Amid the furious fireworks of today’s politics, there came a brief, welcome moment of quiet Friday. It was the sound of compromise.

As we noted earlier this week, what appeared to be partisan warfare had broken out between Ohio’s chief elections official and the leader of Cuyahoga County government. The issue: whether counties are free to mail unsolicited applications for absentee ballots to their residents if other counties can’t afford to do so.

Yes, Democratic Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald said — it is good public service. No, Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted said — it is unfair.

As their argument rolled on, they threw wilder and wilder rhetorical punches. Some Cuyahoga votes might not be counted! The U.S. Department of Justice might intervene!

Now the nonsense has gone away. FitzGerald and Husted said Friday that they’ve made a deal: Cuyahoga will mail absentee ballot applications only to those who request them for the election this November, and Husted will use state and federal funds to mail unsolicited applications to all eligible Ohioans for the November 2012 presidential election.

Both men have reason to be pleased with the compromise. All Ohioans have reason to be pleased with this temporary return to political sanity that focuses on serving voters, not scoring ideological points.

The (Canton) Repository

County fairs should always remain true family affairs

County fairs are ingrained in the fabric of the Ohio Valley.

The annual events are a drawing card for people of all ages, including the young of age and heart. That being the case, we like the stance of Eastern Ohio fair boards.

Ohio State Fair officials announced that beer sales were being permitted at certain locations during this year’s event. Local fair directors, however, are opting to stay dry.

We applaud our local county fair boards for taking their stance, as they refuse to compromise the atmosphere of their respective events for the sake of making extra money. Their integrity and vision far outweigh the financial gains they are forgoing.

When thinking of county fairs, thoughts turn toward animals, 4-H clubs, youngsters and rides. Beer doesn’t enter the picture.

We agree with our local fair officials: keep them family affairs. That is something you cannot put a price on.

The (Martins Ferry)

Times Leader