State Issue 5 deals with payday lenders, practices

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: State Issues
• Date: Oct 28,2008

Marc Kovac/Capital Bureau

COLUMBUS — State Issue 5 asks Ohio voters whether they support or reject legislation approved earlier this year to limit payday lending in the state.

The focus is House Bill 545, which was the result of months of deliberations that included standing-room-only committee hearings and Statehouse protests.

Under the former section of Ohio Revised Code, check-cashing lenders could provide loans of $800 or less.

They could not make new loans to customers who had outstanding ones. And they could charge interest plus additional origination and other fees, according to the state’s Legislative Service commission.

Combined, proponents of the law change say the resulting costs equaled an annual percentage rate close to 400 percent.

Under HB 545, the maximum loan amount would be capped at $500, with repayment terms of at least 30 days. The annual percentage rate charged for such loans would be capped at 28 percent, with no provision for origination fees.

The bill also limits borrowers to four payday loans per year, prohibits them from taking out a new loan to pay off an old one and requires consumer education courses for those who take out two loans within a three-month period.

And it calls for the creation of a statewide database of loans, through which licensees would submit information about borrowers, to be used “to determine if a borrower is eligible for a loan,” according to the Legislative Service Commission. (That database would not be open to public scrutiny, however.)

Opponents of the new law (online at ohioans4financialfreedom.com) have said the bill will devastate the payday loan industry, likely closing locations and costing 6,000-plus Ohioans their jobs. They also have questioned where people strapped for cash and facing emergencies would go for smaller, short-term loans.

The legislation would hit businesses like CheckSmart, which has about 100 locations with about 750 employees around Ohio, said Chief Executive Office Ted Saunders. The company has been in business since the late 1980s, offering check-cashing, bill payment, wire transfer and other financial services.

Company officials were among those who worked with lawmakers in the mid-1990s to develop the payday lending law that has been on the books.

“Smart regulation is good for the industry,” Saunders said.

“We don’t want people out there taking advantage of customers.”

Other financial transactions carry the potential for larger fees — bounced checks at the bank he uses run $39, plus $5 per day until the total is repaid, Saunders said.

“The customers are not unintelligent,” he said. “In fact, they’ve looked at their financial (options) and said this is a better deal for the spot I’m in, and they use it. …

With any product, people can abuse it. But the reality is the people who abuse it are the small minority.”

Under the former law, payday lenders netted about $1.50 for every $100 loan, Saunders said. Under the new law, payday lenders would be operating at a loss.

“If the voters were to vote ‘yes,’ we would be out of business,” he said.

But proponents of the new law (online at www.yesonissue5.com) believe changes are needed to stop the proliferation of payday loan storefronts and protect residents who get trapped in borrowing cycles — taking out one two-week payday loan after another and getting strapped with high fees and annual percentage rates.

“The simple truth is that payday lenders are asking Ohioans to allow them to continue charging (391 percent) interest for a typical two-week loan, despite the exhaustive legislative deliberations over the past year and despite the position of the governor, the speaker, the senate president and the overwhelming number of the Ohio General Assembly, Tom Allio, chairman of the Ohio Coalition for Responsible Lending, told reporters earlier this summer.

According to proponents’ arguments, submitted as part of the Secretary of State’s Ohio Issues Report, “Payday lenders prosper by trapping vulnerable Ohioans into a cycle of repeat borrowing. Their neon signs offer the false hope of a quick fix but instead borrowers typically end up with 12 or more loans each year.”

The issue has drawn bipartisan support, including a recent joint statement from Gov. Ted Strickland and Senate President Bill Harris, a Republican from Ashland.

They said, “Don’t believe the payday lenders’ misleading TV commercials. Issue 5 is not about jobs or financial freedom. It’s about protecting consumers and communities from payday loans with 391 percent annual interest. A yes vote on Issue 5 is a vote for Ohio’s new payday lending reform law and a yes vote on Issue 5 is a vote to lower the interest rate on payday loans. The issue is simple. The ballot language is complicated.”

(mkovac@dixcom.com)

John R. Bennett is a candidate for Guernsey County Commissioner

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: County Commissioner
• Date: Oct 24,2008

Name: John R. Bennett.

Political party affiliation: Republican.

Position vying for: Guernsey County commissioner term beginning Jan. 3, 2009.

Occupation: Retired health commissioner.

Family members: Janice Long Bennett, wife; Two sons, Douglas and Shawn.

Previous elected offices held: None

What are your priorities for this office? I will work to bring new, good paying jobs to our county through aggressive marketing and promotion of one of our most valuable assets, the interchange of I-70 and I-77. I believe this asset lends itself to the transportation of goods and services to and from Guernsey County. Guernsey County should look toward becoming a large distribution area.

I would also do everything possible to retain existing small business as well as our manufacturing base and to grow these businesses.

Further, I would work to find common ground with all local government entities in our county so we can cooperatively move our county forward without political strife and disharmony.

