/ en Copyright 2010 2010-06-07T19:38:04+00:00 {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that...the RNC should create a series of commercials showing Obama going to the Chinese ATM to pay for programs.  Also an oil drilling rig puming dollars from the other side of the world (China) to pay for green energy etc {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Many of us are tired of our property taxes increasing every 2-3 years due to the fact that school districts approve unsustainable union contracts.  The legislation needed to ensure better financial management of Ohio local school districts is really a simple legislative fix to a current provision that already exists within ORC Section 5705.412(B) and an addition of a new section to require all Ohio local school districts to maintain a rainy day fund. These controls will reverse the currently employed upside-down financial processes by which the district negotiates a union contract that results in deficit spending, that eventually puts the system in a crisis of financial collapse, to which the school districts then seek a levy to pay for the deficit spending caused by the unsustainable union contract and then the process repeats itself. Define Estimated Revenues In ORC Section 5705.412(B) ORC Section 5705.412(B) needs to be tightened up to define estimated revenues as only those General Funds receipts coming in annually from general and state allocated property taxes, local school income taxes, unrestricted and restricted grants-in-aid from state foundation and other state revenues, restricted federal grants-in-aid and all other revenues generated for General Fund use. General Fund cash balances carried over to subsequent years should not qualify as estimated revenues, which would effectively require a school district to balance its budget on a yearly basis vs. incurring yearly deficits in which real spending exceeds real revenues that deplete existing cash balances up to the time for renewal of the next labor contract. This consistently used practice by most, if not all of the school districts in this state, inevitably results in the schools seeking additional funding every 2 to 3 years via the levy process in order to cover their irresponsible fiscal management. This legislation would effectively eliminate the approval of union contracts in which current tax revenue funding is not sufficient to sustain the benefits promised in those contracts and would extend the need to pass school funding levies to a period beyond the current 2 to 3 years, and perhaps significantly longer. Require School Districts to Establish a Rainy Day Fund It is time to write legislation to require school districts to establish a rainy day fund for those years in which estimated revenues are being reduced due to economic circumstances beyond their control. 1. School districts should be required to fund up to 10% of the prior 3-year average of qualified general fund revenues in this rainy day fund. 2. The funding should have a phase-in period of 5-years in which 20% would be required to be funded in each year of the 5-year phase-in period and there should be a provision for use of these funds during the phase-in period in case economic circumstances require the use of these funds. 3. Any use of these funds during the initial 5-year phase-in period and upon full establishment of the fund will be required to be replaced at a rate of 20% per year until the fund is again fully established. 4. The use of rainy day funds to replace one-time stimulus funding from the federal or state government would not be allowed. 5. The use of rainy day funds will be limited to cover only those years in which qualified revenues have decreased and the use will be limited to the amount of qualified revenue decrease in each particular year.I think that... {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I received the seventh oversized campaign flyer supporting Kay Ayers for Republican State Central Committee paid for by the Ohio Republican Party. That’s right I said seventh . With my campaign I am painfully aware of how much it costs to mail out even one small regulation sized post card. Why is the Ohio GOP wasting all this money on a primary race, worse yet for an internal party position? If I’m not mistaken we are facing an important presidential campaign this fall. Maybe its just me but I think that money could be put to better use. Whether or not you support Kay Ayers or not I think you’ll agree that this is poor stewardship of precious resources. The flyers talk about fiscal responsibility and Tea Party Values. I have to strongly disagree, these six mailings are neither fiscally responsible or reflective of Tea Party values. This is party politics at its worst! Why is this race for State Central Committee so important? Something is wrong with this picture. Kevin DeWine needs to go. PS I tried to email but the admin email address doesn't work {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  How about letting the American people see the true representation of "our present leadership"? They don't deserve their titles!!!   Subject: Fw: Mr & Mrs Clueless a picture says a thousand words...  Subject: Mr & Mrs Clueless   Mr & Mrs. Clueless Just look at her face, I think it says it all. Contempt comes to mind   Mr. And Mrs. Clueless! USE YOUR RIGHT HANDS. Gotta be the dumbest fools to ever hold the office of President, anywhere. How embarrassing it is to have this as our President and first lady! But I guess, when you've never done the pledge of allegiance, you don't know what to do! Maybe it's the Muslim way. At first I thought the picture was reversed, but the wedding rings indicate that it's right, as do the buttons on his suit. I am so embarrassed to know that this is our President. What have they done to us? How could someone vote for him? He is our President until November 2012! PLEASE MAKE IT END....................................... PLEASE REMEMBER THIS PICTURE AND SEND IT TO ALL REAL AMERICANS. THANK YOU and God Bless America!! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  HOME SALES TAX   I thought you might find this interesting, -- maybe even SICKENING!! The National Association of Realtors is all over this and working to get it repealed, -- before it takes effect.  But, I am very pleased we aren't the only ones who know about this ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners.  How many realtors do you think will vote Democratic in 2012? Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it?  That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home, etc.  When did this happen?  It's in the health care bill, -- and it goes into effect in 2013.  Why 2013?  Could it be so that it doesn’t come to light until after the 2012 elections?  So, this is ‘change you can believe in’? Under the new health care bill all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8% sales tax.   If you sell a $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax.  This bill is set to screw the retiring generation, -- who often downsize their homes.  Does this make your November, 2012 vote more important? Oh, you weren't aware that this was in the ObamaCare bill?  Guess what; you aren't alone!  There are more than a few members of Congress that weren't aware of it either. You can check this out for yourself: Just Google HOME SALES TAX VOTERS NEED TO KNOW. Tony  {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}   There is  one very simple and very vital point that the voters MUST remember. As the panels of pundits have discussed on the various television networks, there is only ONE debater in the entire crowd of candidates running for our nominee and who is perfectly capable of  out-debating and thus beating Obummer. It has been seen that McCain could not do and neither could Hilary. Obama out-debated them both. He will do the same with Romney and Santorum. they most definitely are NOT debaters. As the primaries have shown us, both these candidates were frequently caught in gaffes, snafus and debate traps. If that happens one single time in the national election against Obama, Obama returns to office for another term. The only person running who can out-debate Obama is Gingrich. That is a given and is frequently alluded to and discussed at length. Baggage???? Hey, for the continued existence of society as we know it as well as for the continued existence of this nation as we USED to know it, I am absolutely more than willing to shove Gingrich's baggage into a dark closet somewhere. I could care less if he has been married 40 times and is now married to his mother and has a hundred kids all of different races. I absolutely could care less. I want a candidate who can wipe the floor with Obama. It may be news to those who continue to hold the baggage issue against Gingrich and who are looking for the most religious, most kind, sweet, considerate, respectful, most family-oriented candidate but that is exactly who you do not want to throw into the arena with a lying narcissist like Obama. The Republicans need a candidate with a Vlad the Impaler mentality and who is definitely not afraid to be politically-INCORRECT, eg, naming Obama the "food stamp" president. I noticed the other candidates kept their silence about that term of endearment until they saw that the public agreed with Gingrich. Then and only then did they jump on the bandwagon. You throw anyone into the race against Obama other than Gingrich, you can take it to the bank that Obama will be re-elected. For those voters who continue to hold onto this baggage issue and are holding out on voting for Mr. Perfect, the last time I looked God's name is not on the list of candidates. You will not find Mr. Perfect. You will, however find on that list of candidates the name of the person who is the only one who can beat Obama....tic Gingrich. