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

March 2010

County weighing increased security at buildings

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, March 29, 2010, 03:00 PM

After receiving a threatening letter peppered with “militia connotations,” the head of Butler County’s Child Support Enforcement Agency is calling for increased security at the county government building.

Butler County is the only metropolitan county in Ohio without metal detectors at all of its entrances, argued CSEA Executive Director Cynthia Brown.

She cited gang violence, workplace shootings and people increasingly “on edge.”

“I’d like to see us become more proactive rather than reactive when it comers to security issues,” Brown said.

The Feb. 2 letter Brown referenced was addressed to CSEA, county commissioners, President Barack Obama and others. In it, the man made no specific physical threats. He appears to accuse the government of kidnapping his daughter at gunpoint and holding her ransom.

Brown said the man had just been released from one year in prison for threatening to kill a Children Services caseworker.

Commissioners counted on their fingers at least six public entrances to the Government Services Center, including the city of Hamilton’s portion of the building. Plus, the county has offices in an administration building up the street, its Princeton Road campus and others.

Commission President Gregory Jolivette suggested that securing the buildings could cost millions of dollars; after the county had to lay off sheriff’s deputies and other workers to shore up a budget shortfall.

“We’ll have to see what the cost is and what the possibilities are,” Commissioner Charles Furmon said. “We’re willing to look into that.”

Sheriff Richard K. Jones wrote a letter to commissioners asking for a meeting of officeholders to discuss the issue.

“As evidenced by news of deadly incidents throughout the United States and abroad, carried out by increasingly angry and violent offenders; it only makes sense to broaden the security perimeters at the (building),” Jones wrote.

“The perpetrators are not confining their rage to those they are specifically angry with, but to innocent by standers young and old who happen to be in the area of their target.”

Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission

Alvarez swinging; Carpenter getting boots on the ground

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, March 29, 2010, 11:51 AM

A couple of campaign notices I’ve gotten in the last couple days from those wishing to unseat Butler County Commission President Gregory Jolivette in the May Republican primary:

First (in alphabetical order) we have Jose Alvarez, former West Chester Twp. trustee:

Have you had enough of the nonsense that’s been going on in Butler County? Enough of the closed contracts, political job swaps and nepotism?

I have, and that’s why I’m a candidate for Butler County Commissioner.

I ask for your support in the upcoming GOP primary because the people of this county deserve an experienced public servant who is committed to representing their interests. Someone who has no hidden agendas or vested interests, who believes honest government should be the rule, not the exception.

In my years as a West Chester Township Trustee, I focused on financial discipline and economic development. As you know, economic development leads to the creation of jobs - jobs for residents and opportunities for businesses, not perks for family and friends. No relative of mine has ever worked at any level of county government. I have never used my influence to obtain a job or a contract for a friend, nor have I ever arranged a political job swap.

This year we must elect a commissioner who stands for honest government and conservative values. I’ve been proud to call Butler County home for over 23 years. Now, I would be proud to use my experience and knowledge to fight for its citizens and bring economic growth, budgetary discipline, and open government to Butler County. I know we can do better; I know you deserve better!

Together we have the power to get Butler County back on the right path. Please vote for me in the Republican Primary on May 4th.

Feel free to call me at 513-324-0822 or write to me at jose@alvarezforcommissioner.com to discuss your questions or concerns. To join the campaign, please click the Volunteer/Contribute button in the sidebar.

For more, including numbers and videos I’ve previously reported, see his Web site.

Now, we go to county Clerk of Courts Cindy Carpenter:

We are in the final days of the Carpenter for Commissioner campaign. You can make difference by volunteering now.

Yard Signs Please show your support by allowing us to place a sign in your yard or at your business. Online Form or contact cindy@cindycarpenter.com

Phone Bank: Call from your home or our headquarters

Our phone bank is operational Sunday through Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to chose where it is most convenient to make calls. You can call from our campaign headquarters in Fairfield or from the comfort of your own home. Sign up online now

Contributions

Please make checks payable to Carpenter for Commissioner Committee, 5815 Brown Road, Oxford, Ohio 45056. No corporate checks please.

To volunteer, please contact Cindy at cindy@cindycarpenter.com. Thank you so much for your support! We can work together to elect the Right Republican for a Change. Join the Carpenter for Commissioner team at www.CindyCarpenter.com.

What do you think?

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Benefit planned for newspaper editor

By Josh Sweigart | Sunday, March 28, 2010, 01:20 AM

A fundraising benefit is Thursday, April 1, for Lisa Warren, editor of the Hamilton JournalNews and The Middletown Journal.

Warren was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and the battle continues for the mother of two daughters. Warren is undergoing a new course of chemotherapy and is weak from it, and has taken leave from work.

The benefit will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Ryan’s Tavern, 241 High St., downtown Hamilton, to help defray medical costs.

In addition, accounts have been established at First Financial and US Bank locations. Donations may be made to the Lisa Warren Fund.

For more information, call (513) 696-4521 or (937) 510-1024.

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

‘Norm,’ ‘Floyd’ stump for Jolivette

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, March 26, 2010, 04:06 PM

This event was yesterday, it appears. The release was blocked by our spam filter. But anyways, here is a release from Butler County Commission President Gregory Jolivette’s re-election campaign:

COMMISSIONER GREG JOLIVETTE WELCOMES GEORGE WENDT AND JASON SUDEIKIS TO THE SAVANNAH CENTER

On Thursday, March 25th, Friends of Greg Jolivette will be hosting a fundraiser at the Savannah Center.

Featured guests will include “Cheers” star George Wendt and “Saturday Night Live” star Jason Sudeikis.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

The cost is $50 per person/$75 per couple.

Did anyone attend? How did it go?

Permalink | Comments (15) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission, Republican Party

County prosecutor hopeful in the spotlight

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, March 25, 2010, 01:00 PM

I’ve been busy this week covering the trial of Yuyang David Bai.

