Volume #79, Report #21 -- Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Third Frontier Deal Takes Bond Total To $700 Million, Deletes Public Works Debt

The legislature plans to seek voter approval this May for a $700 million bond issue to pay for high-tech research and development investments under a compromise that cleared conference committee late Tuesday evening.

As originally introduced and backed by Gov. Ted Strickland, the proposed extension and expansion of the Third Frontier initiative (HJR 12) had been set at $1 billion in new state debt to be issued over five years.

The Democrat-run House whittled it down to $950 million, and the Senate chopped it nearly in half to $500 million and tacked on $100 million in public works bonds under the argument that support for the popular local infrastructure program would put the issue over the top with voters skeptical of government spending and borrowing in the difficult economy.

The conference report version, approved unanimously by the six-member panel, would authorize $700 million in bonds over four years. The resolution, which requires a three-fifths majority in both chambers to qualify for the May 4 ballot, retains mandatory third-party reviews of projects prior to grant awards. The House and Senate are set to approve the conference report during Wednesday sessions.

Facing a Feb. 3 deadline to file the issue with the secretary of state's office, negotiators worked into the late evening hours before finalizing a conference report at just after 10:00 p.m.

Sen. Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) said after the committee vote that the final result was a more fiscally responsible plan that stood a better chance of voter approval this spring.

"I'm pleased that we were able to agree on a package that ensures the continuation of what's proven to be a very successful program in the Third Frontier," he said.

Speaker Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) said in a statement, "I am very pleased that the Ohio House and Senate have come together in a bipartisan manner to support renewing and expanding the successful, Job-creating Third Frontier program. With a proven track record and a significant return on investment for Ohio taxpayers, this program has helped create over 41,000 new jobs for Ohioans."

Passed on the second try in 2005, the original Third Frontier bond issue was for $500 million. That debt, which was coupled with a larger reauthorization of public works bonds, was part of a total $1.6 million Third Frontier Program that drew state funding from other sources, many of which are no longer available.

Third Frontier bonds as proposed in the constitutional amendment do not apply against the state's 5% debt limit based on a given year's general revenue and Ohio lottery profits.

Ujvagi Hired As Lucas County Administrator; Legislative Ripple Effects To Follow

Rep. Peter Ujvagi (D-Toledo) was hired Tuesday as the next Lucas County administrator in a development that could have fairly immediate impact on the county's legislative delegation.

At a minimum, the appointment - approved 3-0 by county commissioners during a morning meeting - appears to set up Rep. Edna Brown (D-Toledo), who is also term limited this year, as the clear front-runner for the open 11^th Senate District seat. She and Mr. Ujvagi had both previously declared their aims to replace term-limited Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo).

If the trends of recent years are followed, Sen. Fedor would take an appointment to Mr. Ujvagi's seat following his resignation, Ms. Brown would then be appointed to the vacant Senate seat and the House would find an appointee to fill the empty 48^th House District seat.

Sen. Fedor said she would seek appointment to Mr. Ujvagi's seat under a process she expects to be completed by mid-March.

She was surprised by Rep. Ujvagi's decision to leave early, she said in an interview.

"It wasn't a planned political anything, believe you me, because I didn't want Peter to leave. He's going to be dearly missed," Sen. Fedor said. "But I'm happy for Peter, for his decision to return to Lucas County."

"I appreciate everything Edna's done, too," she added. "It's a win-win for Lucas County."

Among those that have expressed interest in running for Ms. Brown's seat are Toledo City Councilman Michael Ashford and Schylar Meadows, a radio talk show host with 103.7 FM, The Juice.

Democrats said there were no finalized plans as of Tuesday afternoon, however such a domino, seat-swapping effect is not without recent precedent. Rep. Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green) and Sen. Mark Wagoner (R-Toledo) were involved in a similar switch-up following U.S. Rep. Bob Latta's victory in a special congressional election in December 2007.