What do you believe are the issues in this race? Lack of jobs in our county and district among political entities within our county.

What are your stands on these issues? Bringing new, good paying jobs to our county will be my number one goal along with cooperative relationships with all of the political subdivisions within the county.

Given economic trends, what can you do in this office to make ends meet and yet maintain services? First, our county needs to grow more jobs which will increase sales tax revenues to the county. Second, we need to review the current county expenditures in order to reduce inappropriate expenditures and revise existing programs.

What has been the biggest problem within this office over the past few years and what can you do to correct it? The biggest problem within this office is not being proactive in promoting Guernsey County and the lack of a vision for our future.

We need to sit down as a community and design a plan the majority will accept. Jointly, we then need to promote the plan and move forward for the benefit of all Guernsey Countians.

What has been the greatest success within this office and what can you do to maintain it? I would have to say that it is probably the expansion of waterlines to the northeastern area of our county.

Final comments: I believe I am qualified for the position of Guernsey County commissioner because I have the administrative experience to manage the day-to-day operations of the county and move our county forward. I am a graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor of science degree in journalism and the University of Cincinnati with a master of science in health planning/administration.

My experience of working cooperatively with county, state and federal agencies will aid us in our quest to obtain funding for future infrastructure projects for our county.

Steve C. Allen is the incumbent Guernsey County Commissioner

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: County Commissioner
• Date: Oct 24,2008

Name: Steve C. Allen.

Political party affiliation: Democrat.

Position vying for: Guernsey County commissioner, term commencing Jan. 3, 2009.

Occupation: Currently serving as your county commissioner, completing my second term.

Family members: Spouse Kimberley, married 28 years; son Justin Allen of Massillon; daughter Erin (Jared) Karl of Wichita, Kan.; and daughters Rosalie and Rochelle who reside with their parents.

Previous elected offices held: I was elected to the Lore City Village Council, a position that held for (2) two years, I was then appointed Mayor of Lore City, and I was elected for (7) seven more years. I held that position until I successfully won the office of County Commissioner in 2000 and I currently represent you in that office.

What are your priorities for this office? I believe that a county commissioner should always be fiscally responsible, manage the budget accordingly and always be good stewards in prudent use of their tax dollars. I believe in transparency in the operation of the office and to always make informed decisions of their behalf.

My number one priority is creating employment opportunities for all who seek employment. This is accomplished by working hard with all local governments to create harmony and spirit of cooperation in retaining and expanding existing business and making Guernsey County attractive to new development. I believe the days of attracting a larger employer have past due to the global economy and we should focus on the smaller employers who have the ability to re-tool should the market require them to adjust due to the loss of a contract. I think we should look toward 20 smaller manufacturing facilities that might hire 25 employees as apposed to one large facility employing 500 employees. The past has shown us that the large employer can’t make the adjustment and the only answer is closure or down-sizing.

I also have shown that expanding the county’s waterlines has been a top priority since I have been office. The county has added 31.2 miles of new waterlines and 647 new customers, most of which has been paid through low interest loans, assessments of the users and grants obtained through state and federal sources. We have increased the customer base and managed our assets in a prudent manner this helps the City of Cambridge by the increase in sales of water to the county.

I also believe that the effective management of the county’s general fund budget has to remain a top priority. We have been forced to look at reducing the general fund departments each year to keep up with the normal increase of the cost of goods and services that we all see in the items that we all purchase. We have made a long term commitment to look at reducing spending by eliminating the cost for rental space that the county has paid for in the past. The prudent decision to construct the county administration building and the new OSU Extension office at the fairgrounds has reduced the rent that was being thrown away and now we have buildings that we own.

What do you believe are the issues in this race? The biggest issue that I personally see is the motivation of the various candidates in obtaining the office of Guernsey County commissioner. I look at the position as that of a public servant who represents the residents of Guernsey County, one who looks out for their best interest and makes informed decisions on their behalf. The candidate should be looking toward the future and expanding on the successful practices of the past. Most will tell you they are a candidate of change and I don’t believe we need to take a step backwards for one party of the other. Is the candidate looking to supplement his income by what some say is a part-time position. Some are currently receiving a retirement income and are seeking additional revenues to either supplement their income or achieve their three highest years for their PERS retirement. My motivation is that I want every resident to have equal representation and not have to compete with partisan representation, we need candidates that will explore all possibilities to achieve the hopes and dreams of the people they want to represent and to create an atmosphere that will someday have our children want to stay in Guernsey County and become a part of our community again.

I believe that we need commissioners that have the ability to do long range planning for the county. He should have the ability to look at the needs of the entire county and plan accordingly. In the past, development and infrastructure improvements have only happen in and around the larger villages and the city. Recently improvements made possible by the commissioners have been outside the normal areas of development. Would the candidates continue with this development or would they desire to re-group and take a look at past practices and change the long range planning that is already in place.