The lead prosecutor in the trial is Jason Phillabaum, assistant county prosecutor. He is also one of two men working very hard to get the local Republican Party’s support for county prosecutor. The other candidate is local attorney Michael Gmoser.

As I report on the story above, it will likely come to the GOP to appoint the next prosecutor, because current Prosecutor Robin Piper is running unopposed for appeals court judge.

How important do you think this trial is for his chances?

Permalink | Comments (37) | Post your comment | Categories: Crime and courts

Electric bidding gamble pays off for commissioners

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, March 25, 2010, 12:58 PM

From today’s paper:

A gamble paid off for Butler County commissioners Wednesday, March 24, and it might mean savings for the county’s water customers.

Commissioners approved a bid for Akron-based FirstEnergy Solutions to provide power to many county facilities in unincorporated parts of the county.

This could save the county about $2.2 million in the next three years, mostly in the water and sewer department.

“Hopefully this will equate to a further (rate) reduction of maybe 1 or 2 percent,” said commission President Gregory Jolivette, referring to layoffs and cost-cutting measures that led to rate cuts last year.

Commissioners discussed the electric bidding Monday, but sent the bids from FirstEnergy and Duke Energy back to be “refreshed” in a move they called a “gamble.”

In response, Duke lowered its offer substantially. But FirstEnergy cut its another $80,000, giving it the lower rate.

“Duke Energy came down to FirstEnergy’s pricing from the original quotes, and FirstEnergy came down just a hair,” said Todd Dockum, a consultant the county hired to help with the bids. “Every penny helps.”

Jolivette lamented that Duke Energy, which employs thousands of people in the region, lost out to an outside firm. But, he said, “This was an good exercise of going out and getting the best rates possible.”

Jolivette said the county will know in coming months if the savings will lead to a rate reduction. Water department officials say they spend about $2.3 million a year on electricity.

Commissioners voted 2-0 to accept this bids. Commissioner Donald Dixon was absent.

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County commission candidates forum planned

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 07:30 AM

All six candidates vying for one Butler County commission seat in the May GOP primary will get a chance to make their case to the public April 6.

The Hamilton JournalNews and The Middletown Journal will sponsor a candidates forum at Butler Tech’s Public Safety Education Complex, 5140 Princeton Glendale Road in Liberty Twp.

The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

“This candidates’ forum is a public service to all Butler County voters to help educate voters before the May 4 primary election,” said Edwina Blackwell Clark, publisher of Cox Media Group’s newspapers in Butler and Warren counties.

“This county commission race is critical because of the challenges and opportunities Butler County faces,” Blackwell Clark said. “We want voters to be as knowledgeable as possible about the issues and the candidates.”

At the forum, reporters and editors from the Hamilton JournalNews, and Local 12 WKRC, will ask questions provided by the public. The event will be taped for later viewing on public access stations.

The candidates are incumbent Commission President Gregory Jolivette, county Clerk of Courts Cindy Carpenter, former West Chester Twp. trustee Jose Alvarez, former Middletown city councilman Paul Nenni, and Hamilton residents Jesse Von Stein and Wes Retherford.

Additional sponsors for the forum include the West Chester Twp. Pulse-Journal; the Liberty Twp. Pulse-Journal, the Monroe Pulse-Journal; the Fairfield Echo and The Oxford Press.

Send suggested questions for the Butler County commission candidates forum to Kevin Aldridge, editor:

Mail: (Middletown Journal) 1 N. Main Street, Middletown Ohio 45042
E-mail: kaldridge@coxohio.com
Phone: (513) 705-2584

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

Friendly reminder from ethics commission: Don’t hire your kids

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, March 22, 2010, 05:48 PM

This statement went out today from the Ohio Ethics Commission:

As summer approaches and many high school and college students seek summer jobs (sometimes seasonal, part-time jobs like lifeguards and camp counselors with cities, villages, school districts, and other public agencies that offer special summer programs) the Ohio Ethics Commission is reminding public officials and employees about the restrictions in the Ethics Law against hiring their family members. Please see attached a bulletin issued last year outlining these restrictions.

Here is their bulletin:

EducationandPublicInfo_NepotismReminder

Last I checked, Commission President Gregory Jolivette and Commissioner Charles Furmon were both under ethics commission investigation for allegedly hiring family members. Jolivette specifically admits he hired his son for summer employment.

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Boehner, challenger on health care vote

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, March 22, 2010, 01:25 PM

House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp. on the U.S. House floor just before the health care vote yesterday:

Statement from Justin Coussoule on Passage of Health Reform Bill:

“Last night’s vote made history, achieving what American leaders have sought to do for 100 years. Families in the 8th District and across the country will see immediate benefits. Children with chronic conditions will no longer be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions, a benefit that will soon expand to all Americans. Young adults, struggling to find jobs in this tough economy, can now be covered under their parents’ plans for much longer. And seniors will no longer struggle to pay for prescriptions as the “donut-hole” in prescription coverage will be closed over the coming years.”

“In the long-term, residents will see improved coverage, with insurance regulations that eliminate the worst practices of insurance companies, including the practice of dropping coverage when consumers become very ill. And the bill extends coverage to 32 million Americans who currently have no insurance, achieving near universal coverage and ensuring that Americans will no longer face bankruptcy due to unforeseen medical costs.”

“Despite claims to the contrary, the bill also will help to reduce health care costs and lower the deficit. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will reduce the deficit by $143 billion in the first ten years, and then by $1.2 trillion in the following decade.”

“Last night’s victory over obstructionism recommits us to core American values because we are all truly interconnected, especially when it comes to health care, and we can all benefit when we’re all in the system together.”

A West Pointer and former Army captain, Justin Coussoule (pronounced kuh-SOO-lee) is the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Eighth Congressional District. Following his military service, Coussoule practiced law, fighting to ensure injured workers received just compensation, and opened a small business in Massachusetts before moving to Southwest Ohio. He currently works for a global consumer products company in Cincinnati. Coussoule lives in Liberty Township with his wife, Amanda, and their two young children.

