10 TV: After serving five years as a Franklin County Commissioner, Paula Brooks announced Wednesday that she will run for Congress. Brooks, a Democrat, will challenge Republican Pat Tiberi in the 12th District…
Brooks said she would focus her campaign on energy independence that will help bring new jobs to the area. She said her service as a county commissioner has shown her ability to create jobs. "Opening that new Huntington Ballpark was a regional benefit," she said. "We built tourism in the central Ohio region from $5 billion in 2005 to $7 billion today."
Brooks, a lawyer, has also served in state government. She was formally an investigator in Ohio's Attorney General's Office, and served as director of the Department of Administrative Service.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Strickland Bets On Budget Solution
10 TV: After years of opposition to the expansion of gambling, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has announced a plan for slots machines at seven horse racing tracks as a way to help balance the budget. Strickland, a Democrat, said Friday that the move would provide $765 million for the two-year budget that starts July 1.
"This has been a difficult choice for me but I believe it is a necessary one," Strickland said. "It is contrary to what I ever thought I would have to do. But still, after looking at all of the options presented to me and the legislature, I have concluded that this is the best option to meet our balanced budget obligation."
Lawmakers have struggled to fill a gap of roughly $3.2 billion in the spending plan. The slots proposal would not go before state voters, who have rejected gambling proposals four times in the past 20 years.
The governor also suggests cuts of $2.43 billion, sparing a plan to continue tuition freezes at state colleges and universities as well as investments in education. An Ohio Poll conducted in April found that six in 10 Ohio voters favor casino-style gambling.
"This has been a difficult choice for me but I believe it is a necessary one," Strickland said. "It is contrary to what I ever thought I would have to do. But still, after looking at all of the options presented to me and the legislature, I have concluded that this is the best option to meet our balanced budget obligation."
Lawmakers have struggled to fill a gap of roughly $3.2 billion in the spending plan. The slots proposal would not go before state voters, who have rejected gambling proposals four times in the past 20 years.
The governor also suggests cuts of $2.43 billion, sparing a plan to continue tuition freezes at state colleges and universities as well as investments in education. An Ohio Poll conducted in April found that six in 10 Ohio voters favor casino-style gambling.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Dann Done With $1,000 Fine
10 TV: Former Attorney General Marc Dann, accused of wrongly using campaign funds, has reached a tentative agreement with the state that will result in a $1,000 fine and the dismissal of all but one remaining charge in the case.
According to a copy of the agreement obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, Dann's campaign will acknowledge that his use of campaign funds to pay for a trip to San Francisco for his family were in violation of state law. The state will acknowledge that Dann has already refunded some of the money and didn't intentionally break the law.
By agreement, Dann and his campaign will pay a $1,000 fine. The commission accepted the agreement Thursday and the fine was imposed. The agreement was negotiated over the past two weeks. It reflects that the commission has already found Dann in violation of election law for using campaign funds for installation of a security system at his Youngstown home and for personal use of a cell phone.
On those two violations, the 7-member panel voted not to refer Dann to prosecutors. Dann stepped down a year ago amid a sexual harassment scandal at his office. A top aide, Anthony Gutierrez, faces a 10-count indictment alleging he committed felony theft in office and used a state computer system to transmit fraudulent workers' compensation documents.
According to a copy of the agreement obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, Dann's campaign will acknowledge that his use of campaign funds to pay for a trip to San Francisco for his family were in violation of state law. The state will acknowledge that Dann has already refunded some of the money and didn't intentionally break the law.
By agreement, Dann and his campaign will pay a $1,000 fine. The commission accepted the agreement Thursday and the fine was imposed. The agreement was negotiated over the past two weeks. It reflects that the commission has already found Dann in violation of election law for using campaign funds for installation of a security system at his Youngstown home and for personal use of a cell phone.
On those two violations, the 7-member panel voted not to refer Dann to prosecutors. Dann stepped down a year ago amid a sexual harassment scandal at his office. A top aide, Anthony Gutierrez, faces a 10-count indictment alleging he committed felony theft in office and used a state computer system to transmit fraudulent workers' compensation documents.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Dann Disciple Pleads Not Guilty
NBC 4: A onetime top aide to former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann pleaded not guilty to 10 criminal charges Monday and was bonded. Anthony Gutierrez surrendered himself to authorities Monday morning and was arraigned in Franklin County court.
Anthony Gutierrez, who was in the center of a sexual-harassment scandal in the Ohio Attorney General’s office, was indicted on 10 criminal charges Thursday, May 14. The grand jury’s charges included one count of theft in office, two counts of unauthorized use of property, two counts of receiving improper compensation, one count of prohibited election activities, one count of filing a false statement and three counts of worker’s compensation fraud.
Gutierrez allegedly used state equipment and employees to operate his construction business on state time. It was alleged he received extra compensation in the form of rent and utilities at both a Dublin condo and a Victorian Village residence.
Gutierrez also was accused of under-reporting the number of employees at his company to avoid paying premiums. Gutierrez agreed to turn himself in Monday and to make an appearance in court. He turned himself into authorities close to 10:45 a.m. and made no comment to the media. He pleaded not guilty to the 10 charges and was given a $100,000 bond. The bond included a $10,0000 appearance bond and a $90,0000 recognizance bond.
Gutierrez, 50, faces six felonies, as much as eight years in custody and $19,000 in fines. “He has, I would say, to date cooperated with the investigation and for that reason, we will not request that a bond be set such that would keep him in confinement. So I expect him and his lawyer to surrender on Monday,” Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said last week.
Gutierrez was the central figure in a pair of sexual-harassment complaints by two female employees of Dann’s office that ultimately resulted in Dann’s resignation in May 2008. Gutierrez was fired in May 2008 after an internal investigation concluded he violated the office’s sexual harassment policy.
