Latest featured videos from MiddletownJournal.com
February 2010 | Butler County News and Issues
 

Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2010 > February

February 2010

County commission agenda

By Josh Sweigart | Saturday, February 20, 2010, 04:59 PM

Below is the agenda for Monday’s Butler County commission meeting.

Anything look interesting to you?

County 022210

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission

Sheriff to lay off 15 - the statement

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, February 19, 2010, 11:49 AM

In case you missed it in today’s paper, here is the story about layoffs at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office:

Fifteen Butler County Sheriff’s Office employees were notified Thursday, Feb. 18, they would soon be out of a job.

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones released a statement Thursday night stating he was forced to cut five deputies and 10 corrections officers due to budget reductions in 2009 and 2010.

Here is a copy of the sheriff’s office statement:

Sheriff Layoffs

Analysis:

“There is no doubt losing 15 people will affect all operations, including response times,” said Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer.

The officers impacted by the layoffs began receiving notices Thursday. The cuts are effective in about a month, Dwyer said, and were unavoidable with more staffing cuts possible.

“We continually track expenditures and it became obvious that layoffs were needed in an attempt to meet our restricted budget. This is just a first step, if revenue and expenditures remain constant, additional cuts may be necessary,” he said.

Dwyer said past layoffs of largely part-time employees and clerks have necessitated the reassignment of deputies to fill those vacancies in areas such as prisoner transport, warrant service and court security. Thursday’s pink slips will continue to impact response times to calls on the street.

The sheriff’s office has now eliminated 50 positions since 2009, including the 15 employees who were laid off Thursday, according to the sheriff’s office.

The cuts come nearly two months after Butler County Commissioners approved a 2010 general budget with totals of $85.3 million — down from $94.7 million in 2008 largely because of recession — and includes $2.6 million in cuts and a $900,000 dip into the county’s shrinking cash reserves.

Officials say criminal justice accounts for 63.5 percent of the total budget.

Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Butler County Sheriff's Department

Keep Jolly campaign launched

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, February 19, 2010, 10:53 AM

Press release from Butler County Commission President Gregory Jolivette’s re-election campaign (Nicknamed the “Keep Jolly” campaign):

BUTLER COUNTY COMMISSIONER GREG JOLIVETTE FILES PETITIONS FOR RE-ELECTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                               Thursday, February 18, 2010                                           Hamilton, Ohio) Butler County Commissioner President Greg Jolivette today filed petitions of candidacy for re-election.  With broad support, the Jolivette campaign plans to focus on the Commissioner’s strong record of accomplishments and leadership demonstrated while serving the people of Butler County.

As a commissioner, Greg Jolivette has fought to keep the tax rate among the lowest in the state, reduce taxpayer cost by keeping water and sewage rates down, and by attaining the highest bond rating in county history. 

“Since first being elected to public service, I have worked hard to provide the people of Butler County with the professionalism and leadership they expect from their elected officials. Our efforts have succeeded - as many counties have faltered in the face of a state and nationwide financial crisis, our county has weathered the storm.”

“Today, our tax rate is among the lowest in the state. As people are fleeing other areas across Ohio, our communities are growing. As commissioner, I have fought to keep our taxes low and to attract new business and revenue to Butler County. “

“I have fought to hold the line on spending and keep our elected officials accountable to the demands and expectations of the taxpayers by promoting fiscal responsibility in our government. But, there is more work to be done - and I plan to finish the job we started.”

“I am running to ensure the long-term well being of the people I have been privileged to serve. My goal is to continue to bring opportunities to our children, safety to our communities and prosperity to our state. As a public servant and small business owner, I fully understand the difficulties we face in job creation, growth, and sustainability. In the face of an economic crisis unlike any in our state’s history, I believe it is imperative we continue to maintain the fiscally sound, strong leadership the people of Butler County deserve.”

“I look forward to the challenge, and to the opportunity to continue serving the people of Butler County by making our community a better and more prosperous place for our families and for the generations to come.”

Greg Jolivette has a long record of public service, including Butler County Commissioner, State Representative (54th District) , Mayor of the City of Hamilton and Hamilton City Council. Mr, Jolivette is the owner and operator of Jolly’s Drive-In in Hamilton, a small family business that has employed hundreds of Butler county residents in it’s 71 years of operation.

Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment |

Updates from John Boehner

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, February 19, 2010, 10:27 AM

Press releases from U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner’s office:

BOEHNER ANNOUNCES $79,560 GRANT FOR MIDDLETOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today announced that the Middletown Division of Fire will receive $79,560 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

“The Middletown Division of Fire has a long history of service and dedication to the people of Butler and Warren counties,” Congressman Boehner said.  “I am pleased to announce this award, and congratulate everyone at the Middletown Division of Fire for all of their hard work throughout this highly competitive grant process.”