Permalink | Comments (20) | Post your comment | Categories: National issues

County sees $2.1M savings, tries to raise

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, March 22, 2010, 01:12 PM

Presented with an opportunity to save more than $2.1 million over the next three years, Butler County commissioners decided this morning to hold out for more.

“It’s something of a gamble,” Commissioner Charles Furmon said, reluctantly agreeing to it after saying several times he’s not a gambler.

On the table are two bids from two companies wanting to provide power to numerous county facilities in the unincorporated parts of Butler County.

Duke Energy, the current provider, offered a rate structure that officials said would save the county nearly $1.8 million over three years. Akron-based FirstEnergy Solutions offered a bid that is estimated to save more than $2.1 million in that time.

Chip Wood, vice president of Duke Energy Retail Sales, pleaded with commissioners to let them revise their bid. Greg Elam, a consultant the county hired to oversee the bidding, said energy prices are lower now than when the bids were submitted.

County attorneys said re-bidding could only be done if both parties were allowed to do so. And they could only update their rates, not restructure their bids now that they could see the other companies’ cards, attorney said.

Furmon worried that “undermines the bidding process,” but agreed to let the companies refresh their bids when Commission President Gregory Jolivette pushed for it.

Now the two companies will come back Wednesday, lay down their cards again, and commissioners will see if their wager paid off. Elam cautioned that energy prices fluctuate dramatically in short periods of time.

Because of those fluctuations, the energy companies would only guarantee their bids for a matter of days at a time. This made Monday’s meeting rushed, as the FirstEnergy bid expired at 3 p.m.

Commissioner Donald Dixon, who originally proposed seeking energy in the deregulated market, was absent. He applauded the savings in a prepared statement, but worried about the rushed proceedings.

“I hope that being in the position of having very little time to ask questions, and analyze the proposals does not compromise our ability to get the best deal,” Dixon said.

Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission

County tax collection down

By Josh Sweigart | Sunday, March 21, 2010, 12:00 PM

Press release from Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix:

Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix, CPA, has certified the first half 2009 real estate tax collection to the Butler County Auditor. The total amount certified is $212,460,761.28. This represents $390,355.43 less than the same period last year.

Treasurer Nix comments, “the reduced amount represents many factors including an increase in unpaid prior delinquency and unpaid first half 2009 taxes, as well as the general decline in property values”.

“Our office understands all too well what our citizens are going through during these harsh economic times; yet, it is my statutory responsibility to collect taxes. We do have programs that can help; and I urge Butler County taxpayers to contact our office for information on our past due payment plan and our escrow payment plan. These plans are designed to assist property owners to help ease the burden of their tax obligation. Our program managers work carefully with individuals to negotiate helpful payment plans. Please do not hesitate to call 513-887-3181 or visit our web site www.butlercountytreasurer.org.”

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Ohio House supports telecom reform bill

By Josh Sweigart | Sunday, March 21, 2010, 07:30 AM

Press release from state Rep. Courtney Combs, R-Hamilton:

State Representative Combs (R-Hamilton) today announced the passage of House Bill 276 from the Ohio House of Representatives. This legislation revises the state policy regarding telecommunications service and repeals current law governing alternative regulation of telephone companies.

House Bill 276 will create a more favorable environment for competition in telecommunications, while retaining consumer safeguards and lead toward competitive pricing. It will establish uniform regulations for telecommunication services and permit the industry to invest in Ohio’s infrastructure and technology, instead of overly burdensome regulatory compliance.

“Today marks the first step in modernizing Ohio’s antiquated telecommunications laws,” said Combs. “This bill will be a much needed catalyst to help bring jobs and economic development to Ohio.”

Since 2001, traditional landline telephone companies have lost 3 million customers due to increased competition from rapidly advancing technologies, including wireless and digital telephone service. More than 20 states have adopted telecom reform laws, which will spur investment in new technologies and create vital jobs.

House Bill 276 is supported by the Ohio Chamber, National Federation of Independent Business, Ohio Telecommunications Association, AT&T, and Institute for Policy Innovation. Rep. Combs is a sitting member of the House Public Utilities Committee.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Statewide issues

County partners with Shared Harvest Foodbank to feed hungry

By Josh Sweigart | Saturday, March 20, 2010, 09:44 PM

Press release from Butler County Job and Family Services:

The Butler County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS) is collaborating with Shared Harvest Foodbank to make it easier for individuals who are in need of food assistance.

Shared Harvest outreach workers routinely visit local food pantries that offer individuals immediate food assistance. Through a partnership with JFS, they help people electronically file applications for benefits through the Ohio Benefit Bank Program. Benefits include food stamps, Medicaid and cash assistance as well as state and federal tax filing. Shared Harvest outreach workers also make home visits for people who are unable to leave their homes.

“Our partnership with Shared Harvest allows us to reach individuals in need that would normally have trouble making it to our office to apply for benefits. The program makes it much easier for people to apply for assistance since they can file an application at the food pantry,” said JFS Assistant Director Jerome Kearns.

Each month, Shared Harvest has three outreach workers who make visits to these food pantries:

Open Door Food Pantry

Address: 800 S. Front Street, Hamilton, OH 45011
Phone Number: 513-868-3276

Oxford/Talawanda Community Service Center

Address: 5445 College Corner Pike, Oxford, OH 45056
Phone Number: 513-523-5859

Tri-County Assembly of God

Address: 7350 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, OH 45014
Phone Number: 513-874-8575

Lighthouse Food Pantry

Address: 626 Ridgelawn Avenue, Hamilton, OH 45013
Phone Number: 513-867-9463

Anyone wishing to apply for assistance at one of the food pantries or to have someone visit them at their home, should contact Shared Harvest at 1-800-352-3663 and leave a message for SNAP Outreach. If individuals need more information about the benefits offered by JFS, they can contact the department at 513-887-5600.

