Short Takes

Apparently, no one had a chance against political pro Sunny Simon, who won a landslide victory in the recent Democratic primary for the County Council District 11 seat. She had the endorsement of the County Dems, lawn signs galore, and the ability to flash a friendly smile. She did so during an Election Day appearance in the parking lot of Our Lady of the Lake parish—which some might have considered to be Pat McLaughlin territory.

McLaughlin, a political newcomer who lives on East 210 Street., made a very respectable showing considering that he ran a low-budget campaign. With 1,063 votes, he finished fourth overall, out-polling the other two Euclid residents in the race. Rose Allen, a semi-retired pharmacist and long-time Euclid resident, finished fifth with 880 votes; and Euclid High grad Nino Prodan was seventh with 358 votes—despite plastering his lawn signs all over town.

McLaughlin, also an EHS graduate, seemed pleased with his showing and is treating the campaign as a “learning experience.” Yes, he does plan to toss his hat into the political ring again in the future—perhaps with a bid for Euclid City Council. 

One thing he learned this time around is the importance of getting an early start. “I did do some things a little bit late,” he admits, especially in light of the fact that many voters cast their ballots by mail these days, well in advance of Election Day. “I think the race was over two days after they passed out the mail-in ballots,” McLaughlin said. “About 75 percent of the ballots cast in this primary were by mail-in voters.”

McLaughlin, who received his Euclid High diploma in 1986 and a B.A. in technology from Kent State University in 1991, is currently employed as a project engineer in international sales with Fives North American Combustion. He says he would like to transfer his industrial experience in “lean manufacturing” to the government sector to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

He’s planning to stay involved in the Cuyahoga County reform movement by assisting the campaign to elect Tim McCormack to the new county executive post. He has also been appointed by Mayor Bill Cervenik to serve on a citizens’ advisory committee on development block grants.

♦♦♦

Devor Makes Four: In the November general election, yet another Euclidian will be on the ballot for the District 11 County Council seat. Rich Devor Jr., a former Euclid Panther football player, skipped the primaries by filing as an independent candidate – and apparently collected enough valid signatures to get his name on the November ballot.

The mild-mannered Devor says he wants to reduce county spending, reduce the county sales tax, eliminate corruption, and protect individual freedoms.

♦♦♦

Clam Bake: The Euclid Pet Pals, a volunteer organization that supports the Euclid Animal Shelter, is sponsoring a clam bake Oct. 22 at the Manor Party Center to raise money for its cause. The event will begin with an open bar at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at the Animal Shelter, located at 25100 Lakeland Blvd. Also, order forms for mail-in orders can be downloaded from the Pet Pals’ website: www.euclidpetpals.net. 

The full name of the event is the “4 Paws Clam Jam and Boo Bash” and, since Halloween will be approaching, attendees are encouraged to wear costumes, although costumes are optional. Prizes will be given for the three best costumes. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 19.

♦♦♦

First at Last: Euclid High’s Emily Sweet, a junior distance runner for the Panthers, achieved a breakthrough victory recently in the “U Wanna Come Back” invitational cross-country race at the Perry Outdoor YMCA. She hit the finish line in 19 minutes, 21 seconds—seven seconds ahead of the runner-up--to finish first in a field of nearly 180 girls. A week earlier, she placed second in an invitational meet at Willoughby South that featured 196 runners. Last spring, Sweet was a member of Euclid’s 4x800 relay unit that qualified for the state track meet.

♦♦♦

Mister Who?: Remember Mr. Carlin on the old Bob Newhart TV series—the one where Newhart played a psychologist? The somewhat-odd Carlin character was played by Jack Riley, a native Clevelander who is back in town and working at John Carroll University, his alma mater.

By chance, it so happens that Riley recently served as a counselor to Jacqueline Vogt, who is now the Euclid YMCA’s aquatics director. She’s a bit too young to remember that Newhart series and had no idea who Mr. Carlin was until a Y member pointed it out. At last report, Vogt was trying to locate a CD containing episodes of the old TV show to learn more about the strange Mr. Carlin.

♦♦♦

Bargains aplenty: For those who may not have noticed, the new Dollar Tree store is now open for business on Shore Center Drive. The bargain-hunter’s paradise is occupying renovated space that once housed the old Dave’s supermarket…. It is good to see once-empty retail space being put to good use.