Dann, a Democrat, later resigned and admitted that he had an extramarital affair with an employee. He was elected in 2006 on an anti-corruption platform. O’Brien said the investigation is not complete and others could be charged. He would not comment on names. O’Brien did not comment on the status of Dann or Leo Jennings, another former aid to Dann. It was thought at one point Gutierrez may work out a plea deal, but O’Brien did not comment on what possibly derailed those negotiations.
Anthony Gutierrez, who was in the center of a sexual-harassment scandal in the Ohio Attorney General’s office, was indicted on 10 criminal charges Thursday, May 14. The grand jury’s charges included one count of theft in office, two counts of unauthorized use of property, two counts of receiving improper compensation, one count of prohibited election activities, one count of filing a false statement and three counts of worker’s compensation fraud.
Gutierrez allegedly used state equipment and employees to operate his construction business on state time. It was alleged he received extra compensation in the form of rent and utilities at both a Dublin condo and a Victorian Village residence.
Gutierrez also was accused of under-reporting the number of employees at his company to avoid paying premiums. Gutierrez agreed to turn himself in Monday and to make an appearance in court. He turned himself into authorities close to 10:45 a.m. and made no comment to the media. He pleaded not guilty to the 10 charges and was given a $100,000 bond. The bond included a $10,0000 appearance bond and a $90,0000 recognizance bond.
Gutierrez, 50, faces six felonies, as much as eight years in custody and $19,000 in fines. “He has, I would say, to date cooperated with the investigation and for that reason, we will not request that a bond be set such that would keep him in confinement. So I expect him and his lawyer to surrender on Monday,” Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said last week.
Gutierrez was the central figure in a pair of sexual-harassment complaints by two female employees of Dann’s office that ultimately resulted in Dann’s resignation in May 2008. Gutierrez was fired in May 2008 after an internal investigation concluded he violated the office’s sexual harassment policy.
Dann, a Democrat, later resigned and admitted that he had an extramarital affair with an employee. He was elected in 2006 on an anti-corruption platform. O’Brien said the investigation is not complete and others could be charged. He would not comment on names. O’Brien did not comment on the status of Dann or Leo Jennings, another former aid to Dann. It was thought at one point Gutierrez may work out a plea deal, but O’Brien did not comment on what possibly derailed those negotiations.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dann Disciple Charged
NBC 4: A top aide to former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann was charged on 10 counts Thursday. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced the charges against Anthony Gutierrez at a 2 p.m. press conference.
The charges include one count of theft in office, two counts of unauthorized use of property, two counts of receiving improper compensation, one count of prohibited election activities, one count of filing a false statement and three counts of worker’s compensation fraud. Gutierrez, 50, faces six felonies, as much as eight years in custody and $19,000 in fines.
Gutierrez allegedly used state equipment and employees to operate his construction business on state time. It was also alleged he received extra compensation in the form of rent and utilities at both a Dublin condo and a Victorian Village residence.
Gutierrez is also accused of underreporting the number of employees at his company to avoid paying premiums. O’Brien said the investigation is not complete and others could be charged. He would not comment on names. “He has, I would say, to date cooperated with the investigation and for that reason, we will not request that a bond be set such that would keep him in confinement. So I expect him and his lawyer to surrender on Monday,“ O’Brien said.
Gutierrez was the central figure in a pair of sexual harassment complaints by two female employees of Dann’s office that ultimately resulted in Dann’s resignation in May 2008. Gutierrez was fired in May 2008 after an internal investigation concluded he violated the office’s sexual harassment policy.
Dann, a Democrat, later resigned and admitted that he had an extramarital affair with an employee. He was elected in 2006 on an anti-corruption platform. Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of Dann’s resignation.
The charges include one count of theft in office, two counts of unauthorized use of property, two counts of receiving improper compensation, one count of prohibited election activities, one count of filing a false statement and three counts of worker’s compensation fraud. Gutierrez, 50, faces six felonies, as much as eight years in custody and $19,000 in fines.
Gutierrez allegedly used state equipment and employees to operate his construction business on state time. It was also alleged he received extra compensation in the form of rent and utilities at both a Dublin condo and a Victorian Village residence.
Gutierrez is also accused of underreporting the number of employees at his company to avoid paying premiums. O’Brien said the investigation is not complete and others could be charged. He would not comment on names. “He has, I would say, to date cooperated with the investigation and for that reason, we will not request that a bond be set such that would keep him in confinement. So I expect him and his lawyer to surrender on Monday,“ O’Brien said.
Gutierrez was the central figure in a pair of sexual harassment complaints by two female employees of Dann’s office that ultimately resulted in Dann’s resignation in May 2008. Gutierrez was fired in May 2008 after an internal investigation concluded he violated the office’s sexual harassment policy.
Dann, a Democrat, later resigned and admitted that he had an extramarital affair with an employee. He was elected in 2006 on an anti-corruption platform. Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of Dann’s resignation.
Friday, May 1, 2009
FINALLY: John Kasich Will Run
10 TV: Sources told 10TV's John Fortney on Friday that former Republican U.S. Rep. John Kasich will run for Ohio governor next year. Kasich was expected to name a campaign treasurer on Friday and file the paperwork needed to establish a campaign committee.
A formal announcement regarding Kasich's intent to run for governor was expected to come at a later date. Kasich served as a congressman eight times, from 1983 to 2001. Since Kasich left public office, he has served as a host on a Fox News program.
A formal announcement regarding Kasich's intent to run for governor was expected to come at a later date. Kasich served as a congressman eight times, from 1983 to 2001. Since Kasich left public office, he has served as a host on a Fox News program.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Elections Commission Disciplines Dann
NBC 4: Former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann was ready to respond to allegations that he misused campaign contributions and filed false information. Dann was one of several Democrats swept into office in 2006 after a scandal over state investments sullied Republicans. He resigned last May over a sexual-harassment scandal involving a top aide in his office, Anthony Gutierrez.