Butler County JFS works with the citizens of Butler County and its partner organizations to create opportunities for self-sufficiency and to provide a safety net to families in need. By providing transitional benefits, skill-building opportunities, and help in getting and keeping jobs, the agency strives to assist families in poverty.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Economy

County employee pay

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, March 19, 2010, 07:30 AM

Considering all the talk about a pay study for Butler County employees, it’s worth pointing out we have posted our annual list of the top paid public sector employees from across the county. It includes cities, school staff, etc.

Here is the list.

What do you think? Any surprises?

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County pay study clash - Furmon’s argument

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, March 18, 2010, 05:33 PM

A discussion on public employee pay raises turned personal today, March 18, with Butler County commissioners trading accusations of who and what was responsible for ballooning pay in recent years.

It erupted when Commissioner Charles Furmon made a motion to reinstate the salaries of two of the county’s highest paid employees — Assistant Human Resources Director Laura Campbell at $92,771 and Records Center Director Rhonda Freeze at $85,772.

Furmon said the move last year to cut their pay $13,771 and $15,873, respectively, was done “for no reason, at random, for personal reasons possibly.”

He said he approved the cuts to Campbell and Freeze on the understanding that more cuts in other departments would follow. But he produced a list of 14 other employees whose salaries have shot up between 24 percent and 91 percent between 2002 and 2008 — whose salaries weren’t cut.

Here is Furmon’s prepared statements, and background data:

FurmonPayMemo

From today’s meeting:

Furmon’s motion died without a second. But Commissioner Donald Dixon said the reason further cuts were stalled is because Furmon is slowing down a salary study.

Dixon said Furmon was looking out for Campbell for his own personal reasons.

“You came into my office and said why don’t you leave her alone,” Dixon said of Campbell. “(You said) She’s a friend of mine and she’s from a little town in Kentucky I’m from and she has no one to take care of her.”

As for the pay raises over the years, “You sit here and say they gave the raises. You gave the raises,” Dixon told Furmon. “Chuck Furmon voted on their salaries and put these people where they are.”

“You’ve been here three years. It’s about time you accept some responsibility in what’s going on here Mr. Dixon,” Furmon countered.

Furmon argued that it was a merit pay system — like the one the salary study is supposed to create — that led to the increases.

Dixon pointed to Furmon’s list of pay raises as further proof the pay study is needed. He made a motion to move ahead full-speed with the study.

That motion also died without a second, though Commission President Gregory Jolivette said he would look over the data and make a decision at the next commission meeting.

Permalink | Comments (15) | Post your comment | Categories: County Commission

Furmon calls out payments to township trustee’s business

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, March 15, 2010, 05:21 PM

Butler County has been paying a company with ties to a local politician nearly $1,000 a month for more than a year without any contract or resolution authorizing the payments, according to Commissioner Charles Furmon.

And he says he can’t get anyone to do anything about it.

The company is Performance Benefit Solutions, owned by West Chester Twp. Trustee George Lang and his wife. The company provides flexible spending accounts to county employees using another company called Hauser Corporate Solutions.

In a letter to the Auditor of State requesting an investigation, Furmon argues that the 2008 resolution allowing PBS to offer products to county employees says they’ll do so “at no charge to Butler County.”

Yet despite a lack of a contract, Furmon says the county paid PBS and HCS $1,000 a month for a year and a half before he stopped the payments late last year.

Here is a copy of Furmon’s letter, and a letter sent to the county prosecutor on the same issue asking for an Attorney General’s opinion:

FurmonPBSLetter

Analysis:

“No program documents exist, and no documents of any kind explain the pricing structure for what is being paid on a regular monthly basis,” Furmon wrote.

In the letter, dated Feb. 23, Furmon expresses frustration that “I find myself in the rare situation of being unable to mobilize my county prosecutor or county auditor to do anything about (the issue).”

Furmon says the prosecutor’s office told him the payments were valid because one for $12,000 was authorized by commission resolution in March 2009 — though there is still no contract or language in the resolution referring to ongoing payments.

“Somehow it was pushed through a back door,” Furmon said by phone. “If you push any kind of contract through a back door and it gets partially paid, does that mean you have to pay it the rest of our lives? That doesn’t make sense to me.”

“The county auditor has simply not responded to my inquiry,” Furmon wrote in his letter to the state.

PBS is one of two companies authorized to offer FSAs to county employees under the 2008 resolution. The other is Chard Snyder, which charges $4.50 per participant and $400 set up and renewal fees.

Prior to 2008, PBS was the only company to offer the service. They did so at no charge, in exchange for the exclusive right to offer other insurance products to employees. A former Lang business partner told this newspaper in 2008 that “political pad money” was helpful in getting that arrangement. Lang has denied getting any special treatment.

The process was opened to bidding when other companies cried foul. Furmon says Chard Snyder won the bid and was going to get exclusive access, partly because employees weren’t happy with PBS’s performance.

But PBS was allowed to stay on, Furmon wrote, “because several elected officials provided letters of support for PBS (probably because the husband of the principal of PBS is a prominent township trustee and active in Republican party politics in Butler County).”

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Dixon’s proposed Butler County levy review committee

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, March 15, 2010, 12:00 PM

Butler County commissioners agreed this morning, March 15, to establish a committee to analyze the necessity of proposed tax levies.

Commissioner Donald Dixon outlined a plan that calls for a nine-member committee and a thorough, nearly yearlong process for reviewing levies before they go on the ballot.

Here is Dixon’s proposal:

Levy Committee

Analysis:

It also limits the amount that expiring levies can increase, not allowing it to exceed inflation.

Dixon said the plan is based largely on Hamilton County’s tax levy policy.

“I’ve talked to them about their committee, and they say they’ve saved a lot of money and it’s the hardest working committee they have appointed,” Dixon said. “If we can get it started, I think it’s going to add a lot of value for the taxpayers.”