I believe that a lot of focus recently has been on going “green.” The commissioners have helped with financial support of the Guernsey County Community Development Corporation to foster development of green corridors and the construction of bike/walking path that connects Cambridge to Lore City and someday to Seneca and Salt Fork lakes. These same green corridors are also areas that for re-establishing the natural flood plain to alleviate flooding and the development of quality wetland areas that are a primary renewable source of our water tables. Would the candidates continue with this type of development or desire to abandon the plan?

I also think a candidate should have a good fiscal knowledge of the county’s budget and have the leadership needed to make the necessary reductions if needed to balance the budget without a reduction in services that the public desires. The rising cost for health insurance, fuel and items purchased by the county have been on the rise. What would the each of the candidates propose to help in maintaining the cost to balance the county budget?

What are your stands on these issues? My motivation to be a county commissioner stems from the fact that I also was one of the individuals who traveled out of the county to seek employment and I traveled a great distance each day and I wanted to be able to give back to community and to spend quality time with me family. I decided that more could be done in Guernsey County and what we lacked the most was leadership in the county commissioner’s office. They seemed to be at odds with other local governments and there was a lack in cooperation between the various entities. I previously held office as a village council person and as a mayor where we made significant improvements that benefited all residents. I looked at the problems and issues and sat down with the people that could make change happen and we got results that made people set up and take notice that it could be done if we stopped with the excuses and just rolled up our sleeves and completed the task at hand.

I believe that I have shown that my leadership and ability to do long range planning has moved the county forward in the following projects; expansion of the county’s waterlines (31.2 miles of new lines and 641 additional customers), acquisition and construction of the county administration building and the new OSU Extension Office located at the fairgrounds (savings on funds being paid for rental space), working with development agencies to assist in the expansion and construction of the Ridge Tool & Detroit Diesel facilities at the D.O. Hall Industrial Park (job retention and new employment opportunities), the development of the green corridors in the Leatherwood Valley and the construction of the bike/walking path, the spirit of cooperation between local governments has never been stronger in Guernsey County and the leadership in the Commissioner’s office has a big part in the success.

Given economic trends, what can you do in this office to make ends meet and yet maintain services? I believe that it will take fiscal responsibility to manage any future cost increases due to items like health care, fuel, goods and other services. We may have to see a temporary reduction in the services provided by the county until we can see relief for things that we have no control over, like unfunded mandates passed down by the State of Ohio, none of which can be reduced according to the law. We received income from sales, income and the new CAT tax.

The only way we can increase our income from these sources is from new development, we need to focus on industrial, commercial and recreational forms to increase the flow of dollars into the area and that alone will give relief to the county’s budget. We have streamlined how we do business county-wide and that has help maintaining cost. I don’t believe in increasing the tax burden on the residents any more than they are already paying. They want someone with the leadership skills that can make those difficult decisions on their behalf and I believe that I have shown that ability to lead this county.

What has been the biggest problem within this office over the past few years and what can you do to correct it? The biggest problem that I see is, the fact that the commissioners have been successful in the expansion of the county’s waterlines into areas where the residents had been previously told that it was to expensive and no funding was available to complete the projects. We have shown through hard work and dedication that we can provide service to the underserved and now we have been inundated with future projects and we are attempting to address everyone’s needs. Some projects may not get completed as fast as others and individuals have difficult time understanding how projects get funded and the process to completion can be different with each individual project based on the funding source.

Managing the health care cost has to be one of the biggest problems that we have faced in the last several years. We have an executive insurance committee that meets monthly to provide oversight and guidance on the Health Insurance. We have looked at numerous ways to reduce the cost with least impact on the employees. The commissioners have the final say in any plan change, however we rely on the executive committee to make prudent decisions and recommendations back to our office for implementation of the plan revision. This is dramatic change from the way it was handled prior to my involvement as commissioner.

What has been the greatest success within this office and what can you do to maintain it? I believe that our greatest accomplishment has been to continue to improve that quality of life for the residents of Guernsey County. It is great place to live and raise your children. We have 2.5 million visitors who travel to Salt Fork and Seneca Lake each year to enjoy just one week of what we see year round. We have been successful when neighboring counties have struggled to make ends meet. I have shown fiscal restraint and prudent practices in the management of your tax dollars. We have shown a spirit of cooperation with our dealings with most. You always have those who want to disagree and we learn to continue to move forward. The continued long range planning will be a part of the success of Guernsey County and I believe that have and will continue to be an active participant in the process.

Final comments: I want to ask the voters to look at all of the facts as it relates to the candidates. You should look at what each of the candidates has accomplished in our past and what is our plan for the future of Guernsey County. You will hear statements about the need for good paying jobs in Guernsey County and I will not argue with that need. We need to ask what would you do different from what is already being done. I am proud of my accomplishments and I look forward to working with you in the future. I want to personally thank your for you past and continued support of my campaign for Guernsey County commissioner, term commencing Jan. 3, 2009.