Dann sat quietly Thursday as the Ohio Elections Commission listened to hours of testimony regarding the misuse of campaign funds during his time in office. After a four-month investigation, Inspector General Tom Charles said in December that Dann misused campaign funds to make lavish payments to friends and family. He also accused Dann of filing incomplete, inaccurate and false information about his expenditures.
Both Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and the Inspector General’s office filed formal complaints with the commission late last year, saying Dann used campaign money to finance improvements to his home and personal cell phones among other things. Attorneys for the Secretary of State argued Dann spent more than $40,000 of campaign funds to pay for a state-of-the-art security system in his home, calling the use of funds neither ordinary or necessary for a state officeholder.
Attorneys for SOS also testified Dann used a cell phone for personal reasons without reimbursing the campaign committee. Dann denied all allegations and asked for the case be dismissed. Dann’s attorney Don McTigue said there was no wrongdoing. Dann paid for personal cell use, and campaign funds were used for campaign purposes, McTigue said.
Dann’s attorneys also said Dann thought it was better to pay for upgraded security through campaign funds instead of taxpayers’ monies after threats were made on his life. OEC commissioners found Dann to be in violation of state election law for both the security system and cell-phone use Thursday afternoon.
Commissioners decided Dann was to be penalized with a $1,000 fine and a public reprimand for the security system and a public reprimand only for the cell-phone allegations. These penalties were based only on Brunner’s complaint.
The commissioners will continue the hearing at 2:15 p.m. in regards to the Inspector General’s accusations. The commission declined to send either violation to the county prosecutor.
Dann sat quietly Thursday as the Ohio Elections Commission listened to hours of testimony regarding the misuse of campaign funds during his time in office. After a four-month investigation, Inspector General Tom Charles said in December that Dann misused campaign funds to make lavish payments to friends and family. He also accused Dann of filing incomplete, inaccurate and false information about his expenditures.
Both Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and the Inspector General’s office filed formal complaints with the commission late last year, saying Dann used campaign money to finance improvements to his home and personal cell phones among other things. Attorneys for the Secretary of State argued Dann spent more than $40,000 of campaign funds to pay for a state-of-the-art security system in his home, calling the use of funds neither ordinary or necessary for a state officeholder.
Attorneys for SOS also testified Dann used a cell phone for personal reasons without reimbursing the campaign committee. Dann denied all allegations and asked for the case be dismissed. Dann’s attorney Don McTigue said there was no wrongdoing. Dann paid for personal cell use, and campaign funds were used for campaign purposes, McTigue said.
Dann’s attorneys also said Dann thought it was better to pay for upgraded security through campaign funds instead of taxpayers’ monies after threats were made on his life. OEC commissioners found Dann to be in violation of state election law for both the security system and cell-phone use Thursday afternoon.
Commissioners decided Dann was to be penalized with a $1,000 fine and a public reprimand for the security system and a public reprimand only for the cell-phone allegations. These penalties were based only on Brunner’s complaint.
The commissioners will continue the hearing at 2:15 p.m. in regards to the Inspector General’s accusations. The commission declined to send either violation to the county prosecutor.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It’s What We Call the News
10 TV: Police said a man who robbed a north side gas station early Wednesday may be responsible for other robberies. The man entered the Shell gas station, located at 3970 Morse Road, at about 2 a.m… He demanded cash from the store clerk and slammed a tire iron on the counter, police said. The man walked behind the counter and removed cash from the drawer. Investigators believed the same man was responsible for a similar robbery at a Speedway gas station, located at 4240 Morse Road, on Tuesday morning. The suspect is described as white, 5 feet 9 inches tall with a thin build. He is 40 to 50 years old and has a shaved head. Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus police at 614-465-4665.
Technically, this doesn’t fit into our count… With that said, this is at least the third robbery spree in four weeks…
NBC 4: A petition seeking voter approval of casinos in four Ohio cities has been submitted to the state attorney general for review, and state lawmakers are exploring a separate plan that would allow slots at racetracks without going to the ballot. The Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee says the casino proposal submitted Wednesday would lead to $1 billion in private investment, $600 million in tax revenue and 20,000 new jobs. Casinos would be built in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. If Attorney General Richard Cordray approves proposed constitutional amendment language, the group will begin gathering signatures toward placing the issue on the November ballot.
Not another constitutional amendment! Pass gambling through the legislature.
NBC 4: It doesn’t take long to see the effects of the recession around Central Ohio. Joseph Gessese has a job working on mortgages, but said he’s watched far too many people lose their jobs… So he created http://www.OhioStateList.com with his brother Faris. The Web site brings those two groups together—from posting your resume to finding jobs available now. The Web site breaks down jobs by zip code and with more than 2,000 people already signed up, all that’s left is finding success stories. The Web site is free and video resumes will be available soon.
I applaud Joseph… This may be a lousy economy… However, he realizes that out of great crisis, comes great opportunity…
Technically, this doesn’t fit into our count… With that said, this is at least the third robbery spree in four weeks…
NBC 4: A petition seeking voter approval of casinos in four Ohio cities has been submitted to the state attorney general for review, and state lawmakers are exploring a separate plan that would allow slots at racetracks without going to the ballot. The Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee says the casino proposal submitted Wednesday would lead to $1 billion in private investment, $600 million in tax revenue and 20,000 new jobs. Casinos would be built in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. If Attorney General Richard Cordray approves proposed constitutional amendment language, the group will begin gathering signatures toward placing the issue on the November ballot.
Not another constitutional amendment! Pass gambling through the legislature.
NBC 4: It doesn’t take long to see the effects of the recession around Central Ohio. Joseph Gessese has a job working on mortgages, but said he’s watched far too many people lose their jobs… So he created http://www.OhioStateList.com with his brother Faris. The Web site brings those two groups together—from posting your resume to finding jobs available now. The Web site breaks down jobs by zip code and with more than 2,000 people already signed up, all that’s left is finding success stories. The Web site is free and video resumes will be available soon.