Current Lucas County Administrator Michael Beazley is leaving for a similar job with the City of Orgeon at the end of the month. Mr. Ujvagi would presumably take over March 1, but commissioners did not set an official start date or announce a salary for the lawmaker.

The unanimous commission vote followed Commissioner Ben Konop's failed attempt to table the appointment, which was voted down 2-1.

Mr. Konop said in a statement that he wanted the panel to conduct a broader replacement search during Mr. Beazley's final weeks on the job.

"As I stated at the time, I do believe Mr. Ujvagi is qualified to be county administrator - my objection was in the swift and private manner he was selected," he said. "When it was clear my fellow commissioners had made up their minds to move forward immediately with Mr. Ujvagi's appointment, I voted to approve the selection because, again, I believe he is qualified for the job."

GOP Questions Democratic Plan To Remove Supreme Court Jurisdiction In Apportionment

House Republicans voiced objections Tuesday to a plan from majority Democrats that would deny the Ohio Supreme Court its existing, exclusive constitutional power to hear lawsuits stemming from the design of new legislative districts.

The GOP also questioned why a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 15) to revamp the process of drawing Ohio House and Senate districts did not include congressional districts, as does a competing Senate measure (SJR 5).

Those and other matters came under scrutiny during a first hearing before the House Elections & Ethics Committee on a Democratic proposal intended to take politics out of reapportionment and to make the system more transparent.

Sponsoring Rep. Tom Letson (D-Warren) delivered an overview of the amendment in sponsor testimony, one day after the measure was introduced. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, February 1, 2010). He said it would take politics out of the process by providing specific criteria for drawing district lines.

"This in turn makes each district more competitive. Having competitive districts is unarguably fair for the citizens of Ohio, who should be reassured that when they elect a person to represent them that person will be responsive to their issues and needs," Rep. Letson said.

If voters approve, possibly in the Nov. 2 election, the amendment would retain the existing five-member Apportionment Board to administer a new public competition for drawing the 99 House and 33 Senate districts.

Plans would be ranked on the basis of representational fairness, political competiveness, preserving communities of interest, and compactness.

Another section of the amendment would establish a special tribunal composed of retired judges to hear all lawsuits and certified questions regarding apportionment. It specifies that the Ohio Supreme Court would no longer have any jurisdiction over apportionment.

Rep. Robert Mecklenborg (R-Green Twp.), the ranking minority member, said eliminating the Supreme Court's role in so basic a right "really concerns me."

Rep. Letson said a five-member panel, made up of two Republicans and two Democrats who then would choose the fifth member, "would be less partisan" than the court.

Republicans currently hold all seven seats on the Supreme Court. Rep. Letson said the new process would add balance.

Rep. Mecklenborg strenuously disagreed. "I reject any suggestion at all that the Supreme Court is partisan ... in considering these matters," he said.

He also objected to what he characterized as the plan's over-emphasis on the use of computer models in forming the districts.

Rep. Letson pointed out in response that daily dependence on computers is a fact of life. "I believe it is incumbent upon us to use the technology that is available to us," he said.

Rep. Ronald Gerberry (D-Austintown) underscored the need to change the process, pointing out he has been forced to run in multiple districts over the years.

Rep. Gerberry said the current political climate was best for considering a change because neither Republicans nor Democrats knows who will wind up in control after the Nov. 2 general election.

"Your side and our side, we really don't know who's going to get the Apportionment Board. Neither side really knows who's going to win. This is the right time," he said.

"This is an opportunity that if we let pass may not happen again in our lifetime," Rep. Gerberry said.

Rep. Jarrod Martin (R-Beavercreek) said Rep. Gerberry had delivered a strong argument for why congressional districts also should be included in the amendment.

Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner said the House resolution, if voters approve, would greatly improve fairness in elections and citizen participation and trust in government.

"(The resolution) is reapportionment reform that goes beyond the makeup of the apportionment board or how many votes are necessary for approval of a plan - a good start," she told the committee.

