A crowd at S&S Pools on the edge of Middletown chanted “Joe, Joe” as he emerged from a bus as an official surrogate for Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign.

But celebrity has its curses: media scrutiny found some call excessive found Wurzelbacher is unlicensed and owes back taxes.

And as he spoke to the Middletown crowd, a state investigation started on why state computers were used to find personal information on Wurzelbacher.

McCain pointed to the Toledo man as an example of the middle-class worker who would be hurt economically by an Obama presidency, though Wurzelbacher likely would fare better under Obama’s tax plan because it calls for no tax increase for working couples earning less than $250,000 a year — Wurzelbacher himself earns far less — and provides for a middle-class tax cut.

His main message in Middletown was for people to get informed and vote for the American dream of small business ownership.

Wurzelbacher was followed by other business owners featured in a commercial, as well as Cathy Shepherd, owner of S&S Pools.

Shepherd said she wants to open a second store, but won’t be able to afford it under Obama’s tax plan.

“I don’t want to give a man the opportunity to take my wealth and put it where he wants to put it,” she said. “That’s not his choice, that’s my choice.”

Roughly 50 people turned out to the rally, including Joe “The Extrusion Specialist” Hall and his family from Middletowm. “We just wanted to come out here and support Joe and everything he is doing for a good cause,” Hall said.

Dorothy Colwell, also from Middletown, said the campaign owes Wurzelbacher. “He got a question answered that we all want to know,” she said.

To really understand Ohio, you need a far-reaching anthropological knowledge that few possess. Sometimes, people “get it.” This would most certainly include the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama, now engaged in an all-out assault to win the state’s 20 electoral votes.

“This is my third move, fourth move because house is being foreclosed,” said Barker.

Butler County recorder Danny Crank said thanks to $4.2 million from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department some homeowners may avoid foreclosure.

Under the new Neighborhood Stabilization Program, county officials want to buy houses from banks then sell them back to homeowners.

“If we could help a small amount of people save their home I think we’ll be happy,” said Crank.

To help prevent that Butler County commissioner Greg Jolivette says there are non profit programs like Neighborhood Housing Services to help people with foreclosure questions and financing solutions.

“Double edge sword because we don’t want to help people give them false hope…only to have them fall back into foreclosure two or three months down the road,” said Jolivette.

Officials said part of the money will also be used to tear down old buildings in an effort to give run down neighborhoods a face lift.

“Blighted areas demolition probably see more in city of Hamilton and Middletown,” said Jolivette.

NOTE: A Rasmussen poll released last week showed that just 53 percent of Ohio voters believe their votes will be counted properly. Forty-five percent of those polled believe that people who shouldn’t be allowed to vote will do so and 28 percent said that it’s more likely that eligible voters will be denied a chance to cast a ballot. The poll also showed that 80 percent of Ohio voters believe that a driver’s license or other photo ID should be required before voting.

In 2006, Rogers sued Zettler. Last week, Reynolds threatened to sue Zettler if he doesn’t cease his claims.

The details of their argument are complex and center on Reynolds’ Liberty Twp. house being in a residential improvement district and the value of Reynolds’ house changing on the county auditor’s office Web site.

But Zettler’s claim is simple.

“I assume he lowered the value of his personal residence because he wanted a tax break,” Zettler said in a statement. “He changed the values of his personal residence on the Web site and therefore I don’t know if he’s changed the values of any of his other properties.”

“Interim auditor Reynolds’ actions should be viewed as deliberate, calculated and deserves official investigation by appropriate state and county law enforcement officials,” Zettler said.

And Reynolds’ response is clear: Zettler’s attack is a “fabrication”.

“Zettler is engaging in despicable politics,” Reynolds said. “He also misleads the public about my own residential property valuation process.”

A review of property values by the JournalNews found that both Reynolds and Zettler had some properties they own go up in taxable value and some go down. Both are looking at a net increase in property values, according to county records.

Increases and decreases also vary for property owned by other officials from both parties.

Questions about why property value information displayed on the auditor’s office Web site changed revealed that mistakes were made in the appraisal process and the site was changed partly to clarify Reynolds’ property value, according to auditor’s office staff.

But those officials said the mistakes applied to thousands of properties, not just Reynolds’, and though the Web site was wrong, the value of Reynolds’ property never changed.

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Obama ghost hung from tree in Fairfield sparks controversy

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, October 20, 2008, 03:15 PM

The centerpiece of one Fairfield man’s Halloween display is a ghost hanging by a rope from a tree. The ghost is labeled “Hussain Obama.”

This has caused several of the man’s neighbors to complain. The man is not shy about his racist views: he said he believes this is a white Christian nation and shouldn’t be led by a black man, according to TV news reports.

Here is the video from local 12 news:

The city of Fairfield released a statement today:

Over the last several days, one of our residents has chosen to express his self-described racist views publicly. This individual’s isolated opinion, as depicted in a yard display, does not represent the values of our community. The elected and appointed officials of Fairfield, Ohio do not condone the actions of this individual and find this behavior abhorrent. It is unfortunate that this resident has chosen to use his First Amendment rights in this despicable manner.

For more on the role racism (and sexism and ageism) could play in this year’s presidential race, see a previous package of stories we did here.

What do you think of this display?

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County to buy, sell houses to prevent foreclosures

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, October 20, 2008, 01:39 PM

Help is on the way for Butler County residents facing foreclosure, county commissioners said this morning, Oct. 20. But they fear it may be too little too late.

Butler County Community Development Director Donna Everson outlined a plan to commissioners this morning to use $4.2 million they received from the federal government earlier this month.

Under the plan, homeowners facing foreclosure would deed their home back to the bank, which would then sell it to the county at 5 percent below market value. The county would then help the homeowner get affordable financing to help make the house affordable.

County leaders lauded the plan, but said there was no point in keeping someone in a house they could not afford.

“We certainly don’t want to keep somebody in a house, then two years from now they’re in the same situation they are in today,” said County Recorder Danny Crank, who offered staff to help the county find eligible homes.

Eligibility requirements include anyone making 120 percent of median income. This is roughly $79,450 a year for a family of four.

Foreclosures in the county have skyrocketed in recent years, county leaders said, totaling 1,761 foreclosures through September.