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} This may already be done but the few people I have spoken with have not seen one. My idea is to do a mass mailing to the sleepers out there that are lazy or unable to get out and vote on election day. This mailing would be an absentee ballot sign up sheet or a letter asking them to call a certain number for more information on how to register and/or vote by mail. I have a 47 year old sister that is active in the work life but won't go out of her way to vote on election day. She would vote republican, is smart, voices her opinions, but won't go vote because she just doesn't want to go out of her way. I asked her if she received an application to mail in a ballot - would she do it, she said yes. She doesn't like sitting on the computer so she won't go ask for her own form. I am in Ohio but my Aunt lives in Virginia, Her daughter votes democrat but she is republican. Her daughter won't take her to vote and she cant drive, she is older and doesn't like using computers, so we don't get her vote. If she could mail it in - she would. My idea is to to a mass mailing to elderly people, etc. and see if we can get them to call a number to register vote by mail. Help them be a voice in this election. There are lots of smart, bright republicans in nursing homes, communities, their own homes etc. that could be a good vote because they actually listen to whats being said but can't vote because they don't use a computer or can't drive. Just an idea to get some of the sleepers off their couch and get that republican vote in. I'be been thinking about this for a while but I received a letter in the mail from The Campaign for a Primary Accountability and an Applicationj for absent voters ballot for the Primary election (which I've never voted in) and because they did this....I will fill it out and vote in the primary this year. Just a thought because we've never seen any othe type of mailings like this. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I would like to know which candidates our establishment GOP is leaning towards.  I haven't seen any Ohio polls yet, but we need to take a close look at what each candidate TRULY represents, his voting record and what direction he wants to take our country in.  Personally, I know who I voting for but would like to get some feedback. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  Rush Limbaugh just confirmed  what I have  believed all along: Romney is indeed the establishment candidate who has been bought and paid for. The GOP establishment and all the beltway elites have been attempting to sell, no I mean shove Romney down our throats from the very beginning.The GOP is not and has not been listening. Why? Because they are resisting not embracing the grass roots, tea party conservative wing within the party.The voters are either lukewarm or loudly saying "NO" to the Romney candidacy! I have stood firm against his nomination and will continue to do so. I do not like being told who to vote for or to go with the flow just because a candidate has been the chosen one.I am now supporting Rick Santorum. Isn't it amazing that Santorum, who is a hard core conservative, is doing well in a non conservative swing state like Ohio?Think about it. Go ahead...........make my day.I will fight this every step of the way.Kelly SandersPickerington Ohio {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  I Don't understand why Ohio is one of the last states to make animal abuse a felony? Why is this? Do we really need to talk about all the attention we got a few month back with all the animals that had to be shot because of our lame laws?? All of the other states are LAUGHING at us! Why have we not done something?? What about Nitro's law? we seriously have not passed this yet?? I'm embarrassed to live in this state. Come on people wake up! So my idea is to pass a law on animal abuse as a felony. Facts have proven those who abuse animals will eventuall KILL humans and start with Children. Is this what we really want?? we need to nip it in the bud now.hat... {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I have become increasingly alarmed at the influence of "southern fried morality" on the Repubican Party. HB 125 is one such example. The so called "heartbeat" bill would essentially declare that a woman or a girl does not have a life that matters. Only the beating heart of the embryo matters. Most thinking Americans are in agreement that abortion as a method of birth control is barbaric. But so is HB125. It is a barbaric over-reach just as much as the efforts pro-slavery southerners exhibited when they cited the Bible as evidence in favor of slavery. Having worked with rape victims, I am appalled at this legislation and the Republicans that support it. By the same individual's support for HB 14, it is apparent that they care more about dangerous, vicious animals like pit bulls than they do for women and girls. Republicans were elected the majority in our State in the last election because they electorate believed that they would work harder to bring jobs and a better economy to Ohio. And what have we gotten, this outrageous example of shoving a minority religious belief down the majority's throat. My husband and I have been Republicans our entire adult life, but I am becoming increasingly dismayed by what I am seeing out of the current Ohio State legislature. Instead of letting a small minority of right wing crazies control the agendas, why not try to appeal to those of us in the center-right and to independents. Why not stick to Republican fiscal and economic ideas which are superior to the Democrats, why cloak the GOP in the garb of extreme ideas of a minority. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}     We need to stop supporting people who want to lay around. The town I live in is overrun by people who have a kid in order to lay around and do nothing to get free money and housing provided by the tax payers. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} But unfortunately, this time I don't mean Obama. This time I mean Mitch McConnel and John Boehner. The Senate threw out a hook, and these two rolled over, grabbing it with both hands, leaving America wondering why? Out manuevered, our managed, and out of touch, they gave the Democrats a lovely Christmas gift. Leadership is about having a goal and plannning, working and moving towards that goal. But like bobblehead deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming train, they just stood there nodding yes, and lost the leadership battle. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  Congress has lost it's mind and now they are losing their soul.  What the screaming wall-eyed Hell is Boehner and Stivers doing.  They weren't happy throwing sand in the Democrats machine.  Now they are going to work over the rank and file.  I don't buy the argument that they don't want to kick the can down a few blocks.  I don't think they can kick anything anywhere.  There is some house cleaning. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I am absolutely embarrassed to be called a Republican!  I am part of the middle class you in Congress/Senate and NOT working for the people.  Did you forget that when you took an oath?  The payroll tax is my money and now that the House...which is run by us, the Republicans, wants to take it away.  I am sick of this of what has happened since you all have taken over the House.  You have just lost a Republican voter...and I am not the only one!  {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Ronald Reagan knew. He called for a strong, conservative GOP -- not some loosely bound group of rag-tag wish-washers, who only called themselves Republicans when it benefitted them, personally!And it's not just the rank and file of the GOP who've gone so soft that it's hard to tell them from the Dems -- but many of our leadership, too! Some of us call them RINOs, because they're actually "D's," who use the "R" only as a means to get themselves elected!The Republican Party doesn't need alterations. But it does need a good house-cleaning!  So I say, instead of forming some "new" Republican Party -- let's get back to the boldness...and that Grand OLD Party that Ronald Reagan was so proud to call his own! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} ...to allow a little more space for our comments, here. At least, it would help to have the character limits posted in a conspicuous place, so that we might avoid having our lengthier comments so abruptly chopped-off. I tend to be a bit verbose. Sorry. :) {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Many of us who were former Democrats were raised by Roosevelt era parents who being very conservetive socially considered the Democrats the heros of the working class. They passed on an image of a GOP who hated the unions and by connection union workers and were instrumental in keeping health, safety and job protections out of the workplace. Now that the GOP has had a landslide win they are once again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory by alienating the very people who voted them in. I just retired a year ago after 40 years in a power plant and watched the process of the majority of those employees merge from being mostly Democtats to conservetive or independent points of view even though most are loyal union members. Even these mostly small town or rural people don't approve of abortion, gay marriage, gun control, career welfare recipients, and mostly communism/socialism. Since the GOP has had it's political victory the only two subjects we hear are not taxing the rich and breaking unions. This is not the image to haveto get re-elected. If my father were still alive he would be saying,"I told you so". {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I am a Marylander, and like you, I was disappointed that your Govenor's efforts to control spending were defeated by the Unions. i feel that union abuses in Ohio, and throughout the Nation, need to be controlled by the people and not the unions, and that goes for Maryland too. I suggest continuing education on Union Abuses is needed on a constant basis throughout the Country!.Yesterday 11/9/11, there was in the Wall Street Journal an Opinion piece, by Phillip K.Howard entitled "The Public-Union Albatross"i suggest wide publication of that article would be a good start of such a reeducation program.  