Ben Thomas Jr., Greencastle mayor
So as you know I author my report to you on Sundays. Guess what (as the grandchildren say all the time) it’s snowing! I’ve been working most of the day from home with snow emergency declarations and logistics. Tina and I made two pots of coffee so far. So . join me, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy our conversation. We change the clocks March 14 with spring arriving March 20. Now that’s exciting.
Two weeks ago, I wrote that I would discuss planning. That’s coming up…but first a special thank you to our municipal employees that keep our services operating 24/7. The lone police officer working today had a busy one. Public works pre-treated our streets. Sewer and water operations were on the job also this weekend. In another issue, I’ll write about is what these important men and women do “behind the scenes,” their training, their expertise in what they do. All of their duties are very important for our health, safety and welfare.
Perspectives By
Justice Michael Donnelly and Judge Pierre Bergeron | January 24, 2021, 8:02 PM EST
On the heels of nationwide calls to address systemic racism and inequality, sitting judges shed light on the disparities that exist in the justice system and how to guard against bias in
Justice Michael Donnelly
Judge Pierre Bergeron
Our modern life is driven by data. What company would try to increase profitability without fully considering its volume of sales and margins? Or what scientist evaluating a COVID-19 vaccine would sign off on its effectiveness without poring over the results of the clinical trials?
But for those of us who serve or practice in state courts, we know the unfortunate reality that the court systems lag far behind in data collection. Although many might find this hard to believe in a society awash with data, state court systems often lack basic data on important criminal justice metrics.
Overview
The year 2020 began with the optimism of advancing numerous pieces of legislation and promises of strong bipartisan cooperation, but activity suddenly halted in March with the onset of shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic – essentially stalling all legislative activity for months. During the remaining months of the 133
rd General Assembly, the Legislature’s attention turned to addressing COVID-19 and the scandal surrounding former Speaker Larry Householder and House Bill (H.B.) 6. The Ohio General Assembly concluded its busy post-election lame duck session on December 22, 2020.
Any unfinished legislation needs reintroduced in the 134
th General Assembly, which officially convened on January 4, 2021. This memo summarizes the 2020 lame duck session and previews what to expect from the 134
Jay LaPrete / AP
Documents made available last week show how House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz, R-Cincinnati, championed gutting Ohio s clean energy standards in the state s 2019 coal and nuclear bailout law. He has since served as a force against repeal.
Claims in a federal complaint released in July indicate that the law was at the heart of an alleged corruption scheme involving roughly $60 million. Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, and others were arrested last summer.
Failure to repeal the law in 2020 was an astounding failure by Republican leadership, said Rep. David Leland, D-Columbus, as the legislature adjourned last month.