Recordpub.com - McClafferty drops bid for mayor in Streetsboro

By Matt Fredmonsky

Record-Courier staff writer

Brett McClafferty is calling it quits in his attempt to get on the ballot for mayor of Streetsboro.

McClafferty, who went to federal court to gain a spot on the Nov. 3 ballot, announced he is dropping his civil suit against the Portage County Board of Elections and the city of Streetsboro in a press release issued Saturday night.

The 21-year-old filed the civil suit last month, asking a federal judge in Akron to overrule a city charter amendment passed in 2007 setting the minimum age for mayor and council members at 23.

The case drew national media attention.

In the release, McClafferty said he chose to end his legal battle “for a plethora of reasons.

“I maintain the opinion that age requirements for local public office are not harmonious with the spirit of the United States Constitution,” McClafferty said. “There is something fundamentally wrong with disenfranchising an entire portion of the voting population.”

Acting Mayor Art Scott said he was happy to hear the news Saturday.

Scott said Streetsboro City Council voted Monday to appropriate $50,000 in anticipation of covering legal fees associated with the civil suit.

“And he’s going to walk away ... It’s incredible,” Scott said. “The residents won, we stopped the bleeding, but it irritates the hell out of me to think (McClafferty) cost the taxpayers $50,000.”

U.S. District Court Judge Sara Lioi ruled Wednesday that McClafferty could not stop early voting for the Nov. 3 election in the context of his overall case to get on the ballot. Early voting began Tuesday.

This was McClafferty’s second attempt to challenge the charter requirement, which was approved by a general vote after he unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2007 and came within a single vote of making the runoff at age 19.

In February, McClafferty attempted to run for Streetsboro City Council, but failed to have enough valid petition signatures.

In May 2007, McClafferty missed a chance to move on to the mayor’s general election by one vote. He lost to then-city planning director Linda Kovacs as the second of two candidates in the general election. Thomas Wagner went on to win the race.

Wagner resigned in May and voters are being asked to fill the remaining two years of his unexpired term in November. There are nine candidates in the mayor’s race.

In the release, McClafferty said he supports Robert Carothers’ candidacy for mayor.

As for future plans, McClafferty intends to continue serving as a member of the city’s planning commission while continuing his college education. He also hinted at a possible run at State Rep. Kathleen Chandler’s seat in the Ohio House of Representatives for the 68th District. Chandler is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2010.

“Before giving such a run any serious consideration I would have to first speak with the local Democratic leadership as well as my family and campaign donors,” he said.

Scott, however, isn’t sure if this is the last time Streetsboro voters will see McClafferty vying for an elected office with the city.

“He’s an awfully energetic young man,” Scott said. “It’s hard to say.”

22.	Posted by tellnitlikeitis October 10, 2009
	Vote request denied AKRON: A federal judge has denied the request for a preliminary injunction to lower an election age limit from age 23, allowing a 21-year-old Streetsboro man to run for mayor. Judge Sara Lioi denied the lawsuit and ruled Wednesday that Brett McClafferty was not likely to succeed in his effort. The decision will likely preclude McClafferty from getting on the November ballot. McClafferty and his attorney, Avery Friedman, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Akron against Streetsboro and the Portage County Board of Elections, asking to have the age restriction declared unconstitutional. McClafferty came within two votes of winning a runoff to be mayor in 2007. Soon afterward, the city changed its charter to include the age restriction. hmmmm....The Akron Beacon has this article but the Record Courier doesn't mention anything about the judge denying his request.

18.	Posted by AdamD October 5, 2009
	Kent: Ha! I wish I could've been at that hearing, but was unfortunately out of state that day. As stated prior, a friend of mine who is a law student attended and took very good notes for me. Seems that you were there also, and if so you would've seen one or two college kids sitting together observing. As for being a council member or a person running for Mayor, I am not either of those. I do have too many work requirements to do either of those. I travel around the country too much. Maybe when I retire I will seek a council seat. Don't worry, I will not expect your vote. As far as being Mr.Rudiger, I believe I'm old enough to be his father, although I'm not! I don't remember ever supporting him, or even mentioning him in the past. Yes, I've met him before, he goes to my church (along with 1500 other people)and I've seen him as the store he manages. He's NOT who I'm supporting at this point yet. In fact Kent, I've been around this city a LONG time. Ive met EVERY person on this ticket (except for Leoni). I meet people, take in what kind of person they actually are and decide from there. I have not decided 100% who I am supporting yet. I know who I am NOT supporting - there are 5 out of the 9 people running that I would never vote for! I will continue talking to he other 4 that I have it narrowed down to and make my final choice in November.