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There’s still plenty of work to do

When he spoke to journalists from across Ohio earlier this week, Gov. Mike DeWine took a prudent approach to the idea some have proposed that property taxes should be eliminated in the state. After all, elected officials who call themselves conservatives have a certain obligation to help their constituents keep as much of their money in their pockets as possible. However, they also have an obligation to lead in a way that serves everyone. “Those who favor (eliminating property taxes) owe it to the people of the state to say, ‘How is my local police department going to get ...

Doing the best he can

With the retirement of former state Sen. Donna Boley, the question on the minds of many Mid-Ohio Valley residents was who might fill the empty seat. Gov. Patrick Morrisey has made an excellent choice in Del. Trenton Barnhart, R-Pleasants. Barnhart has worked alongside Boley long enough to understand how she was getting the job done, and has been in the House of Delegates long enough to know the priorities on which his constituents will want him to focus. “It’s the honor and privilege of my life to be able to serve in this building, let alone on this side of the building. It’s ...

Catching up on the care of our public lands

Ohioans know full well our parks and public lands are national treasures in need of a little polishing. The list of repairs and deferred maintenance is only growing. And, though workers and administrators do their best, time and the elements do take their toll. It makes sense, then, that U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, joined Sens. Angus King, I-Maine, and Steve Daines, R-Mont., in supporting the America the Beautiful Act to boost and reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund that could help address those challenges. “This bill would address more than $40 billion in deferred ...

Do what you can for your small businesses

Been stuck in the house for a while? Made one last run at the big box store before the snow, ice and frigid temperatures hit and haven’t spent an extra dime since? One day, we will be through this arctic spell. We’ll need to venture out and do a little shopping. Maybe we’ll just be ready to eat at a restaurant after having gone through everything in the pantry at home. When that time comes, consider spending your money with a smaller, locally owned establishment. Those who have either been forced to close or have seen VERY little traffic because of this weather may be in ...

Don’t let funds go unclaimed

Looking for something to do while snow, ice and frigid temperatures have perhaps kept you home for more time than you’d like in recent days? It could be a good time to check out the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds website. According to a recent report by the Akron Beacon Journal, the state still holds more than $4 billion in dormant bank accounts, utility deposits and uncashed checks. That’s a huge chunk of YOUR money just sitting (virtually) in Columbus. And remember, if you don’t claim it after more than ten years, you run the risk of it being used ...

WorkOhio makes the connection

“We’re going to be working hard to fill the needs of each region,” said Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel earlier this week, when he visited the Lafayette Hotel as part of his WorkOhio Initiative tour. Tressel also talked about opportunities being “a little bit different by region.” That, as he no doubt understands, was an understatement. WorkOhio is supposed to connect Buckeye State residents with jobs and support available through regional job hubs such as the one in Southeast Ohio: Ohio Valley Employment Resource. Those hubs, in turn, work with Community Connectors that can ...