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August 2009
Teamsters back Garrison in Dem Sec of State race
The Teamsters union, with a membership of 80,000 in Ohio, is backing state Rep. Jennifer Garrison of Marietta in the race for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state next year.
Garrison “has a long and proven track record advocating on behalf of working families in Ohio,” Roger Insprucker, president of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters, said in a press release on Monday, Aug. 31.
Garrison is running against Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown in the Democratic primary for secretary of state.
On the Republican side, state Sen. Jon Husted of Kettering and Sandra O’Brien, former Ashtabula County auditor, are seeking the nomination.
Incumbent Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is running for the Democratic nomination in the U.S. Senate race.
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TweetDebt collectors bugging Ohioans
Complaints about debt collectors are on the rise in Ohio this year and are on pace to nearly double the number of complaints filed last year, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray’s office announced on Monday, Aug. 31.
So far this year, Cordray’s office has received 2,067 complaints about debt collection compared with 2,446 such complaints in 2008, 2,123 in 2007 and 1,699 in 2006.
The National Association of Attorneys General named debt collection the top consumer complaint in 2008.
“It’s a clear reflection of today’s economic stress. Ohioans’ tolerance of illegal debt collection tactics along with credit and home loan scams has reached its limit,” Cordray said in a news release.
Earlier this year, Cordray filed a lawsuit against National Enterprise Systems, Inc., a collection agency based in Solon for routinely harassing consumers and using illegal practices to collect debts.
Federal law says debt collectors may not:
Use false names or statements. Threaten consumers or their families with harm. Use obscene words. Contact consumers before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Contact consumers at work if consumers specifically request that they do not. Contact a consumer without identifying themselves. Tell others about a consumer’s debt or publish the names of those who owe debts. Falsely claim that a consumer has committed a crime. Misrepresent the amount consumers owe on their debts.
Complaints about debt collectors may be filed at www.SpeakOutOhio.gov or by calling (800)282-0515.
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TweetUPDATED - Sen. Brown to speak at health care rally to honor Kennedy
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, Sept. 1, in Columbus at a rally for health care that’s being billed as a tribute to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who died last week before realizing his long-time goal of national health care reform.
Also, Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner apparently are putting aside their battle for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, but just temporarily.
They’re also among the speakers scheduled for the rally
More than a 1,000 people are expected to attend the 7 p.m. rally at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus, according to a press release from rally backers. The rally is in the Lausche Building, 717 E 17th Ave. Organizing For America’s Reform Health Care Now tour bus will also be at the event.
Brown is expected to speak about 7:45 p.m.
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TweetNew Lebanon man launches U.S. Senate campaign
Eric W. Deaton, 41, an electrical engineer from New Lebanon, on Friday, Aug. 28, announced that he’s running for the U.S. Senate as an independent.
“I’m in it to win,” Deaton, a 1990 University of Dayton graduate, said by phone. “I guess all politicians say that.”
Deaton, however, said he’s not a politician and has not run for office before. He said he has felt unrepresented by the major parties and that U.S. Sen. George Voinovich’s decision to retire prompted him to run for the open seat. He said he is worried about the nation’s growing debt, the loss of manufacturing jobs and other problems.
He is married and has three children. For more information, check out www.deatonforsenate.com.
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TweetShake up at Ohio Highway Patrol
Ohio Public Safety Director Henry Guzman and Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Richard “Butch” Collins tendered their resignations, the Strickland administration announced on Friday, Aug. 28.
Guzman is expected to take on a different role in the Strickland administration while Collins will stay on until a new public safety director is named. The director then names the patrol superintendent. “Henry and Butch are both accomplished professionals whose commitment to public service and the safety and well being of Ohioans is unquestioned,” Gov. Ted Strickland said in a press release. ”Both have served with distinction for decades.”
Guzman, 62, is paid $128,544 a year while Collins, 50, makes $123,074 a year.
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TweetBrown on Kennedy
Here’s Sen. Sherrod Brown’s spokeswoman, Meghan Dubyak, speaking on behalf of her boss on the passing of Ted Kennedy. Brown is currently en route from a congressional delegation trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“Sen. Kennedy was a friend and mentor to Sen. Brown. They served together on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, where Sen. Brown was regularly reminded of Sen. Kennedy’s commitment to social and economic justice. Sen. Brown will continue to honor Sen. Kennedy’s legacy by fighting to ensure that all Americans have access to the best health care and educational opportunities available. Sen. Brown and Connie’s thoughts are with Victoria and Sen. Kennedy’s family as the nation mourns his loss.”
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TweetOhio lawmakers mourn Kennedy
It may be a measure of Sen. Ted Kennedy’s reach that among the first Ohioans to release statements mourning his death were two Republicans.
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester, called Kennedy “my friend.”
“While there were few political issues on which he and I agreed, our relationship was never disagreeable, and was always marked by good humor, hard work, and a desire to find common ground,” he said.
The two worked together when Boehner was chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, pairing up for No Child Left Behind.
“ For the better part of the last decade, Ted and I worked together to support struggling Catholic grade schools in inner-city Washington,” he said. “By helping these schools keep their doors open and helping them retain their committed teachers and faculty, this joint effort made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of inner-city children, who otherwise would have been denied the opportunity for a quality education.”
Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, meanwhile, said Kennedy was a “guiding light” for him while he and his family dealt with his late-nephew’s bone cancer.
“His uplifting spirit and thoughtfulness helped steer my family through a very difficult time, and I will never forget the words he shared with us: ‘Even when it’s sometimes stormy one day, the sun always seems to shine the next,’” he said.
“Our great nation has lost a true statesman, and the Kennedy family has lost its beloved patriarch,” he said. “Senator Kennedy’s unparalleled leadership and decades spent in service to his fellow Americans will be missed by all, especially here in the United States Senate. While not always in agreement with him, no one can deny that Ted was a man of convictions, passion and resolve for doing what he felt was best for the country.”
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TweetMike DeWine on Ted Kennedy: “A legislator’s legislator”
Former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, the Cedarville Republican, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, recalled the 12 years he served in the Senate with Democrat Ted Kennedy, who died of brain cancer late Tuesday.
“He was the last guy you’d want on the other side and the first guy you’d want on your side,” said DeWine, who’s running for Ohio attorney general next year. “Whether you agreed with him or not - and many times I didn’t - he was a legislator’s legislator.”
DeWine’s remembrances of Kennedy trace back further than their service in the Senate together. In 1993, DeWine was Ohio lieutenant governor when his daughter Becky died.
The two-page letter of condolence that he and his wife Fran received from Kennedy “was one of the first letters we got,” DeWine recalled. DeWine earlier had served eight years in the U.S. House, but didn’t know Kennedy well, he said.
It was typical of Kennedy, DeWine said. In the Senate, Kennedy always was “the first guy to be there to help you” when personal tragedy struck.
“When a colleague of mine’s nephew had cancer, the colleague told me Kennedy did everything he could to find the right doctor. He was on the phone calling doctors all over the country,” DeWine said.
When another senator, Republican Gordon Smith of Oregon, lost a son to suicide, Kennedy also reached out, said DeWine.
“I had no idea that Ted had done anything until a year later when Gordon got up on the Senate floor and mentioned that Ted had established a fund in memory of Gordon’s son,” said DeWine.
DeWine said he clashed on the Senate floor with Kennedy on issues such as abortion - DeWine was a strong opponent and Kennedy supported abortion rights.
“We would vehemently disagree about that…There were many issues where I looked at Ted as being kind of a doctrinaire liberal,” said DeWine.
Kennedy, however, also was interested in passing legislation and sought out allies where he could fine them, even conservative Republicans like DeWine.
DeWine recalled Kennedy’s staff approaching his staff about working with Kennedy on legislation regulating the manufacturing, marketing and sale of tobacco. Kennedy knew of DeWine’s interest in protecting children, DeWine said.
DeWine joined the effort but the legislation didn’t pass before DeWine left the Senate after losing to Democrat Sherrod Brown in 2006. However, the legislation eventually did pass and President Barack Obama signed it this year.
That was the way Kennedy worked, said DeWine. He didn’t give up but kept working and often succeeded, said DeWine.
“He was always interested in passing legislation,” said DeWine. “And if you could find common ground, what you knew is that he would bring the rest of the Democrats (along).
Kennedy’s word was good, said DeWine.
“There wasn’t any beating around the bush with him,” said DeWine, “….In a sense, you respect an adversary who was upfront.”
Kennedy made his mark on the Senate, said DeWine.
“If your criteria (includes) putting aside whether you agreed (with him), …there’s no one who had more influence on legislation in the last 50 years than Kennedy,” DeWine said.
