Portman On Vinson Obamacare Decision

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) commented on Florida District Court Judge Roger Vinson’s decision that the Democrat healthcare law is unconstitutional because of the individual mandate. In January, Ohio joined with 25 other states as party to the suit.

“Washington missed an opportunity last year to truly reduce healthcare costs and expand coverage for Ohio families and small businesses. I hope that this judicial process will be met by action in Congress to replace the law with a more sensible approach that will provide quality healthcare, lower costs and expanded coverage for all Ohioans,” said Senator Portman.
Today’s ruling follows a similar December 13, 2010 ruling by Judge Henry Hudson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“The big-government approach to our healthcare system is bad for Ohio’s economy, and I want to thank Attorney General Mike DeWine for ensuring the State of Ohio had its voice heard,” said Portman. “There’s a better way to reduce health care costs and expand coverage without making it harder for Ohio to get back on the right track.”
Last week, Senator Portman unveiled his first piece of legislation, The Job Creation Act of 2011, which includes a provision that would repeal the unconstitutional individual mandate, along with other job-friendly proposals like lowering payroll taxes to incentivize hiring, and reducing the deficit.
“This decision, following the Virginia decision and the decisive vote in the House of Representatives, makes it even more clear that Senate Democrats should allow a debate on whether to repeal and replace this law with something that actually addresses our rising health care costs.”

BUTLER COUNTY: Commissioner's Prosecutor Folly

It is no secret that the Butler County Commission is planning to appoint...somebody...to the interim Prosecutor position.  Sources tell me that Commissioners Furmon and Carpenter are interested in appointing Mike Gmoser to the job. 

I think that would be a mistake.

Gmoser is a candidate for the remainder of Robin Piper's term and the Butler County Republican Party Central Committee is slated to make that decision next week.  Playing politics with an interim appointment has the potential to backfire with members who are tired of the games.

Don't get me wrong, if the Commissioners think Gmoser is the best man for the job and that there is nobody else who could do the job as well, then they should do what they think is best.  But the Central Committee will be thinking about who they think the bet man for the job is too...

GUEST COLUMN: "Serving Your Family’s Interests During This General Assembly" by St. Rep. Mike Dovilla

By State Rep. Mike Dovilla

As a U.S. Navy veteran and small business owner, I have long understood the role that commitment and hard work play in our society. With the 129th Ohio General Assembly underway, I am striving to bring these traits with me to Columbus as your state representative. With a dedication to making things better for our district and our state, I am prepared to make the tough decisions that will lay the foundation for future success.
However, this is no small task, and during these difficult economic times we have many challenges to overcome. I will be relying on your help and guidance as my legislative colleagues and I navigate these tough waters. Having met the lawmakers from around the state with whom I will be working over the next two years, I want you to know that I believe this state is in good hands. Your House of Representatives is composed of men and women with a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience that will certainly benefit this state.
Regardless of the obstacles we face, I am honored and humbled to be our community’s voice in Columbus. A resident of Berea, I know that the people of the 18th House District represent what is great about Ohio. We are a community that recognizes the importance of service to others and ensures that this is a great place to do business and raise a family.
At the statehouse, my goal is to make certain that our laws reflect this goal. It is important that we find ways of revitalizing our economy, and I recently was selected to serve on House committees that will give me an in-depth role in achieving that objective. I was appointed to the Economic and Small Business Development Committee, State Government and Elections Committee, Ways and Means Committee, and the Redistricting Subcommittee of the State Government Committee. I believe that my personal and professional experiences will aid me in making a real difference for Ohioans while serving on these committees.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as your voice in state government, and I will do my best to make you proud and serve your family’s needs. Please feel free to contact me with any of your concerns by calling my office, sending an e-mail or writing to me. As I continue to make my way around the district, I would love for you to say hello and introduce yourself.
As someone who has been given so much from the people of this area, I feel extremely privileged to serve you. This opportunity means a great deal to me, and I’m thankful to be making a difference in our great state on your behalf.

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State Rep. Combs Introduces Legislation to Help the City of Fairfield with Indigent Defense

Release:

COLUMBUS – State Representative Courtney Combs (R- Hamilton) today introduced House Bill 49, legislation that would allow municipal courts that do not have a public defender assigned to their court and those that do not seek reimbursement from the Indigent Defense Fund to compensate court appointed attorneys. The court would retain the court fees assessed for indigent defense rather than pay those fees into the State Indigent Defense Fund.

“Unfortunately for courts that do not use the public defender system the defendants and the city are in turn paying for another courts defense fund,” Combs said. “My legislation would correct this problem and help struggling cities save money during these tight times.”
Currently indigent defendants in these courts are paying into the State Indigent Defense Fund and are not receiving any benefit. The city then ends up having to reimburse the court for indigent defense.
This issue was brought to Rep. Combs’ attention by Judge Joyce Campbell of the Fairfield Municipal Court whose court does not have a public defender. In 2010 alone her court sent over $120,000 to the Indigent Defense Fund.
“The Ohio Public Defenders Office provides excellent representation to those communities they serve however, for those courts, such as mine, that do not utilize their services it is fundamentally unfair to require the poorest of the poor to pay fees for services they do not receive,” said Judge Campbell. “This legislation will rectify this situation and provide relief to the government entity actually paying for the court appointed attorneys representing indigent defendants in municipal and county courts of Ohio.”
The bill will be referred to a committee next week for further discussion.

State Rep. Mike Dovilla to Host Town Hall Meeting

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) today announced that he will be hosting his first town hall meeting for residents of the 18th State House District on Thursday, February 10, 2011. The topic of discussion will be the state budget.

The forum will be held at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room B of the Strongsville Public Library, located at 18700 Westwood Drive, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. All members of the public are invited and encouraged to participate.
“Our state is facing a serious budget crisis, and it is important for citizens to know about the challenges we are facing,” said Dovilla. “In just the first four weeks of my term, I have learned about some of the decisions made in the past two years that have led us to this situation. My constituents have the right to know as much as possible about Ohio’s fiscal condition, and I look forward to receiving their input as we work together to put our state back on the right track.”

What Was That About the Era of Reagan Being Over?

As we approach the 100th anniversary of one of America's greatest Presidents, Ronald reagan, I can't help but point out that many of our intellectual superiors have been completely wrong on their call (read "their wish") regarding the end of the Era of Reagan.  Newt Gingrich, of all people, tried to say it was over.  He was wrong.

But isn't interesting how, for the most part, it is "leaders" on the right who try to claim the end of Reagan's influence?  On the left, we see President Barack Obama trying his hardest to cloak himself in Reagan's aura.  Also note that to do so, lefties have been twisting history to reflect their views.

Commentators have been quick to say how much Obama is like Reagan because he is appearing to shift to the middle in his tone and rhetoric.  The problem with this analysis is that very few people actually believe Obama means what he says.  Democrats have failed to heed Obama's call for a "new tone" and while some will point to the "Date Night" at the State of the Union, we have already heard from Democrats that that was nothing more than a one night stand.

Reagan would have hated it anyway.
What the liberals mean when they call for bi-partisanship and a change in rhetoric is that conservatives ought to just shut up.  Basically, the left got a severe butt-kicking in that last election and now they need time to recover.  I can't help but think of Yassir Arafat who would do the same thing.  The PLO Chairman would ramp up hostilities and some faction would attack Israel, but Arafat would play the Victim Card when Israel retaliated after Palestinian aggression.

