Numbers thirty two and thirty-three illustrate our city’s condition… From campus to hotels… No place is safe…
NBC 4: One man is dead, and another man is on the run. On Saturday night, just before 10 p.m., Columbus police responded to the report of a shooting at the Knights Inn on State Route 161 at Interstate 71. The shooting victim, an unidentified Hispanic male, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the suspects, a man and a woman, entered the room, robbed the three men and shot one of the men.
10 TV: The Ohio State University issued a crime alert on Saturday after three students reported being robbed at gunpoint near campus on Friday. The students said they were walking near Frambes Avenue and Tuller Street when two men approached them. The robbers stole their cash and cell phones, according to police. Anyone with information about this crime should contact either Columbus police at 614-645-4545 or University Police at 614-292-2121.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Spartans Sweep Ohio State
Remember when the Buckeyes were 9-0 and everyone had dreams of a deep tournament run? Making the tournament now would be a dream come true…
Durrell Summers had 26 points to almost double his career high, Kalin Lucas came off the bench for 20 and the Spartans dominated the boards on Sunday to beat Ohio State 78-67. "As you can imagine, it's a big win against a quality opponent on the road, especially after coming off that devastating loss last Wednesday," coach Tom Izzo said of a stunning 70-64 defeat to Northwestern that ended an 11-game winning streak and a string of 28 straight home wins.
Summers, who was averaging 8.0 points a game and had never made more than two 3-pointers in a game, was an unlikely hero. He got the start only because Izzo held Lucas and Chris Allen out of the starting lineup because they hadn't met some academic goals. The sophomore played like he belonged, hitting 8-of-13 shots from the field including 6-of-9 3-pointers and all four of his free throws.
The Spartans (16-3, 6-1) also took 15 more shots from the field, thanks to a 35-19 rebounding advantage. They scored 19 points off the offensive boards, where they had almost as many rebounds (16) as the Buckeyes did at both ends. "I always preach attacking the glass and sometimes it pays bigger dividends than others," Izzo said. "Today was one of those games where it definitely helped us, especially down the stretch."
Durrell Summers had 26 points to almost double his career high, Kalin Lucas came off the bench for 20 and the Spartans dominated the boards on Sunday to beat Ohio State 78-67. "As you can imagine, it's a big win against a quality opponent on the road, especially after coming off that devastating loss last Wednesday," coach Tom Izzo said of a stunning 70-64 defeat to Northwestern that ended an 11-game winning streak and a string of 28 straight home wins.
Summers, who was averaging 8.0 points a game and had never made more than two 3-pointers in a game, was an unlikely hero. He got the start only because Izzo held Lucas and Chris Allen out of the starting lineup because they hadn't met some academic goals. The sophomore played like he belonged, hitting 8-of-13 shots from the field including 6-of-9 3-pointers and all four of his free throws.
The Spartans (16-3, 6-1) also took 15 more shots from the field, thanks to a 35-19 rebounding advantage. They scored 19 points off the offensive boards, where they had almost as many rebounds (16) as the Buckeyes did at both ends. "I always preach attacking the glass and sometimes it pays bigger dividends than others," Izzo said. "Today was one of those games where it definitely helped us, especially down the stretch."
300-500 Club
Who would have thought in less than two months, we would see Chris Wells bolt, Skye Bar collapse, South Campus struggle, and George Voinovich turn politics inside out, and Gossip CBUS rack three hundred posts and five hundred twitter tweets… You made it possible Columbus! Keep reading and keep e-mailing… You never know what might happen next…
Quick Read
Allow me to ask the obvious… Did Batelle pay for this edition? Honestly? Did they pay for the printing and distribution of this edition in exchange for Kevin Mayhood? Both his pieces were solidly written… The front-page story provided an interesting prospective and the Home and Garden piece, while the graphics were overwhelming, was still informative… But, two stories were necessary?