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TweetDayton Tea Party hosting health care town hall meetings
The Dayton Tea Party is hosting two more town hall meetings to discuss the national health care debate.
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Dayton Tea Party’s Kettering/Centerville/ Washington Twp./Southwest/Springboro Liberty groups will hold a health care forum from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Presidential Banquet Center, 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering.
Thursday, Aug. 27: Dayton Tea Party’s Fairborn/Clayton/ Englewood/Sugarcreek Liberty groups will hold a health care forum from 7 to 8:45 p.m. at Hope Hotel and Conference Center, Building 823, Area A, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn. Read coverage of last week’s town hall meeting in Moraine here.
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TweetTurner to be on radio town hall meeting
U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, will be fielding phone calls on health care on Thursday, Aug. 27 from 11 to noon on the Bucks Braun Morning Show.
The radio “town hall meeting” will be on Classic Country Radio, WBZI AM 1500, WKFI AM 1090 and WEDI AM 1130 and will air live. Submit questions for the congressman at bucks@myclassiccountry.com. You can also listen to it on Classic Country Radio’s live Internet stream by logging on to www.myclassiccountry.com.
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TweetBattle over casino plan heats up
It’s not even Labor Day yet but both sides in the battle over a the four-casino proposal on the Nov. 3 ballot heated up their campaigns on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
TruthPAC, the anti-casino group, held a press conference to announce eight state co-chairs and to repeat an assortment of charges against the casino plan.
Speakers at the press conference charged, among other things, that cash wagering would not be subject to the 33 percent tax on gross casino revenue and that passage of the casino plan would ban church casino nights.
Supporters of the ballot plan said neither charge is true and announced formation of a new Web site, copsforcasinos.com, to serve as a “truth squad” to counteract charges from the opponents. The Web site is part of the Cops for Casinos coalition, formed by the Ohio FOP and the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association.
Gambling interests are on both sides of the casino plan. Penn National Gaming Inc. of Wyomissing, Pa., is a key backer of the casino plan while MTR Gaming Group, Inc. of Chester, W. Va., is helping back TruthPAC.
The plan calls for casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.
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TweetYates backs Fisher
State Rep. Tyrone Yates, D-Cincinnati, an early contender in the Democratic primary to replace retiring Sen. George Voinovich, has backed Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher in the Democratic primary.
Yates, who dropped out of the race earlier this summer, called Fisher “a talented leader.”
“He’s one of the quickest minds and graspers of issues that face Ohio, maybe that I know in public service in the state,” Yates said in a conference call Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Fisher faces Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic primary. The winner of that race will face either Republican Rob Portman or Tom Ganley next November.
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TweetTurner to moderate housing forum
Rep. Michael R. Turner, R-Centerville, will moderate a housing forum Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Montgomery County Administration Building, located at 451 West Third Street. The topic: The impact of the housing crisis on local communities and the federal response to the crisis.
The discussion begins at 9 a.m. and is open to the public.
On the first panel, experts from the Dayton region will discuss the effects of the housing crisis in the Miami Valley. That panel will include Beth Deutscher, Executive Director of the Homeownership Center of Greater Dayton, Dayton City Commissioner Dean Lovelace, Jim McCarthy, President of the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Kiya Patrick, Community and Economic Development Specialist for Montgomery County and Amy Redachi, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Dayton.
The second panel will focus on Washington’s responses to this crisis. It will include U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Cincinnati Field Office Director Jim Cunningham, Sarah McGraw Greenberg, Community Stabilization Manager, Neighbor Works America, David H. Hehman, President and CEO of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and Alan Mallach, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.
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TweetObama expected in Cincy for Labor Day picnic, White House confirms
President Barack Obama is coming to Cincinnati on Labor Day, Sept. 7, the White House announced on Monday, Aug. 24.
Although the White House provided no details, the president is expected to speak at the Cincinnati AFL-CIO’s annual Labor Day Picnic, Democratic sources said. The picnic draws from 10,000 to 15,000 participants.
The president is expected to campaign for his plan to overhaul the nation’s health care system and discuss other issues important to labor, according to one source.
While Obama carried Hamilton County in 2008, the area traditionally has been good for Republicans.
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TweetBrown’s in Pakistan
Sen. Sherrod Brown is in Afghanistan and Pakistan this week - his first visit to the war zone during his congressional career and part of the first congressional delegation to travel to the region since Afghanistan held elections Aug. 20.
He’s traveling with Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and fellow Ohioan U.S. Rep. Zack Space, D-Dover. They’ve met with troops and foreign officials as well as organizations that monitored Afghanistan’s hotly-contested second presidential election.
The group arrived in Pakistan Monday, Aug. 24. They spent Aug. 22 and Aug. 23 in Kabul, Kandahar and Lashkar Gah in Afghanistan.
Brown said the message has been that “American patience doesn’t last forever,” and that Afghanistan’s government will have to make necessary changes to secure peace and take control of the violent situation in iraq.
He said he’s not sure whether he supports the idea of increased U.S. troops in the country. “In my mind, the jury’s still out,” he said.
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TweetGOP energy summit set for Columbus
U.S. Reps. John Boehner, R-West Chester, Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, and Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, are among Republican U.S. House members scheduled to attend a Republican-backed “Energy Summit” in Columbus on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at Ohio State University.
U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, a member of the House Republican Conference American Energy Solutions Group, will host the session at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, scheduled from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Columbus, also is scheduled to attend along with analysts, professors and others, the release said.
The event is open to the public.
The summit will focus on the American Energy Act, legislation sponsored by Boehner, the House Minority Leader, which backers say would provide energy independence, good jobs and a cleaner environment.
The panelists also will discuss the cap and trade energy bill passed by the House in June, with mostly Democratic support. The bill would require utility plants to have emission permits for the carbon dioxide they produce and plants that reduced emissions could sell their extra permits too others.
Backers say it would help clean up the environment and create clean energy jobs.
Opponents, like some of those attending the GOP summit, say it would hit consumers in the pocketbook by increasing energy costs.
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TweetBrown to hold town hall in Cincinnati Sept. 1; Jordan schedules tele-town hall
Sen. Sherrod Brown, who took grief for announcing a recent Columbus town hall meeting on health care reform just a day or two before event, is giving voters plenty of notice this time around: He’ll be at the University of Cincinnati Tuesday, Sept. 1, to talk about health care reform.
The title of the talk? “Health Insurance Reform - What’s In It For You?”
He’ll also receive testimony from Ohioans struggling with health care costs as well as answer questions from the crowd. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the University of Cincinnati’s Tangeman University Center Great Hall, 265 Tangeman University Center.
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, meanwhile, has announced that he’ll hold a telephone town hall meeting for residents of his district Thursday, Sept. 3 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Those who wish to participate in the event can sign up by visiting Jordan’s web-siteThose who sign up will receive a call on Sept. 3.
Brown, D-Ohio, has been a supporter of the current health care proposals in Congress. Jordan has been an opponent of the plan.
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TweetDann aide changes to guilty plea
Tony Gutierrez, a former top aide and one-time close friend to Democrat Marc Dann in the attorney general’s office, changed his plea to guilty on two felony and four misdemeanor counts and promised to cooperate in further investigations, said Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien.
Gutierrez entered the pleas on Monday, Aug. 24, on charges related to his former business, MTV Construction. The charges include theft in office, unauthorized use of state property, soliciting or receiving improper compensation, attempted workers compensation fraud and filing a false financial disclosure statement, O’Brien said.
Gutierrez had been scheduled to go to trial Monday, Aug. 24, before Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Laurel Beatty. The plea agreement recommends that Gutierrez serve 45 days in jail.
Last year, two women in Dann’s office accused Guiterrez of sexually harassing them and later settled with the state for $495,000. Those accusations led to investigations, firings and resignations within the attorney general’s office as well as intense media scrutiny of Dann, Guiterrez and other key players in the scandal.
Gutierrez could not be reached for comment.
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TweetBrunner studies ways to cut voter wait times
When it comes to waiting in line to vote, there is no practical way to have a statewide maximum wait time, according to a report released Monday, Aug. 24, by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner.
Brunner found that the best way to avoid long lines is to have back-up paper ballots on hand, properly train poll workers, and strategically distribute voting machines, the report said. “As seen in the successful 2008 presidential election, Secretary Brunner has a proven track record of implementing best practices that ensure free, fair, open and honest elections. Secretary Brunner remains committed to policies such as fair voting machine allocations, uniform poll worker training and backup paper ballots during very high turnout elections,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Farrell said.
Brunner also recommends giving counties the ability to open up to four early voting locations, mandating voting machine allocation planning, and streamlining ballot design.
