Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement in response to the House Finance Committee’s passage of the 2008-09 Operating Budget:

“The House budget reflects a bipartisan effort to move Ohio forward. I appreciate the hard work of legislators on both sides of the aisle. We have much work ahead of us, but I am hopeful as the core priorities of my budget have been preserved.

My education proposals represent a significant step forward toward addressing education funding in Ohio. Taken together our budget will improve equity and accountability in our public schools, accelerate school facilities construction and reduce the over reliance on property taxes through a tax cut for one in four Ohio homeowners.

I am encouraged by Speaker Husted’s and Leader Beatty’s leadership in recognizing that education is a primary driver of Ohio’s economy and worthy of the state’s support.

And I remain committed to working with the legislature to provide every uninsured Ohio child with access to health care and to ensure Ohio’s poorest families have access to health care in this budget.

I look forward to continuing to work in good faith with the leadership of both houses to develop a budget we can all be proud of.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland, together with The George Gund Foundation and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, today launched an effort to enhance and expand the Ohio Benefit Bank, a web-enabled, counselor-assisted program that helps low- and moderate-income Ohioans identify available benefits while filing their taxes.

A $150,000 grant from The George Gund Foundation will help the Ohio Benefit Bank expand its mission of allowing low- and moderate-income Ohioans to electronically file their income taxes while gaining access to credits and benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, food stamps, child care subsidies, home energy assistance and children’s health insurance at the same time.

Many Ohioans who are eligible for these services do not take advantage of the benefits. Currently, nearly $1.5 billion in credits and benefits are not claimed each year in Ohio. Federal money accounts for 77 percent of these unclaimed funds.

The Gund Foundation grant will fund the training of Benefit Bank counselors and the establishment of 50 additional Benefit Bank sites in Greater Cleveland. Cuyahoga County currently has 11 Benefit Bank locations.

“The Gund Foundation’s grant is an excellent opportunity to expand Benefit Bank services to people throughout Ohio,” Strickland said. “This outreach will make Ohioans in need more aware of where they can turn for help.”

The Ohio Benefit Bank, in a partnership with the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, and faith-based and community organizations and public agencies across the state, operates more than 200 Benefit Bank sites in Ohio.

A Benefit Bank counselor works with individuals in breaking down barriers and providing the support and information needed to determine eligibility and complete applications for services.

The Benefit Bank’s success is grounded in a high return on investment. In the past year, the Ohio Benefit Bank has assisted clients from low- and moderate-incomes in claiming more than $4.5 million in credits and benefits. Nationally, Benefit Bank sites return an average of more than $500,000 in credits and benefits per site. In turn, clients move out of poverty into self-sufficiency and generate economic activity in their communities as a result of their increased resources.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement regarding the request for reprieve from James Filiaggi:

“Earlier today, counsel for James Filiaggi asked me to grant Mr. Filiaggi a reprieve so that he could ‘pursue his efforts to participate in the litigation surrounding lethal injection in Ohio.’ After careful consideration, I have decided to deny this request for clemency.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointment of Steven Terry to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, general division.

“Steven has the legal experience, integrity and commitment to serving the public that judges should exemplify,” Strickland said. “I believe he will carry out the duties of his position with fairness and good judgment.”

Terry fills a seat on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas that was vacated when Judge Mary Jane Boyle was elected to the Eighth District Court of Appeals. Terry will begin on April 30, 2007, and his appointment will extend until January 2, 2009.

Terry, 49, resides in Cleveland and brings more than 17 years of legal experience to the Court of Common Pleas position.

Since 2004, Terry has served as the director for the Cuyahoga County Department of Justice Affairs, where he oversees a department with a $38 million budget and 170 employees. He previously worked in private practice and as the prosecutor for Warrensville Heights from 2002-2004.

Terry also held several other senior management positions with the City of Cleveland from 1994-2001, including chief counsel, assistant director of public safety and first assistant city prosecutor.

Prior to his service in Cleveland, Terry worked for the Cuyahoga County prosecutor’s office from 1992-1994, Edward L. Gilbert Co., LPA in Akron from 1989-1992, and the prosecutor’s office for the City of Akron from 1984-1989.

Terry received his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Bowling Green State University in 1980 and 1982, respectively. He graduated from the University of Akron School of Law in 1987.

“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve Cuyahoga County,” Terry said.

Terry has been involved with several community organizations including 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Prince Hall Masons and Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC.

Governor Strickland selected Terry through Ohio’s new judicial selection process, in which members of the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel (OJARP) evaluate the qualifications of applicants for judicial vacancies and then make non-binding recommendations to the governor based on their evaluations. OJARP is currently working to fill judicial vacancies in Lucas, Montgomery, and Stark counties.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today appointments to several boards and commissions.