“When you think of the huge problem we have in the county, it’s not really that much money,” said Commissioner Gregory Jolivette.

The federal grant was intended to improve communities by fixing up blighted and abandoned homes and reselling. But county commissioners said that was too reactive, and they wanted to use it to keep people in their homes.

Once they do that, they will explore acquisition, rehabilitation and demolition of blighted homes.

The county money will only aid people in the county but outside the city limits of Hamilton and Middletown. Hamilton received $2.4 million under the same federal program and Middletown received $2.1 million.

The cities have until Dec. 1 to declare how they’re going to spend the money.

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County announces shelter schedule

By Josh Sweigart | Sunday, October 19, 2008, 07:30 AM

After long delays in construction of a new Butler County animal shelter, county commissioners announced this week the project has a schedule for completion. Here it is (Click on the top right corner to enlarge it):

Said County Commission President Charles Furmon:

“It appears that it should be completed by the second week of April. We spent a long time getting here and we’re very frustrated, but we’re very happy to see it moving.”

How do you feel about this news?

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Jolivette gives apology deadline

By Josh Sweigart | Saturday, October 18, 2008, 12:00 PM

Butler County Commissioner Gregory Jolivette is incensed over allegations from auditor candidate Jack Zettler that Jolivette got a special deal on his property value appraisal this year.

The commissioner is demanding an immediate, public apology. Said he:

“He has until election day to publicly apologize to me and after that he might as well not waste his breath because it’s not going to mean anything…I will continue to have complete and utter disrespect for his character. I’ve spent 25 years as a public servant and never have been accused of doing something wrong. I might have someone who doesn’t like my votes or my policies but never accused me of doing something dishonest, and I won’t stand for it. It (an apology) is not going to mean a hill of beans if he does it after the election.”

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Zettler answers questions on appraisal

By Josh Sweigart | Saturday, October 18, 2008, 07:30 AM

Jack Zettler, Democratic candidate for Butler County auditor, would only answer some of my most recent questions with a prepared statement. Here are the questions and his answers:

(Go here for the background)

I understand that you are arguing that (incumbent Republican Auditor Roger Reynolds) had a lower property value then raised it after the editorial board meeting. But what proof do you have that Gregory Jolivette got any special deals or that Roger gave sweetheart deals to anyone?

RESPONSE: If two of Jolivette’s contiguous neighbors got over a 20 percent increase in tax valuation, when Mr. Jolivette got a decrease, then that is a sweet deal for Mr. Jolivette and a sour deal for his neighbors. Our postcard shows the homes. There appears to be little differences in the type of home involved. Readers should take a look and judge for themselves.

The tax value decreases realized by many of his political allies are certainly not consistent, but there are plenty of them who did get a decrease while there was an average six percent increase countywide at time real values are down significantly. Even State Representative Corky Combs said that home values in Butler County have declined 10 percent. Our interim auditor, however allowed flawed reappraisals to take effect anyway. I never said every one of his political allies got a break, neither have I said that every well known Democrat got an increase. I just know that the average homeowner in Butler County had to live with unfair appraisals. I believe Reynolds could have done more to fight the unfairness. I would have not certified the flawed appraisals. Doing it all again next year, as Reynolds plans to do, will just mean more wasted tax dollars. He should have done it right the first time.

How do you account for the fact that 5 of the 10 properties in Zettler’s name have gone down in value? As have the homes of Daniel Gattermeyer and John Holcomb, two of the most prominent local Democrats?

RESPONSE: Rogers picked and chose five of my properties that went down, but my overall increase averaged over 20 percent!

And why would Roger lower the value on his house either $1,280 or $22,720 while raising the value on his other properties a combined $123,300?

Response: I only was concerned with his personal residence. I assume he lowered the value of his personal residence because he wanted a tax break. He changed the values of his personal residence on the website and therefore I don’t know if he’s changed the values of any of his other properties. Neither do taxpayers now. I guess it is too late for anybody to find out now anyway.

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Hamilton BMV hosting food drive

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 17, 2008, 04:13 PM

Press release from the Butler County auditor’s office:

A worsening economy coupled with last month’s extended power outage caused by the wind storm has left food banks stretched to the limit. In an effort to help Butler County’s Shared Harvest Foodbank replenish its shelves, the North Brookwood office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Hamilton is participating in the Ohio BMV and Deputy Registrars’ 2008 Fall Food Drive.

All food and money collected locally during the drive, which runs through Dec. 1, will be directed to Shared Harvest, said Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds, deputy registrar of the West Side office, located at 138 North Brookwood Drive.

“A donation box is set up in the BMV office for our employees and customers who want to donate,” Reynolds said. “It is completely voluntary but the food and money will be put to good use by Shared Harvest.”

Office hours at 138 North Brookwood are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday; and 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday. For more information, call (513) 737-8262.

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Whose eyes are on auditor race?

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 17, 2008, 10:21 AM

The race for Butler County auditor between incumbent Republican Roger Reynolds and Democrat Jack Zettler has become both biting, and bitterly important.

Local politicos realize it’s a key position for two reasons. One, it would bring to power the only Democrat in countywide politics. Two, as (admitted felon) Kay Rogers showed us, the job can be used as a devastating political instrument. The auditor writes all the checks, and Rogers would frequently bring to light what she saw as wasteful or unethical practices (though some say only against her enemies). And, as Rogers showed, it can be misused.

Now, it appears those outside Butler County are taking notice. The mailer that Zettler sent out blasting Reynolds’ property appraisal and accusing him of misdeeds was paid for by the Ohio Democratic party. We won’t know how much the state Dems pumped into this campaign until finance reports are due next week, but those mailers aren’t cheap.

And now, today, Reynolds is an opening speaker at a rally in West Chester Twp. for Gov. Sarah Palin’s vice-presidential campaign. This is an honor usually reserved for a well-known local leader, not someone six months in office. Is this a strategy to broadcast Reynolds’ name and face across the county, particularly to the influential and right-leaning West Chester voters?

Who do you think will win this race?

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ACORN stays out of Butler County

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 16, 2008, 11:59 AM

Amid the local and national hubbub of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) allegedly registering unqualified voters, Butler County elections officials say the advocacy group was not active here.

In fact, local elections officials said they’ve gone through several steps to catch voting fraud and have seen no indication of fraud to date.