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TweetBroker gets 45 day license suspension
The Ohio Department of Commerce suspended Montford Will’s securities and investment adviser licenses for 45 days, retroactive to July 6, according to an agreement reached Friday, Aug. 21.
The state took action against Will after the Ohio Elections Commission in May fined him a record $95,000 for improperly funneling $121,000 in campaign contributions through three family members to Democrats and Republicans across the state.
Will of suburban Columbus admitted laundering campaign contributions through his wife, Min Cha Lee, and his stepchildren Lindsey and Kristopher Kuty. The three family members were each fined $10,000 for their roles in the scheme, in which Will would give them money to donate to political parties and candidates.
Since the suspension is retroactive, Will may return to business. He is the branch manager for Wells Fargo Advisers LLC.
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TweetUPDATED with Strickland reaction - Raid on accounts for blind and organ donations prompts action by Sen. Jones
A report that Gov. Ted Strickland’s administration helped balance the budget by grabbing $2.7 million in state rotary accounts meant to help children fight blindness and for organ donations has prompted legislative action by Sen. Shannon Jones, R-Springboro.
Jones said in a press release on Friday, Aug. 21, that she plans to introduce legislation in the “near future” to rein in the governor’s authority to take money in these accounts for other purposes. Fees and donations, not broad-based taxes, support rotary accounts.
“While Ohio governors have traditionally enjoyed broad authority to ensure the state budget remains balanced, this administration’s willingness to dip into charitable donations meant to help Ohioans in need is troubling and a complete irresponsible use of the discretion it’s been given,” Jones said in the release.
The Columbus Dispatch first reported the incident and also reported that Strickland and a top aide said that the money would be returned to the accounts, $1.4 million to the Save Our Sight fund and $1.3 million to the Second Chance Trust Fund.
Money for the Save Our Sight program comes from $1 voluntary donations motorists make when applying for or renewing license plates. Money for the Second Chance Trust Fund for organ donations comes from $1 voluntary donations drivers make when applying for or renewing their licenses.
Strickland spokeswoman Allison Kolodziej said in an e-mail that the governor also was disappointed to learn of the fund transfers and had ordered his budget staff to begin working to replace the funds.
Limiting a governor’s ability to use such funds that otherwise would sit unused, as Jones proposed, “would actually take away an important tool we used to avoid tax increases on Ohio families and businesses in this budget,” Kolodziej said.
“Perhaps Sen. Jones thinks tax increases are a better way to balance the budget, but the governor disagrees,” she added.
Jones lashed back, saying she had no plans for tax increases. Strickland, she said, was trying to change the subject.
“I’m trying to deal with what he did,” she said. “….I never imagined the governor would do such a thing.”
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TweetSecretary of State’s race could be costly
Republican Jon Husted wants permission to raise unlimited donations from his supporters after his opponent in the secretary of state’s GOP primary took out a $95,000 personal loan.
Husted is going up against former Ashtabula County auditor Sandra O’Brien, who knocked incumbent treasurer Jennette Bradley out in a GOP primary in 2006.
A lawsuit filed by O’Brien temporarily has blocked Husted’s ability to get permission to go beyond the $11,000 per person contribution limits.
“I have no intention of raising beyond the limits at this time but we need to keep our options open,” Husted said.
O’Brien’s lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the law that limits contributions.
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TweetOhio gets $55.8 million in stimulus cash for water, sewer projects
Nearly $56 million in federal stimulus money is flowing into Ohio to help pay for water and sewer projects, including $6.2 million for work in the Miami Valley.
Dayton will receive $1.7 million while Montgomery County is slated to get $496,661 and Darke and Miami counties will receive $1.2 million and $1.29 million, respectively.
“Infrastructure improvements improve quality of life, economic development opportunities and the region’s ability to attract new business investment,” Gov. Ted Strickland said. “They also help ensure that our communities are providing residents with safe and reliable sources of water and sanitary sewer systems. Most importantly, they are putting Ohioans to work.”
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TweetMedia not allowed at Freedom Concert at Kings Island
The Dayton Daily News and other Cox Ohio newspapers were planning to have photos and coverage of tonight’s Freedom Concert hosted by Sean Hannity on our Web sites and in Saturday’s newspaper.
However, the organizers will not allow the media to attend.
I understand that many of our readers would want to see photos and coverage from this event, so I wanted to explain why it will not be available.
Here’s information on the event.
Here’s the message sent from Kings Island:
SEAN HANNITY FREEDOM CONCERT ADVISORY
Please be advised there will not be a video/photo opportunity available today of Lt. Col. Oliver North’s book signing at Kings Island as originally scheduled. As per the Freedom Alliance organization, media access for tonight’s concert will not be permitted.
Don Helbig Public Relations Area Manager Kings Island
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TweetGarrison grabs endorsements
Although it’s early in the race for Secretary of State, state Rep. Jennifer Garrison, D-Marietta, has racked up endorsements from 35 state representatives and members of Congress.
Garrison jumped into the race earlier this month and will take on Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown for the Democratic party nomination. The nominee will likely go up against state Sen. Jon Husted, R-Kettering, assuming Husted beats former Ashtabula County auditor Sandy O’Brien in the GOP primary.
Endorsing Garrison are three Congressmen, six state senators including Fred Strahorn of Dayton, and 26 state representatives, including Clayton Luckie of Dayton.
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TweetOliver North is coming to The Greene Friday
Ret. Col. Oliver North will be at Books & Co. at The Greene on Friday, Aug. 21, to sign copies of his book American Heroes.
After the 1:30 p.m. book signing, North will take part in the Freedom Concert at Kings Island hosted by conservative talk show host Sean Hannity. Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, The Charlie Daniels Band and Michael W. Smith are performing at the concert. Tickets are $75 and include park admission.
Click here for information on Freedom Concert tickets.
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TweetLocation changes for Kasich event in Lebanon today
Staff reports
Former U.S. Rep. John Kasich will be making a campaign stop in Lebanon Friday, Aug. 21.
Kasich, who is running for Ohio governor in 2010, and his wife, Karen, will be at the Old Post Office at the Warren County History Center, 105 S. Broadway, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Friday for a “meet and greet” event. Kasich is making several stops around the state in preparation for the 2010 election.
Kasich will make a short speech before being available to meet local residents. The public is invited at attend.
The event is hosted by the Warren County Republican Women’s Club and Warren County Young Republicans.
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TweetOpponents, supporters speak out on casino ballot plan
Opponents overwhelmed supporters 4-1 in the latest round of endorsements surrounding Issue 3, the Nov. 3 ballot proposal to allow casinos in Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo and Cleveland.
On Thursday, Aug. 20, TruthPAC, the anti-casino group, announced that four major Ohio business organizations have urged members to oppose the proposal.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, announced that it supports Issue 3, the casino plan. The group represents non-supervisory patrol officers, detectives and radio dispatchers.
The four business groups are: the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants; the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association; the Ohio Coin Machine Association and the Bowling Centers Association of Ohio.
“The more I learn about Issue 3, the more convinced I am that it is a terrible deal for Ohio,” John C. Mahaney, president of the retail merchants group, said in a press release.
Steve Loomis, president of the Cleveland police group, countered with his support.
“The money the city of Cleveland would receive from State Issue 3 would allow the city to hire more police officers for a force that is overworked and understaffed and allow us to do an even better job of protecting the people of Cleveland,” Loomis said in a separate press release. “It could also be used to provide other critical city services.”
The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police earlier endorsed the issue.
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TweetNo tele-town hall meeting for Turner this week, but staffers say it’s in the works
Organizers of the Dayton Tea Party sent an email out Wednesday, Aug. 19, saying U.S. Rep. Mike Turner will have a tele-town hall meeting Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.
That was news to Turner’s staff, who reacted to questions about the town hall with surprise.
A Turner spokesperson said there aren’t plans to have any town hall meetings - tele or otherwise - this week. He does, however, plan on holding several before Congress reconvenes in September.
Turner, who opposes the current Democratic health care reform proposals in Congress, has convened a handful of community forums over the break, and held several tele-town hall meetings before Congress’ August recess, according to his office.
Rob Scott, the founder of the Dayton Tea Party, said he sent out the email after receiving a number of emails from people informing him that Turner would have a tele-town hall.
“Apparently that’s not true now, so I don’t know,” he said. “Obviously, it’s up to them, and I apologize for the confusion.”
He said he planned on sending out an email clarifying his earlier email.
In an interview last week, Turner, R-Centerville, said he’s met with people who are “very polite, but very concerned and they have a right to be.” At one recent one held at Hoffman Place with seniors, “they were very concerned about the impact on Medicare.”
Staffers are keeping the phone numbers of those who have contacted his office and will call back when Turner does schedule a tele-town hall meeting.