Dixon’s plan would require agencies to hire a consultant to review the agency’s financials, operations and management structure. It requires a detailed plan on how levy money would be spent.

Based on this information, the levy review committee would recommend whether the tax is needed, at what rate and for how long.

“Make no mistake, the final decision rests with the Board of Commissioners,” Dixon said.

Monday’s vote only got the ball rolling; commissioners didn’t wholeheartedly adopt Dixon’s plan.

Commissioner Charles Furmon expressed some concern about giving the committee too much power. He agreed with the general idea, on the condition that it’s discussed further before being created.

Commission President Gregory Jolivette suggested adding a committee that also reviews capital expenditures before the county borrows money.

Dixon said an abridged version of the 335-day process would have to be created for this year, with a few new and controversial levies possibly on the ballot. This includes a new tax for Butler County MetroParks and a renewal or replacement for the senior services levy.

The senior levy was used as an argument for a tax review committee after the agency that administers it announced it could take in $21 million more than it needed. Levy collection was since reduced.

Dixon’s plan also sets rules on what surpluses can be used for, and forbids agencies from using levy funds for future levy campaigns. And it requires a financial review halfway through the life of the levy.

“(It will ask) are they on track? Are they spending on the rate they’re supposed to be spending? We don’t have any of that stuff now, and it just makes good fiscal policy,” Dixon said.

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

Butler County roundup - Central committee update, halfway house closing

By Josh Sweigart | Friday, March 12, 2010, 05:51 PM

In case you missed it, two stories in our paper today:

State officials say a local halfway house is being unfunded by the state after a study found it does more harm than good in keeping people out of prison. See that story, with a testimonial from an “alumni” of the program, here.
The Butler County Board of Elections has decided not to bar a woman from the May 4 Republican primary for a party central committee position, agreeing it was likely a poll worker’s mistake that made her a Democrat. The board also is reconsidering its decision to disqualify another candidate, saying that ruling was based on miscommunication with the secretary of state’s office. That story is here.

Any thoughts on either of these issues?

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |

Gmoser gets FOP endorsement for prosecutor

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, March 11, 2010, 11:00 AM

As I mentioned in this story, the race for the next Butler County prosecutor is already well under way, even though the seat isn’t yet open.

Below is a letter local attorney Michael Gmoser sent to members of the Butler County Republican Party central committee, which will likely appoint the next prosecutor next year. The current prosecutor, Robin Piper, is running unopposed for a judgeship, so his unexpired term will be filled by the local GOP if he wins. Gmoser’s GOP opponent is Jason Phillabaum, an assistant county prosecutor.

Here is the letter, in which he boasts of an endorsement he received from the union representing Butler County sheriff’s deputies:

gmoserfopendorse

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Cates wants increased fines on railroads for dilapidated crossings

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, March 11, 2010, 10:49 AM

Press release from state Sen. Gary Cates, R-Butler County:

The Ohio Senate recently approved Senate Bill 116, legislation which seeks to ensure railroad companies in Ohio properly maintain crossings and other areas near their tracks. State Senator Gary Cates (R-Butler County), who has received several complaints from residents in Butler County about poor maintenance at local grade crossings, co-sponsored the bill.

“I have heard from dozens of people in Butler County who are concerned that subpar maintenance at local rail crossings could damage their cars and is a threat to their safety and the safety of other motorists,” said Cates. “At the same time, many area officials have expressed frustration that they have no real clout to address these issues.”

For example, Sen. Cates noted that officials in Fairfield and Hamilton have had trouble getting the railroad company to simply clean up an overpass on the border of those two communities.

Under current state law, if a rail operator neglects to fix a damaged railroad crossing, local governments can only fine the company $30 a day. This minor penalty tends to produce little action from the railroad.

SB 116, which passed the Senate 33-0, would allow local government officials to file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio if a rail company fails to make repairs to crossings and maintain other areas near its tracks within 30 days. If the rail operator still fails to perform necessary maintenance once the hearing and an inspection by the PUCO is complete, they could be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 per day.

“SB 116 would provide an important tool for local governments and concerned citizens to address their concerns with the safety and maintenance of local rail crossings and push rail operators to take action to fix these problems,” Cates added.

The bill would also allow local governments to file a complaint with the PUCO if a rail company fails to remove obstructive vegetation around a grade crossing after receiving a ten day written notice. The rail operator could be subject to fines for failing to comply.

SB 116 now moves to the Ohio House for further consideration.

Permalink | Comments (26) | Post your comment | Categories: Statewide issues

Election updates: Ohio 8th District

By Josh Sweigart | Thursday, March 11, 2010, 07:00 AM

I’ve received a few campaign announcements from the challengers to U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester Twp., this year. They are below.

First, this release came from Republican Tom McMasters:

Tom McMasters accepted an invitation to participate in the Republican Miami County Convention to be held Mar 21st.

Tom McMasters, “Besides bringing more attention to deficit spending, one of the main goals of my running is to inspire more political discussion. I’m impressed the leaders of the Miami County Republican party see the benefits of providing a forum for fresh political views even when the logical candidate is already determined.”

McMasters’ campaign stresses this country can no longer take the pendulum swings from radical right to radical left and back again. He believes bringing more independents into the party system will moderate the discussion and promote better solutions. Too often the parties try to limit discussion and candidate choice. This lack of competition leads to isolated candidates out of touch with normal everyday people.

Tom McMasters, “Incredibly we have Republican Party leaders saying things like, ‘I’m still trying to find the first American to talk to who’s in favor of the public option’.”

McMasters supports a different direction on healthcare reform. “I’m all for the leadership making us the Party of No if that’s what has to be done to get a healthcare reform bill that reduces costs and protects families from medical bankruptcy. But, I also believe at least 30% of the 8th district believes the current attempt might have some benefit. As a representative I hope I never get to the place where I didn’t even know 30% of my constituency existed.”