Five state issues on the ballot

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: State Issues
• Date: Oct 23,2008

There are five state issues on the Nov. 4 ballot in Ohio.

Originally, there were to be six statewide issues, but Issue 4 — the "sick-leave" proposal — was withdrawn from the ballot.

Following is a roundup of the remaining state issues.

Issue 1 essentially pushes for a cleaner ballot. It would amend the Ohio Constitution to move the filing deadline for citizen-initiated ballot issues back to 125 days before the election. The current deadline is 90 days.

The change would mean more time and earlier deadlines for state rulings on the validity of signatures on petitions, and for filing and resolution of legal challenges. It also would give the Ohio Supreme Court authority to deal with such legal challenges.

It makes little sense to continually confuse voters by putting issues on the ballot that ultimately are disqualified.

Issue 2 is the only part of the state’s recently passed economic stimulus package that gets a public vote. It would allow the state to issue $400 million in bonds to continue the Clean Ohio program, which pays for conservation and preservation of natural areas and revitalization and redevelopment of public and private land.

Almost every county in the state has already received Clean Ohio grants, which are available for everything from farmland preservation to economic development and brownfields (abandoned sites contaminated by low levels of hazardous waste) cleanup. The brownfields in particular are in need of public money, since few would ever be cleaned up and redeveloped without these revitalization grants.

Issue 3 would amend the Ohio Constitution to spell out the rights of property owners who live by a body of water or who have groundwater under their land. It would establish that private property owners have a right to make "reasonable use" of the water under or beside their property — but that this right is always "subordinate to the public welfare."

This amendment was proposed by a joint resolution of the Ohio General Assembly, after it passed the Great Lakes Compact. Both court decisions and the law already protect these rights, but the Legislature felt it necessary to further protect property owners’ rights by placing them in the Constitution.

Issue 5 gives voters a chance to vote for or against House Bill 545, which lowers the boom on the payday lending industry in Ohio.

The Legislature passed this bill, but it’s being challenged by the payday lenders, who claim it would put them out of business. The bill caps the annual percentage rate lenders can charge at 28 percent; a lot of these lenders have been charging 391 percent, or $15 on a two-week, $100 loan.

Proponents of the issue say payday lending traps people in a cycle of debt in which they have to keep borrowing to pay off past loans. That’s undeniably true, but alternatives to such loans are hard to find. If people just pay off the loan on time, they can avoid the debt cycle.

Some credit unions offer "stretch-pay loans" at 18 percent APR to members who pay an annual fee. That’s a much better option for those who live paycheck to paycheck and may find themselves in need of an advance. People who need fast loans would do well to investigate this option first.

But appalling as are the tactics used by many in the payday lending industry, is it the government’s role to protect people from their own foolishness? People should make their own choices and take the consequences. If they’re smart, they’ll avoid unscrupulous payday lenders and put them out of business that way, not by legislative fiat.

Issue 6 would amend the Ohio Constitution to allow a single, $600 million gambling resort to be built at I-71 and Ohio 73 in Clinton County.

The casino’s backers promise approximately 5,000 jobs plus "millions of tourist dollars to Ohio from neighboring states." They pledge that from a "guaranteed 30 percent tax on gambling revenue," about $211 million a year will be divided up among Ohio’s 88 counties based on population.

The position here on gambling remains the same: It’s bad for communities and bad for families.

Studies have found that more than half of a typical casino’s slot machine revenue comes from gambling addicts. Bankruptcies and crime increase when casinos move in.

In addition, the money for the counties may never materialize, and if it does, it could be far less than promised. There’s a lot more competition for gambling dollars these days, as more and more states welcome casinos. If Issue 6 passes and a Native American tribe later establishes a claim to land in Ohio, it too will be building casinos. As sovereign nations, tribes can pay as little as zero taxes. Issue 6 says that the proposed Clinton County casino would pay "up to 30 percent," but if other casinos are permitted, "receipts … shall not exceed the lesser of 25 percent or the percentage payable by any other casino operations subsequently authorized." So if the Native Americans move in, this casino may ultimately pay no taxes.

Issue 6 would make a few wealthy non-Ohioans even wealthier, and a whole lot of Ohioans poorer. 

(Any opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or managemment  of this  newspaper. This information was gleaned mostly from other Ohio newspapers — primarlily The Courier in Findlay — and other sources on the Internet

Dave Gombeda is a candidate for Guernsey County commissioner

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: County Commissioner
• Date: Oct 23,2008

Name: Dave Gombeda.

Political party affiliation: Democrat.

Position vying for: Guernsey County commissioner, term commencing Jan. 2, 2009.

Occupation: Guernsey County commissioner.

Family members: Spouse Kim, married 30 years; daughter Melissa (Tom) Hendershot, Cambridge; sons Ron (Cassie) Gombeda, Byesville, and Ryan (Kylie Feldner), Byesville; grandchildren Cory and Zachary Hendershot, Cambridge.