Mark Niquette’s story concerning the State of the State address and Governor Strickland’s impending re-election was excellent (although I could have done without the Strickland as fisherman illustration)… Bill Bush’s story on mortgage complicated divorces, had no business on the front page and was also void of any personal aspect…
Aaron Portzline’s sports front page (yes finally front page with graphics) story concerning the Blue Jackets at midseason was excellent… It was if Columbus finally noticed and cared that they had a professional sports team… Tragically unprofessional remained Bob Hunter, who typed a column on television ratings… Bob, just quit already…
Sherri Williams metro section story on Forest Park painted the picture of an area over run by crime, but she never described the crime… She did an excellent job of relating proposed solutions and actions taken, but never mentioned one crime that has occurred (You don’t have to rely on blood to sell crime stories, but it’s still needed)… Alan Johnson’s article on human trafficking, while an important issue, was equally terrible… It seemed rushed and after a very poignant opening, was without the human element so important for those kinds of stories…
Considering all the comparisons of Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln, the Life and Arts story “Lots of Lincoln” was outstanding… The Home and Garden story on pollutants (yes, pollutants), was the edition’s most informative… Sadly, the Business Section’s story “PNC Priority” was beyond boring… I know news involves facts… But throw in a splotch of blue to all that gray…
Mark Niquette’s story concerning the State of the State address and Governor Strickland’s impending re-election was excellent (although I could have done without the Strickland as fisherman illustration)… Bill Bush’s story on mortgage complicated divorces, had no business on the front page and was also void of any personal aspect…
Aaron Portzline’s sports front page (yes finally front page with graphics) story concerning the Blue Jackets at midseason was excellent… It was if Columbus finally noticed and cared that they had a professional sports team… Tragically unprofessional remained Bob Hunter, who typed a column on television ratings… Bob, just quit already…
Sherri Williams metro section story on Forest Park painted the picture of an area over run by crime, but she never described the crime… She did an excellent job of relating proposed solutions and actions taken, but never mentioned one crime that has occurred (You don’t have to rely on blood to sell crime stories, but it’s still needed)… Alan Johnson’s article on human trafficking, while an important issue, was equally terrible… It seemed rushed and after a very poignant opening, was without the human element so important for those kinds of stories…
Considering all the comparisons of Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln, the Life and Arts story “Lots of Lincoln” was outstanding… The Home and Garden story on pollutants (yes, pollutants), was the edition’s most informative… Sadly, the Business Section’s story “PNC Priority” was beyond boring… I know news involves facts… But throw in a splotch of blue to all that gray…
Lodge Bar’s Brilliant Blend
Ohio Stadium has a recipe. The recipe makes every moment memorable…Every visit special and unique. Celebrity. Personality. Tradition. It’s sitting on the first level, staring at former Buckeyes, who are spending their NFL off weeks, in the stadium which launched them into the professional ranks… It’s watching the fans who paint themselves, decorate their signs, and dress like Woody Hayes… And it’s sitting in a stadium first opened in 1922, cheering a team which first played in 1890…
Lodge Bar’s recipe is the same… McFadden’s has personality. Sugar has celebrity. The Varsity Club has tradition… But, Lodge Bar subtly blends the trio and in so doing, makes you forget that you’re in a bar, just as Ohio Stadium makes you forget you’re in a simple sports arena…
Upon my arrival, the crowd (which I assume included several who were anticipating Kourtney Kardashian’s appearance) was already impressive. Their energy was palpable… They weren’t the eight p.m. crowd that you typically encounter in this city, scattered, solemn, working their first beer… These clusters (minimum of four with several groups exceeding seven or eight) were buzzing… They were the crowd every bar craves at any hour…
I’m assuming (only assuming) that Lodge’s unique variety of alcohol had something to do with the buzzing… Now, I have previously visited Lodge Bar (The NBC Charity Toy Drive)… But, apparently, I missed a detail on that night… Several details actually… The methods through which people were consuming their alcohol were via (and again, I’m only assuming) a combination of creativity and insanity…
The Bucky’s Bowl… A fish bowl container, filled to the brim with (what again I am only assuming) mixed drinks… The Coors Light Pitchers… I believe one could rapidly consume enough alcohol from them for a series of sweet dreams… The Molson Towers… Similar to what Quaker Steak and Lube offers, but this tube ascends from a hockey helmet… And I thought Columbus didn’t appreciate the Blue Jackets…
Consuming this treasure trove of alcohol from the various treasure chests were a collection of bunnies, which will be hard to replicate… Yes, there was a binge of potential prizewinning heifers which I discussed on twitter… However, they were overmatched by the bunnies who shook their asses, swallowed their shots, and through several unique fashion choices, made whiplash a welcome affliction…
While the consumer bunnies were superb, the staff bunnies were simply scrumptious… Three waitresses whose petite size and understated beauty reminded anyone that simple remains elegant… And a beer tub girl who could melt ice with her gorgeous… She appeared bored, which was completely acceptable, as this induced her to dance, as a means to keep herself entertained… That dancing was every male’s highlight this evening…
As impressive as the quartet I have just mentioned were, I cannot compare them to the crown jewel… Kadi… I know what you’re thinking… I’ve applauded Abby (Frog Bear and Wild Boar); I’ve touted Taryn (McFadden’s)… Kadi is simply their equivalent at Lodge Bar… Comparing Abby and Taryn to Kadi (although both are beautiful) is like comparing a Twix candy bar to German Chocolate Cake… Kadi is exquisite…. Blonde hair, perfect face, and a smile that (in the event of another wind storm) could light this city… Yes, in other bars, I will rave about other bartenders… But, Kadi is the unquestioned standard.