The Technical Advisory Council on Oil and Gas will advise the chief of the Division of Oil and Gas on technical matters which may arise concerning oil and gas production, drilling, and exploration.

Roy Rushing, of Dublin, has been named to the Technical Advisory Council on Oil and Gas. Rushing is currently the president of the Ohio Gas Association, an organization primarily concerned with public safety and awareness, as well as monitoring and reporting on regulatory and legislative activities.

Gloria Fauss, of Utica, has been named to the Technical Advisory Council on Oil and Gas. Fauss has served as the national director of state government and community relations for the Nature Conservancy, an international conservation organization. Fauss also served with the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology. Fauss is currently the director of government affairs for the SEIU District 1199.

The Miami University Board of Trustees has the authority to hire and set the compensation of the president, professors and employees of Miami University. The Board of Trustees is charged with maintaining the successful operation of the college.

Peter Lawson Jones, of Cleveland, has been named to the Miami University Board of Trustees. Jones served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1997 to 2002 and was a member of the Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee of the Finance and Appropriations Committee. Jones served on the city council of Shaker Heights from 1984 to 1991, including a stint as vice mayor from 1988 to 1989. Jones received his bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees from Harvard University.

Kerry McCormack, of Cleveland, has been named to the student trustee spot on the Board of Trustees. McCormack is a first-year student at Miami University and graduate of St. Joseph High School in Cleveland where he won numerous awards for leadership and was active in athletics and school service.

The Private Investigation and Security Services Commission advises the director of public safety on matters related to the regulation of private investigation and the business of security services. The commission advises the director on the format, content, and all other aspects of all private investigation and security services licensure examinations.

Jay McDonald, of Marion, has been reappointed to the Private Investigation and Security Services Commission. McDonald currently serves as one of the four law enforcement representatives on the commission, representing police officers. McDonald is a lieutenant with the Marion Police Department and the secretary of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio.

The State Dental Board sets the standards for all licensing exams and issuance and revocation of licenses. The State Dental Board also must approve the curriculum of all of Ohio’s dentistry schools.

William Leffler, DDS, of Canton, has been named to the Ohio State Dental Board. Leffler operates Leffler Family Dentistry in Massillon. Leffler is a past president of the Stark County Dental Society as well as a member of the American Dental Association’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs. Leffler graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and also holds a law degree from the University of Akron School of Law.

The National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture Planning Council meets with and advises the Ohio Historical Society in the course of establishment and maintenance of the National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture near Wilberforce University.

Betty J. Simmons-Talley, of Columbus, has been named to the National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture Planning Council. Simmons-Talley has been a bus driver with the Columbus Public Schools since 1979 and has served as the president of the Columbus School Employee Association. Simmons-Talley also marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama.

Carl Russell, of Cleveland Heights, has been appointed to the National Museum of Afro-American History and Culture Planning Council. Russell is a retired laborer and member of the Executive Board of Local 310 Laborers International in Cleveland. Russell has also been active with the NAACP as a coordinator of the 2002 NAACP Voter Fund.

The Wildlife Council advises the Department of Natural Resources on policies of the Division of Wildlife, as well as investigating and making recommendations in matters pertaining to preservation. The council issues orders for the management of wildlife based upon public hearings and supervises the wildlife in state parks, as well as approves all proposed rulings and regulations of the Division of Wildlife.

Dominic Marchese, of Farmdale, has been named to the Wildlife Council to serve as a representative of the farming community. Marchese has been the owner and operator of Manna Farms in Farmdale for 35 years. Marchese is a veteran of the United States Navy and served as a lieutenant in the Warren Fire Department where he worked from 1966 to 1991. Marchese is also active in the Trumbull County Farm Bureau and has served on bureau’s Board of Trustees.

The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board regulates the licensure and certification process of chemical dependency counselors and specialists, approves educational coursework and investigates ethical complaints against licensees. The board also regulates the prices of chemical dependency counseling and alcohol and other drug prevention services.

Diane Fidelibus, of Bexley, has been appointed to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. Fidelibus is a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor and prevention specialist. Fidelibus is currently the clinical coordinator for the mental health/chemical dependency/mental retardation program at Columbus State Community College. Fidelibus graduated from Ohio Dominican College in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in social welfare and from the University of Dayton with a master’s degree in education and social agency counseling.

The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission works for greater access to the public of the arts and professional sports through the operation and management of Ohio cultural and sports facilities, as well as through education.

Otto M. Budig, Jr., of Cincinnati, has been reappointed to the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission. Budig is a Cincinnati-area businessman that is active in the Cincinnati arts community. He serves on the board of the Cincinnati Ballet, the Cincinnati Arts Association, Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Ensemble Theater.


The Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee is charged with assisting the Ohio Department of Development and the Housing Finance Agency in identifying the housing needs and priorities of the state. The committee also reports on how programs, such as the Low-and-Moderate Income Housing Trust Fund, can more effectively benefit low and moderate income individuals and families. The committee advises the director of the Department of Development as to when and how money within the Housing Trust Fund should be allocated.

Cheryl Ann Thiesssen, of Wellston, has been reappointed to the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee. Thiessen is currently the executive director of Jackson-Vinton Community Action, Inc., a non-profit agency that provides support services to low income individuals and families in the areas of primary medical care, housing, energy costs, and aid to low-income mothers with infants or toddlers. Thiessen has also served on the boards of the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development and the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies.

Debbie Lieberman, of Clayton, has been appointed to the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee. Lieberman currently serves as a Montgomery County Commissioner. Lieberman has worked for the Legal Aid Society of Dayton and has experience in residential and commercial real estate development. Lieberman also served as the director of real estate for the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office before being named the chief deputy auditor in 2001.

The Recreation and Resources Commission advises the director of the Department of Natural Resources on any plans and programs for the management, development, utilization and conservation of the state’s natural resources.

Fran Buchholzer, of Akron, has been reappointed to the Recreation and Resources Commission, to which she was first appointed in 2004. Buchholzer is a former director of the Department of Natural Resources under Governor George Voinovich. Buchholzer served as one of three commissioners for Metro Parks serving Summit County, overseeing and setting policy for the operation of the county’s Metropolitan Park System.

The Ohio Veterans’ Home Board of Trustees governs the conduct, care, and property of the Ohio Veterans’ Homes in Sandusky and Georgetown.

Robert Dean, of Warren, has been appointed to the Ohio Veterans’ Home Board of Trustees. Dean served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1982, earning numerous commendations and twice being selected as non-commissioned Officer of the Year. Dean has worked for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority since 1993, currently serving as the facility security officer, directing and managing the port authority’s homeland security plan and also serves as city councilmember-at-large for the Warren City Council.

The Emergency Response Commission aims to improve statewide preparedness and response to emergencies and promote public awareness of potential hazards. The commission consists of representatives from professional and volunteer firefighters, county emergency and local emergency response agencies, environmental advocacy groups, and petroleum refiners or chemical manufacturers.

Vernon K. Higaki, of Macedonia, has been named to the Emergency Response Commission. Higaki is currently the manager of Fleet Emergency Preparedness, and has served since 1999 on the Nuclear Industry Task Force, which works with the Nuclear Energy Institute in Washington, D.C., to develop regulatory requirements.

The Ohio Optical Dispensers Board handles the processing of licensure applications for dispensing opticians, schedules and administers qualifying examinations for licensure, revokes or suspends licenses, and issues licenses to qualified individuals.

James Fortune, of Youngstown, has been named to the Ohio Optical Dispensers Board. Fortune served 20 years on the Youngstown City Council, serving on numerous committees including the Public Utilities and Safety Committee and the Education Committee. Fortune is a United States Army veteran and a lifelong resident of Youngstown.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement regarding the Ohio Parole Board’s recommendation against executive clemency for James Filiaggi:

“As a result of his conviction for aggravated murder, the Ohio Supreme Court has scheduled the execution of Mr. James J. Filiaggi for April 24, 2007 at 10 a.m. Although Mr. Filiaggi has not requested clemency, I have completed my review to determine if executive clemency is warranted in this capital murder case.

In making my determination, my staff and I reviewed the trial transcripts, the report of the forensic psychiatrist that was prepared for trial, trial photographs and videos, the Adult Parole Authority’s report, phone calls recordings introduced at trial, judicial rulings, Mr. Filiaggi’s institutional mental health records, letters received by the Parole Board, arguments presented at the Parole Board hearing and the exhibits presented at the Parole Board hearing.

We have also reviewed letters received in the Governor’s Office regarding this matter and the unanimous recommendation against clemency forwarded to me by the Ohio Parole Board on February 1, 2007.

Based on this review, I concur with the Parole Board recommendation on this matter."

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today declared Friday, April 20, 2007, as a statewide day of mourning for the victims of the Virginia Tech tragedy.

At the request of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Strickland joins with governors across the country in designating tomorrow as a day to remember those involved in Monday’s shooting.

“Ohioans are grieving for the students and faculty members whose lives were tragically taken at Virginia Tech,” Strickland said. “I encourage everyone to take a few moments Friday at noon to offer their heartfelt prayers and support for the victims of this tragedy and their families.”

Strickland asks Ohioans to observe a moment of silence or ring a bell at noon Friday in honor of the victims.

Columbus, OH – In light of Monday’s tragic events at Virginia Tech, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has asked Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut to establish a Task Force on Campus Security to review campus safety plans and ensure that Ohio’s public colleges and universities are using safety best practices.