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TweetDayton attorney considers campaign for chief justice
Dayton attorney Gary Leppla is considering a campaign for Ohio Supreme Court chief justice.
Leppla, a Democrat and past president of the Ohio State Bar Association, most likely would face Republican Maureen O’Connor if he won the Democratic nomination.
O’Connor, currently a justice on the high court, has announced that she will run for the chief’s job in 2010 when current Chief Justice Thomas Moyer retires. Republican Jim Petro, former Ohio attorney general and auditor, also has said he is considering the race.
Leppla said on Wednesday, Aug. 19, that he is “very happy practicing law full-time” after a year as state bar association president.
However, there are important issues such as how judges are elected and the role of money in judicial politics that interest him, he said.
Also, he said that “balance in every way on that court is important.” Republicans now control the court, 7-0.
“I’m an experienced litigator,” said Leppla, 55, who has never been a judge. “I think I have a background that’s very well suited for that.”
Democrats have not won a Supreme Court race since 2000.
Earlier this week, Judge Mary Jane Trapp, a Democrat, who sits on Ohio’s 11th District Court of Appeals in northeastern Ohio, said she was “giving very serious consideration” to a Supreme Court race.
Trapp is considering a race for the seat held by Republican Judith Ann Lanzinger, who is expected to seek re-election.
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TweetAustria holding health care tele-town hall meeting
If you live in U.S. Rep. Steve Austria’s congressional district, stick by the phone around 2:30 today, Wednesday Aug. 19 - you might be getting a call from him asking what you think about health care reform.
Austria, R-Beavercreek, is holding a tele-town hall meeting today on the issue, and will be calling 40,000 households in the district - the capacity that the conference call will hold - at random. Austria does about one to two a month, according to an Austria spokesman. Calls will be made at random, regardless of political party, the spokesman said.
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TweetBallot Board OKs language for casino issue
The Ohio Ballot Board on Tuesday, Aug. 18, adopted ballot language for State Issue 3 on the Nov. 3 ballot, the proposal to put casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.
Here’s what the board approved:
3 PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR ONE CASINO EACH IN CINCINNATI, CLEVELAND, COLUMBUS, AND TOLEDO AND DISTRIBUTE TO ALL OHIO COUNTIES A TAX ON THE CASINOS
Proposed by Initiative Petition
To adopt Section 6 to Article XV of the Constitution of the State of Ohio
This proposed amendment would:
(1) Authorize only one casino facility at a specifically designated location within each of the cities of Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
(2) Levy a fixed tax of 33% of gross casino revenue received by each casino operator of the four casino facilities.
(3). Distribute the casino tax as follows:
51% among all 88 counties in proportion to such counties’ respective populations. Half of each county’s distribution will go to its largest city if that city’s population is above 80,000.
34% among all public school districts
5% among all host cities
3% to the Ohio casino control commission
3% to the Ohio state racing commission fund
2% to a state law enforcement training fund
2% to a state problem gambling and addictions fund
(4) Require each initial licensed casino operator to pay a single $50,000,000 fee to be used for state job training purposes and make a minimum initial investment of $250,000,000 in its facility.
(5) Permit approved types of casino gaming authorized by Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, and Pennsylvania as of January 1, 2009 or games subsequently authorized by those states.
(6) Authorize the casinos to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the discretion of the casino operator and require that the casino facilities shall be subject to all state and local laws and provisions related to health and building codes, but that no local zoning, land use laws, subdivision regulations or similar provisions shall prohibit the development or operation of the casinos at the designated sites.
(7) Create the Ohio casino control commission which will license and regulate casino operators, management companies retained by such casino operators, key employees, gaming-related vendors, and all gaming authorized by this constitutional provision.
A “YES” vote means you approve of amending the Ohio Constitution to permit one casino each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
A “NO” vote means you disapprove of amending the Ohio Constitution to permit one casino each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.
SHALL THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT BE APPROVED?
YES NO
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TweetMouthpiece on the move: Former Boehner spokesman now speaks for Portman
Jessica Towhey, formerly the spokeswoman for House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester, has a new gig - spokeswoman for U.S. Senate candidate Rob Portman, the Portman campaign announced today.
Towhey, who has also served as a campaign spokeswoman for House races in Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Ohio, has previously served as a spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot’s successful 2006 campaign. In 2005, she served as communications director for U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis of Kentucky.
“It’s great to have Jessica on the team,” Portman said in a release. “She knows Ohio well and has a good reputation as a straight shooter who understands the issues Ohio voters care about.”
Portman, R-Terrace Park, faces fellow Republican Tom Ganley of northeastern Ohio in the primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovich in 2010. Democrats Jennifer Brunner and Lee Fisher are also seeking the seat.
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TweetAG Cordray backs creation of U.S. agency to protect consumers
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and 23 other state attorneys general want Congress to create a Federal Consumer Protection Agency to better protect American consumers.
They sent a letter on Monday, Aug. 17, to leaders of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee and the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.
The current financial crisis demonstrates the need for the oversight the agency would provide, their letter said.
“The current regulatory structure has repeatedly failed to address unfair, unsound and deceptive financial products,” Cordray said in a press release.
“….The patchwork of state and federal regulation and inconsistent policies, with federal preemption of state enforcement authority, has severely hampered our ability to protect consumers and draw clear lines for financial institutions to follow with their customers.”
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TweetFormer state bar association president considers Supreme Court race for Dems
Ohio Democrats, who haven’t won a state Supreme Court race since 2000, may have at least one high-profile candidate on the ballot in 2010.
Judge Mary Jane Trapp, a former president of the Ohio State Bar Association, said on Monday, Aug. 17, that she is “giving very serious consideration” to a Supreme Court race.
“Basically, what I’m telling my friends and supporters …. it’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when and how,” Trapp, 53, said.
Trapp currently is presiding/administrative judge of the Ohio 11th District Court of Appeals, which covers Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage and Trumbull counties in northeastern Ohio.
Trapp is considering a race for the seat now held by Justice Judith Ann Lanzinger, a Republican who is expected to seek re-election in 2010.
Republicans control the Supreme Court, 7-0.
There will be two other high court races on the ballot in 2010.
Incumbent Justice Maureen O’Connor has announced that she will run for chief justice. Incumbent Chief Justice Thomas Moyer is retiring so the seat will be open.
Also, incumbent Justice Paul Pfeifer is expected to seek re-election.
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TweetSearch begins for Shannon Jones’ replacement
State Reps. Ron Maag, R-Lebanon, and John Adams, R-Sidney, will co-chair the screening committee to recommend a replacement for Shannon Jones in the Ohio House for the 67th District.
House Minority Leader Bill Batchelder, R-Medina, announced formation of the committee on Monday, Aug. 17. The deadline to apply for the appointment is Friday, Aug. 28, a press release said. Applicants should send their information to:
Republican Leader Bill Batchelder
77 St. High St.
14th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Last week Jones was appointed to the state Senate in the 7th District to replace Robert Schuler who died.
The 67th House District covers part of Warren County from Springboro to the southern part of the county.
Mason Vice Mayor Pete Beck and Lebanon Councilman Jeff Monroe both have said they plan to apply for the appointment, which will be made by the House Republican Caucus.
Other on the screening committee include: Reps. Peggy Lehner, R-Kettering; Seth Morgan, R-Huber Heights; Jim Zehringer, R-Fort Recovery and Courtney Combs, R-Hamilton.
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TweetHealth care town hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Moraine
The Dayton Tea Party is hosting a health care town hall meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18, for health care professionals.
The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at The Mandalay Banquet Center, 2700 E River Road, in Moraine.
The town hall is for health care professionals and will discuss the pending health care legislation in the U.S. Congress. The forum will be streamed live online at www.teapartylive.tv. The meeting will be moderated by Bucks Braun, host of Bucks Braun show on WBZI-AM 1500, WKFI-AM 1090, WEDI-AM 1130.
The Dayton Tea Party is a local organization that supports fiscal restraint and support for the free market. The group has hosted several events in the Dayton area this year including a rally at Courthouse Square in April.
“The expert panel will provide a well-rounded dialogue about the bill to Dayton’s health care industry and business community,” said Rob Scott, Dayton Tea Party founder and president.
The town hall will feature expert panelists in the health care industry, a question and answer sessions both from the audience and online forum, and more.
Dayton Tea Party Health Care Town Hall Meeting panel members:
1) Dr. David Westbrock, family physician
2) Dr. Stephen Weeber, physician
3) Bryan Bucklew, president and CEO of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association
4) Penny Profitt, owner of Prestige Professional Plans
5) Stan Solomon, host of the Stan Solomon Show
6) George Houser, owner of the Dublin Pub
7) Rep. Seth Morgan, Ohio State Representative
The online stream is being provided by ProduceNetTV that will feature an online forum with questions and answers.