Speaking of standards, My Zero Hero may want to apply some the next time they choose a set list… Do not misunderstand, the band is outstanding and I was impressed with several of their selections (both song choice and execution)… Unfortunately, the search for diversity ruined what could have been a stellar performance… Two notable songs, both of which I discussed on twitter, stained their entire pair of sets… “I Love Rock and Roll” and “So What”… Both are personal favorites. However, Joan Jett, Britney Spears, and Pink are all women… My Zero Hero is all male…
Their interpretations of the two songs were acceptable… But, I couldn’t get past the fact that both were sung by, I believe also written by, women. As I said, My Zero Hero is an exemplary quartet and I would absolutely listen to them again… But, they require change… Anything with a female singer on the original title, needs to be dropped…
What doesn’t need to be dropped is their rendition of the timeless “Sweet Caroline,” which provided the evening’s signature moment… I expected the crowd refrain during the chorus, that tradition runs the length of our nation… What I didn’t expect was the visual… Hundreds singing the song, girls covering the stage, and Bucky, a stuffed something wearing a Chris Wells jersey (I assume he is the Lodge Bar mascot) dancing on the speakers… Add the act that their follow-up song was “Sloopy” and you can only imagine the perfect memory that occurred…
Obviously, I cannot run this entire wrap without mentioning the attraction, which we promoted three times this week… Kourtney Kardashian… Her ensemble was stunning… Shimmering silver vest and black leather boots… Her facial expression ran the spectrum, occasionally smiling and interacting with fans… Occasionally, appearing bored and staring into her blackberry… While she may not have been continuously happy, those who scored pictures and autographs certainly were… Lodge Bar deserves great credit for placing a unique celebrity in a unique environment… They succeeded…
Now I have already received a half dozen e-mails with the same question… Why did my twitter updates cut off abruptly after speaking with Kourtney? Without details (and this involves a friend, so please don’t ask), I received a text message that a friend had encountered trouble at another venue in the Arena District… I immediately bolted Lodge Bar for that venue and my friend, as of this moment, is out of trouble… That’s honestly all I can say on the subject and I apologize for the twitter turmoil…
As I near a thousand words, I will conclude where I commenced… Any bar can have celebrity, personality, or tradition… Some bars have two of the three… But, Lodge, unique, even in a section of two where bars outnumber parking meters, stands alone… A monument to the perfect recipe and what can be accomplished with it…
Lodge Bar’s recipe is the same… McFadden’s has personality. Sugar has celebrity. The Varsity Club has tradition… But, Lodge Bar subtly blends the trio and in so doing, makes you forget that you’re in a bar, just as Ohio Stadium makes you forget you’re in a simple sports arena…
Upon my arrival, the crowd (which I assume included several who were anticipating Kourtney Kardashian’s appearance) was already impressive. Their energy was palpable… They weren’t the eight p.m. crowd that you typically encounter in this city, scattered, solemn, working their first beer… These clusters (minimum of four with several groups exceeding seven or eight) were buzzing… They were the crowd every bar craves at any hour…
I’m assuming (only assuming) that Lodge’s unique variety of alcohol had something to do with the buzzing… Now, I have previously visited Lodge Bar (The NBC Charity Toy Drive)… But, apparently, I missed a detail on that night… Several details actually… The methods through which people were consuming their alcohol were via (and again, I’m only assuming) a combination of creativity and insanity…
The Bucky’s Bowl… A fish bowl container, filled to the brim with (what again I am only assuming) mixed drinks… The Coors Light Pitchers… I believe one could rapidly consume enough alcohol from them for a series of sweet dreams… The Molson Towers… Similar to what Quaker Steak and Lube offers, but this tube ascends from a hockey helmet… And I thought Columbus didn’t appreciate the Blue Jackets…
Consuming this treasure trove of alcohol from the various treasure chests were a collection of bunnies, which will be hard to replicate… Yes, there was a binge of potential prizewinning heifers which I discussed on twitter… However, they were overmatched by the bunnies who shook their asses, swallowed their shots, and through several unique fashion choices, made whiplash a welcome affliction…