Previous elected offices held: I served as Jackson Township trustee for 27 years from January of 1980 until April 11, 2007.

What are your priorities for this office? I believe that as county commissioner you should always be fiscally responsible, manage the budget wisely and make sound decisions with taxpayers’ money. My top priority is creating employment opportunities for the residents by working with local governments and creating a unique spirit of cooperation. However, it is very important to do everything possible to keep our existing employers in Guernsey County, helping them expand to create job opportunities. I feel the creation of small businesses will be the way of the future as well as encouraging the larger employers to locate in Guernsey County. Expanding infrastructure such as waterlines, as this will help in the growth of our county. Managing the county’s general budget is a top priority. We have reduced the general fund budget this year just trying to keep up with the increases of costs and services to the county. With the help of each elected official and department head this was possible. The construction of the new county administration building and the new OSU Extension office at the fairgrounds has been a plus to the county, as it has reduced the cost of paying rent for those spaces needed.

What do you believe are the issues in this race? A county commissioner should be able to plan for the future while looking at their past achievements, but also learning from their mistakes. They should do long-range planning that will have a positive impact on our county. Have good fiscal knowledge of the county’s budget and be able to balance the budget without reducing services, employment or closing county-operated facilities. I want to represent ALL residents of Guernsey County regardless of political affiliation.

What are your stands on these issues? To have a positive attitude, be willing to listen, use common sense and treat issues as if they were my own.

Given economic trends, what can you do in this office to make ends meet and yet maintain services? Be fiscally responsible in managing any future cost increases and continue to work to improve our county tax base with new development. Continue to increase our recreational facilities such as Rails to Trails, expanding our countywide parks and in return this will help to bring visitors to the area, giving us additional sales tax revenue.

What has been the biggest problem within this office over the past few years and what can you do to correct it? The biggest problem in the county has been the need to expand the waterlines to more residents, and we have been working diligently to ensure this goal is accomplished and will continue to do so in the future.

What has been the greatest success within this office and what can you do to maintain it? Being a county commissioner for just a short time, I have yet to reach any one great accomplishment, but I am working hard to improve the conditions of the dog pound by recently putting in a modular office, new kennels and a new roof for additional space for housing the animals. Improvements are also being made at the Countryview Assisted Living facility with new bathrooms, paint and other outside improvements.

Final comments: Having served as Jackson Township trustee for 27 years I would like the voters to look at my accomplishments there, such as vast road improvements, the formation of the Guernsey County Park District resulting in the creation of Jackson Park, the Stop 9 sewer project giving the residents the ability to connect to the sanitary sewer system, which improved the living conditions in that area. I worked on helping the residents of the township with water line extensions, and made improvements to all the township owned/operated cemeteries. I was also on the committee to implement the countywide 911 emergency system and recently worked with the Village of Byesville to bring United Ambulance there, thus making the village and township a safer place. I feel that with my many years experience as a trustee I have the ability to work and represent the people of the county, and I always try to use the common sense approach and treat people the way I like to be treated. Your vote and support on Nov. 4 would be greatly appreciated.

Mid-East Career and Technology Centers seeks levy funds for $30M project

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: Local options
• Date: Oct 23,2008

The Mid-East Career and Technology Centers, with a campus in both Zanesville and Buffalo, is seeking a 1.4 mill, 10-year permanent improvement levy for a matching share of proposed $30 million project.

The Zanesville campus of the Mid-East Career and Technology Centers opened in 1969. The Buffalo campus opened five years later.

Since that time the vocational school district has not sought passage of any levy to support the district. However, Nov. 4 will be the final opportunity for voters to approve a 1.4 mill, 10- year permanent improvement levy that would raise the district’s approximate $10,000,000 share of a proposed $30,000,000 school building refurbishing and expansion project.

Cost to the owner of a home valued at $100,000 would be $3.57 per month for the duration of the levy. For an $80,000 home the cost would be $2.86 per month.

Consider the following about the Mid-East Career and Technology Centers:

* To ensure future economic development, Mid-East must upgrade its facilities and equipment to maintain training programs that meet industry standards.

* Mid-East graduates touch your life every day. They are your nurses, bankers, mechanics, carpenters, power linemen, business owners, hair stylists, office personnel, firefighters, paramedics and heavy equipment operators.

* High school enrollment at Mid-East has jumped 35 percent, from 760 to 1,030 since 2000. More than 10,500 adults have been trained since 2000.

* Nine out of 10 Mid-East graduates obtain employment in good paying jobs.

* Mid-East graduated more than 400 work-ready high school students in 2008.

* Mid-East customizes training for businesses and works with employees at their work site.

* This past year 244 local people earned their GED through the Mid-East Adult Basic Literacy and Education (ABLE) program.

Mid-East Career and Technology Centers are an extension of the member school districts of four counties covering 1,740 square miles. Counties are Muskingum, Perry, Noble and Guernsey.

Technical skill training programs are provided for both high school juniors and seniors as well as adult students.