For questions, contact info@daytonohioteaparty.com.
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TweetAP: Keno not bringing in as much as expected
According to the Associated Press, the Ohio Lottery says its Keno game fell far short of revenue projects in its first full year.
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland had counted on Keno to show a profit of $73 million as a way to prevent deep cuts in education funding. Lottery figures show that the game yielded $30 million during the year that ended July 31.
The announcement comes as Strickland is counting on another gambling plan to prop up Ohio’s budget. The governor hopes to raise $933 million by putting video slot machines at racetracks. Also, Ohio voters will vote in November on a plan to put four casinos in Ohio. The proposal calls for casinos in Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati.
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TweetGov. Strickland to talk schools and jobs in Troy
Gov. Ted Strickland will be in Troy on Monday, Aug. 17 to discuss “Education Reform for a Stronger Economy,” Strickland’s office announced on Friday.
The governor will speak at 1 p.m. at Stillwater Technologies, 1040 S. Dorset Rd. in Troy. The discussion will be with the company leadership and Strickland then will have a press availability, Amanda Wurst, his spokeswoman, said.
The firm is a contract tooling and machining company and a manufacturer of resistance welding consumabable and accessories, according to it Web site. It works with the aerospace, appliance, automotive, communications, medical and machine tool industries.
He will discuss how his “reform plan will better prepare students for the jobs of the 21st century and promote lasting economic growth across the state,” a press release said.
Strickland has continued to travel the state talking up his plan for schools after signing a new state budget last month that includes parts of the plan.
On Monday, he also will be in Lima for a similar discussion and on Wednesday he’ll be in Wooster for more talk on schools and jobs.
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TweetBrunner to hit the innovation trail
Ohio Secretary of State and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate Jennifer Brunner is hitting the campaign trail to highlight Ohio’s tradition of innovation.
Brunner Friday, Aug. 15, sent out a release announcing the kickoff of her Ohio “Innovation Trail” tour, which she said will be an important component of her campaign.
“Our Ohio Innovation Trail tour will be targeted toward encouraging Ohio’s entrepreneurs and assisting small businesses with big ideas,” she said. “We’re going to celebrate the next generation of American innovation here in Ohio.We’re going to go all over the state, meeting with our small business inventors and visionaries to help ensure they have the tools they need to create new jobs and build new companies.”
The tour is also aimed at highlighting economic development and job creation.
Brunner faces Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher in the Democratic primary in 2010. Both hope to replace Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, who is retiring at the end of next year. Republicans running include former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, and northeast Ohio auto dealer Tom Ganley.
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TweetKevin DeWine will help choose site for GOP convention
Ohio Republican Chairman Kevin DeWine will help decide where the GOP gets together in 2012 to nominate a candidate for president.
Republican National Chairman Michael Steele on Friday, Aug. 14, named DeWine to the RNC Site Selection Committee.
Holly Hughes, GOP national committeewoman from Michigan, will chair the nine-member panel.
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TweetPoll: Jimmy Carter best ex-president
Voters rank Democrat Jimmy Carter, whose four years in the White House were troubled and sometimes tumultuous, as the living ex-president who’s done the best job since leaving the White House, according to a national Rasmussen Reports poll released on Friday, Aug. 14.
Carter, who carried Ohio in 1976 to help win the White House but lost the state in 1980 when voter sent him back to Georgia, ranked first among the four living ex-presidents according to nearly one in three voters - 32 percent.
Democrat Bill Clinton finished second with 29 percent, followed by Republican George H.W. Bush, who got 22 percent.
Republican George W. Bush finished last with just 9 percent support.
Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Here’s a chance to get in on the voting.
The survey was taken on Sunday, Aug. 9 and Monday, Aug. 10 with 1,000 likely voters and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.
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TweetCordray announces $115M settlement in AIG lawsuit
Former American Insurance Group (AIG) CEO Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg and other defendants have agreed to a $115 million settlement to settle claims brought against them on behalf of three state pension funds and other investors, Attorney General Richard Cordray announced on Thursday, Aug. 14.
“AIG cannot be permitted to defraud investors and other companies who play by the rules,” Cordray said in a press release. “This agreement in principle will help compensate investors - including Ohio pension fund - who were harmed by AIG’s misconduct.”
The settlement must be agreed to by the boards of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund and ultimately the U.S. District Court in New York, Cordray’s office said.
The lawsuit against AIG, its executives and related companies involve charges of anti-competitive practices, including bid-ridding, accounting fraud. The three pension funds are the lead plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit on behalf of investors who claim they were wronged by AIG and the others, Cordray’s office said.
Other defendants involved in the settlement included: former AIG executives Howard I. Smith, Christian M. Milton and Michael J. Castelli, C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. and Starr International Co., Inc., the press release said.
The case started in 2004. Cordray said he now will focus on preparing for trial against the primary defendant, AIG.
There previously were two other multimillion dollar agreements negotiated in the case.
There was a $97.5 million settlement with PricewaterhouseCoopersLLP and a $72 million settlement with General Reinsurance Corporation, the press release said.
Cordray faulted AIG.
“…AIG itself has so far refused to do right by investors who were wronged,” he said in the release.
“This is completely unacceptable in light of AIG’s request to receive hundred of millions of dollars in bonus compensation, underwritten by taxpayers due to a federal bailout cause by AIG’s poor business decisions and the financial crises.”
Cordray has said total losses to all investors in the class action suit, including the pension funds, could reach billions of dollars. The lawsuit seeks damages from investors who bought AIG securities between Oct. 28, 1999 and April 1, 2005, the release said.
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TweetDayton region gets stimulus funds for public safety programs
Several Dayton area communities were awarded federal stimulus funds on Thursday, Aug. 13, for public safety projects.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grants for Criminal Justice and Public Safety Programs will give out $33.8 million across Ohio to law enforcement, local governments and victim service providers.
According to a statement from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) ARRA Program grants totaling $29.46 million will support activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system.
Violence Against Women Act ARRA Program grants totaling $4.33 million will aid victim service providers, law enforcement and prosecutors in efforts to improve the criminal justice system’s response to violence against women.
Find out which local organizations are receiving money after the jump.
Local projects receiving funding include:
Montgomery County
Family Violence Collaborative: $49,933.38
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Digital Radio Upgrade Pilot Program: $76,512.00
Juvenile Court Accountability Project: $280,735.43
Miami Valley Cold Case Task Force: $168,600.00
Miami Valley AFIS Upgrade: $162,865.50
Perry Township Police Department Filling Sworn Positions: $96,462.98
Dayton Chapter Southern Christian Leadership Conference FDTN Inc., Teen Relationship Abuse Program: $27,787.50
Montgomery County Specialized Employment Center: $204,326.27
East End Community Services Neighborhood Crime Prevention: $75,599.13
Artemis Center for Alternatives to DV Integration Project: $60,012.87
Greene County
Safe Supervised Visitation Services: $49,188.06
City of Xenia victim advocate: $53,864.22
Greene Leaf Therapeutic Community: $51,040.70
Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County, Prevent DV Via Education/Awareness: $44,750.75
Fairborn Victim Advocate: $31,629.02
Greene County Juvenile Court Diversion Prevention Program: $110,856.98
Miami County
Gateway Youth Programs: $46,978.40
Miami County Sheriff’s Office Cruiser Laptop Computers: $15,351.72
Piqua Police Department Firearms Simulation System: $32,000.00
Council on Rural Service Programs, Inc. Miami County Wraparound: $40,000.01
Warren County
Warren County Sheriff’s Office Pharmaceutical Diversion: $68,069.99
Clark County
Project Woman of Springfield and Clark County, Prevention and Education Program: $69,761.60
Clark County Juvenile Court Truancy Prevention and Behavior: $79,773.15
Preble County
Preble County Family & Children First Council: $63,364.95
See the full list from the state here
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TweetHoward Dean holding health care town hall in Columbus
Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is coming to Columbus on Saturday, Aug. 15, to hold a health care town hall meeting.
The event is from 5 - 7 p.m. at SEIU DISTRICT 1199, 1395 Dublin Road, Columbus.
Here’s more information and how to sign up for the event.
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TweetFisher nabs another endorsement
U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, D-Bridgeport, Wednesday, Aug. 12 announced that he, too, is backing Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate.
He joins the likes of Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan in making the announcement.
“Lee Fisher has been there for the people in my district during these tough economic times, no matter how small the project,” Wilson said in a release sent by the Fisher campaign. “Lee has led economic development efforts throughout Appalachia, and I know he will wake up every day as our next Senator focused on creating jobs for Ohioans and working to rebuild our economy.”
