ORP Sticking to Guns on Martin

As I said on Facebook, there are plenty of reasons to loathe the Ohio Republican Party.  This, however, is NOT one of them.

Kudos to the Chairman and the ORP team.

Jarrod Martin Update: Kevin DeWine Calls for Resignation

Jarrod Martin, state representative, has chosen to try and stick it out after his drunken escapades have been made public. The Dayton Daily News has a piece up with Martin's doubling down. Let's start with what he has to say:

“I am not resigning,” Martin said Tuesday. “With all due respect to the party leaders, I don’t answer to them. My constituents are the ones who voted me in.

“That’s one of the reasons we have elections every two years. If they want to vote me out next year, then so be it. I’ve never quit anything in my life, and I don’t plan to start now.”

They don't have elections every two years because some state representative might have problems with the drinky. They hold elections every two years to hold state representatives accountable for the legislative accomplishments.

Speaker Batchelder's spokesman:

“Given the circumstances surrounding the multiple incidents, he believes it would be in the best interest of his family and the (House Republican) caucus if Rep. Martin were to resign,” said Batchelder spokesman Mike Dittoe.

Dittoe was called to "rescue" Martin in a previous episode...

ORP Chairman Kevin Dewine issued a statement as well:

“His behavior is unbecoming of an elected official and the right thing for him to do is to resign,” said DeWine, who used to hold the seat now occupied by Martin. He said he had been silent until now because he wanted to give Martin the chance to “do the right thing” on his own.

This is zero tolerance. I applaud the chairman for finally speaking on this issue and I hope that his message is one that resonates with the entire party. Embarrassing misconduct ought not acceptable just because we share the same political affiliation.

Again, I hope and pray that Rep. Martin gets the help he so clearly needs.

The Ohio Fraternity House of Representatives

Your Delta Tau Chi name is Fishy...as in drinks like a.....

The more I hear about St. Rep. Jarrod Martin and his history with alcohol, the less convinced I am that his recent legal troubles aren't something we shouldn't concern ourselves.  The latest revelation regarding Martin is that last year, he was found in a very intoxicated state slumped over his vehicle in the statehouse parking garage.

I'm going to ask this question once again: Does ANYBODY still think it is a good idea to install a BAR at the state house?

Speaker Batchelder had better get his house in order quickly...and Chairman Kevin DeWine ought to take another look at the Zero Tolerance Policy too.  The rank and file are counting on the leaders of the party to do what they need to do to eliminate these kinds of problems.  We've tried sweeping things under a rug and hoping they will go away...that method only makes our problems worse.  Get out in front of this fiasco and actually Lead Ohio as you promised to do.

Patience with this nonsense is wearing thin...

Sweet Mother of All Things Sacred and Holy!!!

&)*%#$#$%))(*(_+)(*&^%$##!#$%^&*&)_)*+(*^^$%$##@#!&^*&()()_&&^$$%@#^%&+)*+&

For the second time in a week, I will ask...  WTH is wrong with Ohio Republican office holders?

Another state representative with OVI rap to beat...  That's just what we need.  Could you guys at least try not to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? 

At least it sounds like there may be a defense in the works for Jarrod Martin; but if he was actually under the influence, I want him gone.  (SIDEBAR: At least he wasn't returning from the State Dinner, no THAT would have been embarrassing...)

And while we're on the subject, if Kris Jordan actuall laid a hand on his wife, I want him outta here too.

THIS is why a Zero Tolerance Policy should have teeth...because when it doesn't, the Children run amok.

UPDATE: Anybody STILL think having a BAR at the statehouse is a good idea??? Anyone?????

Gov. Kasich Signs House Bill 121 – Child Custody For Military Parents

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich signed House Bill 121 (Rosenberger), legislation that protects members of the military reserves from prejudice in custody proceedings if they choose to serve their country. This legislation received unanimous support in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly and is effective immediately. Gov. Kasich was joined for the bill signing by bill sponsor Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, Rep. Jarrod Martin, Sen. Kris Jordan, and Director of Veterans’ Services Col. Tom Moe.

With the passage of HB 121, courts may no longer find that past, present, or possible future active military service is considered a change in circumstances that justifies modifying existing custody orders. The bill also allows military parents with court-ordered visitation rights to delegate these rights to a relative or other person with a substantial relationship with the child, and requires that the other parent facilitate contact between the child and military parent when that parent is on active duty. While the legislation protects the rights of parents in the armed forces, it also ensures the rights of the child’s other parent by requiring the service member seeking a temporary parenting time order to notify the child's other parent and apply to the court as soon as reasonably possible.

Ohio House Forms Small Business Caucus

Release:

COLUMBUS—Yesterday marked the first meeting of the Ohio House of Representatives’ Small Business Caucus, which consists of House members who are small business owners and would like to come together to make Ohio’s small businesses a priority in this legislature.

 

The caucus is co-chaired by Representative John Adams (R-Sidney) and Representative Peter Beck (R-Mason). The first meeting of the caucus was hosted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), which provided a brief presentation on solutions for small business and Ohio’s economy.

 

In addition to Reps. Beck and Adams, the members of the Ohio House who attended the first meeting of the Small Business Caucus were Representatives Nan Baker (R-Westlake), Jim Buchy (R-Greenville), Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.), Jay Goyal (D-Mansfield), Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), Andy Thompson (R-Marietta), Jarrod Martin (R-Beavercreek), and Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon).

 

“As a small business owner myself, I see firsthand the importance of small businesses to the economic growth of the state of Ohio,” said Rep. Beck. “The Small Business Caucus within the Ohio House will help bring unique perspectives from legislators who are small business owners across the state to make Ohio more prosperous and business-friendly.”

 

“This was a great opportunity for House members with small business experience to come together and discuss how to boost Ohio’s entrepreneurial spirit,” Rep. Adams said. “My experiences as a small business owner have given me a clearer understanding of how Ohio’s economy is based on the ability of our small businesses to create jobs and invest in our communities.”

 

Two-thirds of the net new jobs in the U.S. annually are from the creation of small businesses. Promoting small business growth in the state of Ohio is key to the economic prosperity of the state, and the Small Business Caucus is a great way to start the dialogue between legislators on how to do so.

Martin and Bubp Offer Resolution Urging Congress to Support Continuation of F-35 Production

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Jarrod B. Martin (R-Beavercreek) and Danny Bubp (R-West Union), along with 10 co-sponsors, have offered a resolution urging Congress to support the full funding and production of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. 

 

“As the state representative of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, I feel it is necessary to ensure that our Congressional delegation understands how important the F-35 is to the safety of our troops, as well as to the economy of our state,” said Representative Martin.  

 

The United States has been investing in the production of the F-35 for more than a decade.  This fifth-generation multi-task stealth aircraft is needed to replace our current air fleet, which has been flying for nearly 30 years and cannot be retrofitted with the technology of the F-35.  The capabilities of newer generation aircraft will provide military men and women with the unmatched situational awareness and integrated weapons systems, air-to-air combat superiority, and ground-to-air superiority. 

 

The full funding and production of the F-35 not only provides our military with the best equipment and technology to ensure successful missions, but it also plays a key role in Ohio’s economy.  Currently, 46 Ohio manufacturers contribute to the production of parts for the Joint Strike Fighter, and nearly 4,400 skilled Ohioans are employed producing this technology. The Joint Strike Fighter program has nearly a $400 million economic impact on this state.

 

“In this unpredictable world, we need to ensure that we do everything we can to equip our troops and stabilize our economy. The full funding and production of the F-35 plays a vital role in this mission.  I hope Congress will hear our message,” said Representative Martin.