"(It) gets to the heart of the process with objective criteria for determining what is a fair plan for reapportioning population among legislative districts. (It) also imbues the process with transparency and objectivity, allowing the public to see the process and even to participate," Secretary Brunner said.

Earlier on Tuesday, House Minority Leader William Batchelder (R-Medina) said the Democratic resolution "clutters" the Ohio Constitution "with a 13-page amendment that we fear will be cavalier in addressing redistricting concerns raised by interested parties."

"Without close further inspection of the proposal, this action clearly violates the bipartisan spirit under which the General Assembly is intended to champion," Rep. Batchelder said.

The House Republican Caucus said it was confident that there may be support for a plan that is viable, and that advances the long-term interests of the state.

Housing Advocates Make Push For Foreclosure Action Before Senate

Housing advocates and Ohioans facing foreclosure urged senators to act quickly on several measures intended to reverse the housing crisis Tuesday, but the committee chairman said he was going to take a measured approach.

Bill Faith, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, told members of the Senate Finance & Financial Institutions Committee that foreclosure remains a serious problem in the state, with nearly one in six homeowners in danger of losing their home.

Sen. Shannon Jones's (R-Springboro) proposal (SB 197) to require courts offer mediation is "a good beginning," he said, but urged members to also take action on several ideas contained in other measures pending before the chamber.

Foreclosure prevention counseling is "critically important," he said, citing data that shows participating homeowners were more likely to keep their homes. Mr. Faith suggested revising the proposed $750 foreclosure filing fee in a House measure (HB 3) to focus the funding on counseling and redeveloping vacant properties.

Regulating mortgage servicers, as proposed by the House measure, is a "sound approach," he said, adding loan servicers often become an obstacle to resolving foreclosure. "Regulating servicers will provide more protections for consumers and create incentives to the industry to help prevent unnecessary foreclosure - once again, small cost, high value."

Mr. Faith further urged support for a proposal (HB 9 & SB 13) designed to protect renters caught up in the process, noting that 30% of all foreclosures are filed on non-owner occupied residences.

"We have a mess. We all know it. I'm here to offer strategies that will help clean it up," he said. "Members of the Senate have already come up with a few. Members of the House have come up with a few. The ones I offer today combine some of those under consideration, and will help stop unnecessary foreclosures for some of the 100,000 Ohioans who could lose their homes in 2010."

Chairman John Carey (R-Wellston) told reporters that he was planning to continue hearings on foreclosure, but was reluctant to act hastily on any of the proposals.

"You don't want to do more damage than good and if you act quickly it can make things worse," he said, questioning the viability of the proposed foreclosure moratorium and filing fee in House Bill 3.

"We don't want to interfere with what's already taking place - what seems to be working," he said, citing testimony on the Ohio Supreme Court's foreclosure mediation program.

However, Chairman Carey said the panel would consider the various proposals pending before the chamber. "I think eventually, if we're able to move something, it will end up kind of the evolution of all three bills."

The panel heard several witnesses testify as interested parties to the Senate measure on foreclosure mediation.

Jacqueline Hagerott, manager of the Supreme Court of Ohio's Dispute Resolution Section, described the court's efforts to provide support for local foreclosure mediation programs.

She said the Supreme Court was working with local courts and other states in assisting them with designing, training and implementing foreclosure mediation programs, she said.

Responding to a question from Chairman Carey, Ms. Hagerott said nearly all 88 counties have implemented some type of mediation efforts, but the programs vary widely.

Chester Jourdan, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, called the proposal "a great piece of legislation," but asked members to consider adding funding for home foreclosure counselors.

He noted Chief Justice Thomas Moyer created a voluntary foreclosure mediation program with $100,000 for two years, he said.

MORPC offers foreclosure counseling that helps people negotiate workouts with their lenders as well as educate new homebuyers to avoid winding up in foreclosure, he said. The National Foreclosure Mitigation fund provides most of that funding, which has decreased from $125,000 in 2008 to $31,000 in 2010.