Wilson’s district includes all or part of Scioto, Gallia, Meigs, Athens, Washington, Monroe, Noble, Belmont, Harrison, Jefferson, Columbiana and Mahoning Counties. Fisher faces Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic primary to replace Sen. George Voinovich, who will retire at the end of 2010. Republicans Rob Portman, a former U.S. congressman from the Cincinnati region and northeast Ohio businessman Tom Ganley are also running.
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TweetDetails for state issues on veterans, livestock approved for Nov. ballot
The Ohio Ballot Board did the easy stuff on Wednesday, Aug. 12, approving the language for state Issues 1 and 2 on the Nov. 3 ballot. Action on language for the four-casino proposal, Issue 3, will have to wait until at least Tuesday, Aug. 18, when the board meets again.
Approval of Issue 1 would authorize the state to issue bonds to pay bonuses to veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
Approval of Issue 2 would create the Ohio livestock care standards board to establish and implement standards of care for livestock and poultry.
Issue 3 calls for putting casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.
Check out the language and proposed language for the issues here
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner chairs the Ballot Board. The Aug. 18 board meeting is at 2 p.m. in the second floor North Hearing Room of the Senate Building at the Statehouse.
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TweetSparks fly at Sen. Brown health care forum
Verbal sparks flew at U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s forum on overhauling the health care system.
The forum, lasting nearly two hours, was held on Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Columbus at Ohio State University’s Biomedical Research Tower.
Mike Neutzling, 56, a nurse at the Ohio State University Medical Center, blasted plans by President Barack Obama, Brown, D-Ohio, and others to overhaul the system. He said 80 percent of Americans are satisfied with he health care they have now.
Neutzling said “the whole concept of limited government is being tossed out the window.”
The nation’s founders “understood that when you have unlimited government you have unlimited tyranny,” he said.
Jeff Davidson, 58, a retired accountant from Dublin, strongly disagreed, urging Brown and Obama to come up with a plan to provides coverage for uninsured Americans.
“I want you to raise my taxes,” said Davidson. “I can afford it.”
The current system is “immoral,” he said.
Brown for the most part succeeded in keeping the discussion civil and interrupted several times to silence hecklers on both sides of the issue.
“This has been very helpful,” he said to the 150 people in the center. Hundreds more were in overflow rooms, according to event officials.
Brown set the tone for the forum with a blast at the current system.
“…Americans are paying more and more for their insurance and getting less and less,” said Brown, the son of a physician.
After the session, he told reporters he didn’t think the discussion was one-sided.
“If it was stacked, I’m not sure which way it was stacked,” said Brown.
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TweetSen. Brown holds health care forum
Joe Heitz, a construction worker, and Jeff Davidson, a retired accountant, came to U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s forum on health care in Columbus on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with different perspectives.
Heitz, 43, of Columbus, is hostile to any increased involvement by the federal government in health care. He wore a t-shirt that said “Tar, Feathers, Rail, Politician (Some Assembly Required).”
“They’re bankrupting our country,” Heitz said.
“I want to raise my taxes to help pay for the 47 million people who don’t have it (health care),” said Davidson, 58, of Dublin, who said he benefited from low taxes under former President George W. Bush.
Some town meetings on health care, including one on Tuesday in Pennsylvania, have become raucous but Heitz said he hoped this one would be civil.
“We can all sit here like adults and have a nice discussion,” said Heitz.
The meeting room at the Ohio State University’s Biomedical Research Tower was packed to capacity with about 150 people and hundreds of others were placed in overflow rooms before the forum’s scheduled start at 10:15 a.m.
No signs were allowed in the meeting but outside the signs held by supporters and opponents of health care overhaul told part of the story.
“Health Freedom Not Socialized Medicine,” said one.
“Health Care is a Basic Human Right,” said another.
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TweetFOP launches “Cops for Casinos”
The Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, representing nearly 26,000 members, on Tuesday, Aug. 11 endorsed the Nov. 3 ballot issue calling for gambling casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Columbus.
The group also announced formation of “Cops for Casinos”, with the goal of forming a coalition of law enforcement groups backing the four-casino plan.
The Ohio Jobs and Growth Plan, the pro-casino proposal, would provide an estimated $322 million a year to all 88 Ohio counties and eight largest cities, including Dayton, Mark Drum, Ohio FOP treasurer, said at a downtown Columbus press conference.
The money is badly needed to avoid law enforcement layoffs, he said.
“These are tough times for local governments all over Ohio,” said Drum.
Tom Smith, public policy director for the Ohio Council of Churches, watched the outdoor press conference and said the gambling plan would increase crime in the cities with the casino.
Drum, however, said during the press conference that law officers in cities with casinos said they don’t cause any more problems than other big events such as the state fair and Ohio State football games.
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TweetJudge’s decision blows $258 million hole in state budget
Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge David Fais on Tuesday, Aug. 11, blew a $258 million hole in the state budget.
Fais nixed the plan of Gov. Ted Strickland and state legislators to use the $258 million from the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation’s endowment for purposes other than anti-smoking programs.
The budget called for using the money for a variety of social service programs, including expanded health care coverage for children, breast and cervical cancer screenings and county child welfare programs.
Strickland has asked Attorney General Richard Cordray to file an immediate appeal, said Amanda Wurst, Strickland’s spokeswoman.
The ruling “will delay or jeopardize” essential health services for Ohioans, said Wurst.
“The governor is disappointed it took the judge nearly a year and half to make the decision,” Wurst said.
“It’s a big issue,” said Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland, who supports the appeal.
However, Shelly Kiser, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association of Ohio, said the decision was good news. Without additional money for anti-smoking programs, smoking rates in Ohio could creep up, Kiser said.
“Depleting of the Endowment Fund, and discontinuance or reduction of the tobacco prevention and cessation programs funded by the Endowment Fund, would result in a substantial increase in tobacco-related premature death and disease in Ohio,” Fais wrote in his ruling.
“And result in a substantial increase in medical expense for both Ohioans and the state of Ohio for treatment of tobacco-related disease.”
Strickland and lawmakers last year passed legislation to use the money generated by liquidating the endowment for economic development programs. They shifted gears this year, however, and set the money aside for the social service programs.
In his ruling, Fais said that the state eight years ago created the endowment as an “irrevocable trust”. Last year’s legislation to liquidate the endowment was unconstitutional because it violated the prohibition against retroactive legislation, he wrote.
He said the state could find other sources for the money it had wanted to use for economic development.
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TweetShannon Jones takes state Senate seat
Shannon Jones was sworn in on Tuesday, Aug. 11, to the state Senate, filling the vacancy in the 7th District caused by the death of Robert Schuler.
Jones, 39, of Springboro, said she took the seat with a “heavy heart” because of Schuler’s death but said “I’ll work hard to do him proud.”
She said she was not prepared for the speedy selection process that put her in the seat or she would have gotten a haircut for her son Jacob, 10, and pressed his pants. Jacob was among family members who accompanied Jones at the swearing-in, administered by Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland.
Jones moves to the Senate from the Ohio House where she was serving a second term. She said that the plans to seek election to the Senate seat next year for a full four-year term.
Senate Republicans picked Jones from among four candidates, including former state Reps. Tom Brinkman of Cincinnati and Michelle Schneider of Madeira and Patrick McQuiddy, a pilot from Lebanon.
The Senate district includes Warren County and the eastern portion of Hamilton County. Republicans control the Senate 21-12.
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TweetShannon Jones recommended for state Senate seat
State Rep. Shannon Jones, R-Springboro, is in line to fill a vacancy in the state Senate.
A Republican screening committee on Monday, Aug. 10, recommended Jones, 39, for the vacancy in the 7th District caused by the death of Sen. Robert Schuler, R-Sycamore Twp. She is in her second term in the House.
The full Republican caucus, currently 20 members, is to vote on the recommendation on Wednesday, Aug. 11.
“When it comes to public policy, Shannon Jones has a reputation for being a heavy lifter. She has a passion for public service and a strong sense of responsibility to do what is best for the people she represents,” Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland said in a press release.
“Her brand of leadership is just what we need in the Senate during extremely challenging times.”
Other candidates, all Republicans, were: former state Rep. Tom Brinkman of Cincinnati; former state Rep. Michelle Schneider of Madeira and Patrick McQuiddy of Lebanon, a pilot.
The district includes Warren County and the eastern portion of Hamilton County.
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TweetStrickland names new lottery director
Kathleen Burke, a partner at the Jones Day law firm in Cleveland, was appointed executive director of the Ohio Lottery Commission on Monday, Aug. 10, by Gov. Ted Strickland.
