Low-key lawmaker on short list for speaker
By Jim Siegel
The Columbus Dispatch Monday September 24, 2012 7:15 AM
Chances are, unless you’re heavily involved in the oil and gas industry or animal-ownership issues, you haven’t heard of state Rep. Dave Hall.
The former Holmes County commissioner from Millersburg (population 3,052) doesn’t stand out in the Statehouse crowd — an unassuming GOP lawmaker not known for stirring speeches, antagonizing rhetoric or controversial bills.
But considering his involvement in some key issues, including oil and gas drilling, and the fact that some consider him an early front-runner to replace Speaker William G. Batchelder in a little more than two years, Hall might not stay under the radar for long.Oil and gas producers already have discovered him, providing almost two-thirds of his recent campaign cash, pushing him to No. 8 (from 31) in the House GOP money parade.
Repairing the foundation
With citizen-members named, panel can begin enormous task
Sunday September 23, 2012 6:49 AM
With the recent appointment of 20 citizens who represent the broad interests of Ohioans, the important work of the Constitutional Modernization Commission can begin.
Over the years, Ohio’s constitution — one of the oldest in the nation — has become dated, unclear and, at times, dysfunctional. What is required is a thoughtful, comprehensive review of the foundational document that shapes lives and fortunes in the state.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/09/23/repairing-the-foundation.html
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/09/23/repairing-the-foundation.html
Merger of courts unlikely for now
Published: Mon, September 24, 2012 @ 12:04 a.m.
By Ed Runyan
WARREN
A state representative from Trumbull County says nothing will happen in the Ohio Legislature in the last six weeks before the Nov. 6 election to prevent one of two candidates from being elected to the judgeship of Eastern District Court in Brookfield.
The current judge, Ronald Rice, a Democrat, is retiring to fill the seat being vacated by Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge John M. Stuard, who is retiring.
Tom Letson of Warren, D-64th, said the Legislature could still act on one of two bills that were introduced to abolish the Eastern District judgeship and merge it with Central District Court in Cortland, but he doubts the current speaker of the House will allow it to happen this year.
The speaker is William G. Batchelder, a Republican from Medina.http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/sep/24/merger-of-courts-unlikely-for-now/
Hannah Report 9/21/12
STATE GOVERNMENT
Speaker of the House William Batchelder (R-Medina) and former Gov. Ted Strickland agreed that a constitutional convention -- which is State Issue 1 on the November ballot -- should not happen, with both fearing such a convention could easily deteriorate in to political stalemate between more entrenched elements of either party.
Speaker of the House William Batchelder (R-Medina) and former Gov. Ted Strickland agreed that a constitutional convention -- which is State Issue 1 on the November ballot -- should not happen, with both fearing such a convention could easily deteriorate in to political stalemate between more entrenched elements of either party.
Politics Notebook: Presidential Candidates Plan Ohio Visits; Lundy Seeks New State Plane Investigation; Group Pushes For Coingate Report Release …
Gongwer 9/21/12
State Aircraft: Rep. Matt Lundy (D-Elyria) on Friday called for a further investigation into whether any "wrongful or illegal acts were committed" regarding the use of state planes.
In a letter, Rep. Lundy asked Inspector General Randy Meyer to look into who may use state planes, for what activities they may be used, who pays for the flights, if it's improper to use the planes for non-state business, and whether there was waste, fraud, or abuse in the usage of the state planes during the past two years.
An audit released by Auditor Dave Yost's office earlier this month couldn't conclude whether the use of planes by Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, House Speaker Bill Batchelder and other state officials was improper because of a lack of guidelines for how the aircraft are permitted to be used (See Gongwer Ohio Report, September 6, 2012).
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