"With the mandatory nature of Senate Bill 197, the number of clients MORPC has to serve will only continue to grow," he said. "However, under the current bill the counseling programs which have proven so vital to the success of the mediation program will not have the funding to keep up."

The panel also heard from several witnesses that participated in a foreclosure prevention program offered by Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People.

Ronald Swope, a retired electrician from Zanesville, said he refinanced his house in 2006 to pay off mounting medical bills.

Although he entered the federal HAMP program, his mortgage was resold and the new lender had no record that he was making his payments, he said. "I had trouble after trouble that I was in the program."

An ESOP housing counselor helped clarify the situation, he said. "ESOP, they went to bat for me. People don't realize, but its more than just about money. When you save a person's home, you save a person's dignity and self-respect."

Vickie Schlupp, a Mansfield resident who lost her job more than a year earlier spoke in support of continued funding for ESOP, which helped her obtain a forbearance to stave off foreclosure.

Congress Campaigns: Freshmen Boccieri, Driehaus, Kilroy Lead Challengers, Space Tallies $1.2 Million

Finance reports show that three of four freshmen U.S. House members from Ohio hold financial leads over their potential opponents at the start of the 2010 election year, while the fourth has no party-affiliated challenger for re-election.

Among the three, the contribution margin was widest in the 16^th Congressional District of northeast Ohio.

16^th District: A report that U.S. Rep. John Boccieri (D-Alliance) filed with the Federal Election Commission on Sunday listed cash on hand as of Dec. 31, 2009 at $715,083.

His net contributions for the election cycle-to-date amounted to $791,799, with expenses of $267,905. A majority of the contributions ($490,370) came from political action committees, with the rest ($300,696) from individuals.

Former Wadsworth Mayor Jim Renacci is leading among several Republicans seeking the party nomination in the May 4 primary to challenge the incumbent.

Mr. Renacci's report showed cash on hand of $355,968. Matt Miller, a former Ashland County commissioner, was a distant second at $20,361.

Sunday was the deadline for filing 2009 year-end campaign finance reports with the FEC.

First-term U.S. Reps. Steve Driehaus (D-Cincinnati) and Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Columbus) also held financial leads over their potential opponents in the 1^st and 15^th Districts, respectively, although the margins were slimmer.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Steve Austria (R-Springfield) showed cash on hand of $260,259 in the 7^th Congressional District. The FEC listed no Democratic candidate in the race.

A snapshot at the start of the race with amounts of cash on hand:

1^st District: U.S. Rep. Driehaus ($762,139); Republican challenger Steve Chabot ($612,959).

2^nd District: U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) ($239,890); Democratic challenger David Krikorian ($150,401).

12^th District: U.S. Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-Galena) ($1.2 million); Democratic challenger Paula Brooks ($328,659).

15^th District: U.S. Rep. Kilroy ($694,582); Republican challenger Steve Stivers ($514,320).

18^th District: U.S. Rep. Zack Space (D-Dover) ($1.2 million); Republican challengers Bob Gibbs, Lakeville ($156,923), Jeanette Moll, Zanesville ($80,862), Fred Dailey, Mount Vernon ($53,445).

Separately, a conservative Republican who is considering a run for the U.S. House from either the 17^th or 6^th Congressional Districts said Monday he has raised over $107,000 since beginning his exploratory committee last October.

Bill Johnson traced the response to a dissatisfied electorate.

"I have traveled thousands of miles across Ohio as I've been considering this decision, and in my travels, no one has ever said the way to get Ohio moving again is with bigger government, more debt, and higher taxes," he said in a news release.

"My goal in exploring a campaign was to determine whether or not my experience as a career military officer, a businessman, and someone who lives conservative values could make a difference in Washington," Mr. Johnson said.

He is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who now works in "a senior management IT role" with a northeast Ohio company.

Mahoning County is split between the two districts. Although Mr. Johnson lives in the 17^th District, he is close to the 6^th District as well.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Niles) represents the 17^th District, while U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-St. Clairsville) represents the 6^th District.