America has real problems and we deserve to have a real debate about the direction our country has been taken.  This isn't the time for political correctness.  Our political elites have been kicking the can down the road and now we've reached the dead end.  We should be talking about a Constitutional Amendment that requires a balanced budget.  We ought to be having a conversation about eliminating ineffective government programs and consolodating redundant ones.  We could be chatting about reducing spending to levels that are manageable with the resources we have available.  Government is not the solution.  Government is the problem.  Ronald Reagan said that...  He was right then and he is right now.

Ohio's Fight Against Government Unions

Over at his blog, That Hero, Jason Hart has a fantastic piece (and really, he's been working this story for awhile -- check his archives) that tells this story in exhaustive detail.

Bottom line: The Buckeye Institute has been advocating a total repeal of collective bargaining.  The usual suspects are putting up a real fight and while I have faith in Governor Kasich to lead on the issue, I have less confidence in our friends in the Ohio Senate. 

This is sort of a roundabout way of getting me to the point where I can state my preference for Ohio to become a Right to Work state.  While the issues are related in that we are talking about unions, these really are two separate topics...but I figure why not strike while the iron is hot!  Our best bet for this lies in the Ohio House...

Kasich Announces Appointments to the Public Utilities Commission Nominating Council and the Ethics Commission

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John Kasich named three members to the Public Utilities Commission Nominating Council and two members to the Ethics Commission.

Public Utilities Commission Nominating Council Appointments
All appointments are effective immediately and continue indefinitely, as members serve at the pleasure of the governor.
Mitchell P. Grindley of Westerville replaces Christie Angel as the business representative. Grindley is Vice President of Marketing at Plaskolite, Inc., a manufacturer of acrylic sheeting.
Michael J. Koren of Dublin replaces Marvin I. Resnik as the utilities representative. Koren is President of MJK Consulting, a regulatory consulting firm.
Mark A. Totman of Hilliard replaces Seth Rosen as the organized labor representative. Totman is the Legislative Representative for District #3 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18.
Ethics Commission Appointments
Ethics Commission appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate.
Merom Brachman of Bexley has been appointed to fill an unexpired term as a Republican member of the Ethics Commission. Brachman’s term is effective immediately and expires on 1/1/13.
Maryann B. Gall of Columbus has been selected to serve as a Democrat member of the Ethics Commission. Gall’s term is effective immediately and expires on 1/1/15.

GUEST COLUMN: "Rein in the Regulators" by Rep. Bob Gibbs

Rep. Bob Gibbs

By Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-18)


I came to Washington to cut spending, shut down the federal “red tape” factory, and help small businesses get back to creating new jobs. However thousands of new complicated, costly regulations covering every sector of the American economy are written every year by bureaucrats in more than 60 federal agencies. This rulemaking process adds billions of dollars to the real price tag of legislation, leading to higher costs for businesses and consumers, weakened American competitiveness and jobs being sent abroad.

Over the past 25 years under both GOP and Democratic Administrations, there has been an average of 30-40 major rules adopted each year. However, in the past two years, President Obama’s administration wrote 121 major rules with another 191 in the works. In 2010 alone, federal bureaucrats added 80,000 pages of brand new rules.

These rulemakings create uncertainty in the market as the details of the regulations take extensive periods of time to finalize. At a time when job creation is paramount to economic recovery, businesses are being forced to postpone decisions on hiring and expansion.

Job-creating small businesses continue to bear a disproportionate share of the more than $1.75 trillion federal regulatory burden. The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates costs of more than $10,000 per employee for firms with fewer than 20 employees. More often than not, these costs come from complying with "red tape" requirements that aren’t even in the laws Congress passed. Instead, bureaucracies have more power as they implement ambiguous legislation, further expanding the “red tape” factory and turning these agencies into “quasi-legislative” bodies with little or no accountability and transparency.

To combat this problem, I have become a cosponsor of legislation introduced by Rep. Geoff Davis [R-KY] known as the REINS Act. The “Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny Act” will restore accountability in the rulemaking process by giving Congress oversight of any rule adopted by a federal government bureaucracy that has at least $100 Million in cumulative economic impact. With the REINS ACT, these “major rules” will require an up-or-down vote by both the House and Senate as well as a signature by the President.

I am proud to support this legislation as it aligns with my votes to cut Congress’ budget and repeal the job-destroying health care law, both efforts to cut federal spending and rein in overreaching government agencies that are stifling job creation and hindering economic growth.

JobsOhio Passes from House Committee, Awaits Vote on the House Floor

Release:

COLUMBUS—Am. Sub. House Bill 1 today passed out of the Finance and Appropriations Committee, which marks a crucial step toward a more efficient and responsive economic development effort in Ohio. It will require the governor of Ohio to establish a nine-member, non-profit corporation called JobsOhio, envisioned to be a cutting-edge economic development entity tasked with business recruitment, job creation and job training within the state.

“During the past decade, Ohio has lost hundreds of thousands of jobs, and it’s clear that we need to explore more effective options for growing jobs in our state,” said the chairman of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee, State Rep. Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster). “We need leadership that understands how business works and knows what companies look for in a state business climate. I believe that JobsOhio will help establish a better environment for job creation.”

Am. Sub. House Bill 1 also instructs the director of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) to evaluate all functions and duties within the department and submit recommendations to improve the department’s functioning and efficiency to the General Assembly. It does not abolish ODOD but instead calls for six months of study, during which all interested parties can participate before further legislative action is pursued.

“Through the passage of this legislation, Ohio will be able to field a top-flight economic development team that speaks the language of business and moves at the pace of today’s global economy,” said Rep. Mike Duffey (R-Worthington), who is the sponsor of House Bill 1. “The slow, bureaucratic pace of state government is simply not able to keep up in an increasingly competitive and mobile economy. We need to make sure that the people leading our economic development efforts understand business and job creation and can help Ohio compete in the 21st century.”

Am. Sub. House Bill 1 will now move to the House floor, where it is expected receive a vote by the full chamber next week.

Butler County Treasurer Mails 2010 Tax Bills

Release:

Hamilton, Ohio -- Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix, CPA, announced today that property tax bills for First Half 2010 will be mailed to property owners the first week of February and will be due February 28, 2011.

Taxpayers may also view their bill and make payments online through the Treasurer’s office website at www.ButlerCountyTreasurer.org. “Through our website, taxpayers who have moved in the past year can still make payments on time and send us a request for a change of address,” said Nix.

Payments can be made by mail, website, or in person at the Treasurer’s office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , Monday through Friday. The Treasurer also provides a drop box behind the Government Services Center building on Court Street and one outside the office for convenience. There is also a phone payment option that taxpayers can use by calling 1-888-272-9477. Bills paid after February 28 are subject to a state-imposed late fee of up to 10%.

Nix says that her office offers payment plans for those with delinquent tax balances and escrow plans for those who wish to pay their tax bills on a monthly basis instead of every six months.

The Treasurer’s office receives many questions regarding property values, special assessments, or reductions shown on the tax bill. All values and reductions are calculated by the Butler County Auditor’s office. Taxpayers can apply for revaluation by contacting the Auditor’s office at (513) 887-3154.

The mailing and availability of tax bills is reliant on calculations made by the Butler County Auditor’s office in conjunction with the State of Ohio. Once calculations are provided to the Treasurer’s office, the County Treasurer typically mails bills to taxpayers within two weeks.

