By Brian Massie, A Watchman on the Wall
Commissioner John Plecnik wins J. William Stanton Award
LAKE COUNTY, Ohio – On April 17, 2026, Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik was recognized with the J. William Stanton Award by the Lake County Republican Party at their annual Lincoln Day dinner at Regovich Catering in Eastlake. U.S. Senator Jon Husted was the keynote speaker for Lincoln Day. Congressman Dave Joyce, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, and Ohio Auditor Keith Faber were in attendance and addressed the crowd.
The J. William Stanton Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Lake County Republican Party. It is named for the late J. William Stanton, who served Ohio as a two-term Lake County Commissioner and longtime Congressman. Prior to public service, Stanton graduated from Georgetown University and became a businessman. He founded and owned a Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Painesville, where the legendary Don Shula worked for him as a salesman, before Shula made history as head coach for the Miami Dolphins. Bill Stanton Community Park in Madison Township is also named in his honor.
Stanton passed away in 2002, and his award was presented for the first time in 2003 to Congressman Steve LaTourette. Since then, many of Lake County and Ohio’s greatest leaders have been recognized with the Stanton Award, including News-Herald editor Jim Collins, U.S. Senator George Voinovich, Willoughby Mayor David Anderson, State Representative and Lake County Commissioner Ron Young, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Edward Crawford, and Congressman Dave Joyce.
According to the Lake County Republican Party, the Stanton Award “is presented to the person(s) who has/have demonstrated a keen interest and involvement in the political process of Lake County, the State of Ohio and the United States. Through his/her words and deeds, this person has made a dramatic impact on the quality of life in Lake County.”
“J. William Stanton was Lake County’s favorite son, and we reserve the Stanton Award for the few who truly reflect his great legacy. Like Stanton, John Plecnik has served our community with distinction in many capacities. From Library Trustee and City Councilman to his current role as the senior member of the Lake County Board of Commissioners, John has always balanced the budget without raising taxes. In fact, John earned the nickname “Commissioner NO,” because he always votes NO on tax hikes. As a beloved law professor at Cleveland State University, John has taught a generation of lawyers over the last 15 years, many of whom have gone on to be judges, prosecutors, public defenders, economic development directors and mayors. As Chairman of America 250 Lake County, John is leading our local celebration of the Semiquincentennial of the United States of America. Simply put, no one has a greater positive impact on Lake County today than John, and we are so proud of him,” said Chairman Dale Fellows.
“I am deeply humbled to receive the J. William Stanton Award, because Commissioner and Congressman Stanton was a great man and public servant. His love for Lake County is legendary, and I am honored to continue Stanton’s work in making Northeast Ohio the best place on earth to live, work, play and retire. I am also grateful for the opportunity to train the next generation of lawyers and leaders at Cleveland State University. The impact of my students has already far eclipsed mine, and there is no greater joy for a teacher than to see your students learn, grow and surpass you,” said Commissioner John Plecnik.
Categories: Lake County Politics, Uncategorized