Certification and industry-based credential opportunities are available for Mid-East students. These certifications and industry-based credentials offer “job market value” by describing the students’ attainment of skills and knowledge to potential employers which helps employers in the hiring and training process.

The Adult Center for Education is a division of the Mid-East Career and Technology Centers focusing on Career Development and Enhancement of adults from our area. Courses offered include full-time programs, short-term industry credential course, part-time training programs, customized training programs for business and industry and online course offerings (in partnership with Ohio University).

For information go online to www.mid-eastlevyforjobs.org.

Steve Douglass is a candidate for Guernsey County commissioner

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: County Commissioner
• Date: Oct 23,2008

Name: Steve Douglass.

Political party affiliation: Republican.

Position vying for: Guernsey County commissioner term beginning Jan. 2, 2009.

Occupation: Retired elementary school teacher and elementary and middle school principal.

Family members: Wife of 36 years, Sherry Douglass; daughters Stacey and Stephanie; sons-in-law Jacob Shreyer and Sean Byerly; grandchildren Blake and Braden Shreyer and Ava Byerly.

Previous elected offices held: Board of Directors Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

What are your priorities for this office? Guernsey County needs to be a county that invites economic growth. To do this I will: 1) Lead an active search for a broad range of businesses to locate in Guernsey County, including products, production, services and telecommuting jobs; 2) Create and communicate a 1 year-5 year-10 year-15 year plan for economic growth in our county to assure continuity of jobs for our community and our children; 3) Cooperate with other groups, government agencies, businesses, neighboring counties, and individuals to enhance our successes in adding jobs to Guernsey County as well as improving infrastructure throughout the county.

What do you believe are the issues in this race? Bringing good jobs into Guernsey County, communication, cooperation and innovation.

What are your stands on these issues? In order to encourage businesses to locate here, we will need to provide an infrastructure that promotes growth. Notice I said we (all of us). The Board of Commissioners must work with local governments, agencies, businesses and individuals to promote the county. We will need to look at the larger picture and not be as territorial.

Good communications is the foundation for cooperation and trust. Many problems can be avoided by making sure that everyone is well informed. I will be accessible and take the time to listen to resident’s problems and successes. I have many years of experience in administration, making sure that groups work together to achieve goals. As a commissioner I would personally meet and work with government groups and entities on a regular basis to insure that the commissioner’s office is in line with and supports initiatives that will bring jobs to our area and stimulate growth.

I have met with port authorities and commissioners in neighboring counties and know we have opportunities to create joint alliances with counties, villages, and cities in order to maximize resources to attract new jobs. As commissioner, I see this as essential to keep and forge alliances and learn what other counties are doing. I believe it is critical to talk with people to get the best new ideas/technology to bring new jobs to Guernsey County.

Given economic trends, what can you do in this office to make ends meet and yet maintain services? The cost of doing county business is rising faster than revenues. Therefore it is a must to prioritize and plan where and if cuts in the budget will be made. Tightening ones belt is always painful. The commissioners along with county office holders and department heads must work together to allocate the money and place it so that quality services are not compromised.

What has been the biggest problem within this office over the past few years and what can you do to correct it? Commissioners need to be committed to cooperation. They need to be open to new ideas and be willing to compromise. Having commissioners that will listen to the people will promote trust.

As a commissioner, I will listen to the people, build their trust, and promote Guernsey County.

What has been the greatest success within this office and what can you do to maintain it? The continued development of: D.O. Hall Business Center Southgate area between Cambridge and Byesville and waterline projects.

I would maintain regular contact with current businesses to assure their success and to uncover how we can help them grow. I would begin discussions with cities, villages, townships, and other counties to discuss how we could cooperate for improvements in infrastructure projects including funding and grant writing. Not only do we need to maintain and upgrade these areas, but also we need to develop other areas in the county that can sustain the infrastructure for growth.

Final comments: I have had the honor of serving Guernsey County by educating our most precious resource: Our children. I have seen the slow drain to our county as these same children grow up, develop their values and talents, then leave Guernsey County in order to get a good job and start their own families.

I am running for the commissioner’s office in order to do something about getting more businesses back in our county, offering good paying jobs with opportunity for growth.

I have a track record of common sense leadership, cooperation, and getting results.

I am eager to apply these same skills to turn around the saggy economy in our county and to build our growth on the many opportunities that Guernsey County can offer. We can’t keep doing the same things the same way.

I ask for your vote to start working in new ways to get better results for all of Guernsey County. Thank you.

Mental Health renewal levy on Noble County ballot

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: Local options
• Date: Oct 23,2008

CALDWELL — On Nov. 4, the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board’s 5-year seven-tenths mill renewal levy will be on the Noble County ballot.

The passage of this renewal levy is critical, according to Joy Seiler and Sue Snode, levy co-chairs. Seiler is on the Board of Mental Health & Recovery Services and Snode is a member of the Noble Behavioral Health Choices Board. Both said local support is more important than ever since state funding for mental health has been decreasing since 1991. At the same time, federal funds are also being reduced.

