[Pro-CCW] Sulzer plans to recapture Chillicothe mayor's job

A former state representative announced yesterday that he will challenge another Democrat -- and the incumbent -- in the Chillicothe mayoral election.

Joseph P. Sulzer served as mayor from 1987 to 1996. In November, he lost his bid for a fourth term in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Since his November defeat, Sulzer said, a number of residents have approached him about running for mayor. "Unfortunately, that's one of those things that happens,'' he said of a probable primary runoff.

The Ross County Democratic Party typically does not endorse candidates in primaries, said Chairman Stephen Madru.

"We have two quality candidates,'' Madru said. "We'll let the voters decide.''

the full archived story from the Columbus Dispatch, and a link to coverage in the Chillicothe Gazette, follows.

Commentary by Chad D. Baus:
Democrat Joe Sulzer was a proven pro-CCW voter throughout his years in the Ohio House. Since both he and his Republican opponent in the 2002 election were pro-CCW, OFCC PAC recommended voters choose based on other issues important to them.

Neither the views of the Democrat incumbent, nor the Republican candidate, have as yet been determined.

Click here to read the entire story in the Columbus Dispatch (subscription site - paid access only) or see below for an archived version of the story.

Click here to read the coverage in the Chillicothe Gazette.

Thursday, January 16, 2003
Melissa Kossler
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

A former state representative announced yesterday that he will challenge another Democrat -- and the incumbent -- in the Chillicothe mayoral election.

Joseph P. Sulzer served as mayor from 1987 to 1996. In November, he lost his bid for a fourth term in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Margaret Planton was appointed to replace Sulzer, then she was elected to the post in 1999. She had served the previous six years on the City Council.

Republican councilwoman Diane Carnes last week announced her candidacy for the job.

Since his November defeat, Sulzer said, a number of residents have approached him about running for mayor. "Unfortunately, that's one of those things that happens,'' he said of a probable primary runoff.

The Ross County Democratic Party typically does not endorse candidates in primaries, said Chairman Stephen Madru.

"We have two quality candidates,'' Madru said. "We'll let the voters decide.''

Sulzer said that as mayor he would focus on economic development and improving the city's relationship with county officials. "I'm a little disappointed that things aren't as good as when I left.''

Planton said that during her tenure, Chillicothe has opened an industrial park, received an economic-development grant and added bike trails. "I'm running on my record.''

Sulzer, a Chillicothe native, has a bachelor's degree from Ohio University and a law degree from Capital University. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War.