“We are thrilled to be a recipient,” Middletown Fire Chief Steve Botts said.  “This grant will have a real impact in our community, it will be cost effective and it will directly impact public safety.”

The Middletown Division of Fire will use the funds to advance its firefighter health and safety programs.

Grants awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program are based on a highly competitive review process, overseen by fire service experts.  Grants seek to enhance the preparedness of capabilities of local fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) organization, and funding often supports equipment upgrades and training for first responders.  Operations and Safety Grants, like the one awarded to the Middletown Division of Fire, specifically support training, equipment, personal protective equipment, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.  Operations and Safety Grants are funded through the normal appropriations and budgeting process.

Eighth District residents interested in receiving information or support with the federal grant process should contact Congressman Boehner’s Butler County Office at 513-779-5400, or his Miami County Office at 937-339-1524. 

Boehner represents Ohio’s 8th District, which includes all of Darke, Miami, and Preble counties, most of Butler and Mercer counties, and the northeastern corner of Montgomery County.  He was first elected to Congress in 1990.

BOEHNER INVITES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO COMPETE IN 2010 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today invited 8th Congressional District high school students to participate in An Artistic Discovery, the 2010 congressional art competition. 

“The congressional art competition is a unique opportunity to showcase the work of Ohio’s 8th District high school students,” Boehner said.  “Each year I am impressed by the many gifted young artists in our area, and I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s artwork.”

All artwork must be submitted to either Boehner’s West Chester or Troy district offices by noon on April 12th.  Artwork will be displayed at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton, Ohio from April 13 to April 26.

An awards ceremony will be held at the center on Monday, April 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. to honor all artists, and their families.  The First Place art work will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year.  The winner will receive two round-trip plane tickets courtesy of a national airline to attend an awards ceremony with winners from other congressional districts in Washington, D.C., in June, and will also be eligible to receive a scholarshipto a nationally recognized art and design college if he or she is accepted to the school.

Competition Guidelines:

  • 8th District students currently enrolled in grades nine through 12 may submit up to 3 pieces for judging.  Students in seventh and eighth grades may participate if those classes are contained in the same building as grades nine through 12.  Students will only be eligible for one award each, however.
  • Each piece can be no larger than 28”x28”x4” including the frame and can weigh no more than 15 lbs.
  • Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws.  Any entry that has been produced from an existing photo that is not owned by the student-artist, painting, graphic, advertisement or any other work produced by another person is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted.  Artwork of a violent or graphic nature will not be accepted.

More information can be found by clicking here, or visiting Boehner’s 8th District Web page, www.johnboehner.house.gov.  Students may direct inquiries to the Butler County office at 513-779-5400 or 1-800-582-1001.

Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: National issues

The starting gun has gone off

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, February 19, 2010, 09:17 AM

Campaign season 2010 officially began yesterday, which was the filing deadline for candidates and issues to get on the May primary ballot. Our initial coverage:

This seems like a good time to reiterate the purpose of this blog: I am not here to opine. I have no agenda. As I stated in my very first post, I hope to give you the story, some analysis and all the relevant data. This includes posting campaign material and press releases from the campaign. I try to post everything I get from both parties — and that is not an endorsement of any party or campaign.

With that out of the way, here is a campaign flyer from Bruce Carter, Democratic Fairfield attorney running for the Ohio 54th Congressional District (the incumbent is Courtney Combs, R-Hamilton):

Announcement 54th Carter

Any thoughts?

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |

County may need to lose weight, tighten its belt

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, February 18, 2010, 09:20 AM

Okay, the title of this post was a bit of a stretch to pull together two unrelated stories on our Web site today into one post:

  • Butler County is the 50th healthiest of Ohio’s 88 counties, we report in this story. Among other problems, a higher than average number of Butler Countians smoke, binge drink and are obese. Here is the study’s Web site, which is pretty easy to use and has a ton of fascinating local public health data.
  • A money-saving effort in Warren County could cost Butler County $1.5 million, as reported in this story. First, Warren County’s sheriff needs permission from the state, though.

Any thoughts on either of these issues?

Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |

Schreyer comes out swingin’, Boehner blasts stimulus

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 04:46 PM

Press release from Manfred Schreyer’s campaign against U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner (read about Boehner’s challengers here):

Schreyer Claims John Boehner Was Paid To Lobby For Morgan Stanley, Pushed For TARP With $112 Billion In Earmarks

EATON, Ohio (February 16, 2010) - “John Boehner accepted $13,300 from Morgan Stanley while he was pushing other Republicans to pass the Troubled Asset Relief Program,” claims Mr. Boehner’s challenger in the Republican Primary race, Eaton businessman Manfred R. Schreyer.