One of the steps outlined in that story is not going ahead though. That step includes taking a cross-check of all new voter registrations against the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Social Security Administration (which the state does) and communicating it to local boards of election (which the state does not do).

Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner announced today she is appealing a ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court that would force her to communicate suspicious registrations to local boards of election.

The suit that she lost was brought by the Ohio Republican party.

Who do you think is right? Brunner or the GOP?

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Reynolds, Jolivette: Zettler takes auditor’s race ‘to a new low’

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 16, 2008, 10:12 AM

Press release from the Butler County auditor’s office:

The stock market has been hit hard in recent months, but the truth is taking the worst beating of the year in Butler County. Democrat candidate Jack Zettler’s recent press release and county-wide mailer is so full of misstatements that it is possible that they don’t even contain any truths at all, other than Zettler’s name and the office for which he is running.

“It is unfortunate that, in a year of ugly campaigning, Jack Zettler may have set the record for a new low,” said Butler County Commissioner Greg Jolivette, who was included in Zettler’s attack on County Auditor Roger Reynolds. “I know Jack, and was his classmate in school. I know and very much like his family. This can’t be their proudest moment. Jack Zettler must be desperate to win office, but that’s no excuse.”

Democrat candidate Jack Zettler recently attacked Reynolds for “lowering his (Reynolds’) tax valuation”. The fact is that Reynolds owns three properties, which have risen by a total of $123,000, nearly a 15% increase. Also, Zettler tries to focus on Reynolds’ residence and claims that Reynolds realized that Zettler was on to him and then changed the property valuation to an increase in September. The fact is that Reynolds’ residential property, just like over 1,200 others in Liberty Township, was part of a “residential incentive district” that the independent reappraisal firm, CLT, was in the process of performing an updated appraisal maintenance. CLT had failed to consider market approach valuations on the RID properties, which is required, during its original reappraisal.

“Zettler wants to focus on one of three properties, and ignore the others to paint a false picture to the public,” said Reynolds. “The fact is my own total valuation increased a significant amount. Zettler is engaging in despicable politics. He also misleads the public about my own residential property valuation process. Zettler’s entire attack was a fabrication.”

Zettler went on to infer that Reynolds gives “sweet deals” to fellow Republicans on reappraisals. In reality, a solid majority of county Republican officeholders’ values increased. “The appraisal process has been ongoing for almost three years and was virtually complete when I took office this past April,” stated Reynolds. “I have never influenced even one property’s valuation. There are no ‘deals’. Zettler’s claim is without merit and crosses into libel. I have consulted with attorneys and have been assured that Zettler has crossed a legal line. That will be dealt with after this election.”

Zettler tried to use as “proof” the reappraisal of Butler County Commissioner Greg Jolivette’s residential property. According to Zettler, Jolivette received a favorable reappraisal while two neighboring properties went up in valuation. What Zettler doesn’t include is the fact that 27 of 37 properties in Jolivette’s neighborhood went down in valuation, several by more of a percentage than Jolivette’s. Zettler also fails to mention that the two homes he used in his attack do not compare to Jolivette’s in size or characteristics, which is critical to how CLT or any independent firm assesses values on property. Finally, Zettler fails to mention that Jolivette owns Jolly’s, a Hamilton restaurant, and that Jolly’s valuation went up much more than Jolivette’s personal property went down. There was obviously no “deal”.

“There is no ground for Zettler’s reckless comments. It is a total disregard for the truth,” Jolivette stated. “Zettler’s false claims are an attack on my character. People who know me, and there are many people in this county that know me, know that I would never engage in such tactics. Zettler’s attacks are so dirty and inaccurate that I challenge Jack to prove his claim now or publicly apologize and then clean up his act. I will not be used for a mudslinging campaign without some type of accountability. Jack has decided to drag my good name into the dirt in a feeble attempt to win this campaign, and it is a sadly unethical move.”

Reynolds believes his hard work to turn around a scandalized office has made Zettler bitter. “I have one thing in common with Jack; we both lost campaigns to the previous auditor. That auditor has been indicted and resigned her office, and since then I was appointed to the vacant position by the Republican Party and have achieved success in changing the tone of the Auditor’s Office. We have fought the state bureaucracy to keep property valuations as low as possible. I have promised to hold my own reappraisal next year to lower valuations for all citizens. We have put all office expenditures on-line for full disclosure, and we have cut costs and returned over a quarter of a million dollars to the community. All this was done in less than five months time. I think Jack Zettler is bitter at our success in turning things around. He has no real claims or positive vision of his own, so he makes false attacks and hides the truth. I believe Butler County is tired of these worn out, gutter politics and they want what we are offering; a fresh new start and an office that fights for the people of this county and doesn’t play dirty politics. That is the problem with Jack Zettler. There is that old cliché, ‘you don’t know jack’. Well, people are getting to know Jack Zettler well, and they don’t like what they are seeing. We now know Jack, and we know he can’t seem to tell the truth.”

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Zettler’s property values went down too

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 16, 2008, 07:30 AM

A review of the recently completed taxable property value re-appraisal confirms Democratic candidate for county auditor Jack Zettler’s claim that incumbent Auditor Roger Reynolds lowered his property value.

The auditor’s office Web site shows a value increase. But the new value, $535,200, is actually $1,280 lower than the old value which is now incorrect on the site. Reynolds has an explanation for this — it’s complicated and we’ll get into it later this week — and said he had no involvement in the appraisal of his property. He also points out he bought his house for $447,500 earlier this year.

Zettler says this is all a shell game to hide his attempt to lower his values further.

What Zettler doesn’t mention is that five of his 10 properties also went down in value, according to the auditor’s office Web site. Here are the parcels and their new and old appraised values:

N. E. Street, Hamilton:

• 2008 $1,380
• 2007 $1,860

702 N. E Street, Hamilton

• 2008 $83,370
• 2007 $86,220

544 Ross Avenue, Hamilton

• 2008 $67,080
• 2007 $70,970

Smith Road, Hamilton

• 2008 $520
• 2007 $860

625 Fairview Avenue

• 2008 $76,370
• 2007 $81,000

Zettler isn’t alone. The only local elected Democrat, Hamilton Municipal Judge Daniel Gattermeyer, also saw a property value drop:

• 2008 $293,830
• 2007 $296,230

And John Holcomb, the only Democrat on the Butler County Board of Elections and former party chairman:

725 Elmwood Road, Hamilton

• 2008 $175,750
• 2007 $199,160

Meanwhile, the largest single increase in values went to Ed and Judy Shelton. Judy Shelton sits on the Board of Elections as a Republican and is the party’s central committee chairwoman:

625 Devanshae Court

• 2008 $900,360
• 2007 $467,050

To round things out, Tom Ellis, chairman of the Butler County Republican party and the final member of the Board of Elections:

1717 N Breiel Boulevard, Middletown

• 2008 $212,820
• 2007 $218,000

Pick up the paper this weekend for a full analysis of Zettler’s claim.