Information regarding property taxes can be found at the Treasurer’s web site at www.ButlerCountyTreasurer.org, or by calling the office at (513) 887-3181 during normal business hours. The Treasurer’s office is located on the 10th floor of the Government Services Center at 315 High Street in Hamilton.

Speaker Batchelder Announces Screening Panel to Replace Rep. Hite

Release:

COLUMBUS—Ohio House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) and members of the House Republican Caucus today announced that a screening panel will begin screening candidates who wish to replace Representative Cliff Hite (R-Findlay). Rep. Hite will be appointed to the vacant 1st District Senate seat next week.

Representative Matt Huffman (R-Lima), who will chair the screening panel, will be joined by Reps. Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon), John Adams (R-Sidney), Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania), and Jeff McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) in thoroughly researching and interviewing each applicant.

“I am very pleased that five of our caucus members from Northwest Ohio will lead this screening panel,” Speaker Batchelder said. “I know that the panelists will engage in a thoughtful review of the unique qualifications of each applicant for the 76th House District.”

Residents of the 76th House District who wish to be considered for the appointment should provide a letter of interest to Speaker Batchelder at 77 South High Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215 by Friday, January 28, 2011 at 5:00pm. Applicants may also email their letter to Speaker Batchelder at District69@ohr.state.oh.us.

The panel of five Republican House members will begin interviewing applicants at a location to be determined in the 76th House District on Monday, January 31, 2011. A full vote will be taken by the Republican caucus on Tuesday afternoon with the likely appointment to take place during House Session the following day.

Rep. Latta Introduces Legislation to Repeal Automatic Pay Increase for Members of Congress

Release:

WASHINGTON - This week, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced H.R. 431, a bill that if passed, would repeal the provision of law that provides for the automatic pay increase that Members of Congress receive. Congressman Latta also introduced this legislation during the 111th Congress.

“As our nation continues to struggle through this economic downturn, Members of Congress should not receive an automatic pay increase. I look forward to swift action on this piece of legislation,” Latta stated after introducing the legislation.
H.R. 431 has been referred to the Committee on House Administration in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

BUTLER COUNTY: Some People Have Got a LOT of Nerve

I noticed that one of my friends had become "friends" with a Mary Kay Rogers on Facebook and I wondered if it was the same Kay Rogers who took a plea deal in the Dynus Fisasco and sure enough it was...  Our former Auditor has this to say about the latest happenings here in Butler County government:

Read the article in the Cincinnati Enquirer today about Butler County? This is why our new Governor needs to push to rid us of county government the way it stands. We have 88 counties because of 200 years ago when horse and wagons were transportation! We need 4 districts in Ohio....not 88!

You gotta be kidding me!
That takes some serious stones to come out with a statement like that after what she did...


I have edited out some stuff from this screen grab to protect the innocent...

SIDEBAR:  I also note that Kay seems to be doing some accounting work again which I am not sure is wise or ethical...on the part of her clients, let alone her.  Is that even legal?

Rep. Schmidt Falls Prey to Civility Rhetoric of Left

It is not often that I openly criticize my congresswoman, and a great American, Jean Schmidt of the 2nd district. I have come to respect the lady and have had great conversations with her and her husband Peter, as well as having good relationships with her staff. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that I say she missed the boat on this one. From the Community Press:

Amid talk of cooling the harsh rhetoric following the shooting two weeks ago of an Arizona congresswoman, a move is afoot in Congress to show bipartisanship during the annual speech by having Republicans and Democrats sit together, all mixed up, on both sides of the aisle.

Usually, Republicans sit on the right side of the House, and Democrats on the left. While there is no official plan to mix up the seating, individual lawmakers have taken it upon themselves to shake things up.

So Schmidt, who's as conservative as they come, will trade her coveted aisle seat on the Republican side of the chamber for a similar aisle seat on the Democratic side usually claimed by liberal Democratic Rep. Eliot Engel, another reliable early arrival.

"We think that will be our showing of bipartisanship," said Engel, who represents the Bronx in New York.

Bruce Pfaff, a spokesman for Schmidt, said she and Engel are good friends who have traveled together on congressional delegation trips, so when Engel asked if she wanted to swap seats, she thought it was a good idea.

"Even though they are from distant sides of the political spectrum, they felt that this was a step in the right direction to show cooperation and bipartisanship," Pfaff said.

This is giving in to the Democrat and liberal false premise that heated rhetoric caused the Tucson shootings. That is b.s. Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh and John Boehner had as much to do with the tragedy as Jimmy Carter had to do with reviving the American economy in the 1980s. Give me a break. To give in to this false "civility" is basically saying that libs are right and Republicans are hatemongers and accessories to murder.

And, the American people are sick of bipartisanship. What they want is people who will stand up for principle. They don't want stupid and pointless displays with little substance based on false premises.

I admire Jean Schmidt for her accomplishments and her willingness to say tough things and for fighting for her district. But this is simply giving in to hype and false notions.

Also, the dems want there to be a mixture so you can't see how bad they got trounced. Seriously, unwise move, Congresswoman.

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Kasich Appoints Members to SERB and SPBR

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John Kasich named new members to the State Employment Relations Board (SERB) and State Personnel Board of Review (SPBR).
W. Craig Zimpher of Columbus, Ohio has been appointed as a new member of SERB for a term beginning 10/6/10 and ending on 10/5/16. Kasich has also selected Mr. Zimpher to be the new chairman of SERB.

Terry L. Casey of Columbus, Ohio has been appointed to fill a vacated seat on SPBR for a term ending on 02/06/2011. Mr. Casey will be reappointed on 02/07/2011 for a full term ending on 02/06/2017. Kasich has also selected Mr. Casey to be the new chairman of SPBR.

UPDATE:  Zimpher's term dates have been corrected.

BUTLER COUNTY: Shadow Government Fallout and What's Next

While it made the headline, the actualy content regarding the esprit de corps among Butler County's workers is an important story that gets somewhat buried in the re-telling of what we already know in this Michael Pitman article.  So allow me to highlight it one more time here:

[M]any county employees were waiting for the next shoe to drop.

“Everyone’s waiting for the rest of it,” said one county employee who asked to remain anonymous.
“What’s going to happen next?” another county worker said, before adding that employees “are not surprised by anything much anymore.”
The mood at the Government Services Center in downtown Hamilton on Wednesday was somber. County employees, who did not want to be named out of concern for their jobs, expressed shock, anger, bewilderment and disbelief that Commissioners Don Dixon and Cindy Carpenter were having private meetings and discussions about firing, demoting and replacing top administrators.

My own e-mailbox can concur with Pitman's reporting here as several of my sources (and a few new ones) checked in with similar expressions of sentiment.

This is one of those side effects of running government like it is a play thing.  Real people get hurt.  Dedicated employees who have been loyal to the community start wondering whether or not their jobs are on the line next and I'm not talking about budget cuts.  These stories highlight the political manuevering intended to deliver messages and for those keeping score at home, it shines a light on those who think they are powerful enough to do whatever they want.

I keep hearing Commissioner Furmon remarking that this story illustrated a very high level of arrogance.  I would go so far as to call it hubris.  Dixon and Carpenter have done far more damage than they realize.  They have wounded the morale of the very people they are supposed to be leading.  Dixon said he wanted to work on leading "a little more pronounced” but I would settle for actual leadership based on principles and values rather than the power struggles we've been enduring the last few years.