While the consumer bunnies were superb, the staff bunnies were simply scrumptious… Three waitresses whose petite size and understated beauty reminded anyone that simple remains elegant… And a beer tub girl who could melt ice with her gorgeous… She appeared bored, which was completely acceptable, as this induced her to dance, as a means to keep herself entertained… That dancing was every male’s highlight this evening…
As impressive as the quartet I have just mentioned were, I cannot compare them to the crown jewel… Kadi… I know what you’re thinking… I’ve applauded Abby (Frog Bear and Wild Boar); I’ve touted Taryn (McFadden’s)… Kadi is simply their equivalent at Lodge Bar… Comparing Abby and Taryn to Kadi (although both are beautiful) is like comparing a Twix candy bar to German Chocolate Cake… Kadi is exquisite…. Blonde hair, perfect face, and a smile that (in the event of another wind storm) could light this city… Yes, in other bars, I will rave about other bartenders… But, Kadi is the unquestioned standard.
Speaking of standards, My Zero Hero may want to apply some the next time they choose a set list… Do not misunderstand, the band is outstanding and I was impressed with several of their selections (both song choice and execution)… Unfortunately, the search for diversity ruined what could have been a stellar performance… Two notable songs, both of which I discussed on twitter, stained their entire pair of sets… “I Love Rock and Roll” and “So What”… Both are personal favorites. However, Joan Jett, Britney Spears, and Pink are all women… My Zero Hero is all male…
Their interpretations of the two songs were acceptable… But, I couldn’t get past the fact that both were sung by, I believe also written by, women. As I said, My Zero Hero is an exemplary quartet and I would absolutely listen to them again… But, they require change… Anything with a female singer on the original title, needs to be dropped…
What doesn’t need to be dropped is their rendition of the timeless “Sweet Caroline,” which provided the evening’s signature moment… I expected the crowd refrain during the chorus, that tradition runs the length of our nation… What I didn’t expect was the visual… Hundreds singing the song, girls covering the stage, and Bucky, a stuffed something wearing a Chris Wells jersey (I assume he is the Lodge Bar mascot) dancing on the speakers… Add the act that their follow-up song was “Sloopy” and you can only imagine the perfect memory that occurred…
Obviously, I cannot run this entire wrap without mentioning the attraction, which we promoted three times this week… Kourtney Kardashian… Her ensemble was stunning… Shimmering silver vest and black leather boots… Her facial expression ran the spectrum, occasionally smiling and interacting with fans… Occasionally, appearing bored and staring into her blackberry… While she may not have been continuously happy, those who scored pictures and autographs certainly were… Lodge Bar deserves great credit for placing a unique celebrity in a unique environment… They succeeded…
Now I have already received a half dozen e-mails with the same question… Why did my twitter updates cut off abruptly after speaking with Kourtney? Without details (and this involves a friend, so please don’t ask), I received a text message that a friend had encountered trouble at another venue in the Arena District… I immediately bolted Lodge Bar for that venue and my friend, as of this moment, is out of trouble… That’s honestly all I can say on the subject and I apologize for the twitter turmoil…
As I near a thousand words, I will conclude where I commenced… Any bar can have celebrity, personality, or tradition… Some bars have two of the three… But, Lodge, unique, even in a section of two where bars outnumber parking meters, stands alone… A monument to the perfect recipe and what can be accomplished with it…
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Kourtney Kardashian
Columbus, it’s your turn…. We’ve given you the info… Get out tonight, dance, drink, and meet Kourtney Kardashian… Gossip CBUS will twitter live from the event… So check those blackberries… You never know when I’m watching…
INVITE: New Year’s Eve Round 2
“Did You Have to Work on New Year’s Eve? Us Too.”Commencement: 9:00
Venue: McFadden’s (South Campus)
Prize Balloon Drop
Champagne Toast (Midnight)
Drinks (Available All Night)
$4 bombs
$2 Bud Light
Number 31… Can The East Side Survive One Day Without Violence?