With an open door policy the parties will know the concerns of the people. When the Republican Party takes the time to listen and address the concerns of the population more independents and moderates will participate leading to innovations and a stronger United States.

Tom McMasters, “I want to commend the Miami County Republican Party for the enlighten leadership which set up a system allowing normal everyday people the opportunity to influence the political discussion and win their support for candidacy to public office. The residents of Miami County should be proud”.

Tom McMasters provides commentary, discussion and candidate information at www.tfmsview.com

And this is from Democrat Justin Coussoule:

In another example of putting heartless politics ahead of real people, Representative John Boehner yesterday backed Senator Jim Bunning in his efforts to block Senate action on a bill to extend unemployment benefits and health care coverage that would benefit Americans out of work.

“Representative Boehner and Senator Bunning are playing tiresome partisan games on the backs of real people across America, including families from Troy to Middletown and even West Chester, who are struggling to find a decent paying job in a desperate economy,” said Justin Coussoule (pronounced kuh-SOO-lee), the Democratic candidate for Congress.

As a result of Senator Bunning’s actions, nearly 1.2 million Americans Monday lost their unemployment benefits, including nearly 50,000 Ohioans and more than 3,000 families in the 8th Congressional District (source: McClatchy News Service). Nearly 2,000 federal workers also were placed on furlough as the bill provided funding for federal highway projects. Thankfully, after relentless pressure from members of both parties, Senator Bunning yielded yesterday and the Senate passed the extension with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote.

Representative Boehner backed Bunning’s heartless actions, telling reporters in a press conference Tuesday that Bunning “has a legitimate argument.” Bunning demanded the Senate cut $10 billion from another program to pay for the extension of benefits. But Bunning and Boehner had no problem supporting appropriations bills under President Bush with more than $700 billion in annual deficits, or approving funding for two wars costing more than $944 billion that were never paid for, or supporting Bush tax cuts for the wealthy that have added more than $1.2 trillion to federal debt (source: MediaMatters).

“Where were Jim Bunning and John Boehner on pay-as-you-go when they voted to approve the Bush budgets for eight years,” asked Coussoule. “In fact, if pay-as-you-go is so important to Senator Bunning and Representative Boehner, why did they vote no on the bill when it reached the floor of their respective chambers last month?”

A West Pointer and former Army captain, Coussoule is the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Eighth Congressional District. Following his military service, Coussoule practiced law, fighting to ensure injured workers received compensation, and opened a small business in Massachusetts before moving to Southwest Ohio. He currently works for Procter and Gamble’s Global Business Solutions. Coussoule lives in Liberty Township with his wife, Amanda, and their two young children.

Any thoughts on any of this?

Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Democratic Party, National issues, Republican Party

Two sue to get on the May ballot for central committee

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 05:25 PM

Two women are suing the Butler County Board of Elections to get on the ballot for the GOP central committee this year.

Both say they did everything they were supposed to in order to get on the ballot in the May primary, but were disqualified by the board. They have filed suit in Butler County Common Pleas Court.

The Board of Elections is meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 11, to discuss the lawsuits.

One plaintiff is Courtney Caparella-Kraemer, a local attorney running in one of the most crowded central committee races in the county.

Even without Caparella-Kraemer, the ballot for that West Chester Twp. precinct — which contains 265 registered Republicans — will have three candidates for central committee.

One of them is Mark Haverkos, who filed the complaint to remove Caparella-Kraemer from the ballot on the grounds that she filed to run in two precincts at once.

Haverkos, a Tea Party activist who is also running to unseat the state central committee man, said there are so many other people in the race because “The party put them up to it.”

In her court filing, Caparella-Kraemer argues she was in the process of moving while filing for the race. She filed for her old precinct, then her new precinct, then withdrew from the first race.

She says that she did exactly what Board of Elections staff asked her to.

Board of Elections members say they consulted with the Secretary of State’s office prior to disqualifying her from the ballot, and were told she was ineligible because she filed for two races at once, and did not live in the precinct she wished to run in on the day she filed.

Caparella-Kraemer would not comment on the case.

“I shall leave it now in the hands of the Butler County Board of Elections without further comment or criticism and shall await their decision,” she said in a prepared statement. “My appeal is in place to proceed if necessary.”

The other plaintiff is Victoria Robertson, who was disqualified from the Republican ballot because records have her as a registered Democrat. She says this was a mistake by her pollworkers — that she has never been a Democrat — and her polling judge and the elections board agreed she is probably right.

Both women are asking a judge to order the Board of Elections to put their names on the ballot, which the board said it couldn’t do on advice from the Secretary of State.

Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Republican Party

Fox flirts with GOP central committee run

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 03:08 PM

While awaiting his trial on federal corruption charges, Michael A. Fox flirted with the idea of running for election again.

Fox — former Butler County commissioner, state lawmaker and children services director — is listed as a candidate for the local Republican Party central committee.

Fox said in a phone interview he has been on party committees since 1970, and filed to run out of habit when he moved to his new precinct in Oxford. He thought it was an empty seat.

He decided to withdraw his name from the race, he said, once he realized the seat was held by his friend and longtime incumbent Jack Cohen.

“I’m going to do it (withdraw) this week,” he said. “The last thing I want in my life is a contested race.”

As for whether Fox was worried about being on a ballot while facing federal charges, he said “I’m optimistic about how we’ll ultimately fare.”

“I’m still the same person that spent my life working to help people in this county and making this county a better place to be,” he said.

If he didn’t withdraw, the roughly 211 registered Republican voters in the Oxford10 precinct would have seen both Fox’s and Cohen’s names on the ballot.

Fox’s trial has been postponed indefinitely, pending the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration of other cases that could impact the statute under which he’s charged.

Fox and co-defendant Robert C. Schuler were indicted in October on charges of — among other charges — improperly benefiting from a contract between Schuler’s company and Butler County when Fox was commissioner. The indictment also alleges both men failed to report the income on federal tax returns.