Schreyer points to campaign finance reports that show John Boehner indeed received $13,300 in contributions from employees and PACs directly associated with Morgan Stanley from October through December of 2008, the same time Mr. Boehner was promoting the passage of the HR 1424, also known as the Bank Bailout.

Schreyer says, “While Mr. Boehner has spent the past twenty years refusing to direct any federal funding back to the 8th District of Ohio, he promotes a special interest project on behalf of Morgan Stanley that was loaded down with $112 billion in earmark spending for other districts.”

“Mr. Boehner’s own ideological purity was nowhere to be found when he was telling other Republicans like Mike Pence (R-IN) to finance special interests like rum producers in Puerto Rico,” continues Schreyer, “It’s right there in the bill, read it for yourself. There’s over $100 billion in earmarked projects that had nothing to do with the bank bailout. How can John Boehner claim he’s against earmarks and then tell other Republicans to support these special interests? He’s out of touch with the needs of his district, and a hypocrite that doesn’t want to help the people in Southwestern Ohio. ”

Schreyer believes that John Boehner has abandoned the interests of the people in the 8th District, and is running against him on the platform of returning strength to the working middle class, better representing the district at the Federal level, and bringing projects and jobs to the area.

“This district needs representation that is in touch with the issues within the district, and right now that issue is job creation in the private sector, restoring the middle class incomes, and building strong local customer bases for small business,” Schreyer says.

For more information about his campaign, Schreyer can be reached through his campaign blog and website at http://www.imwithmanfred.com

To be fair, Boehner’s office also released a statement today, this one on the federal stimulus program that turned 1 today:

Ohio Look At “Where Are The Jobs?” Reveals Democrats’ Broken “Stimulus” Promises

Congressman Boehner today released a straightforward report entitled “Where are the Jobs?: A Look Back at One Year of So-Called ‘Stimulus’” outlining the failure of the Democrats’ trillion-dollar “stimulus” <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlq0afUl0E> to create the jobs they promised while leaving massive deficits in its wake. In a companion piece, Congressman Boehner has also released an equally candid report looking back at one year of “stimulus” in the Buckeye State <http://www.johnboehner.house.gov/UploadedFiles/OhioWhereArethe_Jobs.pdf> .

“Continued double-digit unemployment is not what Ohioans were promised. The White House, with the support of Governor Strickland, pledged that the ‘stimulus’ would create jobs immediately and keep the national unemployment rate from going above 8 percent. Not only has the ‘stimulus’ not produced jobs the Administration promised, but now we continue to discover numerous cases of waste, fraud, and abuse in Ohio and across the country while the deficit is set to hit a record $1.6 trillion,” Boehner said.

Boehner’s report also discusses the common-sense solutions <http://www.gop.gov/solutions/jobs> Republicans have offered all year long to help create jobs and get our economy back on track. This includes a “no-cost jobs plan” Republicans offered to break down the barriers to economic growth, and a plan to boost exports that would benefit Ohio farmers and manufacturers.

Excerpts from the Ohio report are included below:

“Stimulus” Rhetoric vs. Results

The Democrats’ “Stimulus” Math: How to Count Jobs

  • “The Obama administration announced Friday that federal stimulus money had created or saved about 7,200 education jobs in Ohio as of Sept. 30. Although a couple of hundred of those jobs were in Columbus City Schools, the district acknowledged yesterday that many of the “saved” jobs definitely wouldn’t have been lost in the first place, and others might not have been lost at all.” - Columbus Dispatch <http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2009/11/stimulusisworkinginohio_—.html> , 11/17/2009

Where are the Jobs? In Government

Wasteful Spending

Government Getting In The Way of Job Creation

  • “For the U.S. overall, an additional 1.7 million jobs could be lost as a direct result of the higher spending in the [“stimulus”] bill. The increased job losses and decreased net business output will reduce tax revenue growth and increase government income support expenditures for all 50 states and the federal government. Due to these feedback effects, [the “stimulus”] will de-stimulate the economy, reduce tax receipts, and increase government expenditures. In Ohio, between 66,400 and 91,200 job losses can be expected to occur.”- The Buckeye Institute <http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/article/1368> , 5/4/2009

To read the entire Ohio Report, click here <http://www.johnboehner.house.gov/UploadedFiles/OhioWhereAretheJobs.pdf> .

To read the entire National Report, click here <http://gopleader.gov/UploadedFiles/WherearetheJobsStimulus_Report.pdf> .

Permalink | Comments (17) | Post your comment |

County commission agenda

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 04:39 PM

Below is the agenda for tomorrow’s Butler County commission meeting.

Anything look interesting to you?