NBC 4: Columbus police were called to a home on North 22nd Street late Friday night when a woman was shot at a party. Witnesses said someone started firing shots at the near East Side party and one woman was hit. She was taken to OSU Medical Center East with non-life-threatening injuries.
INVITE: V.I.P. Saturday
Commencement: 10:00Venue: Sugar Bar (525 Park Street)
Mezzanine Drinks (Available 10:30 – 11:30 p.m.)
$1 Top Shelf Drinks
Quick Read
Robert Vitale typed an excellent story on the proposed wage freezes and their acrimony. Given the economic climate and this city’s violent crime spike, you would assume that story would lead the paper. Unfortunately, the Dispatch once again wasted half of their front page talking about proposed construction… Two notes… (1) When did road construction become the Super Bowl (we need pre-game coverage, really?) and (2) I am issuing an open challenge to the paper… Let me sit in on a front-page meeting… Whoever may be running them…I assure you I can do a better job…
As wretched as their decision making was for the second straight day, Metro more than made up for the front page’s ineptitude. Charlie Bass’ story on dog knee replacements at OSU was the perfect feature piece… Typically, journalists either underwrite them without emotion or overwrite them and make you gag… Bass did neither… He was understated in his language and he still gave you enough of the elements to make you cry…
Kathy Gray’s column on people who cycle to work (yes, even through this cold) was also intriguing… It wasn’t enough to make me not think the person was a wacko, but it was well written… I cannot say the same for James Nash’s story about Mary Jo Kilroy’s (is she really our congresswoman) first district tour… It read like a press release her office would issue… Kevin Mayhead wrote a solid piece on OSU’s utilization of smart cameras, which while informative, deserved it’s B5 placement…
Tom Read’s column on Steve Mason was scattered and had a weak ending, but was still a great sports piece… The problem is it was buried under high school basketball and a story about OSU’s hockey team (and people wonder why I don’t think we are a professional sports city)…
Life and Arts caps the must reads with Kevin Joy’s phenomenal piece (“Elaborate Elixirs”) on bartending and the advance of drinks from simple to splendor… The graphics were amazing and the story gave me an appreciation for an art, that I frankly was unaware of…
As wretched as their decision making was for the second straight day, Metro more than made up for the front page’s ineptitude. Charlie Bass’ story on dog knee replacements at OSU was the perfect feature piece… Typically, journalists either underwrite them without emotion or overwrite them and make you gag… Bass did neither… He was understated in his language and he still gave you enough of the elements to make you cry…
Kathy Gray’s column on people who cycle to work (yes, even through this cold) was also intriguing… It wasn’t enough to make me not think the person was a wacko, but it was well written… I cannot say the same for James Nash’s story about Mary Jo Kilroy’s (is she really our congresswoman) first district tour… It read like a press release her office would issue… Kevin Mayhead wrote a solid piece on OSU’s utilization of smart cameras, which while informative, deserved it’s B5 placement…
Tom Read’s column on Steve Mason was scattered and had a weak ending, but was still a great sports piece… The problem is it was buried under high school basketball and a story about OSU’s hockey team (and people wonder why I don’t think we are a professional sports city)…
Life and Arts caps the must reads with Kevin Joy’s phenomenal piece (“Elaborate Elixirs”) on bartending and the advance of drinks from simple to splendor… The graphics were amazing and the story gave me an appreciation for an art, that I frankly was unaware of…
Friday, January 23, 2009
BREAKING: Brunner Says “Get Ready”
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has told key advisors to prepare for a Senate campaign, Gossip CBUS has learned. Brunner has already chosen a campaign manager, political director, and press secretary, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
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.
