November 17

Rep. Austria criticized for Statehouse visit on day of redistricting vote

By  Jessica Wehrman

The Columbus Dispatch Thursday November 17, 2011 4:18 AM

Seven Dayton-area lawmakers are raising a stink about whether it was appropriate for Rep. Steve Austria to visit the Ohio General Assembly on the same day that the House took up legislation redrawing congressional districts.

The group — two trustees from Montgomery County’s Washington Township, four mayors of Dayton suburbs and former state Sen. Chuck Curran — wrote in a letter to House Speaker Bill Batchelder that Austria’s appearance at the General Assembly on Nov. 3 “creates the impression of undue influence and the appearance of impropriety.”
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/11/17/rep-austria-criticized-for-statehouse-visit.html

Still no congressional map deal as Ohio lawmakers head for holiday break

Published: Wednesday, November 16, 2011, 5:55 PM     Updated: Thursday, November 17, 2011, 4:12 AM

By Aaron Marshall, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio - State lawmakers were unable to cut a deal on a new congressional map this week, making it more likely that Ohio will spend $15 million on a second primary election next year. But there is still hope for an agreement, as talks continue among legislative leaders.
House Speaker William G. Batchelder, a Medina Republican, said talks are "moving forward" but said the next chance for lawmakers to ratify any agreement won't be until Nov. 29. Lawmakers are expected to be on break until that date when a special joint session will be convened to honor service members killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/11/still_no_congressional_map_dea.html

McKenney appointed new Summit probate judge

By Ed Meyer
Beacon Journal staff writer

Published: November 17, 2011 - 12:00 AM

State Rep. Todd McKenney of New Franklin confirmed Wednesday he has been appointed by the governor as the new judge in Summit County Probate Court.

Rob Nichols, spokesman for Gov. John Kasich, said the governor will make an official announcement of McKenney’s appointment today in Columbus.

He was chosen from a list of three candidates submitted to the governor in early September. The other candidates nominated by the Summit County Republican Party screening committee were Akron attorneys Candace Kim Knox and Scot A. Stevenson.
http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/mckenney-appointed-new-summit-probate-judge-1.245836

Ohio House delays vote on bill to penalize using public money for political activity

The Associated press

November 15, 2011 – 12:53 pm

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio House has delayed a vote on a bill that would penalize public officials who use taxpayer money for political activity.

House Speaker William Batchelder told reporters the bill needs minor changes, but would be voted on in two weeks.
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/4f78fed9ed5e49308db01b8909d167b6/OH--Campaign-Finance-Criminal-Penalties/

Speaker Says Deal On Congress Map Still Possible; House Sends College Grant Tax Exemption Bill To Governor

Gongwer 11/16/11

Negotiators had warned that the clock was ticking this week on a deadline for reaching a deal on the new congressional map, but Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) said Wednesday it was still possible to avoid separate primary elections and related $15 million in additional costs to the state.

The speaker told reporters after session that if a deal was reached with Democrats on the new map after this week then the House could suspend rules and move legislation that dispenses with the additional primary date.

The speaker said Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and Minority Leader Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) were continuing to talk. "I think we're moving forward," he said.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802210202