Mr. Johnson's campaign said a year-end filing with the FEC was not required because of its status as an exploratory committee.

Democrats Introduce Brown As Chief Justice Candidate, Won't Seek Opponent For Justice Pfeifer

The Ohio Democratic Party introduced Probate Judge Eric Brown of Franklin County on Tuesday as their candidate for Chief Justice of the state Supreme Court, pledging he would bring balance to a bench currently made up of seven Republicans.

At the same time, Democrats said they would not field a candidate to oppose Justice Paul Pfeifer, one of three Republicans whose seat on the high court is at stake in the Nov. 2 election.

Chairman Chris Redfern of the Ohio Democratic Party characterized Justice Pfeifer as a Republican who was "continuing to evolve" into a new Democrat.

"I think over the course of the last 10 years it's become apparent that Paul Pfeifer's not at home in the Ohio Republican Party. So why would I want to disrupt that?" Mr. Redfern said in an interview. "I don't know that we'll endorse him."

Gov. Ted Strickland also said he had not been looking for a candidate to oppose Justice Pfeifer.

"Quite frankly, I think Justice Pfeifer frequently makes decisions that do reflect an attempt to bring balance to the decision making process of the Ohio Supreme Court," he told reporters.

Judge Brown formally declared his candidacy at a Statehouse event for the Democratic nomination to oppose Republican Justice Maureen O'Connor in the race to succeed retiring Chief Justice Thomas Moyer.

Gov. Strickland described Judge Brown and his wife, Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown, as personal friends.

"I know him well enough to know that he is dedicated to the constitution, to the rule of law, and to justice. Judge Brown will bring impartiality to the court," the governor said.

Mr. Strickland noted that Judge Brown, earlier in his career, served under Attorneys General Lee Fisher and Betty Montgomery.

"I think justice is best achieved when the makeup of the judiciary is balanced," he said. "Like all parts of government, the court's effectiveness will only improve as it more accurately reflects the people of our great state."

Judge Brown, joined by his wife, mother, and other family members, said that "regular, hard-working Ohioans deserve a voice at the helm" of the court, and that he would supply that voice.

"I will also bring to the court a lifetime of public experience, public service and an understanding of the struggles facing ordinary Ohioans and how the law and courts impact their lives every day," he said.

Mr. Brown was reminded that during the November 2008 campaign for probate judge, he had ruled out a bid for the high court.

The candidate said he stood by the statement, and that he had no intent at that time to seek election in 2010. "But when the governor asked, it was important for me to consider," he said.

Judge Brown declined to say whether, in the event he loses to Justice O'Connor, he would ask Mr. Strickland to appoint him to her seat as a justice. She is in the second year of a six-year term.

"I'm not planning that far out. It's my intent to focus on this race," he said.

Judge Brown joins Judge Mary Jane Trapp of the 11^th District Court of Appeals on the Democratic primary ballot. She is seeking the nomination to challenge Justice Judith Lanzinger in her campaign for a second, six year term.

Gov. Strickland was asked if the selection of Judge Brown, who is Jewish, was an attempt to add diversity to the court.

"That's not why I ask him to seek the office, but I think having someone of the Jewish tradition on the court is good," the governor said.

Gov. Strickland said he and the state party are "very serious" about the two Supreme Court races. "I think we've got two very superb candidates," he said.

"I think these Supreme Court races are going to be different from most recent Supreme Court races. In terms of resources, in terms of the candidates themselves, and, quite frankly, I think in terms of the support that we have already garnered behind these two superb candidates," Mr. Strickland said.

Separately, Chairman Kevin DeWine of the Ohio Republican Party said he doubted anyone would be talking about the Franklin County judge as a candidate for chief justice if his name were not Brown.

"Democrats love to play the name game with Ohio elections by running candidates who sound familiar but are wholly unqualified for the job. Ohioans are smarter than that," Mr. DeWine said.