(Click on the top right corner to enlarge)

County 021810

Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission

Former state lawmaker to talk about gerrymandering tonight in Oxford

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 09:59 AM

Press release from the League of Women Voters of Oxford:

Efforts to reshape the voting map in Ohio have gained momentum. According to Ohio State Representative Tom Letson, Democrat and co-sponsor of the redistricting resolution before the House this month, the goal of the initiative has been to reduce partisanship in drawing state legislative district maps and to ensure competitive elections in those districts. Joan Lawrence, while serving sixteen years as a Republican in the Ohio state legislature, led efforts to redraw fairly the boundaries of voting districts in the state. She continues to be a leader in the movement

Lawrence will speak on the current status of Ohio legislative redistricting at a public forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Oxford, Tuesday, February 16. The event, begins at 7:30 PM in the LCNB Community Room on Park Place in Oxford and is free and open to all.

Lawrence was Director of the Ohio Department of Aging for six years prior to her serving as a state legislator. Since 2006, she has been a member of the AARP Ohio Executive Council and works primarily on long-term care issues.

Lawrence has been a member of the LWV (League of Women Voters) for over fifty years. Before her election to the Ohio House of Representatives, she served as President of the League of LWV of Metropolitan Columbus as well as State President of the LWV of Ohio.

Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Statewide issues

Coussoule, Carter to launch campaigns this week

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 09:41 AM

A Democrat aiming for the U.S. House and one for the statehouse will kick off their campaigns this week in Hamilton.

First, an update on Justin Coussoule’s campaign for the U.S. House:

The event will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at the plaza in front of the Government Services Center in Hamilton, 315 High Street.

Second, another campaign launch is tonight. This time, for Fairfield attorney Bruce Carter:

Carter Launch

Third, here’s the other Democratic candidates (Press release from Change Butler Political Action Committee):

Change Butler will meet on February 22

Change Butler will have a general meeting on Monday, February 22, 2010 in the Multipurpose Room of the East Butler County YMCA, at 6645 Morris Road, in Hamilton, OH.

The meeting will begin at 7:00 and will include planning grassroots activities for March and April including a proposed Jobs Rally.

Also, attendees will have the chance to meet the following candidates for political office in Butler County:

  • Justin Coussoule - Candidate for the 8th Congressional District of the US House of Representatives
  • JC Shew - Candidate for the 53th District of the Ohio House of Representatives
  • Bruce Carter - Candidate for the 54th District of the Ohio House of Representatives
  • Suzi Rubin - Candidate for the 55th District of the Ohio House of Representatives
  • Michelle Wilson - Candidate for Butler County Auditor
  • Butch Hubble - Candidate for Butler County Commissioner
  • Kathy Romans - Candidate for Court of Common Pleas-Juvenile

The Public is welcome to attend.

Change Butler is a Butler County based political action committee dedicated to bring progressive change to Butler County. More information about Change Butler is available on the website at www.changebutler.org.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Democratic Party

Boehner challenger’s goals - both ‘realistic’ and ‘unfettered by reality’

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, February 15, 2010, 06:30 AM

Tom McMasters has goals in his bid to become a U.S. congressman. Some of them he considers realistic, some not so much. Unfortunately for him, the latter includes actually winning.

After I spoke to the retired Air Force captain who is challenging U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp. in the Republican primary this year, he sent over a “position paper.”

It outlines his reasons for running for congress. Here they are:

McMastersPositoin

Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment |

‘Watchdog Wilson’ announces campaign for county auditor

By Josh Sweigart | Sunday, February 14, 2010, 06:30 AM

Press release from Michelle Wilson, candidate for Butler County auditor (It came from the e-mail address watchdogwilson@gmail.com):

MICHELLE WILSON, CANDIDATE FOR AUDITOR, ANNOUNCES HER CANDIDACY

Michelle Wilson is running for Butler County Auditor to restore fairness, integrity, honor and balance to the county government.  Her fresh perspective, objectivity and wealth of experience make her the perfect pick for the job.  “The auditor is a watchdog over all county funds, “she says, “It is important that the auditor is working for the voters and not a political party.” 

Wilson brings with her a wealth of experience in bank management, auditing and legal compliance.  She is not beholden to any special interests and is committed to making sure every tax dollar collected is allocated in an efficient, responsible way.  She will take office with a bachelor’s degree in Business from Thomas More College. 

Wilson is active and involved in her community.  She volunteers as a court appointed special advocate, a rape crisis advocate and serves on the boards of several local organizations.  Last month, she was honored with the Harry T. Wilks “Making a Difference” Award.  Wilson is the mother of two teenage children, David and Teresa.  She and her family are Liberty Township residents.   