I applaud Joseph… This may be a lousy economy… However, he realizes that out of great crisis, comes great opportunity…
Friday, March 6, 2009
President Obama Addresses Police Academy Graduates
10 TV: Calling the latest job losses astounding, President Barack Obama promised on Friday to get Americans back to work. Obama spoke at the graduation ceremony for 25 police recruits who owe their jobs to the $787 billion economic recovery bill he signed into law less than three weeks ago.
In a 12-minute speech, the president noted that 651,000 U.S. jobs were lost last month, bringing to "an astounding 4.4 million" the number lost in the current recession. The Columbus police recruits were about to join those ranks, he said, "a future that millions of Americans still face right now."
Obama noted the many critics of the package, but he said government leaders have a responsibility to act for future generations. The United States has met every challenge with bold action and big ideas, he said, and "that's what fueled a shared and lasting prosperity."
Meanwhile Friday, the Labor Department said it was making more than $3.5 billion available to states for education, training and re-employment services. The Columbus police recruits are part of a class of 27 who were laid off in January by Mayor Michael Coleman, a Democrat, before they could even start walking the beat. Coleman blamed city budget problems at the time.
But Coleman announced last week that the Justice Department had informed the city that it would get $1.25 million in stimulus money to pay the officers' salaries through the end of the year. Two of the recruits chose not to return. When he signed the bill on Feb. 17, Obama cited saving the Ohio police recruit class as one use for stimulus money.
Obama has been highlighting programs to be funded by the legislation, along with the jobs he says are being saved or created by those dollars. He has practically staked his presidency on his promise that the stimulus package will save or create 3.5 million jobs within the next two years.
The latest economic news was a fresh reminder for the Obama administration of the nation's grim financial outlook. The government said Friday the nation's unemployment rate jumped to 8.1 percent in February, the highest since late 1983. Over a three-month period, nearly 2 million jobs have been cut. The trip was Obama's first to Ohio as president. He won the state in the November election.
In a 12-minute speech, the president noted that 651,000 U.S. jobs were lost last month, bringing to "an astounding 4.4 million" the number lost in the current recession. The Columbus police recruits were about to join those ranks, he said, "a future that millions of Americans still face right now."
Obama noted the many critics of the package, but he said government leaders have a responsibility to act for future generations. The United States has met every challenge with bold action and big ideas, he said, and "that's what fueled a shared and lasting prosperity."
Meanwhile Friday, the Labor Department said it was making more than $3.5 billion available to states for education, training and re-employment services. The Columbus police recruits are part of a class of 27 who were laid off in January by Mayor Michael Coleman, a Democrat, before they could even start walking the beat. Coleman blamed city budget problems at the time.
But Coleman announced last week that the Justice Department had informed the city that it would get $1.25 million in stimulus money to pay the officers' salaries through the end of the year. Two of the recruits chose not to return. When he signed the bill on Feb. 17, Obama cited saving the Ohio police recruit class as one use for stimulus money.
Obama has been highlighting programs to be funded by the legislation, along with the jobs he says are being saved or created by those dollars. He has practically staked his presidency on his promise that the stimulus package will save or create 3.5 million jobs within the next two years.
The latest economic news was a fresh reminder for the Obama administration of the nation's grim financial outlook. The government said Friday the nation's unemployment rate jumped to 8.1 percent in February, the highest since late 1983. Over a three-month period, nearly 2 million jobs have been cut. The trip was Obama's first to Ohio as president. He won the state in the November election.
President Obama’s Address (Complete Text)
Thank you very much. Please, everybody have a seat. Thank you so much. Well, what a wonderful reception. Thank you very much. I want to begin by thanking Mayor Coleman, Director Brown, and the entire Columbus police force for inviting me to be a part of this ceremony. It is a great honor and a privilege to stand with the men and women of this police academy's 114th graduating class. (Applause.) You have studied hard, you have trained tirelessly, and there is no longer any doubt that you will be employed as officers of the law when you leave here today. (Applause.)
I also want to just very quickly acknowledge one of the finest governors in the country, who's been just dealing with all kinds of stuff and doing it with grace and aplomb and never breaks a sweat, but is working hard on behalf of his constituency -- Ted Strickland. (Applause.) The Attorney General of the United States, Eric Holder. (Applause.)
I came out here with a number of members of the Ohio congressional delegation, but I want to make a special note of my former colleague when I was in the Senate who is just as passionate about working people as anybody in the country, Sherrod Brown. Give Sherrod a big round of applause. (Applause.)
This city of Columbus needs the courage and the commitment of this graduating class to keep it safe, to make sure that people have the protection that they need. This economy needs your employment to keep it running. Just this morning we learned that we lost another 651,000 jobs throughout the country in the month of February alone, which brings the total number of jobs lost in this recession to an astounding 4.4 million.
Four point four million jobs. I don't need to tell the people of this state what statistics like this mean, because so many of you have been watching jobs disappear long before this recession hit. And I don't need to tell this graduating class what it's like to know that your job might be next, because up until a few weeks ago, that is precisely the future that this class faced -– a future that millions of Americans still face right now. Well, that is not a future I accept for the United States of America. (Applause.) That is why I signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. (Applause.)
Now there were those -- there were those who argued that our recovery plan was unwise and unnecessary. They opposed the very notion that government has a role in ending the cycle of job loss at the heart of this recession. There are those who believe that all we can do is repeat the very same policies that led us here in the first place.
But I also know that this country has never responded to a crisis by sitting on the sidelines and hoping for the best. I know that throughout our history, we have met every great challenge with bold action and big ideas. That's what's fueled a shared and lasting prosperity. And I know that at this defining moment for America we have a responsibility to ourselves and to our children to do it once again. We have a responsibility to act, and that's what I intend to do as President of the United States of America. (Applause.)
So for those who still doubt the wisdom of our recovery plan, I ask them to talk to the teachers who are still able to teach our children because we passed this plan. I ask them to talk to the nurses who are still able to care for our sick, and the firefighters and first responders who will still be able to keep our communities safe. I ask them to come to Ohio and meet the 25 men and women who will soon be protecting the streets of Columbus because we passed this plan. (Applause.) I look at these young men and women, I look into their eyes and I see their badges today and I know we did the right thing.
