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Ray Somich
Lake County Commissioner
“While We Respect the Past…
We must also Consider our Future!”
SOMICH ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR LAKE COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Willoughby Hills Councilman Ray Somich pursues county office starting 1/3/09
Willoughby Hills, Ohio. Raymond C. Somich has announced that he will be a Republican Party candidate for Lake County Commissioner in 2008. If other party candidates file by the January 4th deadline, he will compete in the March 4th primary, in advance of the November general election
Somich has served as a Willoughby Hills councilman for the last four years, and this past November was re-elected to another 4-year term, receiving 79% of the votes. “I am very grateful to the good people of my city for their confidence in me, and I want them to know that I truly did not anticipate this decision during my re-election campaign,” said Somich. “The party only asked me to consider this position in December. Although I regret that becoming commissioner would take me from directly serving the people of my city in 2009, I would value the opportunity to serve and lead all of the people of Lake County, including the citizens of Willoughby Hills.
Somich said that he is running in order to bring a new era of economic development to Lake County. “I believe that our County Commissioners can do more to encourage economic growth, by helping existing businesses to expand, and by attracting new businesses and new industries. This will help all county residents, as it will generate new jobs and ultimately increase revenues so we can improve and add county programs and services without increasing taxes.
Commissioner Robert Aufuldish currently holds the office that Somich hopes to win in November. “I have known Bob for many years,” Somich stated. “I consider him to be a friend, and his work as Mayor and Commissioner have helped inspire me to run. But I think it is now time for someone like me to bring a refreshing change to our county. I am excited and enthusiastic to serve our people.
Somich, age 50, and his wife Mary Jo will celebrate 30 years of marriage this February. They have four grown children. A lifelong Cleveland area resident, Somich has been a Lake County resident since 1990. He believes that his entrepreneurial career as majority shareholder of Lake County based WELW Radio and Spirit Media will help him as commissioner. “We need to run the county more like a good business,” Somich said. “We must manage every expense and be accountable to the taxpayers for every dollar spent. My broadcasting and marketing experience will also help me communicate our county’s many benefits to our own residents, and to all those we want to attract.”
Ray Somich is currently a board member of the Willoughby Rotary Club and American Polka Foundation. He serves on the United Way of Lake County Cabinet, and he is also a member of Lake Communicators, Lake Hospital Foundation Communications Committee, and Lake County Entrepreneurs Club. Somich is also very active at St. Felicitas Catholic Church.
Personal information:
- Age: 50
- Place of birth: Cleveland, Ohio
- Length of residence in Willoughby Hills: 18 years
- Education: St. Joseph High School; John Carroll University
- Family status: Married 29 years with 4 grown children
- Occupation: President of Spirit Broadcasting (WELW Radio 1330AM) and Spirit Media
Organizations (volunteer):
- St. Felicitas Catholic Church (Finance commission, Music ministry, Eucharistic Minister, Facilities Planning Committee; Lectors and Commentators Ministry)
- Willoughby Rotary Club - Board of Directors, Chair Public Relations committee, Fundraising committee member
- United Way of Lake County Cabinet member and member of Special Events Committee
- WH Community Days Committee
- Lake Hospital Foundation Communications Committee
- Willoughby Area Chamber of Commerce (past board member)
- Eastlake Chamber of Commerce (past President)
- National Polka Hall of Fame – Board of Directors
- Lake Communicators
- Lake County Entrepreneurs Club
Political experience:
- Elected District 2 councilman twice, 2004-current
- Chaired Service, chaired Finance, chaired Personnel Relations (standing council committees)
- Chaired Bishop Road Task Force, chaired Airport Advisory (ad hoc council committees)
- Served on: Planning and Zoning committee, Utilities committee, Safety committee
Qualifications:
- My last 4+ years of active city involvement have provided me a wealth of experience in understanding many aspects of city government, and the issues that are important to our community and our residents.
- My businesses and outside organizations have provided me countless opportunities to work with people in many projects.
- My career in marketing and communications is especially beneficial to effectively communicate with my fellow elected officials, my residents, and others on how to best improve the quality of life for the people of Willoughby Hills.
- I have been blessed with personal skills in leadership and interpersonal relations, which I can use effectively when combined with my love of this city and my passion to serve my residents.
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