Release:
In its endorsement of U.S. Navy combat veteran and small business owner Mike Dovilla, The Plain Dealer on Sunday made a clear distinction between the independent-minded Dovilla, “a serious policy wonk,” and community organizer Matt Patten, “an affable but unremarkable first-term incumbent,” who has voted with his own party in the legislature 98.9 percent of the time. Dovilla has also been endorsed by U.S. Senator George Voinovich, Mayor Robert Blomquist of Olmsted Falls, Mayor Thomas Perciak of Strongsville, the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Northern Ohio Chapter, National Defense Committee, National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio Right to Life, Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio Veterans United, Republican Party of Cuyahoga County, and The Liberty Committee.
Plain Dealer Endorsements for the Ohio House of Representatives
By The Plain Dealer Editorial Board
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Ohio House District 18
MIKE DOVILLA
Age: 35
Experience: government affairs consultant, former U.S. Senate staff member, Navy reservist.
Party: Republican
Why him? This is the toughest call in the Cuyahoga County delegation. Affable but unremarkable first-term incumbent Matt Patten has stayed predictably close to the Democratic Party line. Dovilla is a serious policy wonk who wants to make state government more efficient and get more dollars into classrooms by cutting overhead. A former aide to Sen. George Voinovich, Dovilla would be a good addition to the House if he can channel some of his old boss's independence.