What are your thoughts?

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Auditor’s race goes to the dogs

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 08:08 PM

Jack Zettler’s two Dobermans, Royce and Viper, have been symbols of his campaign for Butler County auditor. He says he wants to be the Democratic watchdog of this Republican controlled county.

So Roger Reynolds, the incumbent Republican, thought he had something when he heard that the dogs weren’t licensed. He brought it up at a recent meeting where both candidates were seeking endorsement from the JournalNews.

Zettler said his dogs were licensed, just in his daughter’s name.

“The dogs are all properly licensed and there is documentation, however, the interim auditor should already have those records,” he said.

No they’re not, replied Reynolds later that day.

Dogs are licensed through the auditor’s office and, “our folks looked and Jack nor his daughter Suzanne (Zettler) have purchased dog licenses the past two years for his dogs,” he said, adding that the next auditor should lead by example.

Yes they are, replied Zettler the next day. This time he brought in what appeared to be an up-to-date license in his daughter’s married name for two Dobermans. He also brought in one of the dogs with a corresponding number on its tag.

“The interim auditor makes well over $100,000 with benefits, not counting all the vacation time he’s already taken,” he said. “Now all he wants to do is bark about a $14 dog license.”

Zettler did not allow the JournalNews to photocopy the license, however, and asked that his daughter’s name not be released to Reynolds, saying he fears she would be harassed. This made it impossible to verify the license with the auditor’s office.

Reynolds said he has no interest in pursuing the issue further. “If he’s got a dog license, that’s fine,” he said.

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Crank v. Patton

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 07:30 AM

In a now-familiar paradigm, the Democratic challenger, Lana Patton, for Butler County recorder is running on a campaign of change, and the Republican incumbent, Danny Crank, is running on his record.

The Democrat

Patton, 48, of Milford Twp., said she wants to put the office’s records online, possibly charging a small fee to access them.

Crank took the records down three years ago to protect residents’ sensitive information. The records are only available in his office.

Patton also said her 20 years in real estate give her the background needed to run the office, which deals mostly with recording land transactions.

“I deal with title companies day in and day out, this is what I do,” she said.

And she said Butler County government is lacking integrity.

“With all the scandals

and everything that goes on

in Butler County, it’s time to put honesty back in Butler County offices,” she said. “I think it’s time that Butler County needs to be revamped, and I think it will probably happen this year.”

The Republican

Since taking over the office eight years ago, Crank, 62, said he was the first in the state to set up electronic records filing, and has focused on customer service and thrift.

“Basically, I run a fiscally conservative office,” he said. “I don’t waste money, I got a bare-bones staff and we run everything on a very small budget.”

Crank said he renegotiated a contract last year, allowing him to save potentially $365,000 by 2010.

Crank said he’s redacting records to put them online, but it’s a slow process. Instead of paying $185,000 to have it outsourced, he has four employees looking through 2.5 million pages of documents.

In addition to identity theft concerns, Crank said he doesn’t like the idea of offshore companies doing title searches online.

“People in Butler County make a living doing research in the office,” he said. “(With records online) you don’t have to hire people in Butler County anymore. (There are) people in India who will do title searches for you for nearly nothing.”

The Butler County recorder’s office has 17 employees and an annual budget of roughly $1 million.

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Combs to call for statewide property value decrease

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 05:29 PM

Press release from state Rep. Courtney Combs’ office, R-Hamilton (coming on the heels of county Auditor Roger Reynolds’ similar promise):

State Representative Courtney Combs (R- Hamilton) today announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at easing the financial burden placed on homeowners due to property value reappraisal increases.

The legislation is currently being drafted by the Ohio Legislative Service Commission and will be introduced this month.

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Sarah Palin coming to Butler County this week

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 11:48 AM

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is scheduled to visit West Chester Twp. Friday.

Here are the vitals, from this story by reporter Dave Greber:

What: Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin’s first visit to Butler County.

Where: The Square of Union Centre area of West Chester, a newly built community park situated near Lakota West High School and the heavily traveled Union Centre Boulevard in West Chester Twp.

When: Gates open at 8:30 a.m., Friday, with pre-programming beginning at 10:30 a.m. Palin is expected to take the stage at 11:30 a.m.

How to go: Tickets will be required for the event, and can be picked up starting Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Butler County GOP Headquarters, 5964 Golf Club Lane, and the West Chester office of the Friends of John Boehner, 7908 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd Suite I. Both facilities will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Furmon v. Hubble for commission

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 07:30 AM

After struggling through an epic Republican primary, long-time Butler County Commissioner Charles Furmon now faces Democrat Butch Hubble in November.

Here is the story. Here are the vitals:

Furmon:

• Age: 68
• Profession: Retired Hamilton police officer, county commission for three terms.
• Platform: “To do whatever I can to better the quality of life for the citizens of Butler County.”

Hubble:

• Age: 64
• Profession: Retired Navy officer and San Diego police officer
• Platform: “I know for a fact that we have an abundance of resources in our area that don’t seem to be used. We have to do something; right now I’m not seeing anything done.”

There’s a lot more in the story, including specific examples of what Furmon says he has accomplished in his years on the dais and specific initiatives Hubble wants to implement.

Read the story then come back and tell me: Who has your vote?

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Reynolds releases new unclaimed funds database

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, October 13, 2008, 12:59 PM

Just received this release from the Butler County auditor’s office:

There is over $1.5 million in unclaimed money available in Butler County. Now, citizens are a mouse click away from finding out if any of it belongs to them.

Money that is found can be retrieved by contacting the Butler County Auditor or visiting the third floor of the office at 125 High Street.