E.B. Mechling, Jr {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  State tax should be pd on every purchase, regardless of where the consumer lives. It doesn't make sense that my mp3 player cost 7% more from a company in my own state than it would if I had purchased it from China or out-of-state. The money should go to the state the consumer lives in. Its not a lot of money and it would help get the state budgets a boost. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I am going to admit that I have not been impressed with The Speaker of the House, The Honorable John Boehner's leadership.  The only thing he seems capable of doing is stopping anything from happening.  I have noted a trend lately that most of the Republican leaders are fixated on all the things America can't do, shouldn't do and what we can't afford.  We are defeated before we even start.  We might as well tell the country and the world that we are working hard and are concentrating on rolling back any aspirations, any progress any movement foreward and we hope soon to achieve less than ever before, more quickly that anyone could imagine until we become lethargic trolls living under the bridge of world society picking off a few strays every now and then.  When I was in the Marine Corps we were told that if we found ourselves surrounded it meant our job was easier because we could attack in any direction.  It is time to resurect some of that spirit.   Here is my suggestion for getting some life in our leaders.  We would have to trim many of the foot dragging do nothing masters of their universe and get people that can say, Here is what is critically important, and we are going to move heaven and earth to achieve these goals.  We will use creativity and that crafty American know how to accomplish great things.  America is built on this drive to continous progress.  Time for someone to grab the banner away from the standard bearers standing frozen and fearful and take that hill. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Have you given up on the Columbus City Council Races and Mayorial race.  You have not lifted a finger to even contest any of these seats and now seems to be a time when you can pry  a seat or two out of the current incombent fossils.  I am not a Republican.  I hold many of the things you hold dear to be disturbingly archaic and in a few cases harmful to our Nation. But I do not believe in one party rule...ever. Now some of the adverse consequences of one party rule are starting to show through the golden glow of Columbus "good government".  There is a whiff of rot, self dealing, and arrogance in this city.  I want my politicians to be a bit more jumpy and less secure than the crew we currently have. I sent the following letter to the Columbus Dispatch with no expectation that it will be printed.  The paper and the incumbents seem very cozy right now.  This is the letter:   To the Editor:   This is going to be a difficult piece to write and a piece that is the culmination of compounding disappointments in our current city council and mayor.  These include many of the things we have heard before, and from multiple sources: not listening, arrogance, being disengaged from the public they're charged to serve.  I am also concerned with the long record of appointing new council members, especially the last two appointments that seem to have fewer experiences and more inexperience than other candidates.  Their campaign strategy seems to be to grab a coattail and yell, I'm with them", as they are swept into office.  That is lazy, cynical and sad.  But by far the biggest reason I am not voting for any incumbents is because of their unilateral decision to buy Nationwide Arena with our tax money.  The candidates wail that that is not what happened, but after all the squealing and snarky comments are made, that's exactly what happened.  Five times Columbus voters said NO to buying rich men’s toys with the hard earned workingmen's money.  I ask you to turn out the candidates responsible for this reprehensible betrayal.  William M. Balson, Jr. I will also be voting NO on issue two and three.  These two issues are some of the most perverse legislation I have seen.   {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} This is a must! When they vote and over turn this, then what is needed is to layoff how ever many is needed to budget Ohio. They have lied about there TV adds, and we have done nothing to counter there lies. They are Pre-Madonnas that have lost touch the the people of Ohio by being dishonest with the people of Ohio. Such is the democrates and unions. We need a right to work state and a right to work country! I was in loacl 507 Teamsters for almost 7 years. It is time that the city workers start paying more for there medical. I pay $500.00 a month then I have a $500.00 deductable then I pay 20%. This goes year to year. So fire them and budget Ohio. When this happens the Republicans will still be the bad guys even though they voted and changed the new law. Screw them. I want Ohio to be safe and not be in debt. We all know that being in debt way over your head and not eeven thinking about paying it back is the democratic way. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} If the House of Representatives wanted to; they could appoint a Special Prosecutor who could start investigations. The White House would be so busy trying to cover their butts that they would not have time to campaign. The Obama Administration has done enough and also failed to do enough things that should be considered impeachable offenses. On immigration: The administration is failing to uphold the Constitution of the United States by refusing to enforce immigration laws that are on the books. The administration is using taxpayer money to challenge states that are trying to protect their borders in court. I believe that is waste, fraud & abuse. The list can go on & on. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  Make sure that voters know that Issue 2 is labeled "Referendum" and that Issue 3 is labeled "proposed constitutional amendment."  In reading through those two issues, it could be confusing for some voters.  Perhaps a sample ballot would be helpful. I am filling out my absentee ballot now and had to read and reread the issues. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that...I would LOVE to see some precious funds spent in the next month to remind the voters of columbus that the Democratic party has had a LOCK on the government, and that there are genuine alternatives for not just Republicans, but for all of the residents that are fed up with a rubber-stamp city council that puts on shows for meetings, and there is NO discussion that is meaningful at council meetings. I would love to see funds spent on an election that would reach out to the voters and offer them real candidates to change the course of spending and waste, and superiority in the City Hall of Columbus government. We have a Mayoral candidate with integrity in Mr. Smith, and strong candidates to actually open some public discussion and present that lways absent debate and discussion on wasting so much money, for Council {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  I have been a life long republican, but since your republican governor has been in office I have changed.  I don't understand why you as the republican party have not come out against this law.  There are some go points but it is all about union busting.  If you as republicans don't come out against this law, and advise your governor to stop lying about the public employees of this great state.  I will never vote for a republican again.  You are losing my trust as a voter. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that...THE REPUBLICAN PARTY SHOULD BE WORKING ON ADDING A DISTRICT TO THE WPAFB AREA NOT COMBINING DISTRICTS. AS THE LARGEST EMPLOYERIN OHIO IT MAKES SENSE TO ME THAT IT IS IN OHIO'S BEST INTEREST TO PROTECT ITS LARGEST EMPLOYER. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  I think we should be excited about doing big things. Let Ohio lead the way and build the Big Trains. Talk about Jobs!Bring back the trains. Invest in Ohio and make us great. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Why divide the state, turn conservatives into independents, and give away seats in the next election.  SB5 stinks.  Most people don't have a problem with the economic issues in the bill but the noneconomic issues sway their opinion.  No seniority for lay offs, c'mon people.  That's just plain wrong.  Limit sick leave. Why? Most local gov't love this because they pay 6-1 on payouts. Supervisors can't belong to Unions? Why? Thats plain old govt't intrusion. Cap vacations? Why? Local gov'ts don't have to pay overtime to cover when people dont take vacations.  