"Eric Brown is a mediocre judge with a controversial record in his few short years on the bench. In his last campaign, he managed to get only an average rating out the Columbus Bar Association, and, despite his limited judicial experience, he's been the target of criticism for his courtroom management and questionable rulings," the GOP chairman said.

AG Opens Small Business Complaint Enforcement Operation

Small business leaders who are engaged in disputes with scammers and deceptive vendors will be able to file complaints that the Ohio Attorney General's office will investigate, Richard Cordray announced Tuesday.

Mr. Cordray said the effort, which has been in pilot operation for six months, would help protect small businesses, which he said are the drivers of Ohio's economy.

Enforcement actions will be brought under the Deceptive Sales Practices Act, which could act on behalf of companies, the AG said.

"Businesses with fewer than 20 employees create half of the jobs in the state," Mr. Cordray said. "We know they are often targeted by scammers, but before today, they did not have recourse through our office against this epidemic of predatory practices."

Over the six-month pilot, Mr. Cordray said his office has received more than 500 complaints that have produced recovery or savings of more than $60,000.

One such case involved a West Chester insurance business' struggles with a wireless phone company.

The attorney general said small businesses are struggling to hold their own in a difficult economy, noting that the effort will help protect them - particularly start-ups - from deceptive efforts. "Ohio's Small businesses need our help. We're proud to say they have it," he said.

Roger Geiger, executive vice president and director of the National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio, said the effort helps businesses by creating a more responsive government and boosting consumer confidence.

"Recovery will happen when entrepreneurship leads the way," he said, adding that smaller operations appear to be more vulnerable to predatory activities.

Kip Morse, president of the Central Ohio Better Business Bureau, said the attorney general's office would be a "wonderful asset" in cracking down on deceptive practices. Mr. Morse said the BBB regularly uses mediation to work out disputes, and typically has a high level of resolution.

Mr. Cordray said Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act largely protects individuals, but said the law regarding deceptive practices can be read to also offer protections for companies.

"This was a priority for me," he said. "We found authority to do it and we're moving forward."

Complaints can be filed online or through the office's regular consumer complaint line.

Ohioans' Chances Of Cancer Death Higher Than National Average, Study Says

Ohioans' chances of surviving cancer continued to increase in recent years, but the state's mortality rate for the disease remains significantly higher than the national average, according to a recent report.

About 201 out of 100,000 Ohioans die from cancer, compared to less than 187 per 100,000 Americans - a difference of about 8%, said the American Cancer Society report, which analyzed the most recent data available from deaths reported from 2002 to 2006.

The incidence of cancer in Ohio is also slightly higher than the national average at 466 per 100,000, compared to 463 per 100,000, the report said.

On the bright side, Ohio cancer patients' chances of survival increased as the overall cancer mortality rate dropped 13% between 1990 and 2006, the study said. Cancer deaths among African American males dropped the most with a 24% reduction over the previous 17 years.

A notable exception to the decreasing death rate is melanoma, which increased 15% among whites between 1990-2006, ACS said. Limiting exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight or tanning lamps can decrease the risk of the lethal skin cancer.

"While we have certainly made encouraging progress in the fight against cancer, there is still work to be done," said Ohio Department of Health Director Alvin Jackson. "We are committed to working with partners such as the American Cancer Society to promote cancer prevention and early detection among Ohio's citizens."

The study found that disparities in how the disease affects different populations continue to exist, with African Americans' cancer incidence and mortality rates 7% and 26% higher respectively than for whites. Researchers found the greatest disparities in mortality for larynx cancer, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer and stomach cancer.

An estimated 62,420 Ohioans were diagnosed with invasive cancer in 2009, ACS spokesman Robert Paschen said in a statement. "The information contained in this report will help the American Cancer Society and our partners better understand where to direct our efforts as we seek to end suffering from cancer."