Seiler and Snode said tax dollars generated in Noble County would remain strictly in Noble County to serve local residents. These funds are used to not only provide local services, but to bring state, federal and grant dollars to Noble County. The Board is asking voters to approve its 7/10 mill renewal levy on the November ballot. This is a five year levy and would cost an owner of a $50,000 home approximately $8.59 a year, equaling 71 cents a month, under three cents a day.

The levy will help support the Noble Counseling Center, Noble Behavioral Health Choice, Thompkins Child and Adolescent Services, Inc., the Suicide Prevention Coalition, shared services for multi-need children and youth, forensic services for local courts, and 24/7 crisis hotline services.

One in five Americans suffer from a mental disorder in any given year. When these individuals go without treatment, very rarely are they able to achieve school success, secure employment, maintain housing and ultimately live a quality life.

Treatment works … people do recover. Appropriate treatment allows many consumers to obtain and sustain employment.

Untreated mental illness is often a key factor in virtually every domestic problem faced in Noble County - including crime, child abuse and neglect, and homelessness. Without adequate community treatment, individuals with mental illness often end up costing greater amounts of public dollars by needing treatment in other systems such as jails, juvenile facilities, emergency rooms, homeless shelters and foster care.

The levy brings in $118,000 a year. The board is able to get federal matching funds resulting in $515,000 worth of services to Noble County residents.

Both Seiler and Snode stress that this is a renewal only, not a new tax.

Fred Shimp is a candidate for Guernsey County commissioner

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: County Commissioner
• Date: Oct 23,2008

Name: Fred Shimp.

Political party affiliation: Independent.

Position vying for: Guernsey County commissioner term beginning Jan. 2, 2009.

Occupation: Retired.

Family members: Wife, Deborah LaRue-Shimp; Daughters: Angela Shimp, Grove City, Christine Anorga, Broken Arrow, Okla., Heather Gerspacher, Medina; Son Jeff LaRue, Columbus; Grandson Gavin Gerspacher; Granddaughter Lexi LaRue.

Previous elected offices held: Cambridge city councilman, Ward Two, eight years; President Cambridge Council, 33 years; Mayor of Cambridge for four months after the death of Mayor Jack Hendricks.

What are your priorities for this office? Economic Development. We need to identify and/or locate sites for possible industrial development. Work directly with Port Authority, CIA, CIC, Township Trusties, Byesville and the City of Cambridge to identify such sites. Contact State Economic Development Regional Director to secure grants for infrastructure improvements.

Brownfield cleanup money. This money is available but it cannot be used for mine reclamation or reclaiming land in flood zones. Therefore, we need to work with the State Legislature, State Economic Development, Port Authority, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) and others to get the regulations changed for use of Brownfield Money.

Work force development is another major priority in our area. By working closely with Job & Family Services, Ohio Investment & Training Program and the Willet-Pratt Training Center (Zane State College), money and training can be provided to assist businesses in the area with employee training. We need to provide and promote business incentives such as Community Reinvestment Areas (CRA), tax abatements, Foreign Trade Zones (If needed)

Utilities. Extend water and sewer lines to areas of the County not presently being served. There are only two water producers in the County — Cambridge and Byesville. Four water distributors — Cambridge, Byesville, the county and Western Guernsey. Work directly with Byesville, the City of Cambridge and the various villages and townships to assess water/sewer needs. Determine the best and most feasible distributor based on location, cost, and volumes available. Work with various State & Federal Agencies to acquire grants to assist in Planning and construction. Work closely with residents in the area to be served.

Utility costs. Attempt to reduce the cost of water to the customers on the county water system. The county was just recently awarded a new water contract by the City of Cambridge that reduced the cost of water to the County 10% to the lowest rate paid by residents inside the city, which is $3.70 per 1,000 gallons. The rates to customers in the county should be reduced accordingly. There has been no reduction to county residents since the new contract with Cambridge.

High speed Internet access. We need to work with Verizon to provide DSL broadband service to the outlying areas in the county to enable the county residents to use the latest technology.

Establish speed limits on county and township roads. Work with county engineer and township trustees to change legislation that would permit them to establish speed limits without going to the state for authorization. Contact state representatives to introduce legislation to change current law regarding the establishment of speed limits on county and township roads.

Problems with deer population. Work with the Farm Bureau and area farmers to develop a strategy for dealing with the deer problem. Work with the Division of Wildlife to make the farmers’ problems with deer a main item on their agenda.

Given economic trends, what can you do in this office to make ends meet and yet maintain services? Trends on the national level do not look very good. However, there are areas in the Country where the economic conditions are getting better. Guernsey County is an area that with proper leadership and cooperation can and will move forward.

Money is tight at all levels of government, so we will need to find new and innovative ways to reduce expenditures while maintaining services and aggressively seek ways to increase income.