Burke, 60, of Shaker Heights, will start work on Aug. 24 and will earn $129,500 annually.
She will replace Michael Dolan who last week submitted his resignation to Strickland.
Burke will take over as the lottery prepares a major expansion - installation of 17,500 video slot machines at Ohio’s seven racetracks.
Burke has been a corporate litigator for more than three decades and served as the first woman president of the Ohio State Bar Association from 1993-1994, a press release said.
“Her role as a corporate litigator has required her to repeatedly take on very complex cases with high monetary stakes,” Strickland said in the press release. “I am confident that Kathy’s character, skills and commitment to service will be of great value to the Ohio Lottery Commission.”
In the release, Burke said that she would draw on her experience to assure the lottery’s “continued success.”
“I believe that leadership involves providing strategic direction to an organization, inspiring people to do their best and setting an ethical tone,” she said.
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TweetNonunion contractors endorse Kasich for guv
The Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio - a group of mainly nonunion, “merit shop” contractors - on Monday, Aug. 10 endorsed Republican John Kasich for governor in 2010.
“In today’s economic environment in Ohio, John Kasich is the right person to turn the state around,” Braden Black, ABC of Ohio president, said in a press release.
Black added that “we know that John Kasich will work hard in support of merit shop contractors and the principles of open competitions, free enterprise, lower taxes and responsible government regulations.”
The ABC of Ohio is part of a nationwide federation representing 25,000 “merit shop” construction and construction-related firms with 2 million employees, the release said. In Ohio, the group represents 900 firms with about 62,355 employees, said Shane Ostrowksi, ABC of Ohio spokesman.
Kasich, a former U.S. House member from suburban Columbus, is expected to be the GOP candidate next year against incumbent Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland who has received strong union support in the past.
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TweetOhio Historical Society director dies
William K. Laidlaw, Jr., executive director and CEO of the Ohio Historical Society, has died.
Laidlaw, 66, of Bexley, died Friday, Aug. 7, of an apparent heart attack while swimming in the ocean with his wife during a family vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, according to a society press release.
“The entire Ohio Historical Society family mourns this tragic loss and our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Richard T. Prasse, chairman of the OHS Board of Trustees, said in the release.
The society has been hit hard by state budget cuts and Prasse said that Laidlaw had guided the organization “through significant changes and tough economic times by laying the foundation for the society’s reinvention as a stronger, more focused statewide organization.”
State support has been reduced from $13.5 million to $7.9 million a year, said Kim Schuette, OHS spokeswoman. The society oversees a network of 58 sites.
Laidlaw took the OHS job in 2003 after a career in higher education and nonprofit management, the release said.
He had planned to retire at the end of the year and the OHS board already has begun a nationwide search for a new director.
Laidlaw is survived by: Donna, his wife of 44 years; son, Scott Laidlaw of Whately, Mass., daughter, Christina Laidlaw Kimmel of Houston, Tex. and three grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned for mid or late September in Columbus, said Schuette.
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Tweet“Final Four” vie for vacant Senate seat
Four candidates will be interviewed on Monday, Aug. 10, for the 7th District state Senate seat that became vacant with the death of Sen. Robert Schuler, R-Sycamore Twp.
Senate Republicans are to vote for the replacement on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The candidate, all Republicans, are:
Former state Rep. Tom Brinkman of Cincinnati
Former state Rep. Michelle Schneider of Madeira
State Rep. Shannon Jones of Springboro
Patrick McQuiddy of Lebanon, a pilot
The district includes Warren County and the eastern portion of Hamilton County.
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TweetStrickland joins “Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus”
Gov. Ted Strickland, whose hunting trip with fellow Democrat John Kerry failed to flush out many votes for Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, has joined the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus.
“Sportsmen activities generate billions of dollars for our economy and provide employment opportunities for thousands of people,” Strickland said in a press release on Friday, Aug. 7.
The group plans to support policies and regulations that promote hunting, fishing and wildlife management, the press release said.
Strickland’s sportsmen activities in Ohio include hosting the Governor’s Annual Youth-Celebrity Spring Turkey Hunt, the release said.
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TweetGarrison opposition organizes on Facebook
Outlook Weekly publisher Michael Daniels of Columbus started “Oppose Jennifer Garrison for Secretary of State” on Facebook this week and in less than 24 hours had nearly 100 members.
Daniels, a self-described progressive Democrat, said Garrison, a state representative from Marietta, is anti-gay, anti-union, and pro-guns and is unsuitable for statewide office.
“It’s unacceptable and somebody had to take a stand on this,” Daniels said. “She’s on the wrong side of all the issues.”
But Garrison campaign spokesman Greg Beswick said Garrison’s opponents are off the mark and that Garrison supports a bill to prohibit housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.
“They’ll see she is a lot more progressive than they were first told,” Beswick said.
Garrison is running against Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state in May 2010.
Garrison beat Republican Nancy Hollister for state representative, in part by criticizing Hollister’s opposition to an anti-gay marriage bill.
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TweetHighway patrol criticized
Flying above Interstate 70 just east of Columbus on a Sunday afternoon, state troopers clocked two motorcycles roaring along at 147 and 149 miles per hour - so fast that the pilot radioed troopers on the ground that the bikes “look like bullets coming at ya.’ “
But Trooper Bryan Lee decided against writing speeding tickets when he found out that the motorcyclists he pulled over were off duty cops, Gahanna Police Officer Christopher Thomas and state Trooper Jason Highsmith.
A 21-page report by state Inspector General Tom Charles on Friday Aug. 7 criticized Lee’s decision as well as “over analysis of the situation” by Ohio Highway Patrol managers who failed to take action for several days after the traffic stop.
Lee’s decision crawled up six levels of patrol command before the trooper was told to issue a ticket to Highsmith; Gahanna police supervisors had to insist that Thomas be ticketed as well, the report said.
The tickets were filed in Licking County Municipal Court on July 6, eight days after the June 28 traffic stop. That triggered media attention and a public outcry.
Charles found that the patrol did not try to cover up the traffic stop and the media scrutiny came only after the tickets had been issued.
Thomas, who is on medical disability leave, appeared in court this week and lost his license for six months. Highsmith, who pleaded not guilty to the traffic violation, is due in court on Monday.
The patrol wrote 23 tickets during the enforcement effort that snagged Highsmith and Thomas but no one else was traveling close to 150 miles per hour that day, the inspector general’s report said.
TweetNew bill bans use of handheld “mobile communication devices” while driving
New legislation introduced on Thursday, Aug. 6, calls for a blanket ban on the use of handheld or manually operated “mobile communication devices” - including cell phones - while driving.
House Bill 266, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Koziura, D-Lorain, goes far beyond a bill introduced earlier in the week by Rep. Michael DeBose, D-Cleveland, which banned text messaging while driving and made it a secondary offense.
Koziura’s bipartisan bill, which has 11 consponsors, would ban the use of cell phones, text-messaging devices, personal digital assistants, computers or any similar device while driving. It would be a primary offense, which means police could pull a motorist over for a suspected violation. Police can’t pull a motorist over for a secondary offense. Police can cite the driver for a secondary offense if they pull him or her over for another offense such as speeding.
Koziura’s bill carries a $25 fine for a first offense, $50 for a second or third offense and a $100 fine for additional offenses.
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TweetUD grad leads anti-casino campaign
University of Dayton graduate Scott Kozar will direct the campaign to defeat Ohio’s four-casino ballot proposal.
Kozar, will be director of “TruthPAC”, a political action committee “that will counter the exaggerated claims put forth by casino supporters,” according to a press release.
He will direct a “bi-partisan campaign team,” the release said. The release questioned claims by the Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee, the pro-casino group, on potential job creation and economic investment.
Kozar is the Washington, D.C.-based senior vice president at Fletcher, Rowley, Riddle (“FRR”), an advertising and campaign consulting firm.
Sandy Theis, TruthPAC spokeswoman, said the PAC included a “large, diverse” group of people. MTR Gaming Group, Inc., which lost a court fight aimed at keeping the issue off the Nov. 3 ballot, is expected to help finance the new effort, said Theis.
The ballot proposal asks voters to approve casinos in Toledo, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus. Penn National Gaming of Wyomissing, Pa. and Dan Gilbert, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, are financial backers of the casino plan.
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TweetVoinovich will vote for Sotomayor
Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, announced today he will support Judge Sonia Sotomayor. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on her confirmation today.
“I have determined Judge Sotomayor meets the criteria to become a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court,” he said on the floor of the Senate today. “I didn’t come to this determination lightly. Judge Sotomayor has made statements that have given me pause…but on balance, I believe she is fit to serve on this nation’s highest court.”
