Congratulations are also due to Butler County's new prosecuting attorney, Michael Gmoser, who was selected for the post by the Butler County Republican Party central committee earlier this month. Gmoser, a Hamilton defense attorney, is serving the remainder of the term of Robin Piper, who was elected last November to serve as a judge on the 12th District Court of Appeals. Gmoser was chosen by the central committee over three other candidates for the coveted and influential prosecutor's job. We wish him the best of luck in his new role.
Educators, parents and readers have undoubtedly been distressed over recent episodes of violence involving Middletown City Schools students — so it was welcome news to learn that the district is launching an anti-bullying campaign on local TV and social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. High school students will be recording 30-second public service announcements about the damage done by bullies. The schools obviously have a lot of work ahead to ensure that students have safe learning and transportation environments, but we think having students involved in getting a positive message out is a good first step.
Thumbs up to Middletown City Council member Anita Scott Jones for her recent service as the city's vice mayor. Jones asked her colleagues to be relieved of that post at Tuesday's meeting, citing "personal educational obligations" that would prevent her from attending many public functions. Since January 2010, Jones said she had attended 142 functions as vice mayor, staff writer Jessica Heffner reported. Jones was praised for her dedication as vice mayor by her colleagues and we're glad she'll still be at the council table for at least the rest of this year. Also, congratulations to Bill Becker, who was tapped to replace Jones as vice mayor. Becker can now boast of being vice mayor of Middletown, as well as being a member of council and a past city manager and police chief.