Wilson says, “I am encouraged by the support from community groups that I’ve received.  I look forward to communicating with the voters of Butler County.  I’m committed to protecting their hard earned tax dollars.”

Permalink | Comments (12) | Post your comment | Categories: County Auditor

Butler County roundup - Boehner has challengers, tax bills have problems

By Josh Sweigart | Saturday, February 13, 2010, 03:06 PM

Two stories in today’s paper, in case you missed them:

  • In this story, we learn that a mistake was made on 153,000 property tax bills sent out last week. You’re not paying the mental health board or Developmental Disabilities what you think you’re paying them.
  • In this story, we meet the three challengers who plan to take on U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., in the polls this year. This is the first time he has ever had two Republican challengers. Why do you think that is?

Any thoughts?

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Butler County

Boehner challenger to launch campaign in Middletown Monday

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, February 11, 2010, 11:34 AM

Press release from the campaign for the Liberty Twp. attorney, Army vet and Democrat planning to challenge U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., this year:

Coussoule

Permalink | Comments (12) | Post your comment |

County commission agenda

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 03:16 PM

Below is the agenda for tomorrow’s Butler County commission meeting.

Anything look interesting to you?

(Click on the top right corner to enlarge)

County 021110

Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission

Sheriff backs Carpenter in commission race

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 11:19 AM

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones, one of the county’s most well-known elected officials, recently sent out a letter throwing his support behind county Clerk of Courts Cindy Carpenter in her bid for county commission.

Here is the letter:

(Click on the top right corner to enlarge)

Sheriff Carpenter

I checked with Jones, and he indeed sent out this letter as an endorsement of Carpenter.

In the same race, I recently ran into Bob Weber, who said unequivocally that he was not running for county commission. Treasurer Nancy Nix recently announced the same.

So far, only Carpenter, former West Chester Twp. Trustee Jose Alvarez and former Middletown City Councilman Paul Nenni have filed their petitions. The others who have pulled petitions are:

  • Richard (Wes) Retherford
  • Jesse Vonstein
  • Gregory V. Jolivette (the incumbent commissioner)

Permalink | Comments (21) | Post your comment |

Tax bills going out tomorrow

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 11:12 AM

Press release from Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix:

First Half 2009 Real Estate Tax Bill Mailing

Approximately 153,000 real estate tax bills for first half 2009 will be in the mail by February 11, 2010. Taxpayers who escrow with a mortgage company will receive an annual statement, and all other taxpayers will receive a regular tax bill, regardless of balance due. Bills with no balance due are mailed so property owners can see their valuation and distribution of taxes.

The payment due date is Wednesday, March 3, 2010. “The due date rolled into March this year because of an unusually high number of Board of Revision adjustments, and the voluntary 2009 re-appraisal conducted by Auditor Roger Reynolds. Both these efforts required additional time for tax calculation and bill preparation,” Treasurer Nix said.

Treasurer Nix comments, “Immediate access to tax bills is available on our website www.butlercountytreasurer.org for viewing, printing or payment. Select “View My Bill” from our home page”. Convenient payment options, such as direct debit, electronic check, or credit card are also available through the website.

Direct mail or in person payments are always welcome. Payment drop boxes can be found on the ground floor of the Government Services Center, on Court Street behind the GSC marked “For Payments to Butler County Treasurer”, and a payment slot near the door of the Treasurer’s office entrance on the 10th floor of the Government Services Center.

Treasurer Nix states, “For added convenience, there are approximately 70 branches of local financial institutions participating in our regional collection network. Please check with your local bank branch”.

To avoid penalty, tax payments must be received by the Treasurer’s office by March 3, or postmarked with a United States Postal Service postmark of March 3. A private metered post mark will not serve as proof of timely payment as ruled by the Ohio Department of Taxation.

If you have not received your bill by February 22, contact the Treasurer’s office (513) 887-3181.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: County Treasurer

County commission agenda

By Josh Sweigart | Saturday, February 6, 2010, 08:54 PM

Below is the agenda for Monday’s Butler County commission meeting.

Anything look interesting to you?

(Click on the top right corner to enlarge)

County 020810

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission

Tea Party update - Join, or die?

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, February 4, 2010, 12:00 PM

In talking to local Tea Party groups for the story below, I couldn’t help but think of two iconic images from the American Revolution: Ben Franklin’s “Join, or die” cartoon, and the Gadsden flag. Both are below.

Here is the story that ran in our paper today (followed by press releases with updates from the local Tea Parties):

Amid the controversy surrounding a Tea Party convention in Nashville, Tenn., starting today, Feb. 4, is a debate about the future of the national grass-roots movement.

Will it become a political action committee? A third party? Assimilated into the Republican Party, or even overthrowing it?