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More on Zettler’s claims

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, October 13, 2008, 12:56 PM

Jack Zettler, candidate for Butler County auditor, just issued this press release further outlining his attack on Auditor Roger Reynolds:

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Reynolds releases hounds of his own

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, October 13, 2008, 10:40 AM

It appears Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds isn’t content to stay on the defensive.

In the same JournalNews editorial board meeting (which I wasn’t in, because I am not a member of the editorial board) where Reynolds’ challenger Jack Zettler first accused Reynolds of lowering his own property values, Reynolds asked Zettler if his two oft-referenced watchdogs are licensed.

Zettler said they were in his daughter’s name. Reynolds says otherwise in this e-mail:

My phone was quick to ring today as the interview video was posted on the JN website. The video prompted me to contact you on two fronts.

Roger Reynolds

What do you think?

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Coming soon to a mailbox near you

By Josh Sweigart | Sunday, October 12, 2008, 07:30 AM

Update: Read the whole story on Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds’ property values (to date, at least) here and here.

Original post:

Here is a copy of the latest mailer from Democratic candidate for Butler County Auditor Jack Zettler:

Strong stuff. And completely fabricated, according to Auditor Roger Reynolds and Commissioner Gregory Jolivette.

Reynolds:

“He’s bordering on slanderous statements. I contacted an attorney yesterday. (Zettler) is not going to continue to not only insult me but my staff who are working their tails off to help the public during this re-evaluation. If Jack has to stoop to gutter politics and lying to win, shame on him.”

Jolivette (pointing out that the property Jolly’s sits on went up in value):

“If he’s going to be doing that kind of campaigning without checking all the facts and all the circumstances, we certainly don’t want him as auditor.”

What do you think?

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Turner: ‘We never go looking for a free lunch’

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 10, 2008, 01:10 PM

In response to criticism of how much the Butler County Emergency Management Agency spends on meals at training workshops, EMA Director William Turner created the following report for County Administrator Tim Williams.

In it, Turner explains what the money is spent on, and lays out most of the recent training events (though not all, as the $900 spent at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse is not on the list). The total listed over the last 12 months: $12,554.25.

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County: Layoffs only the beginning

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 10, 2008, 12:00 PM

Butler County commissioners continued cutting jobs Thursday, announcing nine layoffs in Job and Family Services and the elimination of 20 positions. Here’s the story.

As often happens in this business, the story was trimmed for length. Here are the paragraphs that didn’t make it in the paper:

Some of these programs are already underfunded, (Job and Family Services Deputy Director Jerome) Kearns said, and more cuts will eventually impact service delivery.

This follows an announcement in September that 10.5 positions will be cut in Children Services, 5.5 through layoffs. And the county is still mulling whether to hire an outside agency to scour the county budget for more staff cuts.

Here are the positions that are being laid off:

And here’s where a lot of this began. If you look at the blog entries around this date, you will see the full context of the debate back then on how county employees are paid.

Do you think the layoffs are the right course of action?

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EMA takes $900 working lunch

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 10, 2008, 07:30 AM

Update: Click here for a written response from Butler County Emergency Management Director William Turner to the criticisms below.

Original post:

Butler County commissioners were already varying shades of displeased with Butler County Emergency Management Director William Turner. And they are still waiting on a full report on what needs to be changed to prevent another string of mishaps as happened after Hurricane Ike hit.

So when they were asked Thursday to approve more than $1,000 in reimbursements for catered training workshops, they went off. Commissioner Gregory Jolivette:

“It seems like they say let’s go to lunch and while we’re at it, let’s have a meeting.”

Commissioner Donald Dixon:

“Based on the last performance that I saw, maybe we ought to do a little less eating and a little more training.”

Commission President Charles Furmon:

“That does sound exorbitant in my estimation.”

The reimbursements were for three training workshops. One was a $900 lunch at Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse, and two were at Washington Platform Saloon and Restaurant, totaling $344.25.

Turner said they try to keep the cost of food at these events at a minimum, but it is paid for with federal homeland security money.

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Propery appraisals - another homeowner’s story

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 9, 2008, 04:48 PM

Helen Plank just called to tell me how impressed she was by how Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds’ office responded to her concerns about how her property was appraised in this year’s controversial tax reappraisal.

We first met Helen at a town hall meeting at Ross Twp., where Reynolds suggested that the public contact his office and he can help them if they think their appraisals are too high. Here’s that number again: (513) 887-3154.

And help they did, Plank said. She owns several houses in Trenton and saw all of their taxable values reduced considerably, she said, and someone from the office spent a few days at her house pouring over the records.

Her home’s tax value originally shot from $61,000 to $116,230, she said, but the auditor’s office dropped it back to $62,500 — “there’s not a $50,000 home on my street, except for mine,” she said. Another house’s value dropped from about $52,000 to $51,000 with help from the auditor’s office, when that office originally had it at $70,000. Yet another home’s tax value dropped from $80,000 to $46,590, she said.

She said they were very responsive to her needs.

This is in sharp contrast to George Kiniyalocts, a Middletown property owner who is not pleased with the process.

Have you contested your property values? What was your experience?

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Butch Hubble’s platform

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 9, 2008, 01:22 PM

Butch Hubble, the Democrat challenging incumbent Republican County Commission President Charles Furmon in November, just stopped by and dropped off this statement:

When I left here 40 years ago to begin my military service, we had public transportation like local and greyhound bus service. We had passenger trains that stopped here. Our towns had industries such as automobile manufactory, paper mills and large safe companies.

In the past 6 months I have traveled nearly all over this county visiting townships, villages and city councils. I have been looking around and talking to people about our economy. The attitudes and comments are remarkably similar about what we need to do to boost our economy. It was well noted that a few areas are doing quite well as far as local development goes, but most of our towns are not.

We have the resources to keep up with the rest of this country but are recourses seem to be going to waste. Our infrastructure does not make sense in a lot of places. We have 45 percent of our traffic traveling on 3 percent of our roads. We build large malls and forget about the needs of small businesses.

I will reduce the inner competition, help adjust the tax base to cause a more equal distribution of funds and focus our efforts as a team to ensure we all move forward.

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Judge Niehaus’ legacy

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 9, 2008, 07:30 AM

I went to the ceremony Wednesday where they renamed the county’s juvenile justice center the Judge David J. Niehaus Juvenile Justice Center in honor of the late judge.