So...what's next?  The Butler County Republican Party has to replace the county prosecutor since Robin Piper was elected to the 12th District Court of Appeals.

I was discussing this with a veteran Butler County politico yesterday and I think that this is going to come down to who does the better job in the presentation to the Central Committee.  My gut tells me that Gmoser is probably edging Philabaum right now, but only because Philabaum (like Wyrick in the Clerk appointment race) thinks he's running a nomination campaign for an election rather than using a strategy geared towards the appointment process.

The appointment process is all about finding the right candidate who can do the job professionally right after being sworn in.  Typically, experience and professionalism trumps politics and electibilty.  Not always, but usually...  The Central Committee has an excellent track record in making these appointments and I fully expect that whomever gets the nod will do an excellent job.

Rep. Turner Calls for Defense Department to Complete Evaluation of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle

Rep. Mike Turner (OH-03)

Release:

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mike Turner called on Defense Secretary Robert Gates to evaluate the results of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle’s (EFV) testing program before determining whether to cancel the program. This follows Secretary Gates’ announcement that he has slated the EFV for termination and will use the remaining funds in the program to shut down the program. This decision throws to the wayside, billions of taxpayer dollars invested in this vital program for our U.S. Marines.

“After years of development and investment, it’s unwise to schedule the EFV for termination, no matter whether the results of its testing program are positive or not. This is a military procurement program that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has indicated to be the number one ground combat procurement priority of the service. In an hour of war, we cannot leave our Marines dependent on a 40 year old fleet of slow, lightly armored Amphibious Assault Vehicles that lack the firepower and mobility necessary for survival on the modern battlefield.”

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, James Amos, along with many Commandants before him, has defended the amphibious assault capability as an “absolutely enduring requirement.” Maintaining the ability to achieve forcible entry from the sea serves as a credible deterrent to our nation’s adversaries and is a critical component of the Marines’ operational requirements. This is a requirement which will not fade away. Moreover, this mission is currently being filled by an antiquated machine, which does not meet the needs of our modern warfighter, and which puts lives in danger.

“The wrong course of action is to symbolically cancel a heavily invested program without evaluating its success, thereby, sacrificing the fiscal and physical security of the taxpayer. We should show them that the government is not only serious about efficiency, but is smart enough to make the common sense decisions necessary to save taxpayer dollars.”

Ohio Republican Congressional Delegation on Obamacare Repeal Vote

Speaker, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner:



Transcript:

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank all the Members of this body for a spirited, respectful debate on this critical issue. “Both sides of the aisle have very different viewpoints on what government’s role in health care should be. 
“If there is one thing we do agree on, it’s that this health care law needs improvement.  The president himself said as much yesterday. 
“Why does it need improvement?  Just look at the facts.
“Yesterday, 200 economists and experts put out a letter calling ObamaCare ‘a barrier to job growth.’ 
“The letter talks about how employers are struggling to keep up with all the mandates and tax hikes in this law, flooding the job market with additional uncertainty. 
“The one thing the American people wanted out of health care reform was lower costs, which the authors of this law promised, but did not deliver.
“According to these economists – this law will increase spending by $1 trillion dollars – that’s ‘at a minimum’ – and add nearly $1.5 trillion to the deficit.
“So if we agree this law needs improving, why would we keep it on the books?
“Why would we keep one hand tied behind our backs when we’re dealing with near 10 percent unemployment and a $14 trillion debt? 
“If we can do better, then let’s do better. 
“Let me be clear about what repealing this health care law means for families, small businesses, and taxpayers:
“Repeal means preventing more than $770 billion in tax hikes and eliminating all the mandates and penalties so that small businesses can grow and hire new workers.
“Repeal means reducing spending by $540 billion, another step in tackling the massive debt that faces our kids and grandkids.
“Repeal means protecting more than 7 million seniors from losing or being denied the Medicare Advantage coverage they like.
“Repeal means paving the way for better solutions that will lower costs without destroying jobs or bankrupting our government.
“And repeal means keeping a promise.
“This is what we said we would do.  We listened to the people – we made a commitment to them – a pledge to make their priorities our priorities. 
“When you look at the facts…  When you listen to the people…  This is a promise worth keeping.
“Let’s stop payment on this check before it can destroy more jobs and put us in an even deeper hole. 
“Then let’s work together to put in place reforms that lower costs without destroying jobs or bankrupting this government. 
“Let’s challenge ourselves to do better.”

Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06):






Transcript:

Mr. Speaker,

 

Today, we’re debating the repeal of economically damaging legislation that punishes job creators and does nothing to control rising healthcare costs. We can’t afford the $1.2 trillion price tag on the government-takeover of health care while our national debt stands at $14 trillion.

 

Today we can right a serious wrong and still achieve the goals we share, like ensuring access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans, real healthcare reforms that control costs, and ensuring that Americans with pre-existing conditions get the care they need at a price they can afford.

 

In my district in eastern and southeastern Ohio, more than 26,000 senior citizens currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage are at risk of losing this program because of the $200 billion in cuts to Medicare required by the job-destroying healthcare law.

 

Later today, we will vote to repeal government takeover, giving us the opportunity to start over and enact real patient-focused healthcare reforms.

 

I yield back the remainder of my time.

Rep. Bob Gibbs (OH-18):



Statement:

“Today, I voted to repeal the Democrats’ flawed healthcare plan because it does nothing to fix the problem of high cost healthcare in America. Instead, ObamaCare actually raises the cost to consumers by driving up premiums, adding over $700 billion to the deficit, and destroying 1.6 million American jobs. Today we voted to stop this.

“We must reform the healthcare process, but the public has told us time and time again, ‘We don’t like this bill.’ We must replace it with a common-sense plan that will actually lower costs and increase access to more options for quality insurance for every American.

“I believe we should adopt initiatives that would encourage providers to offer higher-quality care at lower costs; reduce the cost pressures that threaten to bankrupt Medicare, Medicaid, states and families; provide meaningful tort reform; allow patients to be in control of their healthcare; include greater flexibility for Health Savings Accounts; and grant consumers portability to carry insurance across state lines.

“ObamaCare’s new taxes, mandates, regulations and government programs are fiscally dangerous at a moment when the United States is already facing a sea of red ink. Today’s repeal cuts $540 billion in government spending and stops $770 billion in job-destroying tax hikes, allowing us to promote job growth and help to restore the federal government to fiscal balance.”

Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05):

“Over the past two years, a majority of Americans have made it clear that they opposed the Democrats’ plan for the government takeover of our nation’s health care system. They opposed the non-transparent process under which it was passed and the policies it produced after being signed into law.

During those same two years, House Republicans promised the American people that one of the first actions we would take with a Republican majority would be to repeal this legislation. Today’s vote did just that, and I was proud to cast my ‘yes’ vote for full repeal.

Now the real work begins as the House makes good on another promise to replace the Democrats’ takeover of our nation’s health care system with meaningful health care reform that Americans actually want. We will obtain public input to accomplish this, which was absent over the past two years. These improved policies will bring health care costs down, remove government intrusion and bureaucracy, and expand access to coverage.

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Health Subcommittee, we have direct jurisdiction over these reforms and I look forward to being a part of this effort.”

OSC Justice Pfieffer Questioning Death Penalty

The guy that the Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee was thrilled to endorse for Supreme Court because he has an R after his name is now questioning whether or not Ohio should keep the death penalty.