These jobs and the jobs of so many other police officers and teachers and firefighters all across Ohio will now be saved because of this recovery plan -– a plan that will also create jobs in every corner of this state. Last week, we announced that Ohio would receive $128 million that will put people to work renovating and rebuilding affordable housing. (Applause.) On Tuesday -- on Tuesday I announced that we'd be sending another $935 million to Ohio that will create jobs rebuilding our roads, our bridges, and our highways. (Applause.) And yesterday, Vice President Biden announced $180 million for this state that will go towards expanding mass transit and buying fuel-efficient buses -– money that will be putting people to work, getting people to work. (Applause.)
Altogether, this recovery plan will save and create over three and a half million American jobs over the next two years. Because of this plan, those who have lost their jobs in this recession will be able to receive extended unemployment benefits and continued health care coverage. Because of this plan, 95 percent of working Americans will receive a tax break that you will see in your paychecks starting on April 1st. (Applause.)
And because of this plan, stories like the one we're celebrating here in Columbus will soon take place all across this nation. Today I'm pleased to announce that Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice are making available $2 billion in Justice Assistance Grants from the recovery act. (Applause.) That's funding that will help communities throughout America keep their neighborhoods safer with more cops, more prosecutors, more probation officers; more radios and equipment; more help for crime victims and more crime prevention programs for youth. Cities and states can apply for these funds right away, and as soon as those applications are received, the Justice Department will start getting the money out the door within 15 days.
In Savannah, Georgia, the police department would use this funding to hire more crime and intelligence analysts and put more cops on the beat protecting our schools. In Long Beach, California, it will be able to help fund 17,000 hours of overtime for law enforcement officials who are needed in high-crime areas. West Haven, Connecticut will be able to restore crime prevention programs that were cut, even though they improved the quality of life in the city's most troubled neighborhoods. And the state of Iowa will be able to rehire drug enforcement officers and restart drug prevention programs that have been critical in fighting the crime and violence that plagues too many cities and too many towns.
So the list goes on and on. From Maine to San Francisco, from Colorado to New Jersey, these grants will put Americans to work doing the work necessary to keep America safe. They'll be directed only towards worthy programs that have been carefully planned and proven to work -- and Vice President Biden and I will be holding every state and community accountable for the tax dollars they spend. Now, by itself, this recovery plan won't turn our economy around or solve every problem. In the flight over here with the Ohio delegation, I talked to them about the fact that we've got big challenges ahead of us. We inherited a big mess. This police force still faces budget challenges down the road, there are still workers in Columbus who are losing their jobs, and there is still so much work to be done throughout Ohio to lay a new foundation for growth and prosperity.
That's the work we must continue in the days and months ahead. That's why my administration is also moving quickly and aggressively to restart lending for families and businesses; to help responsible homeowners pay their mortgages and refinance their homes; to address the major economic challenges of our time: the cost of health care, our dependence on foreign oil, the state of our schools. All of this takes time and it will take patience. It will entail great effort and cooperation. But most of all, it will require a renewed sense of responsibility from every American -– a responsibility to ourselves and one another; a responsibility that's already been demonstrated by the men and women who are sitting behind me here today.
The job you signed up for is not easy. It can mean long shifts and late nights. It demands focus, and determination, and great bravery in the face of unknown dangers. When you run into that building or chase down that suspect, you will be risking your own life in order to protect the lives of men and women you have never met, and some that you may never know. But you knew all that when you joined the academy. You knew the risks involved, you knew the sacrifices required, and yet you stood up and said, "I'll take that risk. I'll make that sacrifice. I will do that job."
And that, Columbus, is the very essence of responsibility. That's the spirit we need in this country right now, no matter what our role is or what our profession that we've chosen. It's a spirit that asks us to look beyond our own individual ambitions to the wider obligations we have as the good citizens of a great nation; a spirit that calls on us to say, "I'll make that sacrifice. I'll do that job."
If we can summon that spirit once more; if we're willing to look out for one another and listen to one another; if we are willing to pull together and do our part; if we can show even a fraction of the courage and selflessness that these cadets have already demonstrated, then I have no doubt that we will emerge from this crisis stronger than before and keep this nation's dream alive for future generations. Thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
I also want to just very quickly acknowledge one of the finest governors in the country, who's been just dealing with all kinds of stuff and doing it with grace and aplomb and never breaks a sweat, but is working hard on behalf of his constituency -- Ted Strickland. (Applause.) The Attorney General of the United States, Eric Holder. (Applause.)
I came out here with a number of members of the Ohio congressional delegation, but I want to make a special note of my former colleague when I was in the Senate who is just as passionate about working people as anybody in the country, Sherrod Brown. Give Sherrod a big round of applause. (Applause.)
This city of Columbus needs the courage and the commitment of this graduating class to keep it safe, to make sure that people have the protection that they need. This economy needs your employment to keep it running. Just this morning we learned that we lost another 651,000 jobs throughout the country in the month of February alone, which brings the total number of jobs lost in this recession to an astounding 4.4 million.
Four point four million jobs. I don't need to tell the people of this state what statistics like this mean, because so many of you have been watching jobs disappear long before this recession hit. And I don't need to tell this graduating class what it's like to know that your job might be next, because up until a few weeks ago, that is precisely the future that this class faced -– a future that millions of Americans still face right now. Well, that is not a future I accept for the United States of America. (Applause.) That is why I signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. (Applause.)
Now there were those -- there were those who argued that our recovery plan was unwise and unnecessary. They opposed the very notion that government has a role in ending the cycle of job loss at the heart of this recession. There are those who believe that all we can do is repeat the very same policies that led us here in the first place.