What has been the biggest problem within this office over the past few years and what can you do to correct it? Crime and law enforcement. Sheriff’s department is grossly under funded. There are only two deputies per shift to cover 500 miles of county roads. The county jail is overflowing and some solutions need to be found to alleviate some of these problems. Work with sheriff and county auditor to look for a way to redistribute some funds for the sheriff’s department. Work closely with all the judges, prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies to find a viable solution to the over crowded jail problem.

Business Closings. Plastech, loss of over 400 jobs. Cambridge Developmental Center, loss of 130 jobs. Business closings are common in all parts of the country and cause a great deal of concern for residents and local officials. Although the decisions to close were not made at the local level and not caused by anyone at the local level, we are charged with the task of trying to correct the problem. This can be accomplished by working together as a team and cooperating with each other in dealing with the problem.

Final comments: Businesses both large and small are a vital part of our community and it takes a variety of businesses to make the blend necessary to provide a variety of jobs. Our task is not only to bring new business and industry to the area, abut also to provide an atmosphere that will help our local businesses and industry expand and retain jobs for our citizens.

I feel that due to my many years of experience in local government and business, that I am singularly qualified to fill the position of Guernsey County commissioner.

Robert S. Moorehead Jr. is the incumbent for Guernsey County Probate/Juvenile Judge

• Author: sscott@daily-jeff.com
• Filed under: Probate Judge
• Date: Oct 22,2008

Judge Robert Moorehead

Name: Robert S. Moorehead Jr.

Position vying for: Probate/Juvenile judge.

Occupation: Probate/Juvenile judge.

Family members: Wife Marilyn Moorehead; Daughter Mary Claire (Moorehead) Briggs, Columbus; Sons W. Douglas Moorehead and Michael D. Moorehead, both of Boston, Mass.

Previous elected offices held: Probate judge Guernsey County; Republican Central Committee.

What are your priorities for this office? I will continue my commitment to make the Guernsey County Probate-Juvenile Court easier to use and understand for the average Guernsey County citizen. I strongly commit my energy and desire to keep our court cost efficient and to fairly and impartially dispense justice, despite the ever changing requirements of the State of Ohio and the United States of America. Equality of every citizen that participates or uses the services of the probate or juvenile courts of Guernsey County is a paramount priority. In probate court, I will continue my commitment to protecting senior citizens from the unforeseen circumstances and complexities present today; and in juvenile court I will balance the protection of society with the protection or rehabilitation of young individuals according to the law of the State of Ohio.

What do you believe are the issues in this race? Communication is not an issue in this race, but it is a vital key. The vast majority of the cases, whether they involve a mental illness or guardianship in Probate or child abuse or neglect in Juvenile, are confidential in nature. My staff and I endeavor to make this court experience as understandable as possible to those who are involved with the court or use its services.

Education is necessary, not only for those who appear before the court but also for the public at large, regarding how the court functions within the scope of the law and regulations controlling the court’s actions. There are many laws and regulations which are designed to balance the competing interests of those who appear before the court and society.

The court is a judicial branch of the government, having no taxing ability. The administrative or legislative branch, with a taxing ability, appropriates the expenditure of money for the court, but does not control the court. The court endeavors to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers and to monitor our budgets carefully. The court’s demands and needs are constantly changing due to the demands of those before the court as well as legislative and judicial mandates. We are constantly refining our needs and comparing the costs of every expenditure made. As judge of the Guernsey County Probate-Juvenile Court during the past six years I have applied lessons learned previously managing a business similar in size to the court and have operated despite this county’s economic setbacks.

What has been the biggest problem within this office over the past few years and what can you do to correct it? The biggest problem has been to expand the physical space of the court and to update the Information technology system within the limited resources available to the court. The courts and its systems were designed and built for a society two hundred years ago. It is a challenge to bring courts into the twenty-first century. Many of the advances that modern society enjoys must be modified or changed to allow an open court to exist in this Internet age. The new advances allow the court more efficient use of its limited resources as well as the ability to respond to new demands that are placed on the court.

The greatest success has been the consolidation and expansion of the court offices to allow its employees the room to do their jobs, and the installation of a new State of the Art computer system for the all of the courts in the court house. The new system will allow all of the courts in the court house to move their case loads within the timetables as established by the Supreme Court, and to produce the reports with the timeliness required of the courts. The costs of the new system are less than the combined costs of the old systems. The new systems position Guernsey County well ahead of its peers to comply with future demands.

The court’s greatest strength is a competent and experienced court staff that is the foundation of Probate and Juvenile Divisions of the Court of Common Pleas of Guernsey County.

Final comments: It is my goal, with your endorsement and vote, to continue my commitment to the citizens of Guernsey County to use my experiences, knowledge and judgment as your Judge to dispense fair and impartial justice, according to the laws of the State of Ohio, to those who appear before me whether young or old, rich or poor, strong or weak, firm or infirm.