The most frequent type of invasive cancer diagnosis in Ohio during 2009 was lung cancer with 10,690 new cases, followed by female breast cancer with 7,340 cases, prostate cancer with 6,510 cases, and colorectal cancer with 6,060 new cases.

With 7,300 victims in Ohio last year, lung cancer caused the majority of the estimated 24,350 cancer deaths in 2009, ACS said. Colorectal cancer was responsible for 2,210 deaths, female breast cancer for 1,790 deaths, and pancreatic cancer for 1,430 deaths.

Politics Notebook: Board Of Elections Director To Seek Stewart's House Seat; ORP Endorses Yost For Auditor

Franklin County Board of Elections Director Michael Stinziano said Tuesday he was resigning to run for the 25^th House District seat.

Mr. Stinziano kicked off his campaign this week and has begun to circulate petitions to get his name on the May 4 primary ballot, according to announcement released by the House Democratic Caucus.

"I was raised in a home that championed public service, the importance for strong legislators who will fight for their constituents and the value of an independent voice in the legislature." Mr. Stinziano said.

"If I am elected to represent the constituents of Ohio's 25^th House District, I will work tirelessly to bring jobs to our area." Mr. Stinziano said. "As state representative, I will work with township, city and county officials to find solutions to improve housing and safety of our neighborhoods. I will work hard to promote the success of small businesses in our community."

The Democrat who currently holds the seat, Rep. Dan Stewart of Columbus, is term-limited this year.

Before becoming director of the board of elections jurisdiction, Mr. Stinziano worked in the Legal Services Division of Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's office. The lawyer has also worked as a law clerk for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus, as a legal extern for the Supreme Court of Ohio, as a research assistant in the British Parliament and as a congressional intern.

He holds a law degree from Ohio State University, a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond.

State Auditor Race: The Ohio Republican Party has endorsed Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost as the GOP candidate for state auditor.

"I am pleased and humbled to have this endorsement," Mr. Yost said in a release. "I know the challenge ahead of me to fill the shoes of Mary Taylor is huge. I'll work hard to keep a conservative in that office and put together a campaign to win."

Mr. Yost said he has raised almost $100,000 in his first few days of candidacy for the auditor seat. The candidate announced his intention to run for auditor Jan. 25 and at the same time drop from the race for attorney general (See Gongwer Ohio Report, January 25, 2010).

"Dave has the ground game in place to run an effective statewide race," ORP state committee member Teri Morgan said. "His support among Republicans is only growing every day, and we're proud to show our support of Dave's candidacy."

The auditor of state position came open when Mary Taylor opted to forego re-election to become announced GOP gubernatorial candidate John Kasich's running mate last month.

The endorsement means Mr. Yost will have access to party resources, such as a statewide slate card and other invaluable assets for a primary campaign.

Rep. Seth Morgan (R-Huber Heights), who is also an announced candidate for auditor of state, fired back against the party's selection of Mr. Yost.

His campaign responded to the endorsement saying the prosecutor's selection was the result of "backroom deals" and "political pressure" on Mr. Yost to leave the AG race.

"Dave Yost would have been a great attorney general," Communications Director Rob Scott said. "The Ohio auditor's office is not a bargaining chip to be played for nor is it an office for someone who concedes to political pressure."

"Seth Morgan is unbending towards the political establishment and special interests. As a certified public accountant, a small business owner, and employer, he understands the importance of objectivity and independence for the taxpayers of Ohio," Mr. Scott said.

Separately, Mr. Morgan's campaign announced Amanda Sima would join his campaign team as finance director.

Ms. Sima has organized statewide county fundraising plans as both a grassroots and fundraising efforts.

"Seth has the qualifications and grassroots support as Ohio's next auditor. I'm excited to hit the ground running to support him," Ms. Sima said.

She previously was finance director for Mike DeWine's campaign for Attorney General and deputy finance director McCain Victory Ohio and for Ken Blackwell's 2006 gubernatorial campaign.

Livestock Initiative: Ohioans for Livestock Care responded Tuesday to the Monday announcement of a new farm animal initiative planned for the November ballot by the Humane Society and other groups.