Federal prosecutors allege that Schuler wired Fox $460,000 while his fiber-optics company NORMAP profited from a contract with the county. Both pleaded not guilty in November to an eight-count indictment charging them with conspiring to improperly benefit from the $2.75-million fiber-optics contract with the county.

The charges against Fox include four counts of mail fraud involving honest services. These are the most serious charges in the indictment — each carrying a sentence of up to 20 years.

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Tea Party to offer ‘School funding 101’ presentation

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 03:00 PM

Press release from the West Chester Tea Party:

The West Chester Tea Party will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, March 16th at EnterTrainment Junction 7379 Squire Court West Chester, Ohio 45069. Registration starts at 6:30, meeting begins at 7:00.

Our main topic this month is ‘School Funding 101’. The presentation will focus on the school levy cycle, the Ohio school funding formula and addresses the question, ‘Why do we need another school levy?’ The presenters are members of the Lakota community with a passion for school funding and teaching residents how the Ohio school funding formula works. In addition to the school funding presentation, information on the Tax Day Tea Party Rally on April 15th and voter registration within our Tea Party membership will be presented.

The West Chester Tea Party is a grassroots, non-partisan organization of private citizens united by our shared values and opposed to wasteful government spending.

We believe in fiscal responsibility, limited government, and free markets. Our mission is to organize like-minded individuals, educate and inform others based on our core values, to secure public policy consistent with those values, and to positively affect the outcome of elections. For more information visit our website www.westchesterteaparty.org.

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

Gerrymandering forum rescheduled

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 12:00 PM

Press release from the League of Women Voters:

League of Women Voters Redistricting Forum in Oxford Rescheduled

The League of Women Voters public forum on Ohio’s upcoming legislative redistricting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 17. Longtime Republican state lawmaker Joan Lawrence will speak to the Oxford community on current bipartisan efforts to redraw fairly the boundaries of voting districts in Ohio. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM in the LCNB Community Room on Park Place in Oxford. The event is free and open to the public.

Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment | Categories: National issues

Council on Aging to present strategic plan

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 09:25 AM

Press release from the Council on Aging of Southwest Ohio:

Public Hearing to be held by Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA)

Purpose: Present COA’s 2011-15 Strategic Plan and Area Plan for Programs on Aging When: 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 25

Where: Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio, 175 Tri County Parkway, Springdale, OH 45246

If you cannot attend the public hearing, but would like to comment before or after the hearing, please send comments in writing to: COA at the address above, attn: Mary Gonnella, or via email to mgonnella@help4seniors.org. Comments must be received no later than April 2, 2010.

The Area Plan may be viewed beginning March 22, 2010 at www.help4seniors.org.

For more information, contact Mary Gonnella at 513-721-1025 or mgonnella@help4seniors.org.

This comes as officials weigh whether to go to voters with a new levy for the elderly services program in November, after the last levy collected millions more than the agency needed.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Senior Services

Cincinnati Tea Party’s ‘precinct project’ featured on Fox News

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 03:03 PM

Press release from the Cincinnati Tea Party (we reported on the “Precinct Project” in a weekend series):

Dan Lillback, Director of Special Projects for the Cincinnati Tea Party, appeared on Fox News Special Report last Friday with a special message of his own: “We have some different ideas and we have some direction that we’ve been talking to you about and you haven’t heard us yet.” Lillback was speaking to elected Republicans who seem to be in short supply of the time-tested values the Cincinnati Tea Party hopes to bring back into vogue: fiscal responsibility, limited government, and free markets.

Lillback heads up the Precinct Project, an effort to educate people on the importance of being involved on county and state candidate-selection committees. He has presented to more than 30 liberty-minded groups around Ohio, explaining how to get elected to these positions. “The importance of the candidate-selection process is revealed in the understanding that protesting, letter writing, and phone calls only go so far, and that real change starts at this foundational level. The few elected citizens that make up these county and state committees effectively create the policy for the party.”

Phase I of the Precinct Project was getting people on the ballot. At a recent candidate press conference and rally in Cincinnati, over 100 candidates signed an agreement, pledging to uphold Cincinnati Tea Party values. Now, Phase II of the project is underway—getting candidates elected and implementing a game plan. And Dan has plenty of ideas: using voter identification resources, being a political leader in the neighborhood, having candidate nights, and simply increasing the level of engagement in one’s sphere of local influence. “It’s your best bet for results,” said Lillback. “While I’m not that good at politics, I am pretty good at math. A 51 percent majority of liberty-minded members in these county and state positions absolves us from playing politics and allows us to choose freedom.”

Dan Lillback has been working with the Cincinnati Tea Party since April 2009. The Tea Party movement is looking beyond 2010.

See Dan Lillback on Fox News here.

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

The battles for control of both local parties

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 11:35 AM

In case you missed it, here are links to a pretty thorough package we ran on Sunday about central committee races for both the local GOP and Democratic party.

Here is the intro:

With his campaign button, eager smile and fistful of business cards, Carl Rullmann looks like any other candidate for election.

Rullmann is running for GOP central committee. One box of business cards should be enough. There are only 250 registered Republicans in his West Chester Twp. precinct.

“I’m sick and tired and I can’t take it anymore,” the retiree and Tea Party activist said of why he’s entering politics for the first time. “I’ll do what I can (to fix things).”

He’s far from alone.

Rullmann is one of 399 Republicans and 206 Democrats who filed to run for their Butler County parties’ central committees.

This has turned the 298 precincts in Butler County into tiny battlegrounds for control of both parties this year.

“I believe that there are more candidates that filed for the Butler County (Democratic) central committee this year, than ever before in history,” said Don Daiker, former party chairman and founder of the Butler County Progressive Political Action Committee.

The PACs — remnants of President Barack Obama’s campaign — are a big reason there are more people running for the Democratic Party central committee this year.

The Tea Party is one reason for the surge of Republican candidates. But equally responsible is a seat that’s not even up for election.

