles and adults, and briefly worked at the Juvenile Detention Center. He also had a process serving business for about 15 years.

He said he has support from people from both parties because he focuses on local issues and people. He points out that in visiting local meetings, he's become aware of a lot of programs that could help people, but most residents aren't aware of them because local government doesn't do a good job of communicating those programs to residents.

"I have built my livelihood on one on one interactions and listening," he said. "I intend to bring this attitude to the office and make myself readily available to anyone with an idea or concern, whether in person or digitally."

Geraldine Hayes Nelson

Hayes Nelson came to Kent State to attend college, and ended up settling in Portage County and worked at KSU for 30 years before retiring in 2019. She was president of the Portage County NAACP for nine years, expanding scholarship opportunities for youth. She recently stepped down from her leadership position in the NAACP to run for office.

She said she wants to focus on economic development to bring good jobs to people in Portage County, and allow them to stay in the community.

"I wan to work to bring people together for the good of Portage County," she said. "There's so much that divides us, but so much that brings us together for the good of Portage County. When I'm working for the good of Portage County, I'm going to bring my best, and do what's right."

Early voting is underway at the office of the Portage C Board of Elections, 449 S. Meridian St., Ravenna. You can cast your vote from 1 to 5 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday.

On Election Day, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you're not sure where to vote, visit www.portagecounty-oh.gov/board-elections.

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Primaries for Democrats, Republicans in commissioner race