"Ohio farmers, first and foremost, are committed to caring for the animals we raise," the group said in a release.

"The California-style proposal being sought by out-of-state animal rights groups is not needed, and their actions disregard the will of voters who supported an Ohio-based measure. The Board can - and will - do its job, if these groups will step back and give it time to do so. And furthermore, any group can bring before the Board any changes it seeks - without going to the unnecessary lengths of a statewide ballot initiative.

"Enough is enough from these out-of-state groups. Our voters have spoken - it's right to let Ohio experts set and maintain our excellent animal care standards, and to let farmers continue caring for their flocks and herds and providing safe, low-cost food for Ohioans."

Capitol Scene: DOD Shuffles Top Staff; Scales Named RSC Legislative Liaison; Ethics Panel Elects Leaders

The Ohio Department of Development has made changes in three people filling top agency roles, the agency has announced.

Now serving as chief of staff to Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel is Nicolette Jaworski, who worked as a special assistant for economic outreach and public information officer for the agency. The Capital University graduate also has experience working in local government.

Ms. Patt-McDaniel named Trudy Bartley, the agency's former federal stimulus coordinator, as chief operating officer. Before joining the agency, Ms. Bartley was president of Diversified Development Group, a minority real estate development firm. The Wellesley College graduate also served as deputy director of the City of Columbus' development department for 11 years.

The director also named Kevin Giangola, the former deputy director and chief procurement officer at the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, as DOD's chief financial officer. Mr. Giangola, a Kent State University graduate, also served previously as assistant deputy director for the Office of Workforce and Development.

RSC-Scales: Separately, Brandi Scales has been named legislative liaison at the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.

She worked most recently as communications and federal policy analyst at Public Children Services Association of Ohio. The former Ohio Senate aide also worked on the Ohio Department of Health's policy staff.

Ms. Scales holds degrees from Morgan State University and Capital University Law School.

Ethics Commission-Leadership: Separately, members of the Ohio Ethics Commission elected Ben Rose to serve as chair and Shirley Mays to serve as vice chair.

Mr. Rose, a Lima attorney, is a former member of the Ohio House. He has been a member of the OEC since 2006. Ms. Mays, associate dean of Capital University Law School, has been an OEC member since 2008. Both served in the same leadership roles last year.

Court Briefs: Ohioan Named To U.S. Attorney General Advisory Committee; Applications Sought For Two Judicial Openings

U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach, Northern District of Ohio, is among three new federal prosecutors named to serve on the Attorney General's Advisory Committee.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in making the appointments that the committee "plays a critical role" in the Department of Justice.

"I will rely heavily on them as we work to further the department's efforts to reduce violent crime and gang violence, promote civil rights, ensure fairness in the marketplace and above all, preserve our national security," Mr. Holder said in a news release.

The committee, created in 1973, reports to the attorney general. The panel represents the voice of federal prosecutors and provides advice and counsel on policy, management and operational issues impacting their offices.

Joining Mr. Dettelbach as new members of the panel were U.S. Attorneys Sanford Coats of Oklahoma and Jim Letten of Louisiana.

Judicial Vacancies: Applications are being accepted to fill vacancies on courts in Licking and Cuyahoga counties.

The Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel will accept applications until Feb. 23 for a vacancy on the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court.

Applications are being accepted until March 8 for the Licking County Common Pleas Court.

Both seats became vacant on Dec. 31, 2009 due to the retirements of Judge Timothy Flanagan in Cuyahoga County and Judge Jon Spahr in Licking County.

To continue serving in the positions, the appointees must run in the Nov. 2 general election.

The panel said all applicants are encouraged to submit completed declarations of candidacy to their county election boards by the Feb. 18 filing deadline.

All materials submitted by applicants for a judicial vacancy will be considered public record under Ohio law. Applicant communication with panel members must be directed to the entire panel; all attempts to contact or influence a panel member are prohibited.