That’s the Butler County prosecutor post, which the GOP central committee will fill if current Prosecutor Robin Piper wins his bid to become Court of Appeals judge. He’s unopposed in the primary or general election.

As for Rullmann, he still has the incumbent to content with: Naomi Stock, who said she has been active with the party for 25 years. She’s unfazed by the challenge.

“Everybody has a right to run,” said Stock, also a Tea Party supporter. “I’ve walked the precincts for other people, I can walk it for me.”

Here are the rest of the stories:

This is the full intro, with an explanation of what central committees are and why these seats are important.
Here is a look at the Republican Party central committee races, and the several reasons why they’re hotly contested. Reasons include the Tea Party movement and the unofficial race for county prosecutor.
Here is a look at the Democratic Party central committee races, which some say highlight the classic split in the party at large.

What do you think?

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

Compost bins, rain barrels for sale

By Josh Sweigart | Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 11:28 AM

Press release from Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District:

The Butler Soil and Water Conservation District (Butler SWCD) has added compost bins and rain barrels to their annual Tree and Groundcover Sale held this month. Butler SWCD will use proceeds from this sale to fund the district’s education program, grants for schools and scholarships for students.

“More and more homeowners are contacting Butler SWCD to find out about composting, rain barrels, and creating rain gardens,” said Butler SWCD District Administrator Kevin Fall. “It just makes sense to offer these products as a part of our traditional tree sale,” he said.

Compost is one of nature’s best mulches and soil amendments and you can use it instead of commercial fertilizers. Compost loosens clay soils, improves soil fertility, stimulates healthy root development in plants, improves soils capacity to hold water and attracts earthworms and other beneficial microbes to your soil. Compost bins make the compost pile more attractive, while keeping out unwanted animals. The compost bins for sale are called Earth Machines. Butler SWCD is offering the compost bins at the discounted price of $60 each (Earth Machines typically sell for $100 retail).

“Up to one-third of the waste generated by residential households is organic material, like vegetable food scraps. Composting provides a natural way to use these materials to benefit the environment and reduce waste,” said Recycling & Solid Waste District Coordinator Anne Fiehrer Flaig.

Butler SWCD is selling the rain barrels at a reduced price of $120, thanks to the Butler County Storm Water District. Bob Lentz, the storm water coordinator, is enthusiastic about the sale and states, “Rain barrels help to keep rain water onsite where it belongs, allowing us to use this free resource, which is better for your plants and better for your wallet.”

The sale also includes many species of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, grasses and animal homes. Butler SWCD will take orders through March 26 or until the supply is exhausted. Pick-up dates will be April 22-23 at the Butler County Fairgrounds. An order form is available at www.ButlerSWCD.org or by stopping by the Butler SWCD office located at 1802 Princeton Road, Suite 300, Hamilton, Ohio 45011. For more information, call 513-887-3720 weekdays or visit the above referenced website.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Environmental Services

Fox trial delayed … again

By Dave Greber | Friday, March 5, 2010, 10:28 AM

Subbing for Sweigart today, and wanted to update you all regarding the federal trial of Mike Fox.

The former state legislator, county commissioner and leader of the county’s children services was initially slated to stand trial June 1 in U.S. District Court in Cincy on charges that he illegally benefited from a deal between the county and co-defendant Robert C. Schuler.

That date was eliminated Wednesday, March 3, and no date has been given as a replacement.

The hang-up is the U.S. Supreme Court’s case that’s considering a subset (sort of) of the federal mail fraud charge, specifically involving “depriving the public (or another) of honest services.”

The High Court is considering whether that particular statute was written too broadly and is too vague to stand.

Sweigart detailed the cases last year, as the Supreme Court began hearing arguments in the case.

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The FOP letter

By Josh Sweigart | Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 09:43 AM

As we reported last week, the Fraternal Order of Police were none too happy with layoffs at the Butler County Sheriff’s Office because of budget shortfalls.

We followed up with their complaint today, looking into claims they had about the top brass at the sheriff’s office getting end-of-year payouts in 2009. To do this, we requested copies of the last payroll of the year for the sheriff’s office.

So here is the letter from the FOP:

Fop Letter

Here is the amounts of the payouts for unused comp time and vacation time paid out:

Sheriff’s office employees making over $60,000 a year who received a payout

Name, Title, Total 2009 pay, Payout amount

Vickie Barger, Finance director,$85,203, $1,497
Matt Franke, Communication Specialist, $84,594, $1,546
Garry Day, Children Services investigator, $68,669, $1,250
Norman Lewis, Major, $147,392, $9,051
Kathryn McMahon, Captain, $99,273, $1,792
William Stump, Major, $105,369, $1,893
Pamela Stroup, Secretary, $60,216, $1,080

Other sheriff’s office employees who received an end of year payout

Name, Amount of payout

Walker Brandenburg, $880
Erika Davis, $719
Carla Sunderhaus, $816
David Waddell, $976
Michael Grimes, $714
Bonita Short, $919
Frank Smith, $714
Kenneth Carpenter, $816
Jason Harvey, $1,229

What do you think?

Permalink | Comments (13) | Post your comment | Categories: Butler County Sheriff's Department

Which local candidates made the Tea Party pledge?

By Josh Sweigart | Monday, March 1, 2010, 03:51 PM

I attended an event last week where nearly 100 candidates local and state office all pledged to support the ideas of the Cincinnati Tea Party.

Here is a list of who signed up. In the crowded Butler County commission race, I notice Jose Alvarez, Wes Retherford and Jesse VonStein all signed up. Organizers said Cindy Carpenter had promised to show up, but that was the same day she had a seizure and was taken to the hospital. So the two that didn’t sign up are Gregory Jolivette (the incumbent) and Paul Nenni.

Here is a full overview of that race, as of the filing deadline.

There were also numerous local people there who are running for GOP central committee, including a couple incumbents.

Here is what they pledged:

I pledge to support the following core values and code of ethics:

Core Values