Matt Markling withdraws from School Board race

[Betsy Voinovich]

Hi all,

It is with a heavy heart that I post the news that's in the paper, though I fully support Matt.
Here is his letter to all of us from today's Lakewood Observer, from the president of the School Board, but also from a fellow neighbor, and a fellow parent.



Dear Lakewood,

My family needs me, and I need my family. This simple sentence explains why I am not seeking re-election to the Lakewood City School District Board of Education. My decision has not been made in haste, but rather after earnest consultation with my wife and with the best interest of my family in mind.

During my term on the school board, I have been trying to balance my obligations to the Lakewood City Schools and my state-wide legal practice with the educational and parental needs of my three sons, as well as my desire to spend more and more time with my best friend and wife, Katie. One of my children also has extraordinary medical needs which I have now determined require additional personal attention from me. I am simply unable to dedicate the time that I feel is necessary to effectively serve another four-year term on the Lakewood Board of Education.

I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside five seasoned and respected board members in Chas Geiger, Linda Beebe, Betsy Shaughnessy, Ed Favre, and John Kamkutis. And I am very proud of the work my school board colleagues have done to collaborate with parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and community stakeholders to maintain an excellent system of public education for all of Lakewood’s families. But now is the time for me to focus on the needs of my family.

These are the golden years of parenting. I want to cherish every moment with my wife and our three young sons. While Katie and I will continue to be supportive of the Lakewood City Schools as active parents, my family deserves my undivided attention at home. Frankly, Katie has been a saint over these past four years.

Yesterday, July 11, 2011, I shared both my family obligations and decision to not seek re-election with the Lakewood Board of Education and Administration. While I am fulfilling my commitment to the Citizens of Lakewood by serving my full-term, I am hoping that my formal announcement will encourage school board candidates to throw their hats into the ring and dedicate themselves to putting pupils ahead of politics.

It has been an honor and privilege to represent the Citizens of Lakewood as President of the Lakewood Board of Education. And I am extremely thankful for the broad, heartfelt, nonpartisan support I have received from Lakewoodites throughout my school board tenure. I hope you will understand and support my need to put family ahead of politics.

Sincerely,

Matt Markling
Husband and Father


I think Jim stated pretty eloquently how I feel in his article, so I'm posting that here as well:

Last week I received a call from Matt Markling, he wanted to sit down and talk about some things. So we went down to the WestEnd Tavern where we have had so many lunches over the years. During our conversation he told me that he has decided not to run for re-election in 2011. After many months of working towards this goal, he could no longer put his life as a father and as one of the top school lawyers in the state on hold anymore. His wife and family meant more to him than anything else.

Having gone through a similar process of self-reflection myself recently, I understood. We agreed that sometimes holding public office is not the way to go forward.

I have always admired Matt because of his no-nonsense style, his keen eye to the law and most of all, his determination that children come first. During his time on the Board, with this as his guiding principal, Matt brought his knowledge of the law and his fearlessness in applying it, to Lakewood’s children, examining each issue before him with the understanding that getting it right in one situation, for one school year, meant guaranteeing it for children who haven’t even been born yet.

Matt held safeguarding the future of Lakewood’s children above and beyond all other things, including personal agendas, friendships, politics and even his own best interest. I was amazed that Matt was willing to allow his own law firm to take a very big financial hit when he was elected to the Board, as they could no longer represent Lakewood Schools. He has been a true leader, and has set the bar high for Board members to come.

Matt-- you are one in a million and you will be missed.

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Well, there's nothing left to do but say thank you at this point.

Matt-- Thank you so much for your strong, steadfast, tireless leadership. It is true that you have set the bar high, and you have shown the way---- you brought out the sunshine, and the sun is up in Lakewood and it has so much to do with you-- your constant message that Lakewood deserves leaders who truly represent the city, who are accountable for their decisions, who are transparent with their reasons and their resources.

Your legacy is one of respect and trust in the citizens of Lakewood, and is a twenty-first century model for good government, and empowered residents. The citizens need to know and participate, not to micro-manage their government, but to take good care of their city and make sure that their elected officials represent them. And our elected officials need to know that we know who they are, we are paying attention, and we will support and work with them to move the city forward. Matt, you are a great example, and you held that light high. Thank you so very much for the great care you have taken of my children.