They pay 1 for 1 instead of 1 1/2 for 1.This bill was passed in record time with little debate or discussion.  Now that GOP has read the entire bill they have to come to the conclusion this is a bad bill that will hurt more than help.  Ohio GOP needs to restrategize instead of holding steady on a sinking ship that will cost them more in the long run then it gains.  Belive me, there are some good points in the bill but it is flat out a bad bill that was strong armed into law.  Do whats right for Ohio and the GOP party and repeal this bill and come back with something better. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  I am sick and tired of "The Ohio Republican Party" saying it is speaking for me! Do the political leaders of this state really believe that Issue 2 is a party issue? I have been a registered Republican since I could first vote. I turn 50 today. Do the Republican leaders really think that the 1.3 million people who signed the recall petition to get Issue 2 on the ballot were all Democrats? I am sick of a political party suggesting they are representing me when they do not listen to what I have to say. This bill will KILL me financially!!! It is unfair and unjust. The question becomes, why does my party hate me? A school teacher who has humbly served the Public for 28 years. Why do I deserve to carry the burden of straightening out our states funding issues on my shoulders? What about the political guys making the BIG bucks? How about the "rich" not paying their fair share of taxes? Hmmmmmmmmm, I DO NOT ENDORSE ISSUE 2! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I started out as a republican, but now I think I am more of an independent, because the republican party has not given me anyone I can get behind.I agree with the teaparty ideals, but my teaparty Rep. has failed me on the debt limit issue.Now I am afraid that the party will give me somebody that I cannot back for president. I have not voted for president since President Regan. I will not vote republican just because he (or she) is a republican. I also can not vote for a democrate, because of political views, but if Romney or Perry become the nomaniee.I will vote for Pres. Obama out of spite. It is time for new blood in the government. Not the same old tired polished politicians. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Below is an email that I sent to the governor to which I have recieved no reply.  I think it speaks for itself.Governor Kasich I have put the Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing and the Commerce Department on notice that the public is being harmed by real estate licensees. To date I have not received a reply to my email. I can only assume that public safety is not one of their concerns. Would you have someone in your office, preferably someone with a JD, contact me so that I may explain my concerns on this subject? Or should I take this to the media? Below is my last email sent. Director David Goodman Can you explain to me why the Superintendent of the Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing does not want to inform licensees of the existence of ESI’s or others that are certified by the BBS? They, licensees, are not taught about this is any class. Everyone that I explain this to is shocked by my information. Below is an email that I sent on 18 May 2011 to which I have received no reply. *********** Superintendent Anne M. Petit I would like to clarify a few things. I am not asking for your help in improving my business. I have little or no competition in what I do. I contacted you to help the public. “One of the Division’s duties is to disseminate information on the consumer’s rights during the home buying or selling process.” Secondly to inform you that licensees are unknowingly harming their clients. I know that you do not understand what I do. The only people who understand are those at the BBS and those who work for certified building departments. Everyone else that I explain this to gives me that deer in the headlights look. Here is just one example of how the public is being harmed: Last fall I performed a Home Inspection for a couple. As part of my report I recommended that the electrical panel be replaced due to its unsafe condition. The selling agent, not knowing that I was an ESI, had her Licensed Electrical Contractor come in modify the panel, and declare “this property has a very safe and code worthy electrical system.” This was utterly false. The buyer’s agent, a new agent, was unclear what to do. I explained to him that first the electrical system was not safe and second that the EC was not allowed to declare this panel “code worthy”. I had him ask for the EC’s certificate of competency per 3783.06 ORC. 20 minutes later the selling agent agreed to have this remedied after discovering that the EC was not qualified to perform an electrical inspection. Was the agent trying to pulling a fast one? I do not know. Since neither agent was familiar with this chapter the buyer would have been harmed had an ESI not been involved. Also this was a multi-family structure. This unsafe electrical system put the other property owners in danger also. Do you see why it is important for licensees to know this? They do not realize that they are harming the public because no one has ever explained Ohio law to them. I can tell people what I do for a living but I can not give them legal advice. I am also NOT trying to stop Home Inspectors from doing their job. “However, if a person holds them self out as a home inspector and offers to perform an inspection of the home and its systems but indicates that they will issue a report indicating the state of function, operation or relative hazards, but not refer to code compliance, they would not be in violation of this law."” They perform a very valuable service to the public. Everyone understands when to recommend a PE but almost no one knows to recommend an ESI when there are concerns as to the electrical system. Licensees are under the impression that ECs can declare an electrical system safe and properly installed. You may not be aware that Ohio only started licensing ECs in 2001. Tens of thousands of licenses where issued without any testing (grandfathered). Also many times the EC sends an ‘employee’ out to do these inspections for licensees. Can you see the danger? I am not the only ESI in the State of Ohio. Just the only one who cares enough to want to protect the public. Any licensee or the public can find an ESI here if they knew about us. Do you think that this is important enough to share with licensees and the public? You have an opportunity to help protect the public. Will you do so? *********** Mike Parks OH. BBS #2116 www.yourhomesok.com 614-214-1487 {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that all presidential campaigns should cease until a new budget is in place.All of the congressmen and women should start work on the new budget by the 8thof August or the 15th so that a completely new budget is ready by September 30th.It has to be one that will really cut spending and will get our credit rating back to AAAby all ratings agencies.  Congressmen can hold town meetings for a week and thenstart on the 15th or just start on the 8th.  We all must expect our congessmen andthe President to work 7 days a week if neccessary to complete the budget and notgo past the 30th or do month to month budgets.  We demand a budget that will reduce spending and put us on the road to a balanced budget in the future.  We must never raise the debt ceiling again. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  We need the FairTax not a flat tax! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  Look, America can not keep moving forward without increasing taxes on the wealthiest Americans and pluggng up the tax breaks to the corporations making millions (or billions) a quarter like the oil industry.   Medicar needs left alone.  All of congress has national insurance, so what is wrong with the oeoole having it also.  The congressional insurance (gocernment back and paid) is unreasonable given what you want ordinary citizens have, even with Meidcare.   It is time the Republicans went back to being the party of the people and stop being the party of the wealthy corporations.  People need to come first and that has not been happening with the Republicans since 2000 (at least).  It is time all congressionazl leaders worked for the people,k regardless of wealth or affiliation.  That is the only way this party will ever come out on top with the people.  Without people there are no votes. This country has fallen behind the rest of the world in so many areas it has become an embarassment.  No one cares that this company or that made all this money.  The world cares about people.  People is what this party needs to start caring about.   Your parents, were they all wealthy?  I am sure many of you can say yes to tha.  Now that you are on the wealthy side of the equation is this the end of your caring about those that are not?  Are you willing to say it was because of me that you (whoever you are loooking in the eye), cannot get the medicine you need; the food you need; the help of your own govcernment in your time of need?  Is this what Republicans want to be remembered as -- the people who care nothing for the people that elected them? It is time to stand up and be the sentator or representative you envisioned yourself to be when you first thought of running for office.  When you had ideals, idea to help others and a big desire to make changes that help the people of America?  Money is not the imporatnt factor when you are taking your last breathe.  What you are, who you hurt or helped, the mindset you create.  