Voinovich said Sotomayor “is not the nominee I would have selected if I were President, but making a nomination is not my role here today. My role is to examine her qualifications to determine if she is fit to serve. In reviewing Judge Sotomayor’s academic and professional record and taking into account her temperament and integrity, it is clear to me that she is qualified to serve as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.”
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has already said he will support Sotomayor.
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TweetTiberi gets a challenger
Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks this week announced she’ll be running for Congress in 2010, opposing Republican Pat Tiberi in Ohio’s 12th Congressional District, which includes Delaware County and parts of Franklin and Licking counties.
Brooks, a Democrat, has served in public office in Central Ohio for more than three decades, including as a member of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners since 2005. She’s currently president of the Board.
She has also served on the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio State Bar Foundation, Action for Battered Women in Ohio, local Chamber of Commerce, and as an active Rotarian.
Her entry into the race makes hers the second congressional race in central Ohio with the potential to sizzle. In the adjacent 15th Congressional District, Republican Steve Stivers will face off against Mary Jo Kilroy for that seat.
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TweetObama approval dips; voters say president should have avoided Cambridge dispute
President Barack Obama’s national approval rating dipped to 50 percent in a new Quinnipiac University poll released on Thursday, Aug. 6, his lowest approval rating since Inauguration Day.
The poll also found that by a 62-26 percent margin voters said Obama should not have intervened in the dispute between black Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and white Cambridge, Mass. Police Sgt. James Crowley.
In the survey, 50 percent approved of Obama’s job performance and 42 disapproved, down from 57-33 percent on July 2. In a Quinnipiac University poll of Ohio voters released on July 7, Obama’s approval rating was 49-44 percent, also his lowest since he was inaugurated.
There was good news for Democrat Obama in the poll. Voters disapproved of how Republicans in Congress are doing their job, 59-29 percent. Also, they trusted Obama more than these Republicans to fix the economy, 47-36 percent and to handle health care, 46-37 percent.
There was a racial split on the Gates-Crowley incident. Overall, voters said Obama acted “stupidly” in the dispute, 49-33 percent. White voters said that he acted stupidly, 54-27 percent, while black voters disagreed, 61-16 percent.
Here’s a chance to get involved in the debate.
The poll surveyed 2,409 registered voters from July 27 - Monday, Aug. 3 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
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TweetStrickland sets up auto industry support council
It’s not as snazzy as a “cash for clunkers” plan but Gov. Ted Strickland is trying to do his bit for the reeling auto industry.
Strickland on Wednesday, Aug. 5, announced formation of the Ohio Auto Industry Support Council, a public-private partnership aimed at helping Ohio businesses, workers and communities develop ways to stabilize and grow the auto industry.
Co-chairs are: Eric Burkland, president of the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and Ken Lortz, director of Ohio’s United Auto Workers Region 2B.
Dennis Wojtanowski, a former Ohio House member and public affairs and public relations consultant, was named president of the council.
“The Ohio Auto Industry Support Council will work to assist our auto businesses up and down the supply line, to support workers who deserve a more certain future and to partner with our automotive communities as they respond to the impacts of the automotive crisis at the local level,” Strickland said in a press release.
Wojtanowski will join Strickland on Wednesday and Thursday in Detroit during the governor’s quarterly meetings with the Big 3 automakers, the release said.
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TweetLottery Director Dolan quits
With Ohio preparing to put video slot machines at the state’s seven racetracks, the man who was supposed to oversee this operation has resigned.
Gov. Ted Strickland on Tuesday, Aug. 4, said he had accepted lottery director Michael Dolan’s resignation. Dolan will continue to serve as director until Strickland appoints a successor, a press release said.
“Mike’s work at the Ohio Lottery Commission over the past two years has truly benefited the state of Ohio,” Strickland said in the press release.
“Recently, Mike effectively completed the Lottery’s transition to a new vendor that will save the state $20 million per year. There is no doubt that this transition was the most significant project the Lottery has undertaken in 10 years and Mike’s leadership drove the project to a successful completion.”
Strickland said he accepted the resignation “with deep appreciation for his service to me and the state of Ohio.”
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TweetSenate President: Ban text messaging while driving
Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland, said on Tuesday, Aug. 4, that he would support legislation banning text messaging while driving.
“I think it just creates a terrible opportunity for disastrous accidents,” Harris said. He said he expects Senate legislation calling for a ban to be introduced in September.
His comments came on the same day that state Rep. Michael DeBose, D-Cleveland, introduced House Bill 261 which would prohibit driving while text messaging or typing on a mobile communication device.
DeBose also introduced broader legislation, House Bill 262, that would prohibit driving while talking, text messaging or typing on a mobile communication device.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 16 states and the District of Columbia now ban text messaging while driving.
Here’s a chance to get in the text messaging debate.
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TweetBrunner, Dems unveil voting overhaul plan
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and two fellow Democrats in the Ohio House on Tuesday, Aug. 4, unveiled a voting overhaul plan that they want to put in effect before the 2010 elections.
Highlights of the plan, which would require approval from the House and Senate and Gov. Ted Strickland’s signature, include:
*Expanding the number of early voting locations to four.
*Starting in-person early voting 21 days before Election Day, ending at 5 p.m. on the Saturday before the election - providing Ohioans with 19 days to vote early.
*Moving special elections to primary and general election days, saving an estimated $2.7 million to $5.4 million annually.
*Using vote-by-mail to fill vacancies such as those caused by the death of a U.S. House member.
*Requiring the voter to produce a current, valid photo ID or two current, valid items with a voter’s name issued by a nonprofit, business, or government entity with the voter’s name in order to vote.
*Limit the reasons why voters are required to cast provisional ballots.
Reps. Dan Stewart and Tracy Heard, both of Columbus, joined Brunner at a press conference to discuss the plan.
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TweetKasich to “meet and greet” in Beavercreek
John Kasich, Republican candidate for governor next year, will be in Beavercreek on Wednesday, Aug. 5, for a 3:30 p.m. “meet and greet” at Beef O’Brady’s, 3347 SeaJay Drive.
The Greene and Butler County Young Republicans are hosting the event and Montgomery County Young Republicans also are expected to attend and participate, Kasich’s campaign said.
Kasich, a former U.S. House member from suburban Columbus, is running against incumbent Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.
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TweetStrickland appoints Deirdre Logan to Dayton Muni Court
Gov. Ted Strickland on Monday, Aug. 3, appointed Deirdre Logan to the Dayton Municipal Court.
Logan, 48, fills the seat vacated by the retirement of Judge Bill C. Littlejohn on June 30, 2009, a press release said. Logan will take office on Aug. 17.
“Deirdre has earned the respect of the Dayton community through her years as a prosecutor and attorney,” Strickland said in the release. “I am confident that she will serve the Dayton Municipal Court with hard work and professionalism.”
To retain the seat, Logan must run in the November 2009 judicial election, the release said.
She has served as deputy city attorney for the city of Dayton since January 2009 and previously served as the chief prosecutor for the city of Dayton from 2000-2009, the release said.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed of for quite a while,” Logan said. “It’s definitely been one of my career goals.”
Logan said that as a prosecutor she tried to make sure that the law was applied justly and fairly.
“A judge also has that role, to apply the law uniformly without prejudice….I just love that aspect of the law,” Logan said.
She said that she would announce later whether she plans to run to retain the seat.
Her salary as judge will be $114,100 annually, according to Strickland’s office.
She has a bachelor’s degree from Wilberforce University and a law degree from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, the release said.
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TweetPrimary looms for Dems in secretary of state race
State Rep. Jennifer Garrison of Marietta on Monday, Aug. 3, announced that she’ll seek the Democratic nomination for secretary of state, Ohio’s top elections officer, in 2010.
This sets up a primary battle with Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown for the nomination, who’s already announced.
There also will be a GOP primary with state Sen. Jon Husted of Kettering competing against Sandra O’Brien, the former Ashtabula County auditor and 2008 Republican candidate for state treasurer.
“I am passionate about transparency and accountability in government,” Garrison, 47, Ohio House Majority Floor Leader, said at a Statehouse press conference surrounded by family and friends.
Democratic incumbent Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is running for the U.S. Senate in 2010, leaving the seat open. It’s a key post because the secretary of state sits on the Apportionment Board which will draw new legislative districts after the 2010 census.
Garrison’s most recent campaign finance report showed that she had $181,407 on hand at the end of June, about the same as the $182,153 cash on hand reported by Brown. However, Brown’s committee announced on Monday that it was returning a $50,000 loan the campaign had received from Brown’s brother-in-law, leaving her with less campaign cash than Garrison.
Husted had by far the most on hand, $1.26 million, compared to $95,530 for O’Brien. Most of O’Brien money came from $95,000 she lent her campaign.
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