But I also know that this country has never responded to a crisis by sitting on the sidelines and hoping for the best. I know that throughout our history, we have met every great challenge with bold action and big ideas. That's what's fueled a shared and lasting prosperity. And I know that at this defining moment for America we have a responsibility to ourselves and to our children to do it once again. We have a responsibility to act, and that's what I intend to do as President of the United States of America. (Applause.)
So for those who still doubt the wisdom of our recovery plan, I ask them to talk to the teachers who are still able to teach our children because we passed this plan. I ask them to talk to the nurses who are still able to care for our sick, and the firefighters and first responders who will still be able to keep our communities safe. I ask them to come to Ohio and meet the 25 men and women who will soon be protecting the streets of Columbus because we passed this plan. (Applause.) I look at these young men and women, I look into their eyes and I see their badges today and I know we did the right thing.
These jobs and the jobs of so many other police officers and teachers and firefighters all across Ohio will now be saved because of this recovery plan -– a plan that will also create jobs in every corner of this state. Last week, we announced that Ohio would receive $128 million that will put people to work renovating and rebuilding affordable housing. (Applause.) On Tuesday -- on Tuesday I announced that we'd be sending another $935 million to Ohio that will create jobs rebuilding our roads, our bridges, and our highways. (Applause.) And yesterday, Vice President Biden announced $180 million for this state that will go towards expanding mass transit and buying fuel-efficient buses -– money that will be putting people to work, getting people to work. (Applause.)
Altogether, this recovery plan will save and create over three and a half million American jobs over the next two years. Because of this plan, those who have lost their jobs in this recession will be able to receive extended unemployment benefits and continued health care coverage. Because of this plan, 95 percent of working Americans will receive a tax break that you will see in your paychecks starting on April 1st. (Applause.)
And because of this plan, stories like the one we're celebrating here in Columbus will soon take place all across this nation. Today I'm pleased to announce that Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice are making available $2 billion in Justice Assistance Grants from the recovery act. (Applause.) That's funding that will help communities throughout America keep their neighborhoods safer with more cops, more prosecutors, more probation officers; more radios and equipment; more help for crime victims and more crime prevention programs for youth. Cities and states can apply for these funds right away, and as soon as those applications are received, the Justice Department will start getting the money out the door within 15 days.
In Savannah, Georgia, the police department would use this funding to hire more crime and intelligence analysts and put more cops on the beat protecting our schools. In Long Beach, California, it will be able to help fund 17,000 hours of overtime for law enforcement officials who are needed in high-crime areas. West Haven, Connecticut will be able to restore crime prevention programs that were cut, even though they improved the quality of life in the city's most troubled neighborhoods. And the state of Iowa will be able to rehire drug enforcement officers and restart drug prevention programs that have been critical in fighting the crime and violence that plagues too many cities and too many towns.
So the list goes on and on. From Maine to San Francisco, from Colorado to New Jersey, these grants will put Americans to work doing the work necessary to keep America safe. They'll be directed only towards worthy programs that have been carefully planned and proven to work -- and Vice President Biden and I will be holding every state and community accountable for the tax dollars they spend. Now, by itself, this recovery plan won't turn our economy around or solve every problem. In the flight over here with the Ohio delegation, I talked to them about the fact that we've got big challenges ahead of us. We inherited a big mess. This police force still faces budget challenges down the road, there are still workers in Columbus who are losing their jobs, and there is still so much work to be done throughout Ohio to lay a new foundation for growth and prosperity.
That's the work we must continue in the days and months ahead. That's why my administration is also moving quickly and aggressively to restart lending for families and businesses; to help responsible homeowners pay their mortgages and refinance their homes; to address the major economic challenges of our time: the cost of health care, our dependence on foreign oil, the state of our schools. All of this takes time and it will take patience. It will entail great effort and cooperation. But most of all, it will require a renewed sense of responsibility from every American -– a responsibility to ourselves and one another; a responsibility that's already been demonstrated by the men and women who are sitting behind me here today.
The job you signed up for is not easy. It can mean long shifts and late nights. It demands focus, and determination, and great bravery in the face of unknown dangers. When you run into that building or chase down that suspect, you will be risking your own life in order to protect the lives of men and women you have never met, and some that you may never know. But you knew all that when you joined the academy. You knew the risks involved, you knew the sacrifices required, and yet you stood up and said, "I'll take that risk. I'll make that sacrifice. I will do that job."
And that, Columbus, is the very essence of responsibility. That's the spirit we need in this country right now, no matter what our role is or what our profession that we've chosen. It's a spirit that asks us to look beyond our own individual ambitions to the wider obligations we have as the good citizens of a great nation; a spirit that calls on us to say, "I'll make that sacrifice. I'll do that job."
If we can summon that spirit once more; if we're willing to look out for one another and listen to one another; if we are willing to pull together and do our part; if we can show even a fraction of the courage and selflessness that these cadets have already demonstrated, then I have no doubt that we will emerge from this crisis stronger than before and keep this nation's dream alive for future generations. Thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Coleman Preaches Faith & Partial Solutions
10 TV: Stimulus money flowing into the city will ensure public safety and job training, but the funds will not provide a quick fix for all problems, Mayor Michael Coleman said during his State of the City address on Thursday night.
Coleman gave the speech from newly-renovated East High School. "These stimulus dollars are important, but they will not address our long-term budget difficulties," Coleman said. "To solve that problem we must execute a three-part plan that focuses on jobs, reform and revenue."
Coleman said he will continue to work to create jobs in the city. He said some money will be allocated to help the youth find work during the summer. The city stands to receive $6 million through the Central Ohio Workforce Council, and half of that money will be used to hire 2,500 young people this summer. Coleman believes the investment will help young people as well as the city. "We've got to give our young people a chance to do something constructive during the summer months, rather than standing around on a street corner," Coleman said.
The remaining $3 million will be used to train the unemployed and help them find jobs. Coleman said the city can no longer afford to keep cutting the budget. $100 million has already been trimmed and the city is facing another $50 million deficit by the year 2010.