Are you a leader who can tell big corporations it is time to play fair?   Here is whazt I want from the Republicans: No need to switch to the other side, just think of someone esch time you vote.  Picture one person who helped you as a kid and think how this or that bill will huirt or hel and vote for the help.   I want a flat tax.  No loopholes, deductions or anything else.  Everyone pays ther fair share. 10 % flat tax up to $50,000 12% to $250,000 15% to one million year and 17% above one milion a year.  No deductions or loopholesz for anyone. What you make is what you pay on.  Money sent overseas is still taxed.  MOney made overseas by an AMerican comapny still pay the tax.  No one can hide any m oney or send work out of AMerica without paying a tax. Medicare works better than private insurance and at a lower cost.  That is why congress would never give up there own insurance and buy Blue Cross & Shield.  If you really care about this country then a hard line will need to be taken on this issue.  There are many things insuranc e companies can insure.  Health care should not be one of them, not when medicaare type programs can do it better, faster and cheaper. Republicans, PLEASE vote for the people, not a company that rewards one or two people far too handsomely.  If they wwant to pay out like that, fine, it is their company but THIS IS OUR COUNTRY "BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE" not for the company, not for the corporation, BUT for the PEOPLE. Stand by the people.  That is your job - to care for the people of this country, the supposedly best damn country in the world.  Stop the flood of the sownward spiral.  Mke this country great again.  Make it a country that loves it's people, cares for it's people and fights for it's people -- not a brick institution.  That is your job. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} The Ohio GOP needs to find a conservative candidate to replace John Boehner in the 8th Congressional district. John Boehner promised to repeal or de-fund Obamacare. He has done neither. John Boehner should publicly apologize to his constituents and to the members of the Republican Study Committee and resign. Let's put a conservative in the Ohio 8th Congressional seat!  {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Hello,<BR><BR> I know there are those people that lose their jobs for whatever reason, and soak up unemployment before even bothering to seek employment.<BR><BR> To remedy this situation of perpetual laziness enabling I would like to suggest the following:<BR> 1. Require all unemployment benefit applicants pass a drug screening.<BR> 2. Require all unemployment benefit applicants to do some sort of community work. Paint a bridge, clean a street, file some paper work.. Just anything to keep them from getting a free handout of tax dollars. Once people realize there are no free rides they may suck it up and get a job and stay employed. <BR> 3. Failure to do any of the two mentioned steps should effectively disrupt unemployment benefits as well as any other tax payer funded subsidies like food stamps, welfare programs etc...  <BR><BR>   {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} the rich man needs to pay his share of the taxes... the ppl working for the man who rides around in an airplane SHOULD NOT pay more in taxes then the man in the plane.. this is NOT right and needs to STOP.. NOW!! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} You are losing Generation Y.  Short sighted pandering to extremists such as the tea party are going to kill the republicans in the long term. I am a socially liberal, and fiscal conservative who is registered as a Republican strictly for the purpose of voting in the primary.  While I identify as an independent, I have never voted for a Democrat in my life.  I will never, repeat NEVER, vote republican again if there is not some kind of concessions as it relates to raising taxes on those making over $250,000 (and tax reform; specifically that of the corporate tax structure).  I don't buy for one minute that argument that this will harm the economy either... The tax code as it is presently constructed encourages tax avoidance rather than investment anyway (as evidenced by the BILLIONS in capital that banks/manufacturers/tech-companies, and even the wealthiest Americans are sitting on rather than investing).  At a BARE MINIMUM, The Gang-of-Six proposal is fair, and should be approved immediately. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that...I think that...Let's not hurt the elderly with cuts. After all, they have already contributed enough and it is time we take care of them. Say "NO" to cuts in Social Security and "YES" to everyone paying their fair share of taxes based on income. Furthermore, close the abusive corporate loopholes! To allow this to continue with the current state of affairs, is UNCONSCIONABLE! I have heard many discontented Republicans threatening to jump ship in the coming election if the GOP doesn't do their fair share.  Is this what GOP wants?  I fear a great loss in power in the coming election.  Now is the time to send a message to all americans that it's not all about the elite and corporate entities that matter, it is everyone. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that... it is funny, That in my house when we balance a budget, we have to Cut things that are extra sometimes. It may the Cable, eating out, no extra coffee in the morning, small stuff that adds up to a lot of cuts. Sometimes it takes somthing more drastic, we have to sell a car to dump a payment, Or even get an extra job to pay off thoes nagging bills. Why is it that we can do this, Why cant the Government? Hey Mexico, we cant afford to babysit your children, please pay us back what you borrowed! and here is a bill for all of your people who choose to work here instead of your great country. Oh, and How about a Canidate who will run for ONE TERM, that way if she or he would step on toes and Get the Job done, they wont have to worry about Getting voted out because that was a plan!  just a thought.. I would vote for them!! How about a Sunset Law on all Laws, that way it would keep the House and Congress too busy on the old laws to pass new ons that restrict our freedoms. just getting crazy... Joseph Rogucki {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  I support the Tea Party and Republicans stand against spending more of my tax money on failed government policies and programs. It is time to sweep up after the bleeding hearts who defend "giving a man a fish over teaching the man to fish". This traps the poor and keeps them poor due to power hungry bureaucrats whose only concern is to grow the size of programs to self promote and gain in status of hierarchy ensuring a life position. Let the churches have back what has been stolen from them { charity, hope, love, commitment to the betterment of our neighbors} Eliminate the dept of "education", return to local control of school boards to parents and allow private schools to be funded in a fair system allowing parents to choose the best system. In other word let freedom ring!  P.S.  Democrats : change or prepare to find the unemployment line.  This message was my own writing and opinion but feel free to pass it on. Signed Jeffrey S. Chamberlain  Ohio proud Republican. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  I feel that the Republican party has been highjacked by the people that donate the highest amount of money to the campain and not the average American.  Whem did loopholes for the rich become tax increases.  I pay my taxes and have no loopholes.  When is it okay to tell a person they worked all their lives they have to sacrifice, when the top wage owners payed more under Clinton and now it is not okay.  Where are all these jobs the Replublican elite said would be there is we lowed taxes on the rich.  I have not seen one new job.  Where did shutting down woman's health clinics become more important than creating jobs. I am frustrated that our nation is going down hill, while the Republican party only wants to talk about the rich not paying more taxes.  Where is the infrustructure for our next generation?  Where is the education for our next generation? {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that SEIU 1199 might have no use in Ohio?They claim to help the poor, how?They claim to fight for people to establish health care, how?They self proclaim to be the "health care union", how?Do they funnel all of the profits, to the International union, to keep their "non-profit status? {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  Where are our new benefits.  AARP did your taxes. No taxes rebate since 2008. Are the words below made in China subwares.  KISHORTSIMPLE {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that it is important for the party and for its leadership to be responsive to constituents.People will not have faith in the Republican Party if our elected representatives do not commit to an open and frank dialogue with their constituents. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Lets move away from property and income taxes and towards a sate wide sales tax.  Property taxes make land owners renters on their own property and the income tax requires big government to track each wage earner.   A sales tax (fair tax?) simplifies everything and would make the state very attractive for new businesses. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  We need to find a way to get our message out. We seem to get little help with mains tream media.  If there is a way to use the people with flyers on issues even between elections or the snail mail to reach people with the truth.  