Mike Wilson, a founder of the Cincinnati Tea Party, on Wednesday declared himself the first Tea Party candidate for the Ohio General Assembly. The Springdale business manager entered the Republican primary for the seat currently held by Rep. Connie Pillich, D-Montgomery.

“I’m an American first and a conservative second and a Republican third,” Wilson said of what differentiates him from other Republicans.

Meanwhile, local Tea Party leaders say they’re not aware of anyone from Butler County going to the Nashville event, primarily because of the cost.

“It was more or less a waste of money. We don’t know what it was going to accomplish,” said Chris Littleton, president of the Cincinnati Tea Party and the Ohio Liberty Council. “The people who are putting it on are doing it to make money.”

It was billed as the first national Tea Party convention but concerns arose when people realized organizer Tea Party Nation is a for-profit company charging roughly $549 for tickets to the three-day event.

“Our group is all volunteers,” said Geoffrey Vrbancic, a leader of the Liberty Twp. Tea Party, one of the largest in the region. “We’re all grass-roots, so we’re not doing it for a profit. We’re doing it out of our passion and desire for liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The fact that it’s $549 just seems to be extremely high for what we would expect.”

Several speakers and organizing groups have since backed out of this week’s event at the Opryland Hotel. But former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said she plans to remain the headlining speaker.

Littleton said the Ohio Liberty Council is planning its own, much cheaper, educational conference this summer, probably in Columbus.

250px-Gadsden_flag.svg.jpg
Gadsden Flag
300px-Joinordie.jpg
Join, or die cartoon

Future of Tea Party still not clear, local leaders say

With roughly 800, mostly unaffiliated, Tea Party groups across the country, “Everyone has a different concept of what a Tea Party is and what they do,” said Geoffrey Vrbancic, a leader of the Liberty Twp. Tea Party.

And with a controversial national convention in Nashville, Tenn., starting today, Feb. 4, and the first self-defined “Tea Party candidate” announcing a bid for the state House on Wednesday, many are wondering what the fate of the movement will be.

For now, that’s all in the tea leaves, organizers say.

“Tea Parties are young and just trying to establish our identities. Being young, we all have our different identities, and I think it’s starting to coalesce,” Vrbancic said.

And despite the for-profit Tea Party Nation attempting to claim leadership of the movement in organizing the Nashville event, there is no unified command structure.

“You can find 10 groups right now saying, ‘We’re the national leaders of the Tea Party,’ ” said Chris Littleton, president of the Cincinnati Tea Party and Ohio Liberty Council — a coalition of more than 50 Tea Parties and similar groups across Ohio.

“No one has leadership at this point, because it all started in people’s houses,” Littleton said.

Even if Tea Party Nation doesn’t work out, Vrbancic said Tea Parties must work together to have any impact. Join, or die, in the words of original revolutionary Benjamin Franklin.

“When I joined the organization, the intent was the only way we’re going to make any progress or have any impact is by organizing on a large scale, which would be on a national level,” Vrbancic said.

Vrbancic’s Liberty Twp. Tea Party boasts that 180 people showed up to its last meeting Monday.

Butler County boasts at least three Tea Parties. The Liberty Twp. group and another in West Chester Twp. are both spinoffs of the Cincinnati Tea Party. The Middletown Tea Party has its origins with the Dayton group. All are part of the Ohio Liberty Council.

“We will try to impact elections in 2010,” said Littleton, explaining that the Ohio Liberty Council has recently acquired a political action committee to funnel money to candidates and issues.

‘The way of the Whigs’

While Vrbancic said many Tea Partiers worry about diluting the country’s conservative vote by opposing the GOP with a Tea Party party, they also have many differences with today’s Republican party.

“I think we’re kind of waiting to see what the Republican party is going to do in response (to the movement),” said Vrbancic. “Are they going to go back to their conservative roots, or are they going to continue on the path they’re currently on?”

Before the Tea Party considers forming its own party, Littleton said they are urging their members to get involved in their local Republican parties, running for central committee seats in counties across the state.

“There’s going to be thousands of people across the state that are running in these positions,” he said. “This is the bottom level of the party structure.”

“I believe we can work within the Republican party, even with all the problems we have with it.”

If that doesn’t work, “I could see them (the GOP) going the way of the Whigs,” said Mike Wilson, who announced his candidacy for the 28th Ohio House District on Wednesday, touting himself as the first Tea Party candidate because of his role in helping to organize the Cincinnati Tea Party.

“If the Republican Party had actually stood for what they did, you probably wouldn’t had the need for this type of a movement to take hold in America,” Wilson said, though he said he’s running as a Republican because “they’re still the party I’m philosophically closest to.”