Maybe instead of shuffling chairs on this particular deck, the Ohio Republican Party should have been a bit more focused on finding somebody to run against this clown.

Just saying.

BUTLER COUNTY: Shadow Government Update

Michael Pitman has two pieces on the Butler County Shadow Commission that are worth takinga look at...

Here are a few things from the first...

“Dialogue is good, and I decided that it should take place in the open,” he said. “Quite frankly, leaving Commissioner Furmon out of the dialogue may have been wrong.”

-- Commissioner Don Dixon

No, Commissioner, you got caught.  Now we are supposed to believe that you think county business ought to take place out in the open?  Sorry, no sale.  If you actually believed that, you wouldn't have masterminded these talks in the first place.

Carpenter defended the idea of discussing alternatives, saying, “We need creative, innovative administrators.”


-- Commissioner Cindy Carpenter

Yes, but more than that, we need to have full faith in our government restored.  I have no objection to creativity or innovation, but I strenuously object to backroom deals and "good old boy" politics even if the old boy happens to be a woman.

Furmon said he knew nothing of the behind-the-scenes discussions until the day before they were supposed to take place. He said he was “amazed and disappointed.”

County staff “have really worked hard and under adverse circumstances,” Furmon said. “It just seems like a strange way to do business.”

--Commissioner Chuck Furmon

More on Furmon's reactions when we get to the second piece, but I want to reiterate that I don't necessarily oppose the idea that changes need to be made.  I agree with Furmon that the Dixon-Carpneter Shadow Government does seem like a strange way to do business.  Unfortunately, this is the sort of ehtics in government that this county has been sufering from for quite some time.

Now, on to the second article...

The two could legally meet without violating Ohio’s Sunshine Law, because Carpenter had not yet been sworn in as a county commissioner.

I have no problem with them meeting.  I have a problem with them making decisions and interviewing candidates all without the knowledge of their colleague who is -- supposedly -- in the same party as these two.

For me, this comes down to the fact that we do not have a unified front in dealing with the economic mess we find ourselves in because there are too many factions protecting their little fiefdoms at the expense of doing what is right.

So, yeah, legally they could meet...but I think the county would have been better served by doing the right thing.

Dixon put some of the blame for the current state of the county on himself, saying commissioners’ “leadership needs to be a little more pronounced.”

“I think particularly with me. I need to give more direct direction,” Dixon said. “I’m going to work on my style, help them work on their style.”

Oh, boy, where do I start...

A successful commission works as a team.  There is no 'i' in team.  That is a cliche for a reason.  Don't get me wrong, I don't expect commissioners to not have any differences at all, but I don't think it is too much for these people to show each other respect.  More than anything, Dixon could use a healthy does of humility and recognize that he is a part of a team that includes not just the other two commissioners, but the entire administration.

Carpenter defended the decision to discuss alternatives, saying she still believes practices need to change.

“One of the things that we have said in the past few months is we need to fundamentally change the way we do business,” she said.

I would agree with you Cindy, but there is a right way of doing things and you have demonstrated that you are not capable of seeing it.

My biggest fear about Carpenter has been her many connections to former Commissioner Mike Fox.  This move comes right out of the Mike Fox play book.  Is that really what we need in this county?  A replay of Mike Fox politics? I don't think so...

Furmon, who was oblivious to the conversations between Dixon and Carpenter, said Tuesday he wants to work past the closed-door meetings of his two colleagues. It was a much less aggressive stance than he took in an interview with The Cincinnati Enquirer on Sunday, in which he referred to his colleagues’ actions as “the epitome of arrogance.”

Furmon said the county administration has “bent over backwards” to present a 2011 budget. While he’s not happy with the back-room discussions, Furmon said wants to move on.
“I’m hoping to get past this and continue working together and do what’s right for the county,” Furmon told Cox Media Group Ohio.

Take note, Butler County Republicans, who the good guy is in all of this.  In every battle brought Furmon's way, he has taken the high road.  He serves this county with dignity and a moral code that is centered on doing what is right for the county.

But his reaction on Sunday in the Enquirer was right on target: It was the epitome of arrogance.  And while Furmon may wish to move on, I think it does the party and the citizenry as a whole a disservice if we don't remember this treachery down the road.

I have said it before and I will say it again: We can do better.  We have to do better.

DICK Lugar: Moron

Dick Lugar thinks we should bring back the assault weapons ban, in light of the Tucson shooting. HEY DICK, GUESS WHAT? The ammo could still have been bought. You would not have stopped a bloody thing! Moron! Check out the article over at Hot Air.

Three Things Boehner and House GOP Should Not Put Aside

From the Washington Examiner:

First, the decisiveness of that election can never be emphasized enough. Only two years after putting President Obama in the White House and keeping Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in control of the Senate and House, voters rejected Democratic policies and gave Republicans their most massive midterm victory since 1938. Besides putting Republicans back in control of the House, voters also elected 11 new GOP governors and nearly 700 new GOP state legislators, thus giving the party command of the critical redistricting process following the 2010 census. But the depth of the GOP win is mainly a measure of voter rejection of Democratic policies. Republicans are still on probation and will remain there until they deliver what they promised, including repealing and replacing Obamacare, cutting federal spending, deficits and debt, ending oppressive bureaucratic regulation, and restoring economic growth and opportunity.

Republicans cannot take the electorate for granted as the class of 1994 crew and subsequent GOP controlled Congresses did.

Second, it was the genius of the Founders to devise a republican form of government that divides power vertically and horizontally among federal, state and local authorities, thus forcing competing interests to compromise. But there are two forms of compromise: the genuine kind, in which government is moved in the direction dictated by the voters, and the faux kind favored by Democrats and their liberal allies in the mainstream media. The latter is characterized by merely slowing the pace at which Democrats continue to do the very things voters emphatically rejected last November. For example, a budget agreement that reduces the rate of federal spending growth from 10 percent to 5 percent is not really a compromise, it's passive resistance to voters. A genuine budget agreement would actually reduce federal spending by 5 percent.

Don't be bamboozled by those who scream about compromise and going along to get along. The line needs to be drawn here. And forget what the morons say about "civility." That is just another code word for shut up and let's just spend more money.

House Republicans should heed the advice of
Examiner columnist Hugh Hewitt: "House Speaker John Boehner needs to start talking now about the 'selective shutdown' of the federal government that is ahead if the president refuses to listen to the verdict of the voters rendered decisively in November." If confrontation and the threat of a government shutdown are all but inevitable, then Republicans must begin now defining what that means for the public. House Republicans must, according to Hewitt, "reassure Americans and especially senior citizens [in advance] that they have provided the Senate with the bills necessary to fund Social Security, Medicare and defense, but that the president is holding these appropriations hostage in order to defend Obamacare, the bureaucrats at EPA and the left-wing broadcasters at NPR."

It is not often I care or really pay attention to what Hugh Hewitt (you know, the guy who sided with hack Arlen Spector instead of Pat Toomey)has to say, but he is right. Even now, the GOP needs to be getting the message out that it will be the Democrats who will be making grandma eat dogfood, or taking away Jr.'s school lunch, for the sake of the SEIU and other unions and hacks. That message should be trumpeted and repeated day in and out, so we can frame the debate and not get caught in the "republicans hate poor people" meme.

