August 31

Lawmaker wants to add Wrights’ plane to Ohio seal

Associated Press

Published: August 31, 2011 - 08:17 AM

DAYTON, OHIO: An Ohio lawmaker wants to change the official state seal to include a tribute to the Wright brothers.

Legislation introduced Tuesday by Dayton area state Rep. James Butler would add the airplane from the Wrights’ pioneering flight in 1903. It would go above and to the left of the sun on the current seal.

The Wrights were from Dayton. Butler tells The Dayton Daily News that putting the plane on the seal would be good for bringing business to the region and for promoting the state as a center of innovation.

http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/lawmaker-wants-to-add-wrights-plane-to-ohio-seal-1.232552

Lawmaker pushing to add tribute to Wright brothers on Ohio seal

Alteration would be a tribute to the Wright brothers.

By William Hershey, Staff Writer 10:15 PM Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Dayton Daily News

COLUMBUS — The Wright brothers’ history-making airplane will be added to the Great Seal of the State of Ohio if one local lawmaker has his way.

State Rep. James Butler, R-Oakwood, on Tuesday introduced legislation to put a representation of the first piloted airplane flown by the Wright brothers in 1903 above and to the left of the sun on the current seal.

“Ohio is the center of innovation and certainly the birthplace of powered flight and aviation,” said Butler, a former Naval aviator.

There have been previous, unsuccessful attempts to honor Orville and Wilbur Wright, but Butler said it’s worth trying again.

It would be especially good for the Miami Valley, he said.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/lawmaker-pushing-to-add-tribute-to-wright-brothers-on-ohio-seal-1242896.html

Batchelder Taps Huffman to Chair State Government; Hearings Set on Congressional Redistricting

Hannah Report

In the wake of Rep. Robert Mecklenborg's (R-Cincinnati) resignation earlier in the month, House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) announced Tuesday that Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) will serve as chairman of the House State Government and Elections Committee.

Mecklenborg, the former chairman of the committee, resigned amid scandal Aug. 2 stemming from a drunken driving arrest. The House Republican Caucus has begun the process of replacing him. (See separate story, this issue.)

Hufman currently serves on the committee and chairs the Redistricting Subcommittee, which will be leading the General Assembly's efforts to redraw Ohio's congressional lines.

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=186960

Deadline to Remove Issue 2 from Ballot Quietly Passes

Hannah Report

The deadline for groups to request an issue be pulled from the November ballot quietly passed Tuesday with no deal on collective bargaining reforms in SB5 as the secretary of state proceeded to certify the form of official ballots.

Under Ohio law, the name of the committee listed on the petition that was submitted to get a state issue on the ballot must submit a request in writing to remove that issue from the ballot prior to the 70^th day before the election.

Tuesday, Aug. 30 was the 70^th day.

The possibility of keeping Issue 2, the referendum on SB5, off the ballot was floated by Gov. John Kasich and Republican legislative leaders earlier in the month, but was rejected by We Are Ohio, the group behind getting the referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot.
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=186967

House GOP Announces Mecklenborg Replacement Process

Hanna Report

Nearly a month after Rep. Robert Mecklenborg (R-Cincinnati) resigned from the 30^th House District, the House Republican Caucus has announced the process for picking his replacement.

House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) said in a release Tuesday that those wishing to seek the appointment should send a letter of interest and other supplemental materials to his office at 77 S. High St., 14^th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, by Thursday, Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. They may also be emailed to District69@ohr.state.oh.us .
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=186956

House Seeks Replacement For Mecklenborg; Speaker Names Huffman State Govt. Chair

Gongwer

House Republicans on Tuesday announced the process for replacing former Rep. Robert Mecklenborg, whose resignation several weeks ago prompted several hopefuls to test the waters for local support.
Among those reportedly interested in the appointment to the 30^th House District seat are former NFL player Rocky Boiman, a business owner, and GOP activist Dick Hammersmith, chief of staff for a Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel.
Retired businessman Lou Terhar, whose wife Debe is president of the State Board of Education, is also on the short list for expected applicants. Mike Robison, who ran for the 31^st House District last cycle, has also reportedly expressed interest.
http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news_articledisplay.cfm?article_ID=801680204&newsedition_id=8016802&locid=2