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.
INVITE: Kourtney Kardashian
Calendar: January 24Commencement: 6:00
Venue: Lodge Bar (Arena District)
Drinks (Available All Night)
$3 Soco & Lime Shots
What Is It With Pharmacies?
NBC 4: Two more local pharmacies were robbed Friday, and authorities apprehended a male and female suspect after issuing an all-points bulletin earlier in the day. Columbus police and the Franklin County sheriff’s office were working together to find the two robbery suspects. CPD SWAT held a stakeout at a previously hit Walgreens at 1162 Harrisburg Pike. The suspects were sitting in a white van in the lot when SWAT arrived… The suspects fled the stakeout scene. Authorities chased them one block and made an apprehension. Authorities said the man-female team robbed a Walgreens at 3445 S. High St. before 9 a.m. Friday. That’s on the city’s South Side. The same two robbed a CVS at 2929 Stelzer Rd. on the city’s Northeast Side before 1 p.m., according to authorities.
10 TV: Surveillance video captured a man robbing a north side drug store on Thursday afternoon. Police said the man entered the Walgreens store, located at 4401 Cleveland Ave. near Morse Road, at about 4:30 p.m... He approached the counter and gave the employee a note demanding money. Investigators said he implied that he had a gun, but never showed one. The clerk complied and gave the robber money from the register. The man is described as white and in his late 30s to early 40s. Police said he is about 6 feet tall with a thin build and has a mustache and small goatee. He was wearing a dark baseball hat with a tan bill, a grey and blue flannel hooded jacket and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus police at 614-645-4545 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.
10 TV: Surveillance video captured a man robbing a north side drug store on Thursday afternoon. Police said the man entered the Walgreens store, located at 4401 Cleveland Ave. near Morse Road, at about 4:30 p.m... He approached the counter and gave the employee a note demanding money. Investigators said he implied that he had a gun, but never showed one. The clerk complied and gave the robber money from the register. The man is described as white and in his late 30s to early 40s. Police said he is about 6 feet tall with a thin build and has a mustache and small goatee. He was wearing a dark baseball hat with a tan bill, a grey and blue flannel hooded jacket and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus police at 614-645-4545 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.
Coleman, Cops Continue Slap and Tickle
10 TV: A union representing professionals and managers across city departments rejected Mayor Michael Coleman's request for a pay freeze on Friday. In a letter posted to its Web site, the Columbus Municipal Association of Government Employees responded to Coleman's request, saying city spending needed to be controlled before concessions could be effective.
The union also urged the city to decrease its use of outside consultants and use existing city employees, and implement a four-day, 40-hour work week in non-critical service facilities. Earlier this month, Coleman asked the seven unions representing city workers to accept a pay freeze to help the city combat a budget deficit.
Under Coleman's plan, the pay freeze would save the city $10 million, leaving $3 million on the current budget deficit. In a letter to the unions, Coleman said that if he did not receive a response by Friday then he would have no choice but to initiate more layoffs and trim more city services.
On Thursday, the Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing Columbus police, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the state's Employment Relations Board in response to Coleman's request. Union president Jim Gilbert said he did not necessarily oppose the request for a pay freeze, but he said Coleman did not follow guidelines put in place for collective bargaining. In a statement released Thursday, Coleman said his request did not amount to an unfair labor practice and was intended to help the city battle a budget deficit of $97 million.
The union also urged the city to decrease its use of outside consultants and use existing city employees, and implement a four-day, 40-hour work week in non-critical service facilities. Earlier this month, Coleman asked the seven unions representing city workers to accept a pay freeze to help the city combat a budget deficit.
Under Coleman's plan, the pay freeze would save the city $10 million, leaving $3 million on the current budget deficit. In a letter to the unions, Coleman said that if he did not receive a response by Friday then he would have no choice but to initiate more layoffs and trim more city services.
On Thursday, the Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing Columbus police, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the state's Employment Relations Board in response to Coleman's request. Union president Jim Gilbert said he did not necessarily oppose the request for a pay freeze, but he said Coleman did not follow guidelines put in place for collective bargaining. In a statement released Thursday, Coleman said his request did not amount to an unfair labor practice and was intended to help the city battle a budget deficit of $97 million.
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