Bubp on the Budget...and Other Issues

My representative to the Ohio Statehouse, and a great American, Colonel Danny Bubp (who should spend more time calling into the TIB All Star Show than Eric Deters Show, I'm just sayin'), spoke to the Brown County Press recently about the new state government and the rough year ahead:

State Representative Danny Bubp (R-West Union) says "double digit" cuts are coming to the budget for Ohio.

Bubp said he could not be more specific at this time, but added that the state of Ohio was looking at a budget deficit of eight to ten Billion dollars, approaching twenty percent of the total budget, and that cuts were unavoidable.
Bubp said "the people spoke loud and clear on Nov. 2 that they want change in Ohio" and that current spending levels are "putting the future of all Ohioans in jeopardy and we cannot do that."

Bubp acknowledges that the spending cuts being proposed will affect nearly every person in the state and likens the coming cuts to taking medicine.

"The medicine might not taste good, but it's necessary to nurse the patient, in this case the state budget, back to health."

He said that the Republicans, who control the State House and Senate chambers and the Governors Office, would be working to create jobs and "put out a welcome sign for businesses" in Ohio.

Bubp said he was already working on a couple of bills in the first full week of the 2011 Legislative Session.

Rep. Bubp also has some bills he is working on, as well as some committee assignments under the new Speaker of the Ohio House Bill Batchelder:

Bubp was appointed last week by Ohio House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) to serve as chairman of the House Judiciary and Ethics Committee during the 129th General Assembly. In addition, he will serve on the Veteran's Affairs and Criminal Justice committees.Bubp said he was already working on a couple of bills in the first full week of the 2011 Legislative Session.

"We're working on crystallizing and improving our concealed carry law to protect the second amendment rights of our citizens", Bubp said.

He also said he was working with Rep. Dr. Terry Johnson of the Portsmouth area on legislation to fight painkiller "pill mills" in Ohio.

"These pill mills are responsible for far too many drug deaths in our state", Bubp said.

"We have to work to make sure doctors and law enforcement are on the same page to keep these pills off the street."

One solution Bubp discussed is to make better use of a statewide reporting system so doctors, pharmacies and law enforcement agencies can spot patterns of prescription drug abuse.

Regarding his appointment, Bubp said "I'm deeply honored to have been appointed by Speaker Batchelder to serve as chairman of the Judiciary and Ethics Committee."

"I will continue to seek pragmatic solutions to the concerns of our community and help create jobs for our state."

Rep. Bubp is rumored to be considering running for the Ohio Senate seat currently occupied by the term limited (and retroactively tax raising) Tom Niehaus. Bubp's Republican primary opponent will likely be fellow State Rep. Joe Uecker. Both Uecker and Bubp are term limited in the statehouse at the close of this next term.

Another Lib Senator Will be Cutting but not Running in 2012

Seeing the writing on the wall, Senator Kent Conrad (Democratic Socialist lite, ND) announced he will not be running for another term in 2012. Making it sound like he is some type of grand statesman, here is what Conrad said:

"After months of consideration, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2012. There are serious challenges facing our State and nation, like a $14 trillion debt and America's dependence on foreign oil. It is more important I spend my time and energy trying to solve these problems than to be distracted by a campaign for reelection.

Translation: I fear having the crap kicked out of me by the Tea Party next year. This is especially true since you consider that conservatives mopped up the floor with democrats in the state this past year.

Reagan v. Reagan: I Stand with Mike, Ron Jr. Got Facts Wrong

Well, to paraphrase the Great Communicator, "there you go again." Ron Reagan, Jr., indeed, has been a horrible keeper of the Reagan flame and has done almost everything in his power to embarrass his father. Even in death, Ron has to try to make his father to be a senile president, with accusations in his latest book, brought out this year to make money on his father's legacy since this would have been President Reagan's 100th birthday. Check out this video where the truth finally catches up to Ron and he realizes he got facts wrong, kind of like his entire life.

Ron makes charges about his father's last term and Reagan not being "with it." Gee, let's see: we had Soviet negotiations, we had Iran-Contra, we had all sorts of fires needing to be put out. On the day he "observed" his father, maybe President Reagan was tired. It is disgusting that Ron Jr. has made nothing of his life except being a caster of stones on the enduring legacy of Ronald W. Reagan, 40th President. Isn't it something that the son who has no Reagan DNA, Michael, is the most like his father. Says something about nature vs. nurture.

GUEST COLUMN: "Getting To Work for You" by Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH-06)

By: Congressman Bill Johnson

“We, the People …”
These words established a nation that stands together in times of great celebration and great sadness. We came together as a nation recently when we learned of the deadly shooting in Arizona that took innocent lives and left a Member of Congress and others grievously wounded. We came together to pray, to hope and to try to make sense of this seemingly senseless tragedy.
I strongly condemn this senseless action and encourage all Americans to stand together and do the same; there is no place for this violence in our society or in our politics. Our political system is an open one, one where people are free to debate ideas and that will not change because of one heinous act. What brings us together as Americans is far greater than anything that divides us.
The politicizing of this event is both shameful and morally irresponsible and I find it sad that some people are using this tragedy to try and score political points. It is not right to blame any group of people for the acts of an obviously troubled and disturbed individual.
Instead, this is a time that all Americans should rally around Representative Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, and the other victims of the Tucson shooting in a show of solidarity of everything that is great about America. I join my colleagues and the rest of the country in wishing Representative Giffords a speedy, full recovery, and I pray for the other innocent Americans who tragically lost their lives or were wounded.
It is important that you know that the actions of one person will not prevent me from engaging and reaching out to all corners of the 6th Congressional District. I was elected to represent everyone in the 6th Congressional District, and that is what I will do. Above all, that is my most important job – making sure that your voice is heard in Washington. I will be listening to hear your concerns on the issues we are all facing, and the recent incident in Tucson will not deter me from doing that. And I’m looking forward to getting to work on my committees, the Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, and Veterans. My position on these committees will allow me to fight and advocate for the District.
As I mentioned in last week’s column, we will be holding townhall events throughout the region in the upcoming weeks and months. Details will be forthcoming. I would encourage you to attend one of these events so I can hear what is on your mind. I was fortunate to meet many of you over the last year, and I’d like to get to know many more of you. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 202-225-5705 if I can be of service to you.

I was honored and humbled to be sworn in on January 5th and have the privilege of working on your behalf. I won’t forget that I work for you, and nothing will stop me from doing the important work of the people of the 6th District.

Kasich Appoints New Members to the State Board of Education

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John Kasich named five new members to the State Board of Education. All appointments are effective immediately.



C. Todd Jones of New Albany, Ohio has been appointed to fill a vacated seat for a term beginning 1/1/2009 and ending on 12/31/2012.


Tess Elshoff of New Knoxville, Ohio has been appointed as a new member for a term beginning 1/1/2011 and ending on 12/31/2014.


Joseph L. Farmer of Baltimore, Ohio has been appointed as a new member for a term beginning 1/1/2011 and ending on 12/31/2014.


Thomas W. Gunlock of Centerville, Ohio has been appointed as a new member for a term beginning 1/1/2011 and ending on 12/31/2014.


Dr. Dennis Shelton of Delaware, Ohio has been appointed as a new member for a term beginning 1/1/2011 and ending on 12/31/2014.

True Colors: Scott Brown

Scott Brown has shown more in common with an unthinking underwear model than a Tea Party Conservative as of late, and his latest idiotarian statements show that he will now go onto the RINO watchlist, rather than be cheered as a Tea party stalwart:

U.S. Sen. Scott Brown said this morning he’ll take part in the bipartisan seating at President Obama’s State of the Union address, urging that people need to move past the “itty-bitty letter” signifying he’s a Republican at the end of his name.