It was a tearful occasion, and it was clear that the judge was loved and respected by many.

They presented a PowerPoint presentation based on a speech Niehaus gave some years ago. I thought it was a moving speech, so I give it to you below (click on the upper right corner to enlarge):

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Reynolds v. Zettler — video

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 01:55 PM

Anyone interested in Butler County politics, which theoretically should be anyone on this blog, would likely agree that the Butler County auditor’s race is one of the big ones to watch this year.

It has it all: past scandals, heavy partisanship, public unrest and continuing allegations of wrongdoing.

Here is the overview of the race I wrote.

And here are videos of the two candidates, unfiltered by the media so to speak, responding to four points:

1. Why they are better suited for the office.
2. “Patronage and hiring practices throughout Butler County government have been under scrutiny over the past year. Do you intend to follow past practices of fill job openings in a different manner?”
3. “Explain what you are doing to minimize the increase in property valuation — and thus taxes — that Butler County homeowners are seeing after the reappraisal.”
4. “What’s the biggest change you intend to bring to the auditor’s office?”

Take a look at the video them come back here and tell me: who do you think won the debate?

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Judge races heating up

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 07:30 AM

There are several appeals court judgeships that have been hard-fought this year — then again, most judge races are, because they’re fought between attorneys.

• One is the race for a newly created seat on the 12th District Court of Appeals. Fairfield attorney Bruce Carter, a Democrat, and Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Robert Ringland, a Republican, are vying for that one. Here is the full story.
• Another is the contest between former West Chester Twp. Judge Robert Hendrickson, a Republican, and Laura Curlis, Democrat and administrative assistant to the Wilmington mayor. Here is that story.

The court of appeals is rarely thought of, but is an extremely important aspect of Ohio’s judicial system.

Who do you think are the most qualified candidates?

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Voter rolls surge

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 03:48 PM

Monday was the last day to register to vote in Ohio, and register — and vote — people did in Butler County (with a little encouragement from Cuba Gooding Jr).

The Ohio Secretary of State’s office released today the number of voters who have registered this year. It totals 665,949 statewide (bringing the total to 8,184,138 active voters) and Butler County ranked fourth in the country with 29,671 new voters (bringing the local total to 258,055).

Here are the top ten in the state (rank/county/total voters on Jan. 1, 2008/total on Oct. 6, 2008/net change):

1. CUYAHOGA/973,831/1,096,449/122,618
2. FRANKLIN/761,806/829,427/67,621
3. HAMILTON/549,743/596,722/46,979
4. BUTLER/228,384/258,055/29,671
5. SUMMIT/345,340/374,042/28,702
6. MONTGOMERY/354,972/382,842/27,870
7. STARK/243,349/268,518/25,169
8. LUCAS/286,145/310,905/24,760
9. LORAIN/184,296/201,001/16,705
10. CLERMONT/120,200/133,785/13,585

From Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner:

“We are already seeing the results of our preparation for November, with absentee voting a success across Ohio and 665,949 active voters added to the rolls. These are Ohioans from every corner of our state who can now take part in our democracy. Ohioans and, indeed the nation, can be confident that our preparation is yielding successful voting administration in 2008.”

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Nix: County public funds are safe

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 02:23 PM

In light of turmoil on Wall Street and concern over whether the recently passed federal bailout will work, Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix issued this statement today:

County Investments/Public Funds: They Are Safe

Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix wants to assure residents of Butler County that during the current turmoil and uncertainty on Wall Street, the County’s investments of public funds remain safe.

Management of the County’s investment portfolio will continue with a conservative and safe strategy as determined by the Investment Advisory Committee in accordance with Ohio law and the County’s Investment Policy.

On a related note, I spoke to Butler County Administrator Tim William earlier this week about how all of this effects the county. He said, in short, that it doesn’t effect Butler County as much as some other places. Said he:

“Butler County is fortunate with our bond rating (AA2)…so we’re one of the people that are not going to have problems in the future if we need to raise money via some bond or note. (and) We’ve been fortunate that we are still experiencing some commercial growth, which is offsetting the downturn.”

Are you comforted by this news?

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Combs v. Keith for state House

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 12:00 PM

From this story on the race between incumbent Courtney Combs and challenger Ken Keith for the state House’s 54th District:

Keith criticized his opponent for going after the Butler County auditor’s position when it became available earlier this year.

“Combs was ready to jump ship in the middle of his term. Is that someone you want in the office?”

Combs said his experience in politics makes him a better candidate than Keith.

“At this point in time, it’s very essential to have people in public office that can point to their record and show what has effectively been done.”

The 54th District includes Hamilton and the surrounding environs.

What do you think?

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Niehaus renaming ceremony Wednesday

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 10:21 AM

The Butler County Juvenile Justice Center will be renamed in honor of the late Juvenile Judge David Niehaus Wednesday, Oct. 8.

A naming ceremony is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the building, 280 N. Fair Avenue in Hamilton. It will feature speeches for elected officials, community leaders and Niehaus’ wife and son.

“This ceremony is just a small gesture to show our deep appreciation and respect for a life well lived,” said Butler County Commission President Charles Furmon. “Judge Niehaus was a leader, a friend and someone who never stopped fighting for our area children. He will be deeply missed.”

Judge Niehaus passed away unexpectedly on July 31 after serving the Butler County community for more than 40 years. During his career in Butler County, Niehaus served as a juvenile court probation officer, juvenile court referee, probate division common pleas judge, and went on to become the first juvenile court judge in Butler County.

“We are renaming the Juvenile Justice Center in honor of Judge Niehaus so that generations to come will know what an impact the judge had on our community,” said Commissioner Gregory Jolivette. “He was someone who always put his obligation to the children and families of Butler County first.”

Commissioner Donald Dixon said Niehaus, “left an everlasting impression on the Butler County community and it is only fitting that we rename the Juvenile Justice Center in his honor.”

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Who will get vets’ vote?

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 07:30 AM

It may not always be who you think. In this story that ran in our newspaper Sunday, writer Rick McCrabb compares how Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama are ranked by national veterans group.

Of course, veterans are far from in the bag for Obama. Here’s another story from that day on how Butler County veterans’ attitudes are split. It also includes insight from David Spencer and Keith Maupin, both of whom lost sons in the line of duty in Iraq.