Perhaps even have our own newspaper in Ohio that is more fair and balanced  we could make the Columbus dispatch and others go to the wayside.   We need to be organized in a healthy just way and I believe that would be by using the people on the ground throughout the year not just campaign time   thank you  Beth Severs {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Our state needs its legislators to take the Arizona approach to immigration rather than the Utah approach. Utah is keeping unemployed Americans out of jobs while Arizona is working to put Americans back to work. In Utah, the cheap-labor Chamber of Commerce lobby has taken over the legislature and is, in effect, blocking thousands of unemployed citizens and legal immigrants from jobs being held by illegal foreign workers. Across the border in Arizona, though, the legislature has resisted the worst of corporate lobbying and put unemployed citizens and legal immigrants first, constantly trying to stop unscrupulous businesses from filling jobs with illegal aliens. I hope the legislature will put the interests of our state's workers ahead of the interests the greedy, unscrupulous businesses that want to keep hiring illegal aliens. For the sake of everyone, please follow Arizona's example and help put unemployed Americans back to work. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} It is very interesting to me as a tax paying contributing member of society that a segment of or society lives generation after generation on welfare. They get free housing, free food, free medical care, utility assistance, and free school lunches. Over the years I went from working 40 hours a week to 52 plus in order to continue to pay for these same things. Maybe it is time to wean these reliant entitled people off of the dole. If they had to most of them would work. Lets stop being enablers and start being motivators. The longer we wait the harder this will be. This program is killing our economy, lets begin reform NOW! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} They already have a solution for your problem.  Its called open enrollment and our local schools all have it.  {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think the Republican Party loses a large percentage of votes every election because of their anti education stance. Teachers naturally live a life style that is conducive to what the Republicans stand for. If the Republicans would just treat teachers even OK they would see so many more votes for their representatives. I try to be a Republican but it is so hard when I get to vote because I am either going to kill the economy by voting Democratic or kill my job and public education by voting Republican.NCLB was a school killer. Schools had no choice but to whip out Emergency Levies one after another to keep the doors open. Testing scores dropped and the student's education suffered. Then Democrats took control and students got their art and music classes back. Class sizes lowered down to a manageable level and testing scores shot up. Many other things went to pot which is why Republicans retook control.Now that the Republicans are in the drivers seat again first thing they do is attack the schools and public employees. Taking away union power will decrease the amount of money schools need to operate because employees will not have a voice and will have to settle with getting whatever work for whatever pay comes along. In addition, to lowering the working conditions the age needed to retire is going up so many more people will be working right into the grave.I am simply asking Republicans "Please stop attacking schools!! Teachers want to be Republican, but it is so hard when our livelihood is threatened EVERY time Republicans have a foothold." {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} This should be brought to the attention of the governor and all our elected representatives in the Ohio Legislature.  Also, our representatives are currently doing a 'piss-poor' job explaining this idea to the public.   Many government workers in all levels( city, state and federal ) are currently represented by unions.  This is not only an unnecessary cost overhead to functioning government, it is a duplicate protection for workers.  I can't believe we've lived with this problem since the Kennedy-Johnson days.  President Reagan and President Roosevelt both strongly felt union representation for government workers was wrong and probably unconstitutional.  State, local and Federal workers are managed by elected officials who set the rules and working condition.  If workers have grievances they have the ability to replace these managers through the ballot box. If there is a need to replace, or change, rules, it is done through a legislative process---not by union bosses pressuring management through intimidation.  State, local and federal legislatures set the rules for the agencies and the workers must live by them.  If you don't like these rules, quit and join the private sector.  We live in a Republic, not a Democracy where once a majority( created by unions collaborating with management and writing rules supported by union friendly politicians in office mostly through union support ) can, and have, run over the minority.  Unions have a place in the private sector where employees suffering under unfair management practices have no place to redress their grievances. The union provides this avenue.  If the private sector managers are willing to put up with the union demands, that's just fine as long as they can afford it.  Eventually they can't compete and may disappear( e.g.,the auto industry ).  But the public sector can't disappear, so tax payers get stuck with increasing worker entitlements.  This is blatantly unfair and surely unconstitutional; therefore, unions have absolutely no rightful place in the public sector. Ken Normand   {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Before I begin, I do believe that some unions have too much power and I do not favor unions having too much power. I am not a member of any union. At the same time, some unions are benefitial for all. I'm a government worker (a 29 year state employee) who without any choice took a pay cut through furlough and possibly will be paying more for health insurance, may be getting less retirement. If they saves jobs and keeps my agency working better with more hands on deck I'm all for it. I find it troubling when people blame government workers for all of society's ills as if we are the scape goat. We do tasks that help support society. The blame and complaints are a poor reflection on the tax-payers that pay us to do the work that needs to be done. Complaining about inequity (and doing so in a very uninformed way) is not constructive. I'm a tax payer too. Do you think that I want to see my money wasted? Government workers do not draw big salaries and have little flexibility to optimize their earnings when times are good. Private sector has that benefit. The only real draw to being a public servant and having the patience to deal with such critique is a good retirement package and some stability. It ain't all roses working inside governement!I am one Republican (registered republican for over 30 yrs) who wants to see a return to traditional values that must come from the people, not the government. "We the People" are the true government. While I agree with the concept that the Republican Party are founded on the idea that small government is rooted in personal responsibility and actions. We have to remember the Republican Party tends to hold both conservative stances on social and economic issues respectively. I hold conservative positions on most issues but have an underlying worldview of what is happening and make decisions based on them. I rather be a person who desires to be well-balanced, calm, careful, steady, and sane. The America people are seen as the ultimate source of legitimacy in democracy and while making laws, many cannot all agree to propose legislation. Democracy is very complexed and its not that simple. Democracy is popularly associated with the principle of majority rule and it is the expression of the sovereign will of the people, however there is no easy method by which that "will" is deemed to be defined must consist of majority rule.State and local governments provide their constituents with vital services that may not be available otherwise, such as transportation, public safety, education, utilities, and much more, especially for those who are less fortunate. The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands by those who have the money with special interests.  An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of democracy. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. With the failings of political leaders bearing so large a burden in Americans' distrust of government. Discontent with political leaders and lack of faith in the political system are principal factors that stand behind public distrust of government. Surveys suggest that the public's frustration is directed more at politicians who lead government than at civil servants who administer it. By a margin of 67%-to-16%, the public has more trust in government workers than in their elected officials to do the right thing. Moral reasoning is individual or collective practical reasoning about what, morally, one ought to do. How do we sort out which moral considerations are most relevant? Morality basically means a code of conduct held to be authoritative in matters of right and wrong. Morality is a very broad and complicated topic due to the fact that it is based primarily on individual opinions. We are morally obligated to treat everyone with respect, regardless of who they are and what they have done. Cost-cutting conscience taxpayers complain public employees make up the bulk of bloated bureaucracies and are expendable. Yet these complainers are the same people who expect to have the best public services duly available to them on a daily basis. I guess you will have the tax payers (including myself) will get what you want us to pay for. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  I have been a proud member of the Republican party since 1972.  I have faithfully voted Republican in every local and national election.  I have even given money, even though in small amounts I STILL GAVE TO THE GOP.  I have served 4 years in the military and have worked in law enforcement, public works and the teaching field.  I work at a school without collective baragining.  In fact I have worked over 30 years in the public sector without the benefit of collective bargaining.  However, I disagree with the approach that the Governor of Ohio and the National GOP is taking in trying to reduce the budget.  The GOP is not the party that I have support since I was able to vote.  I am disappointed in the approach they are taking. Do I believe that you need control over the collective bargaining in Ohio?  Yes.  However this is not the way it should be done.   Also blaming teachers for kids not learning is a falsehood.  I teach at risk kids and try to keep them in school so they can graduate.  So am I to understand that I am a bad teacher, because my kids will never be at the top of the class but they will be productive members of society.  This makes a bad teacher?  Hum I wonder what true education is.  Please slow down the train of the GOP.  I am considering changing to an independent if the GOP continues to keep heading to the right. I am not alone in this belief.  Please keep the party more toward the middle of the political spectrum. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I believe this bill was passed by Ted Strickland and his cohorts to make all state liberal arts schools such as Ohio State university and others like it moe able to control who they hire and what rules thier workers follow even though they are still public workers.  giving them special rule making abilty only flies in the face of every conservative in our great state where we the tax payers have to pay for health insurance for defacto civil unions. and allows them to have the ability to hand pick more like minded liberals to civil service jobs so they to can take advantage of the same sex partner health insurance plans paid for by every Ohioian. We Mst Repeal this garbage law!  {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Get serious about cutting the budget... SERIOUS.. I will not be contributing another dime to the  GOP if you back RINOs and get weak kneed about cutting the budgetDavid IppolitoHamilton OH  {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  the current proposed legislation by the General Assembly aimed at curbing our fiscal deficit in Ohio will do more harm to middle class employess than its intended good.  I am a registered Reublican, a veteran, and currently a teacher here in Ohio.  I support conservative values...however...a huge point of interest is being missed here.  This is not about UNIONS, it goes back to the issue that funding for education in Ohio is UNCONSTITUTIONAL.  Also if this bill becomes a law, local school boards of education will possess totalitarian powers over its employees.  What our legislators need to focus on is...the cost of comparable levels of compensation, controlling for education, experience, hours of work, and other characteristics that influence employee productivity.  When we, taxpayers & politicians, look at the overall compensation total...we observe that Ohio public employees pay for better nonwage benefits through lower wages and salaries than private sector employees.  For the good of education we need to VOTE NO on SB5 {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Obama,Harry and Nancy and the Dems overreached their constitutional authority and should be nullified by the people.Nullification is, in the words of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the “rightful remedy” to federal overreach. Sober and principled reliance upon nullification per the 9th and 10th amendments is entirely constitutional. In fact, Jefferson made it perfectly clear that it is not only our responsibility, but, indeed, our “duty” to nullify unconstitutional federal overreach, this to safeguard constitutional order and the union. As a condition of their ratification, the states added the 9th and 10th amendments, this to safeguard constitutional order and the balance of power. Timidity in defense of liberty and the Constitution is irresponsible and destructive of republican principles.  the States which represent them must reacquaint themselves with the Constitution and our founding principles, and they must unerringly and consistently assert their constitutional rights,   State lawmakers are duty-bound to void unconstitutional usurpations by any branch of the federal gov’t, inclusive of the judiciary. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, not the feds–and most certainly NOT the courts–and not the states. And remember too that the framers held that “we the people” are the final arbiters of what is and is not constitutional, again not the feds nor the states. Maintaining constitution order and a proper balance of power was the central goal of the framers. People need to read the Constitution, the federalist papers and the ratification debates to understand that the principle of nullification is a cornerstone principle of our Constitution, this to safeguard a balance of powers and to protect ‘we the people’ from tyranny. State lawmakers are 100% correct on this score. The framers did not intend that the powers of the feds (executive, legislative OR judicial) were to be supreme. The Constitution and “we the people” ARE supreme, and the framers left it to us to checkmate federal overreach.If a court rules that a state’s right to nullify unconstitutional laws, fiats, executive orders, the court ruling should be summarily nullified. It’s that simple. Nullification has never been the problem. Federal overreach has.   {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} Let's put up a canidate who can defeat dennis kocinich in 2012  {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that some of the local school systems facing budget problems should look at their own house first before they start closing, laying off teachers, end busing etc. Every school board member makes more than your average teacher and more than bus drivers. Why won't they cut or drop their salaries? Are they not elected officials? I detest the fact obvious solutions are not reguarded when money is short everyone always wants to raise taxes or cut service. If the service is dumb or redundant I can see that but busing? What do you think? Are you conservitive enough to demand better?  Or are you just going to sit there and let it happen....AGIAN! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} In light of the Common Sense Initiative and the appointment of Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor as Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance, I implore you to consider the enormous benefits to the citizens of Ohio which will result if Legislation is enacted allowing ODI and or the Office of Health Transformation the right and the responsibility to review, approve or disapprove Health Insurance Premium rates--particularly in the Individual Market. The administration has an incredible opportunity to demonstrate Ohio’s effective leadership if citizens are protected from unsubstantiated, excessive or discriminatory health insurance premium increases.  The urgency of this legislation is paramount and cannot be expressed strongly enough.   What is happening in California is sure to happen in Ohio unless legislation is enacted.  California residents are being subjected to as much as a 59% increase, and in the absence of legislated standards for what is an excessive premium, an independent actuary has no basis for review of the reasonableness other than whether there is an error in addition, multiplication or subtraction. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}   The GOP has not demonstrated it is sufficiently different from the dems to be given our complete trust. Too many RINOs are in positions of power (like Sens Graham, McCain, Snow, and many others) who arrogantly ignore the voice of the people. You know this is true and my evidence is the decline in donations to the GOP across the country. If the GOP wants to survive, it must rethink its support of RINOs and its overt disdain for the conservatives represented by the Tea Party.  Wake up or we will find someone who WILL listen. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"}  The Ohio/Franklin County  GOP needs to find someone worthy of running against Michael Coleman for Mayor. Someone that they will spend money to help elect. Not just another sarcrificial lamb !! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I have tried to access your office with no success.  Everytime I try, I am rerouted or told that you do not exiat....go figure.  I need help with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  I am an Ohio Law Enforcement Officer diagonised & retired with with PTSD in 1995.  I love to work & last worked with the US Census during the last cencus.  I enjoyed this job.  I had no disagreements with my citizen contacts because of my ability to read people.  This job was like visiting with family.  