“I’ll sit where ever they put me. I don’t care,” Brown said at the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast in Boston. “That’s the type of attitude we need to have not only in Washington but here in our local political system where people need to forget about the little itty-bitty letter behind my name and other people’s names and just kind of get going and get our jobs going and do what’s best for this state and this country.”

No, it is this type of compromising, mamby pamby pandering nonsense that got our country into so much trouble in the first place. Stand for something, Dolt!

Rhetoricgate: So Can I Blame Dupnick and Schultz and Olbermann for This One?

Even as more and more comes out to show that Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, the Tea Party, and Conservative media had zero to no influence or place in the Tucson assassin's life, we now see what happens when overzealous liberals with a political ax to grind speak out and hurl libelous accusations at a whole group of people. Liberal attacks incite people to violence. Where is the outrage over this:

A Tucson mass shooting victim was taken into custody Saturday after yelling "you're dead" at a Tea Party spokesman during the taping of an ABC-TV town hall event hosted by Christianne Amanpour.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office said J. Eric Fuller, 63, was involuntarily committed to an undisclosed medical facility, NBC News reported. The Associated Press said he was undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.

He faces charges of threats and intimidation and disorderly conduct, according to Tucson TV station KGUN.KGUN reported that Fuller took exception to comments by Republican state Rep. Terri Proud and Tucson Tea Party spokesman Trent Humphries.

Fuller was in the front row and apparently became upset when Humphries suggested that any conversations about gun control should be delayed until all the dead were buried, KGUN reported.
Fuller took a picture of Humphries and shouted, “You’re dead.”

Some media reports said Fuller kept booing and making other remarks before deputies escorted him from the church.

Liberals need to stop all this hatespeech and blame. Their level of discourse needs to be brought into line. For the sake of civility, please tone it down, libs, your comments threaten the lives of Americans. Of course, if I had to sit in a room with that idiotarian hack Armanpour, I would be a little nuts, too.

Again, this shows that there is more evidence to support liberal influence to violence than conservative, and shows the disgusting attempts to politicize a tragedy by sore losers in the liberal intelligentsia who don't care about the victims other than ratings and political traction. The fact that the Left continues this idiocy and that the college morons were cheering and whooping it up at a memorial service shows the lack of understanding and compassion by the Left.

Health Care: Brits Seeking to Cut Red Tape, Look to Americanize

The British are more and more realizing that socialized medicine is not the answer. From ABC News:

The British leader, whose Conservative Party heads the country's coalition government, said he would save money and cut red tape by giving control over management to family practitioners rather than bureaucrats, and allow private companies, charities and social enterprises to bid for contracts within the public health service.

Lib critics are screaming about the devil of privatization, but why is it a devil? Especially when bureaucrats are killing the populace with stupid decisions. Back to the story:

In a speech outlining the government's plans to overhaul public services, Cameron promised to get rid of "topdown, command-and-control bureaucracy and targets." He said that with an aging population and growing demand for new medical treatments, "pretending that there is some easy option of sticking with the status quo and hoping that a little bit of extra money will smooth over the challenges is a complete fiction."

Well, they get that right. However, the Brits don't realize their system is a disaster. Even Cameron says it is a great service, even as people wait months for necessary treatments or are denied because of some faceless board that makes decisions. Also, the brits don't understand competition with statements like this from doctors:

The letter said increasing internal competition meant that "with scarce resources there is a serious danger that the focus will be on cost, not quality."

Uh, no. Competition decreases costs and raises quality. If your doctor stinks, you can go to another who may be a better doctor. Likewise, you can find a doctor that is cheaper and has better service. While this is a good sign for the Brits and yet another indictment of the concept of Obamacare, the Brits still have a long way to go in straightening out their system.

BUTLER COUNTY: Scheming Commissioners and Scheme They ALMOST Got Away With

As any regular reader will tell you, I'm all about making some changes here in Butler County.  But if you have spent any time here at all, you would also know that I believe in transparency in government.  What Commissioners Don Dixon and Cindy Carpenter plotted to do behind closed doors is a travesty and it won't be forgotten.

According to the Enquirer story, Dixon and Carpenter planned to replace a significant number of personnel in county administration with cronies of their own without the knowledge of fellow Commissioner Chuck Furmon.  I expect this sort of chicanery from Dixon, but had been holding out hope that Carpenter might be different.  I guess the Jeff Wyrick Incident should have been a clue...

So what happened to this grand plan?  Apparently, according to the Enquirer story at least, Dixon grew a conscience or something.

What I really don't understand is how these two supposedly intelligent people think that they could do this sort of thing and not have the story get out.  How many people did they interview?  How many staffers were involved?  These two can't even run a simple coup without getting caught.  I am not impressed by the level of competence on display by our villains in this caper.

There is a right way to do business in government and so far Butler County hasn't seen it...at least, not for a long, long time.

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New Ohio EPA Director Scott Nally Signs First Permit, Ends 20-Month Backlog for Eastern Ohio Employer

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today at a signing ceremony attended by Gov. John Kasich, Ohio EPA Director Scott Nally signed his first agency permit, ending a 20-month bureaucratic backlog for an energy facility in Mingo Junction, Jefferson County. Nally was sworn in as director on Monday.

“Ohio companies cannot afford to wait 20 months for a single permit from a government agency,” said Kasich. “It is unacceptable that permitting processes such as this have been dragged out for nearly two years. We must reform our systems, particularly within the EPA, to ensure companies will push toward innovation without hesitation or uncertainty. The sooner our businesses and entrepreneurs are able to focus on succeeding rather than on paperwork and bureaucracy, the better off we’ll all be.”
Dir. Nally cited improved, hands-on communications as a reason for the successful processing. Said Nally, “For 20 months, the Mingo Junction Energy Center has been navigating the permit process within the EPA in an attempt to utilize the plant’s resources in the most energy efficient way. After just a few days in office, our team resolved this nearly two-year long saga by simply using direct, clear communication between the agency and the company’s leaders.”
Mingo Junction Energy Center (MJEC) located in eastern Ohio is a blast furnace gas fueled cogeneration facility that supplies steam and electricity to Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation's facilities. By allowing the company to capture and recycle waste gas that would otherwise be flared off, the permit will provide for an overall reduction in emissions.

PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT: Becker to Appear on TIB All Stars Show

State Central Committeeman and candidate for the Ohio House, John Becker, will be our guest on next week's TIB All-Stars Show.

We will be talking national, state, and local politics with John on January 21st starting at 6PM.