There will be no Tea Party party on the ballot in May, according to officials from the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office. The deadline to file paperwork to create a minor party was Wednesday .

Boehner: ‘You have to show who you are’

Republicans are taking notice.

“There’s something going on in this country,” said U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner minutes before filing his re-election paperwork Monday at the Butler County Board of Elections.

The Republican from West Chester Twp. called the Tea Party phenomenon a political rebellion.

“It’s Americans who are angry, and frankly, they’re scared,” he said.

But while they’re like-minded in their preference for smaller government, Boehner said he cautions his colleagues to not take their support for granted.

“You have to show who you are,” he said. “The movement is not monolithic.”

Press release announcing Mike Wilson’s campaign:

Springfield Township resident, and Cincinnati Tea Party Founder, Mike Wilson, formally filed petitions to run in the Republican Primary for Ohio Representative in the 28th House District. Wilson originally announced his intention to run in front of 18,000 people at the Cincinnati Tea Party’s Voice of America Rally on September 5, 2009 and kicked off his campaign shortly after November’s election. Wilson is running against incumbent Democrat, Connie Pillich, who was elected for the first time in 2008.

“Ohio is on the wrong track when it comes to jobs, taxes and the business environment in the state,” said Wilson. “I am running to be an agent of change that will make Ohio prosperous and job and family friendly again.”

After filing petitions Wilson will spend the day in Columbus meeting with leadership from conservative organizations including the Buckeye Institute, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Buckeye Firearms, and Ohio Right to Life. Mike will end the day meeting constituents from the 28th district at a meet-and-greet at the Blue Goose Sports Café in downtown Sharonville at 7:00 p.m.

Wilson’s campaign will include a broad appeal to traditional American values including free markets, fiscal responsibility, and limited government and an end to unprincipled politics as usual. Wilson has been outspoken in recent weeks opposing the deals made to shift GOP candidates around in the statewide Attorney General and Auditor races. The appeal of Wilson’s message and the strength of his grassroots base were demonstrated in end of year campaign finance reports where first-time candidate Wilson raised 95% of his incumbent Democrat opponent’s total of $32,797.78, while more than doubling her number of individual donors 366-151.

The 28th Ohio House district covers communities in north and northeastern Hamilton County including Forest Park, Sharonville, and Montgomery. Mike has knocked on hundreds of doors and met with over 3,000 district residents. He looks forward to meeting many more on February 3.

Wilson’s platform will address the need for leadership, integrity, and accountability in the legislature. These characteristics are vital for effective representation. Mike’s key legislative priorities include improving the business climate in Ohio - particularly for small businesses and manufacturing, reducing the tax and fee burden on Ohio citizens, and supporting education and school choice across the state.

Candidate Profile: - Position: Ohio Representative, District 28 - Affiliation: Tea Party Conservative, Registered Republican - Family: Married 12 years to Joni; three children - Community: Springfield Township - Education: BS Applied Mathematics - University of Cincinnati - Profession: Technical Services Manager for PCMS Datafit, based in Springdale, Ohio - Organizations: Member, Sacred Heart Parish; Track Coach, Sacred Heart; Founder/President, Cincinnati Tea Party; Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association; Founding Member/Board Member, Ohio Liberty Council

Press release from the Liberty Twp. Tea Party:

Heritage Elementary School in Liberty Township, OH on February 1st, 2010. Over 180 people attended this event. This meetingâ•˙s featured speaker was Charles Miller, President, and Cincinnati Chapter of the Federalist Society. Mr. Miller spoke on the need for balance in the education of the law profession and explained to the group that the Federalist Society was organized to ensure that conservative values were part of the educational process in law Liberty Township, OH, February 2nd, 2010: The Liberty Township Tea Party held their February Meeting at the education. He went on to inform the group on the complexity of the Judiciary in the State of Ohio and the issues facing the voters in the coming Supreme Court election and informed us on other issues facing voters with regard to the Judiciary at all levels. He then took many questions from the group. Sandra Korn presented the ever popular ╲Four Minutes with our Forefathers╡; this eveningâ•˙s topic was George Washington and his views regarding government and service. This was followed by Robin Hunt who followed this theme and reported on the book, ╲The Real George Washington╡ giving her impressions of the book and how Washington values impressed her. These presentations were followed by and open discussion by the group many questions and opinions were shared. The next meeting of the LTTPâ•˙s ╲Sam Adams Club╡ will be at Jerzeyâ•˙s in Liberty Township, February 15th starting at 6:30 PM The next general meeting of the LTTP will be Monday, March 1st at 7:00PM at Heritage Elementary School in Liberty Township. Please visit us at www.libertytownshipteaparty.org.

Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment |

Butler County roundup - New playgrounds, property tax woes and purchasing proposal

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, February 4, 2010, 09:27 AM

It’s been a busy week in Butler County. Stories from our paper I’ve missed in the blog this week:

Any thoughts on any of these issues?

Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: Butler County

Army vet, attorney challenging Boehner

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 04:30 PM

Press release from the Butler County Progressive Political Action Committee:

Justin Coussoule, who is challenging House Minority Leader John Boehner in Ohio’s Eighth Congressional District in November’s election, will be the Featured Speaker at the Candidates Night and Annual Election Meeting of the Butler County Progressive Political Action Committee and the Miami University College Democrats.

The meeting takes place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10 at the Community Room of the LCNB Bank Building, 30 West Park Place, uptown Oxford.

Coussoule, who graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in political science and systems engineering, attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and National Defense Ribbon.

Following his military service, Coussoule earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law and interned for Democratic U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey. He has worked in private practice, specializing in workers’ compensation, and he established and maintains a small business.

Currently, Coussoule is a purchasing manager at a global consumer products company in Cincinnati. He is a resident of Liberty Township, where he lives with his wife Amanda, and their two children, Caroline and John.

“I want to give voters a choice between the status quo and something new,” Coussoule says, “to return Ohio’s 8th Congressional seat to whom it belongs—the people. For too long it has served the special interests of the wealthy and powerful in Washington.”

Other candidates scheduled to speak include incumbent Butler County Juvenile Court Judge Kathleen Dobrozsi Romans, County Commission candidate Butch Hubble, County Auditor candidate Michelle Wilson, and Ohio House candidates J. C. Shew (53rd district) and Bruce Carter (54th district).

Candidates for election as BCP-PAC officers include Don Daiker, who is seeking re-election as PAC President. Bill Gracie, current vice-president, and Rick Bailey, current treasurer, are also seeking re-election. Five members of the Executive Board will also be elected. Current board members include Clyde Brown, Eric Carman, and Marilyn Elzey. The PAC is looking for a secretary and additional executive board members.

The meeting is open to the public, although only current BCP-PAC members may vote for officers and executive board members. Membership applications will be available. For further information, please call (523-2732) or email (daikerda@muohio.edu) PAC President Don Daiker.

Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment |

Former Middletown councilman may run for county commission

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 02:46 PM

Paul Nenni, former Middletown city councilman and unsuccessful candidate for state representative, has pulled petitions to run in the Republican primary for Butler County Commission, according to the local board of elections.

I guess the rumors were true.

Now that Treasurer Nancy Nix (who is also from Middletown) has pulled out, here is the crowded field in the GOP primary in May:

  • Cindy Carpenter
  • Robert S. Weber
  • Richard Retherford
  • Jose Alvarez
  • Jesse Vonstein
  • Gregory V. Jolivette
  • Paul Nenni

Here is the Democratic slate, to date:

  • Lester H. Hubble
  • Mark N. Hardig

The deadline to file is Feb. 18

What do you think of Nenni’s chances?

Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission

Animal friends newsletter names new editor

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, February 1, 2010, 06:30 AM

Press release from Butler County Animal Friends Humane Society:

Nancy Bender is the new editor of Animal Friends Humane Society’s newsletter, Animal Tales.

The winter edition will be mailed soon to volunteers and contributors who support the shelter and it’s activities. A few copies will also be available at Animal Friends.

Nancy is publishing a smaller version of the newsletter that was written by former editor, Carolyn Kramer, however, there will be more mailing per year. “It’s small, but mighty,” according to Nancy. “My first newsletter has two pages of color photos taken on the day the shelter animals where moved from the old Trenton location to our new shelter at 1820 Princeton Road in Hamilton, plus photos taken at the grand opening of the new shelter building.

“It also has information on our Bark ‘n’ Purr Ball that is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, 2010,” said Nancy. The “Ball” is AFHS’s largest annual fund-raiser held at Receptions in Hamilton. Tickets are $50 per person for dinner, a live auction, silent auction, raffles and other activities. Tables for ten will be discounted. There will be live music by Thunderbay Band and Wishing Well. Masters of ceremonies will be Tim and George from KISS 107.

Last year the event was a sold-out affair, so Nancy urges anyone interested to purchase tickets now.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Dog Warden

 
Home | News | Sports | Entertainment | Opinion | Life | Recreation | Photos & Video | Jobs | Cars | Homes
Advertising Media Kit | Online Ad Studio | Advertiser Tools | Customer Service | RSS | Our Partners | Site Map

Copyright © 2010 Cox Ohio Publishing, Dayton, Ohio, USA. All rights reserved.

By using this site, you accept the terms of our Visitors Agreement and Privacy Policy. You may wish to note our other business policies.

This website is ACAP-enabled