Betsy Voinovich

[Betsy Voinovich]

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Matt encouraging kids at Recess Rocks to come on and dunk the principal of Lakewood High.

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Matt alerting the parents in the crowd, that once the kids were done, he would make sure parents got a turn to throw the ball.

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Matt takes his turn, fully prepared, as always.

[Michael Deneen]

This is definitely a loss for the community, but I'm happy for Matt and his family.

I look forward to reading his articles in the LO......but I have first dibs on the fall Marching Band story!

[Colleen Wing]

I am sad to see him not seek re-election but totally understand the toll it can take.

I can always say that I knew him when...when he had hair. Well the good news is that Matt owns too many houses in Lakewood to move

[Bryan Schwegler]

Definitely respect Matt's choice, but it's definitely also a loss for the board and Lakewood.

As the only transparent, communicative member of that body, it will definitely be hard to replace him. Here's hoping the next board members can learn from his outstanding example!

[Justine Cooper]

Wow. I was shocked to read this and very saddened but when I read the reasons I can't express the respect I have. Matt has been a huge asset to Lakewood and having only met him once briefly in person, he really helped me out with my child during a time of need. I know he was the real deal, not sold out to anyone, no agendas, the real deal. It is our great loss but family is everything and good luck Matt and God Bless to you and your family. You are in our prayers for health to you all.

[Missy Limkemann]

I am in shock. I too have much respect for Mr. Markling. I have always had great respect for what he brings to the table. I am sad to see that go. Mr. Markling gave me a quick bit of advice and because of him and how he guided me, my special needs son is in the perfect class, with the perfect teacher and aides getting Distinguished Honor Roll every report card. I owe Mr. Markling so much for guiding me to the people that helped my son. THANK YOU. You will be missed on the school board, but at least we still have you in the community!!!!

[Bill Call]

I don't think people fully realize what the schools have lost.

Matt was a man who asked the questions that no one else was willing to ask. He asked the questions no one wanted to answer. He was devoted to the students and the City and its residents. He demanded accountablity, transparency and results. Some people found that offensive, I found it refreshing.

[Heidi Hilty]

I second Bill Call's comment.
Also wondering what happens to Matt's re-election campaign contributions?

[Corey Rossen]

Matt - The extremes you'll go to in order to avoid the Dunk Tank at Recess ROCKS! this year. This just means I will have to create an Alumni spot in the time schedule- you can run (hmmm) but you can't hide.

Corey

[Danielle Masters]

Truly a loss for our schools but definitely a win for his family.

I thank Matt for his tireless, hard work on the board. His openness with the community has been very refreshing and I wish him luck in all he does.

[marklingm]

Thank you for supporting my family and me on the Observation Deck, in writing, and in person over the past week, as well as the past four years. Katie and I appreciate all your support, greatly.

[W]hat happens to Matt's re-election campaign contributions?

Heidi raises a great question.

As I am solely focused upon my need to put family ahead of politics, there does not appear to be any reason to maintain re-election campaign contributions for any significant length of time.

My desire would be to return contributions but that seems to be prohibited by campaign finance laws. See, e.g., Ohio Elections Commission Opinion 99ELC-03 by clicking here.

It appears that I have three options: (1) hold an event(s) for supporters; (2) contribute to other election campaigns; or (3) make charitable contributions.

For those who donated to my campaign and have a charitable organization in mind, please contact me directly with your suggestions. While I have a few personal preferences based upon my family’s circumstances, I will certainly give deference to the preferences of my supporters.

The extremes you'll go to in order to avoid the Dunk Tank at Recess ROCKS! this year. This just means I will have to create an Alumni spot in the time schedule- you can run (hmmm) but you can't hide.

I will still be School Board President so get the Recess ROCKS! dunk tank ready, Corey.

Again, thank you, everyone.

Matt

[Heidi Hilty]

Matt,

My favorite charities generally benefit children so if it were mine to choose, I would split the funds among Jordan's Family Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and the Lakewood Alumni Foundation.

Again, my best wishes for you and your family. Thank you for your selfless service.

Best,
Heidi

[Rhonda loje]

Maybe Lakewood Community Service Center could use a helping hand too.

[Missy Limkemann]

I know someone who could use help....