Despite a sagging economy, Coleman said he still has faith that Columbus will pull through. "Even in these difficult times, the state of our city is strong," Coleman said. "I say this not because I am expected to, but because our strength is reflected in our greatest asset, our people."
Coleman gave the speech from newly-renovated East High School. "These stimulus dollars are important, but they will not address our long-term budget difficulties," Coleman said. "To solve that problem we must execute a three-part plan that focuses on jobs, reform and revenue."
Coleman said he will continue to work to create jobs in the city. He said some money will be allocated to help the youth find work during the summer. The city stands to receive $6 million through the Central Ohio Workforce Council, and half of that money will be used to hire 2,500 young people this summer. Coleman believes the investment will help young people as well as the city. "We've got to give our young people a chance to do something constructive during the summer months, rather than standing around on a street corner," Coleman said.
The remaining $3 million will be used to train the unemployed and help them find jobs. Coleman said the city can no longer afford to keep cutting the budget. $100 million has already been trimmed and the city is facing another $50 million deficit by the year 2010.
Despite a sagging economy, Coleman said he still has faith that Columbus will pull through. "Even in these difficult times, the state of our city is strong," Coleman said. "I say this not because I am expected to, but because our strength is reflected in our greatest asset, our people."
Sunday, February 22, 2009
BREAKING: Ryan Eyes Primary Position
Congressman Tim Ryan may still explore a Senate campaign, despite a rumored endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher. According to a source familiar with Congressman’s mindset, Ryan believes that only one more Democrat could enter the race.
“There’s room for three and that’s it,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “You have the sitting LG and SOS in the race, there’s no doubt about their star power. But, we feel there is another slot there. It’s all about who can put togther the money and the machine for a viable candidacy.”
As Gossip CBUS first reported, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Fisher announced their campaigns last week. For the Republicans, Rob Portman is the lone announced candidate.
After commencing his career in the State Senate, Ryan has served as Ohio’s 17th District Congressman since 2003. He won the seat formerly held by James Traficant (Democrat), who was imprisoned for taking bribes, filing false tax returns, racketeering, and forcing his aides to perform chores at his farm and houseboat.
“There’s room for three and that’s it,” said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “You have the sitting LG and SOS in the race, there’s no doubt about their star power. But, we feel there is another slot there. It’s all about who can put togther the money and the machine for a viable candidacy.”
As Gossip CBUS first reported, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Fisher announced their campaigns last week. For the Republicans, Rob Portman is the lone announced candidate.
After commencing his career in the State Senate, Ryan has served as Ohio’s 17th District Congressman since 2003. He won the seat formerly held by James Traficant (Democrat), who was imprisoned for taking bribes, filing false tax returns, racketeering, and forcing his aides to perform chores at his farm and houseboat.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Forced Vacations Settled, Set For Vote?
NBC 4: State employees may soon be voting on a plan to help balance the state budget at their own expense. Published reports indicate that state negotiators have reached a tentative agreement with the largest state employee union that would spare state workers from an outright pay cut, but require them to take ten days off without pay...
Neither the governor’s office, the Ohio Department of Administration or the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association will confirm or deny the details of the negotiations. Both sides agreed not to tell the media or public until after a deal is reached.
After proposing state employee pay cuts as high as 6 percent to balance his budget, Gov. Ted Strickland continues to look for ways to save the state $163 million in employee concessions. If workers take ten days off without pay, it would amount to a nearly 4 percent pay cut. A state employee making $50,000 a year would lose nearly $2,000 in taxable income.
Nearly 25,000 of the more than 60,000 state employees are based in Franklin County, with thousands more in surrounding counties. How would the days off affect state services? Would offices be closed for days at a time or would employees spread out their days off to continue operations, or would the state simply not pay workers for state-recognized holidays?
While critics of the budget said Strickland needs to cut programs and departments, rather than simply cut workers’ hours, the governor’s office will not acknowledge the details of the negotiations or how government will be impacted. OCSEA’s 35,000 members must first vote to approve any deal.
The impact of a furlough could potentially have a huge impact on area businesses as well. Inside Broad Street Bagels, roughly seven out of every ten customers is a state employee, and manager Phil Kukucka said the business averages 350 to 400 people a day when state employees are working.
Neither the governor’s office, the Ohio Department of Administration or the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association will confirm or deny the details of the negotiations. Both sides agreed not to tell the media or public until after a deal is reached.
After proposing state employee pay cuts as high as 6 percent to balance his budget, Gov. Ted Strickland continues to look for ways to save the state $163 million in employee concessions. If workers take ten days off without pay, it would amount to a nearly 4 percent pay cut. A state employee making $50,000 a year would lose nearly $2,000 in taxable income.
Nearly 25,000 of the more than 60,000 state employees are based in Franklin County, with thousands more in surrounding counties. How would the days off affect state services? Would offices be closed for days at a time or would employees spread out their days off to continue operations, or would the state simply not pay workers for state-recognized holidays?
While critics of the budget said Strickland needs to cut programs and departments, rather than simply cut workers’ hours, the governor’s office will not acknowledge the details of the negotiations or how government will be impacted. OCSEA’s 35,000 members must first vote to approve any deal.
The impact of a furlough could potentially have a huge impact on area businesses as well. Inside Broad Street Bagels, roughly seven out of every ten customers is a state employee, and manager Phil Kukucka said the business averages 350 to 400 people a day when state employees are working.
Snafu & Snow
NBC 4: The Franklin County Elections Board quickly verified the issues and candidates that are qualified to appear on the May Primary ballot. It will take a little longer to replace some polling places that are now not usable because the City of Columbus closed them. The thirteen recreation centers the city closed in a budget cutting measure this month all represent at least one polling place. With those spots off limits, other handicapped accessible places must be found. The new voting locations must be found and voters notified of the change of location in advance of the May 5th election.