I have ran into a lot of age discrimination in my employment searches.  None I can prove in court.  As a conservative who belives that one must provide for ones self, I can not jump this hurdle without your assitance.  I have been invited by the Censuse Bureau to take a civil service test for the position of field rep. for the Montgomery County area on Dec 29.  How may I insure that I will not be banished because of my disability (PTSD) or because of my age.  I am 58 years old & know that employers discriminate against the elderly.  I want to work & pay my fair share....  Please advise me.   Respectfully, Gary Bailey    GB_5219@yahoo.com {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I love to discuss politics online, but on loraincounty.com, they regularly ban conservatives for essentially being conservative.  There are about a dozen conservatives who have been "banned" with no explanation.  It's time that the censorship stops and the hate speech about republicans is allowed to be countered. Can I ask that people email ed@loraincounty.com and politely ask him to be fair? {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that... Union contracts are bankrupting our schools and ripping the resources and learning opportunities right out of the hands of our children.  We can not continue to be held hostage by the teachers' union contracts.  We need to be able to focus our resources and efforts on our core business of educating and developing our children -- the leaders of tomorrow.  1.) We need you to pass legislation to restrict unions in the public school systems.  2.) We need legislation to do away with public pensions -- something that is bankrupting all public areas of our state and nation.  3.) We need legislation that requires ALL public employees, especially teachers, be required to enroll in Obamacare so that these institution are more financially free to focus on providing the services they were intended to provide.  4.) We need legislation that eliminates and prohibits the seniority system in public schools so that we can retain the right teachers for the job based on skills and performance, not those who have held out the longest.  5.) We need legislation that prohibits "double dipping" in our school systems.  Once you're retired -- you're retired! {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that...the senate should get a 10 percent pay cut to pay for the extended benefits for all the voters still without jobs, whom can't even get part time retail jobs to call.  That way we can feed our families and have a decent Holiday like all the senators will.  We need to eat and pay our bills, most of all we need jobs! But for now we need the people we voted for to help us...I understnad the need to find a way to pay for the help...well, there it is, like most of us did before we got laid off, take a 10 percent pay cut...don't you think us people are worth it? I do....when we were working, we didnt have the luxury of voting ourselves pay raises year after year like some others. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think we should stonewall and fillibuster the heck out of the lame duck session so the dems cant get anything accomplished and all those unemployed people can starve to death hopefully before Christmas. We can just blame it on the dems and and itll go a long way towards the ultimate goal of the party of no, oust Obama. Afterall, thats all that matters at this point .  {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} We know we are having difficulty in finances. I suspect our state is spenfing millions to assist those that are here illegally. I request that you make it mandatory that all recipients of assistance be processed through the E-Verify System. No person shall receive any assistance unless they are US Citizen or are here legally. Statistics indicate that the E-Verify system is 98 % effective in identifying persons that are here illegally. It only makes sense! By not implementing these procedures you are condoning the actions of those here illegally and I will be forced to remember come next election cycle. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that...while education is important (I actually have a j.d.), we have created an atmosphere wherein intelligent blue collar workers with virtually NO benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, are precluded from rising in their own field to superintendents, project managers, etc. unless they receive a two-year or 4-year degree. Much of the information necessary to be successful in these positions is learned on-the-job.  The state of Ohio should adopt a standard of licensing for such positions with criteria that can be accomplished through the work environment, at-home study or minimal college courses---much like the requirements to obtain a real estate license.  Industry and contractors are seeking college-educated superintendents, project managers, and other administrators in order to head off litigation claims of negligence---if a product is defective, it must be the fault of that sub-contractor who hired a person with a high school diploma as the superitendent, even though in reality that superintendent possesses knowledge superior to the college-educated superintendent.  If the State developed an exam that accurately measured the skills necessary for such positions and initiated universal licensing, litigation against industries based upon the employ of under-educated administrators would be less likely to prevail.  The test should be difficult---if the applicant does not have the requisite knowledge to ensure safe products or structures, he/she should not pass. The state should also require an appropriate period of time working in the field, as well as other criteria appropriate to ensure that the licensee possesses adequate knowledge and skills.Ohio spent a great deal of time and money in the 1970's developing Joint Vocational Schools and Career Centers statewide only to require 30-years down the road additional education to become employable with a living wage.  If applicants have the requisite knowledge, they should not be required to pay thousands of dollars into a public or private institution to receive a piece of paper to prove that they possess such knowledge---or, be precluded from the position entirely because tuition is out of financial reach and student loans cannot be justified by the small increases in pay that likely result from promotions. We 1) Have created a "glass ceiling" of sorts in industry with the move toward higher education/technical degrees for positions that could be more than adequately staffed by our lower-paid employees; 2) have allowed higher education to become a self-sustaining racket racket---much of it supplied by tax dollars. People should be able to make a living wage if they have the skills.  If Abraham Lincoln had been required to pay for law school before he took the Bar, I daresay he probably would never have become a lawyer. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that... there are two approaches to achieve this goal.First, reality is businesses pay no taxes.  Those "taxes" are passed along to the consumer as part of the cost of goods and services.  Elimination of those taxes would lower the cost of goods produced in Ohio or services provided in Ohio and, therefore, make us more competitive pricewise nationwide or worldwide.Second, since the states with the highest unemployment are unionized states, Ohio must become a right-to-work state.  Why should an employee be forced to join a union to work for an employer? {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that party leaders need a special campaign to get Cleveland,Ohio unstuck from stupid so that we can remove Dennis Kucinich from office and other liberal leaders like Cuyahoga County and State seats. We need team members and strategy and brain storming sessions to come up with ideals on how to fix Cleveland. It is of my opinion that Cleveland could have cost Ohio a great victory. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that...we need more of this.  Ohio has a great public records law, but more open government is always better. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} For too long too many kids have been trapped in failing schools.  RESPONSIBLE school choice needs to be an option to kids and parents who are stuck in schools that dont meet their needs.  There is no reason that a chiild in ANY part of our state should be assigned to a poor school based on their zip code and not have a choice to attend a school that better fits their situation. We need more oversight of traditional public schools and public charter schools, of course. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that..how about our elected officials holding more meetings with the public - not just right before an election?  More meetings, more transparency.  This is a good start to building dialogue back and forth between the rank and file voters and public officials.  I think sometimes us out here some of us feel that we aren't being listened to.  The Democrats obviously didn't listen to the people, and we all saw what happened.  Hopefully our side doesn't make the same mistake.Congrats to everyone who won. {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} {title_permalink=site/index} {title_permalink=site/index}#When:{ideaDate format="%H:%i:%sZ"} I think that...Tuesday was a great night for Ohio, but now the real work begins.  I hope that all the newly elected officials keep their promises when it comes to spending.  It's time to face up and realize that we face a serious problem.  thanks craig {ideaDate format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"}