Are you a veteran? Which candidate are you supporting?

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Butler County outlines post-foreclosure assistance, laments lack of pre-

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, October 6, 2008, 05:30 PM

Butler County officials outlined last week how $8.7 million in federal dollars can aid local neighborhoods impacted by the ongoing housing crisis.

The funds are part of the recently passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, which includes $2.4 million for Hamilton, $2.1 million for Middletown, and $4.2 million for the rest of Butler County.

This is good news and bad news, Butler County Community Development Director Donna Everson told county commissioners Thursday, Oct. 2, saying the dollar amount is based on how many homes in the county have experienced or are facing foreclosures.

“It’s based on the fact that we have enough that we’re getting $4.2 million to address it,” Everson said.

The money, she explained, can be used to purchase foreclosed homes, fix them up and sell them. The county can also use it to demolish or fix up blighted and abandoned homes, or establish land banks for homes that have been foreclosed upon.

The county has 18 months to develop a plan for the money, and will schedule a meeting to get public input.

“We need to find where all these homes are in the county and then develop a course of action,” Everson said.

Hamilton and Middletown officials are going through the same process.

County commissioners praised the federal relief, but lamented that it seemed more aimed at fixing areas already hurt than preventing more damage.

“This is sort of after the fact,” said Commissioner Donald Dixon. “We really need to intervene before they get foreclosed upon.”

Commissioner Gregory Jolivette asked if the county could put a freeze on the foreclosure process until the county had a plan to deal with it.

Everson said she is looking into Dixon’s and Jolivette’s concerns.

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Down to crunch time

By Josh Sweigart | Saturday, October 4, 2008, 07:30 AM

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a pretty big election going on. For any who haven’t seen it, this is our comprehensive page for all local elections stories.

Some highlights:

• We have been running daily profiles of voters across Butler County and what issues they think are important in this year’s presidential race. Here is the latest.
• Here’s an overview of the 53rd state House district race. It’s down to two newcomers, both trying to fill the seat of term-limited Rep. Shawn Webster.
• Here’s a synopsis of the battle for representation of Butler County in the state Senate. It may say something about Butler County’s geographical power center that both incumbent Republican Sen. Gary Cates and Democratic Challenger Kathryn Bridgman are from West Chester Twp.
• Here’s a story that ran Friday about a huge surge of absentee voter applications in Butler County.

Any thoughts on any of these issues or races?

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Kennedy, Rove visit Butler County

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 3, 2008, 05:09 PM

Within a week, Butler County will have hosted two notable people to talk about this year’s presidential election.

The first visited New Miami on Wednesday and stumped for Sen. Barack Obama. That was Max Kennedy, the ninth son of Robert F. Kennedy. Here is the story on Kennedy’s visit.

Next Wednesday, Oct. 8, Karl Rove will speak at Miami University about the race. He does not work for Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign, but generally supports his fellow Republican and is arguably one of the most famous political strategists of our time.

The event is sponsored by Miami University College Republicans. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Miami University’s Hall Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at the Shriver Center Box Office (513) 529-3200 for the general public. Tickets are free.

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Clerk candidate running on ‘change’

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 3, 2008, 11:27 AM

This weekend, we will run a story on the race for Butler County Clerk of Court. The candidates are incumbent Republican Cindy Carpenter and Democratic challenger Robert Tunnat.

Tunnat said he’s running on a campaign of change. Change what? He’s not completely sure:

“I’ve never been inside that office, so I don’t know what I’m going to change.”

So what makes him qualified for the job? He said he asked an attorney and all he needed was a high school diploma, which he has.

“As far as actual experience in anything like that, no I’ve never done anything like that before…but I know that there are people that work there now that would be able to help me along and show me the ropes as I go along.”

So why does he think people should vote for him, not his opponent?

“I’m for change, that’s about all I can think of.”

Read our paper this weekend for the full story.

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Zettler, state respond to appraisal plan

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 3, 2008, 09:52 AM

Both the state and the auditor’s political appointment took at least partial credit for Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds’ plan to reappraise property values in 2009.

Here is the story, which includes support for the idea from Shelly Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Taxation’s tax equalization division. Said she:

“It’s the auditor’s right and the auditor’s duty to value the market at market value.”

Democrat Jack Zettler, who is challenging the Republican incumbent for the seat this year, also took credit for spurring the move. Here’s his comments:

“It’s wonderful to know that someone is listening to what you’re saying in a political contest, even if that someone is your opponent. Finally our interim county auditor has reacted to the numerous statements and articles by our campaign, as well as, the hundreds, if not thousands, of statements by the county homeowners about his unfair property values. Is he really going to get off his duff and do something?

Taxman Reynolds when it comes to property valuations, the ‘bucks stops’ at the county auditor’s door. That just the way it is. You are supposed to do it right the first time.”

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Recycling grants available

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, October 3, 2008, 09:49 AM

Press release from Butler County Solid Waste District:

The Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District is now accepting applications for its 2009 Recycling Incentive Grant. The District provides funds on a competitive basis to local businesses, schools, non-profit organizations and local governments to support new recycling initiatives or the expansion of existing recycling services.

Since 2000, the District has provided grant funding to diverse organizations in Butler County. Last year, 14 organizations received grant awards worth more than $15,000. The funding has helped subsidize the cost of new recycling containers, recycling services and promotional materials — resulting in increased and sustainable recycling programs throughout the county.

Here is what some of the 2008 recipients did with their grant money:

• Schools—Several area schools purchased recycling containers to support paper recycling programs. Through these programs, the schools generate revenue that helps sustain long-term recycling and school-based environmental activities.
• Businesses—Aeronca Inc. began a newspaper and beverage container recycling program. Candlewood Apartments collaborated with Miami University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences to implement new recycling for apartment dwellers.
• Nonprofits—Hamilton’s Parks and Recreation Department purchased and placed new recycling containers in its parks and golf courses.

Applicants must complete and submit their application online no later than December 12, 2008. To apply, please visit www.butlercountyrecycles.org, click on “recycling,” then “recycle at work,” and then “funding assistance.”

For more information on the grant or other recycling programs, please contact the District at (513) 887-3406.

The Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District is dedicated to promoting recycling, waste reduction and responsible disposal of all waste from households, commercial businesses, and industry to conform to Ohio EPA regulations.

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The state on Reynolds bucking the state

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 2, 2008, 03:40 PM

The Ohio Department of Taxation is still mustering a response to Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds’ claim that he is doing his own property tax reappraisal next year because the state has him handcuffed this year. See the post below for more.

But I do have what appears to be the only correspondence between Reynolds and the state on the issue, Dated Sept. 29. Reynolds said he was verbally told “no.” Here is the text of the letter:

September 29, 2008

Here is how Butler County’s appraisal stacks up against other counties, as provided by the Department of Taxation:

Josh:

In response to one of your questions…

There are 28 counties scheduled for a triennial sales update and another 13 going through a complete six-year reappraisal this year.

As of Sept. 12 — which is the latest information available to me at this precise moment — the tax commissioner had approved tentative abstracts for 22 update and nine reappraisal counties. I’ve listed these counties below, along with the aggregate change expected in residential property value as a result of these update or reappraisal efforts.

The update counties:

• Auglaize 6.90 percent increase
• Darke 6.96 percent increase
• Defiance 3.46 percent increase
• Franklin 0.15 percent decrease
• Gallia 5.04 percent increase
• Geauga 0.56 percent increase
• Hamilton 0.88 percent increase
• Hardin 4.78 percent increase
• Henry 4.81 percent increase
• Jackson 4.74 percent increase
• Mahoning 0.09 percent increase
• Mercer 4.42 percent increase
• Morrow 1.22 percent increase
• Pickaway 1.29 percent increase
• Putnam 5.08 percent increase
• Preble 2.76 percent increase
• Richland 0.22 percent increase
• Seneca 5.58 percent increase
• Shelby 2.93 percent increase
• Trumbull 0.13 percent increase
• Van Wert 6.37 percent increase
• Wood 1.09 percent increase

The reappraisal counties:

• Ashland 6.67 percent increase
• Athens 11.51 percent increase
• Butler 5.95 percent increase
• Clermont 7.19 percent increase
• Fulton 1.04 percent increase
• Greene 7.78 percent increase
• Knox 10.03 percent increase
• Montgomery 0.24 percent increase
• Summit 0.95 percent decreas

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Auditor promises appraisal reduction in 2009

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 2, 2008, 12:40 PM

Press release from the Butler County Auditor’s office:

Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds has announced that he is taking the bold and unprecedented step on behalf of taxpayers to lower property valuations in 2009.

Reynolds has made several requests upon the State Tax Commissioner for an extension of the 2008 property reappraisal while working within the constraints of the law. The extension would allow time for the markets to stabilize. Reynolds has been consistently told no. Therefore, Reynolds is taking the matter into his own hands on behalf of county property owners.

“The state bureaucracy may not understand how this housing market affects everyday people, but I do.” Reynolds said. “At the ground level, we see and feel this crisis. In 2009, I have the authority to lower values, and I will.”

Currently, the state tax commissioner must approve valuation changes once every three years. Routinely, auditors do not exercise their right under section 5713.01 of the ORC to conduct a valuation in the off years, but Reynolds sees these economic conditions as anything but routine.

“I have seen the significant drop in sale prices this year, therefore, I am going to lower values in 2009,” states Reynolds. “Now is the time for bold leadership and decisive action to combat the housing market crisis. This year, I was handcuffed by the state but that’s not the case in 2009 - I ‘m going to do what is right for the people of Butler County.”

Reynolds was appointed in April of this year, after the reappraisal work was mostly completed. Reynolds has hosted eight town hall meetings over the past month and has four more scheduled over the next few days throughout the county. He has been working diligently to assist property owners with their reappraisal questions.

“2008 is one of those years the state controls values, but I don’t need state approval in 2009.” Reynolds said. “It is not standard procedure, but these are not standard times. As a result of the continued housing drop, I will lower values in 2009.

Reynolds is also reviewing the 2008 revaluation process conducted by the appraisal firm hired prior to Reynolds’ recent appointment. The reappraisal was virtually complete by the time Reynolds took office in April.

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‘Stop the hate’

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, October 2, 2008, 07:30 AM

Update: Allow me to be unequivocal: I do not agree whatsoever with Julia Ward’s comment below.

I do not normally respond to comments on this blog, because I aim to facilitate discussion, not control it. But I was troubled by the comment posted by “Jennifer.” If anyone read this article (link below) and thought the newspaper was agreeing with this sentiment, then either it was misread or poorly written. I can assure you everyone at this newspaper, from the publisher down, would like to see a world where race doesn’t matter.

But our job as journalists is to reflect the world as it is, not as we’d like it to be. This is why it was important for this comment to be in this newspaper in the context of an article about racism, sexism and ageism in this year’s presidential election.

So now the question this newspaper sought to explore with this article: Do you belive Sen. Barack Obama’s race, Gov. Sarah Palin’s gender or Sen. John McCain’s age will play a major role on Election Day this year?

Some food for thought:

• Here is an article by Bloomberg focusing on race and the Obama campaign in “Middletown, USA.”
• Here is how local residents responded to this same issue on fellow reporter Dave Greber’s blog.
• Here is the latest age-related attack on McCain.
• Here is Palin on whether she believes media coverage of her has been sexist.

Original post

That’s what was written on a sign taped to the Hamilton Journal-News front door this morning. Here is the photo (click on it to enlarge):

The sign is a response to a story we ran Sunday, Sept. 28, on the role racism, sexism and ageism could play in this year’s presidential race. Here is the story and here is a blog post I wrote with more polling information on the views of Americans on these issues.

The paper has received a lot of comments - and criticism - for this part of the story, namely for quoting Julia Ward of Middletown, who said:

“Black people aren’t smart enough to rule the country. No one should vote for Obama. They just don’t think like the white. I would hate to see (Obama) in office because blacks just aren’t qualified.”

Some say we shouldn’t have allowed such hatred in the newspaper. My view was that some people feel this way, and ignoring it won’t do anyone any good. If we’re going to have a frank discussion on prejudice, we have to first admit that prejudices exist.

Gary Hines, local NAACP president, told me that his one regret about this year’s presidential debate is that it hasn’t spurred an open, honest debate on race in America. I hope we’ve helped bring about that discussion.

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