Have a question for John?  Email the show (wmdtvmatt-at-yahoo-dot-com), participate in the LiveBlog, or call in on the new and improved SkypeLine (513-CLUB-TIB or 513-258-2842 -- long distance rates may apply -- FREE to Skypers @ tib.network)

BUTLER COUNTY: Auditor’s Office Putting Efficiency to Work in Online Dog Tag Sales

Release:

 Internet sales have jumped in popularity in just three years 

HAMILTON, Ohio – The Butler County Auditor’s Office began selling dog tags over the Internet in 2009. Of the 38,294 tags sold that year, 6,354 were online sales. In just six weeks of the 2011 tag year, the Auditor’s Office has already sold more than 7,100 online.
“It speaks to the efficiency of the office,” says Consumer Services Director Tom Kamphaus. “We have been putting the word out regarding online sales, and it helps our office save time and money. Besides, it is more convenient to the customer.”
When county dog owners buy tags online it means county office workers put less hours into data entry and opening mail. It also means less postage costs and envelope usage for consumers, providing an “everyone wins” scenario.
County Auditor Roger Reynolds’ conservative philosophy is felt when it comes to technology and efficiency. “Our office is constantly utilizing technology to make things run more effectively. At a time when we are looking at ways to trim our budget and save taxpayers money, any way we can save time on the county end and save money on the consumer end is a double bonus for county residents.” Auditor Reynolds observes.
The Consumer Services Division routinely mails out renewal notices every year to dog owners. When a renewal is performed online, the owner’s e-mail is captured. Thus, the renewal will be sent via e-mail the next year, saving postage. “The more we sell online, the more postage we save taxpayers at the county level and at their home.” Reynolds says. “That is why we are serious in getting out the word regarding online sales.”
Besides efficiency, cost savings and convenience, online sales also eliminate mail mistakes and lessen possible input errors. And the online procedure is very secure, Kamphaus notes. “It actually is more secure online than sending your check in the mail.”
Reynolds’ office has been using technology in many ways – from the GIS department mapping system to the county payroll department – to make the county run more smoothly, safely and cost-efficiently. Auditor Reynolds, who has slashed his budget back to 2000 levels, is determined to keep his office running strong but keep the budget down. “In these tough economic times, we need to be creative to deliver the same services in the least expensive way. Technology can be a key.”

Plain-Dealer's Hit Piece on Jordan

So a guy who has previously turned down invitations to CPAC turns down a request for this years event and suddenly the Plain Dealer thinks they have a gotcha story.  This might be a real story if Rep. Jim Jordan was a regular attendee of the conference, but he isn't. 

This is journalistic malpractice via guilt by association tactics designed to protect Connie Schultz's husband: Senator Sherrod Brown.  While Brown gets a mention, once again the Plain Dealer fails to disclose their own connection to him.  This is nothing more than an in-kind contribution to the Brown campaign.

Objectivity?  What objectivity???

BUTLER COUNTY: MetroParks NOT "Cheated" by Budget

So, Butler County Commissioners unanimously adopted a budget.  That's great.  And while the cuts in that budget are likely to hurt in the short term, it was the only reasonable and responsible thing to do.  I congratulate Chuck Furmon, Don Dixon, and Cindy Carpenter on doing the right thing and not kicking the can further down the road.

That said, I also have to take issue with this piece which quotes "resident" Lisa Wall saying that the commissioners "cheated" MetroParks.  MetroParks problem is the sole responsibility of their board of directors who apparently have been living under a rock in one of their closed parks and didn't realize that this county and this state is in a bit of fiscal bind.  By assuming that county funding would remain during a recession was foolish and lacking appropriate stewardship which is not the commissions fault at all.

If I read this right...

The county annually pays the parks district, which is not under county control, a stipend from the property transfer fees that would have been $400,200.

...the county is under absolutely no obligation to provide funding to MetroParks at all.  This is the sort of wacky thinking that leads to $4300 expenditures for 10 days worth of forms in the Clerk of Courts office.  Government, at all levels, has to tighten their belts and get back to the basics of providing essential services which are required and that is it.

We aren't out of this mess yet...

REMINDER: TIB All Stars Show Returns Tomorrow Night

This time tomorrow night, the TIB All Stars Show will be back on the air at 6PM on TIB Radio.

Join Tom Blumer of BizzyBlog.com, Mark G. and Matt Hurley of WMD as they discuss the news of the day and all the stuff that has happened on the hiatus.

Looking ahead, the TIB Radio Network is proud to announce that John Becker of BeckerGOP.com will be our guest on January 21st on the TIB All-Stars Show.

Kasich Appoints Directors of Depts. of Aging and Health, the Office of Medicaid and Office of Health Transformation

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John Kasich named new directors to lead the departments of Aging and Health, as well as the Office of Ohio Health Plans (Medicaid).

In addition, Kasich signed an Executive Order establishing the Governor’s Office of Health Transformation (OHT) and named Greg Moody to be its director. Together with the state health and human services agencies (Aging, Health, ODADAS, Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, ODJFS), as well as the Office of Budget and Management and the Department of Administrative Services, the new office will lead the effort to modernize the state’s fragmented Medicaid program and implement cost-containment strategies. OHT will also draw upon public and private sector best practices to improve Medicaid’s overall performance.
Dr. Theodore (Ted) Wymyslo, Director of the Ohio Department of Health
Wymyslo has 30 years of experience in primary care as a practicing family physician, educator and administrator. Most recently, he has been a strong advocate for implementing the patient-centered medical home model of care in Ohio. Wymyslo previously served as the Program Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at the Miami Valley Hospital for 18 years. He received his M.D. from The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Dr. Bonnie Kantor-Burman, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging

Kantor-Burman is a national leader in aging policy. Since 2007, she has served as the Executive Director of Pioneer Network, a national center dedicated to the development of consumer-directed, long-term care delivery systems that are high quality and cost effective. Before taking this national position, she was the Director of the Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology at the Ohio State University Health Sciences Center for more than 15 years. She has a Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
John McCarthy, Director of the Office of Ohio Health Plans (Medicaid)
McCarthy is currently the Medicaid director in the District of Columbia. His “emergency” Medicaid management experience gained in D.C. puts him in a strong position to accomplish much of what needs to be done in Ohio, such as building a stronger working relationship among all the state agencies that provide Medicaid services and improving quality and value. McCarthy has previously worked with ODJFS and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities on a number of Medicaid redesign projects and is familiar with Ohio and its structure. McCarthy earned his master’s of Public Affairs from Indiana University School of Public Affairs.
Greg Moody, Director of the Governor’s Office of Health Transformation
Moody’s expertise includes work with both private and public sector health systems and he has 20 years of experience working with Medicaid program design and cost containment. Since 2004, Moody has been a senior consultant at Health Management Associates, Inc. where he has provided health research and consulting services to health care providers and advocacy organizations nationwide. He formerly served as Executive Assistant for Health and Human Services under Governor Bob Taft, and began his public service career in 1991 as a budget associate on then-U.S. Rep. John Kasich’s House Budget Committee. Moody has a master’s degree in philosophy and health policy from George Washington University.

BUTLER COUNTY: Swain Wins Clerk of Courts

So...the Butler County Republican Party chose Mary Swain to be the next Clerk of Courts by a mere ten votes.

First of all, congrats to Mary..

But, what does all of this really mean?

On one hand, I hope that this means we have moved the ball a little farther down the field when it comes to the elimination of nepotism.  Here is how I define it: "favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those with power or influence."  And Butler County has been lousy with it.

Granted, an argument could be said that Mary Swain has her own close friends in power that helped her pull it out, but I think that Wyrick's usage of the office and title demonstrated the sort of role nepotism has been playing in our county far more than Swain's campaign did.

But the real scre, for me, is just how close this vote was.  This shows that the real power in the party still rests with the Central Committee and that in order for the powers that be to continue their nonsense, they will still have to secure the favor of a majority of that group.  There is still great hope that real reform can come to Butler County without throwing away the Republican stronghold that so many has struggled to build and maintain here.

We still have a LONG way to go...but this feels like a win to me.