The city closes recreation centers to save money, but their budget solution actually creates another problem…
10 TV: Snow will spread into Ohio overnight and early Saturday, with a light accumulation along and north of Interstate 70, according to Live Doppler 10 meteorologist Chris Bradley. Overnight low temperatures will drop to 21 degrees. Models are trending toward a warmer high temperature on Saturday, and that means more of a mix to freezing rain or rain in the Columbus area, Bradley said. Snowfall accumulations will be light in the Columbus area, with a slushy inch possible.
Can’t the snow just go away and stay away?
The city closes recreation centers to save money, but their budget solution actually creates another problem…
10 TV: Snow will spread into Ohio overnight and early Saturday, with a light accumulation along and north of Interstate 70, according to Live Doppler 10 meteorologist Chris Bradley. Overnight low temperatures will drop to 21 degrees. Models are trending toward a warmer high temperature on Saturday, and that means more of a mix to freezing rain or rain in the Columbus area, Bradley said. Snowfall accumulations will be light in the Columbus area, with a slushy inch possible.
Can’t the snow just go away and stay away?
BREAKING: Taylor Won’t Seek Senate
Auditor Mary Taylor has decided against a 2010 Senate campaign, according to a Republican source. On January 19, Gossip CBUS reported that Taylor was actively exploring a potential bid. Our source cited internal party pressure as the reason for her reconsideration.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
BREAKING: State Forces Vacations
10 TV: A tentative deal has been reached between state and union negotiators that would require state workers to take 10 days of unpaid leave a year, sources told 10TV News on Thursday evening.
Under the tentative agreement, state employees would not have to take pay cuts, sources said. The deal has not been finalized. Neither state officials nor the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association would comment on a deal, citing a news blackout, 10TV News reported.
Under the tentative agreement, state employees would not have to take pay cuts, sources said. The deal has not been finalized. Neither state officials nor the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association would comment on a deal, citing a news blackout, 10TV News reported.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Brunner, Fisher Commence Campaigns
As Gossip CBUS first reported, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher have announced their 2010 Senate campaigns. Brunner entered via a video message. Fisher entered via a press conference, with the endorsement of Governor Ted Strickland.
Both of these announcements were anticipated. On January 23, Gossip CBUS reported that Brunner had already chosen staff. On February 5, Gossip CBUS reported that Fisher and Strickland had discussed Fisher’s potential exit from the 2010 gubernatorial re-election campaign.
After commencing his career as a State Representative, Fisher served as a State Senator from 1982-1990. From 1991-1995, he served as Ohio’s 44th Attorney General. Since 2007, he has served as Ohio’s 65th Lieutenant Governor.
From 1983 to 1987, Brunner served as Secretary of State Deputy Director and Legislative Council. From 2000-2006, she served as a Franklin County Common Pleas Judge. On November 7, 2006, she was elected Ohio’s 49th Secretary of State.
Both of these announcements were anticipated. On January 23, Gossip CBUS reported that Brunner had already chosen staff. On February 5, Gossip CBUS reported that Fisher and Strickland had discussed Fisher’s potential exit from the 2010 gubernatorial re-election campaign.
After commencing his career as a State Representative, Fisher served as a State Senator from 1982-1990. From 1991-1995, he served as Ohio’s 44th Attorney General. Since 2007, he has served as Ohio’s 65th Lieutenant Governor.
From 1983 to 1987, Brunner served as Secretary of State Deputy Director and Legislative Council. From 2000-2006, she served as a Franklin County Common Pleas Judge. On November 7, 2006, she was elected Ohio’s 49th Secretary of State.
Monday, February 9, 2009
BREAKING: Strickland, White House Talk
Governor Ted Strickland and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel have discussed the vacant Health and Human Services Cabinet position. According to a source with knowledge of the conversation, Strickland is not a candidate. He was simply asked his opinion of other candidates.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
BREAKING: Strickland, Fisher Discuss Separation
Governor Ted Strickland and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher have discussed Fisher’s potential exit from the 2010 gubernatorial re-election campaign. According to a source with knowledge of the conversation, Fisher did not ask to leave the ticket. However, he made clear his interest in a 2010 Senate campaign.
If Fisher exits, Strickland would be the eighth Democratic Governor to have multiple Lieutenant Governors. Fisher’s possible replacements include Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut, Ohio 9th District Congresswoman Marcia Kaptur, and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman and former State Representative Chris Redfern.
After commencing his career as a State Representative, Fisher served as a State Senator from 1982-1990. From 1991-1995, he served as Ohio’s 44th Attorney General. Since 2007, he has served as Ohio’s 65th Lieutenant Governor.
If Fisher exits, Strickland would be the eighth Democratic Governor to have multiple Lieutenant Governors. Fisher’s possible replacements include Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut, Ohio 9th District Congresswoman Marcia Kaptur, and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman and former State Representative Chris Redfern.
After commencing his career as a State Representative, Fisher served as a State Senator from 1982-1990. From 1991-1995, he served as Ohio’s 44th Attorney General. Since 2007, he has served as Ohio’s 65th Lieutenant Governor.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
BREAKING: Petro Ponders Senate Campaign
Jim Petro is exploring a Senate campaign, Gossip CBUS has learned. In January, Petro contacted three former fundraisers to inquire into the viability of a statewide bid. Petro has been absent from the political scene, since Ken Blackwell defeated him for the 2006 Republican Gubernatorial nomination.
After commencing his career as a Rocky River Councilman and City Director, Petro served as a State Representative from 1981-1990. From 1991-1995, he served as a Cuyahoga County Commissioner. From 1995-2003, he served as Ohio’s 29th Auditor. From 2003-2207, he served as Ohio’s 46th Attorney General.
After commencing his career as a Rocky River Councilman and City Director, Petro served as a State Representative from 1981-1990. From 1991-1995, he served as a Cuyahoga County Commissioner. From 1995-2003, he served as Ohio’s 29th Auditor. From 2003-2207, he served as Ohio’s 46th Attorney General.
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