“We have a responsibility to Ohio students, their families and our communities to use the tragic events at Virginia Tech as an opportunity to reexamine campus safety issues in Ohio,” Strickland said. “This task force will begin a discussion across institutions, and make sure that state government is offering the maximum amount of support to the schools as well as coordinating with local efforts.”

Fingerhut will ask all public colleges and universities, as well as independent institutions that wish to participate, to designate a representative to the task force. While the work of the task force will evolve throughout the process, the discussion will begin with communication and response planning to violent events, as well as the role of campus administrators and public safety officers in such situations.

“There is no doubt that our colleges and universities have and continue to put forth every effort to ensure a safe environment for students,” Fingerhut said. “This task force will work to enhance those efforts and ensure adequate preparation and support for any unexpected and emergency situations on campus.”

Fingerhut asks that the names of college and university representatives be submitted to the chancellor’s office by April 23.

Columbus, OH - Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today released specific, school district-by-school district data for the average tax cut Ohio’s seniors will receive with Strickland’s proposed expansion of the Homestead Tax Exemption.

“As I travel Ohio I hear how this tax cut will truly benefit the lives of Ohioans, and I can tell it will make a meaningful difference for Ohio’s senior citizens,” Strickland said. “This is truly an example of investing in what matters. By making sound fiscal decisions to fund current and future school building projects for Ohio’s students we are also able to offer a tax cut for our seniors.”

The comprehensive document of district-by-district data can be found by clicking here: Ohio Department of Taxation.

Strickland’s proposal to expand the Homestead Tax Exemption will provide property tax relief for an estimated 775,000 homeowners – one of every four homeowners statewide – compared to only 220,000 who receive the benefit from the exemption today.  Expanding the Homestead Exemption will save senior citizen homeowners an average of $400 a year without impacting school districts.

Strickland’s proposal also eliminates income limits that currently apply. Otherwise, the program continues to benefit: (1) homeowners age 65 or over; (2) the spouse of a deceased homeowner who was 65 or over at the time of death; or (3) a homeowner who is totally and permanently disabled.

“The annual savings are significant for all senior homeowners but even more so for those living in the state’s seven largest school districts,” Ohio Tax Commissioner Richard Levin said. “Based on the median value of a home in these districts, senior homeowners will see property tax cuts ranging from 26 percent to 61 percent.”

The proposed expansion would have no impact on school district or local government revenues because the state will reimburse for the additional property tax relief, as it does now for the existing Homestead Exemption program.

Property Tax Relief with Expansion of Homestead Exemption

 

Columbus, OH– Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following proclamation:


Ohio grieves for the victims of the tragedy at Virginia Tech. The prayers of our people seek comfort for the families of those who were lost, recovery for those who were injured, and solace for all those whose lives were touched by this senseless violence.

In respect and sympathy for the victims of this tragic act perpetrated on Monday, April 16, 2007, by authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio, I hereby order that the flag of the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff at the Capitol and upon all public buildings and grounds from sunrise, April 18, 2007 until sunset, April 22, 2007.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven.

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel is currently accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on the Stark County Court of Common Pleas.

Applicants for the Court of Common Pleas position must be a resident and registered elector of Stark County and not yet 70 years old on the day they begin their duties, as dictated by Ohio law. In addition, they must be admitted to practice law in Ohio and have maintained their legal license for six years prior to assuming the judicial post or served as a judge of a court of record in any jurisdiction in the United States.

The term of the Stark County appointment will extend until January 2, 2009. To continue service in the position, the appointee must run in the November 2008 judicial election.

In the case of all judicial vacancies, applicants must follow the guidelines set forth by the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel to ensure their eligibility for appointment.

Applications must be submitted directly to the judicial panel and will then be distributed to the at-large and regional panel members. Details and the full text of the application procedure are available on the judicial panel’s section of the governor’s Web site, http://www.governor.ohio.gov/.

Requirements for all applicants include submitting a letter of interest, resume, panel questionnaire at http://governor.ohio.gov/Portals/0/OJARP/Judicial%20Questionnaire.pdf and no more than six letters of recommendation.

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. Applicant questions and concerns should be addressed to Kent Markus or Jeff Ruppert in the Governor’s Office at (614) 466-3555.

Applications for the Stark County appointment must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 17.

Candidates must be available to interview in person on Friday, June 15 in Columbus. Individual candidate times and interview locations will be determined at a later date.

Governor Strickland has selected the following individuals to serve on the regional
committee for the current Stark County vacancy:

Dr. Jack DeSario, Attorney and professor of political science at Mount Union College; former chair of the Ohio Ethics Commission

Phyllis Phillips, Councilwoman for the City of Alliance

Debbie Maier, Vice president for human resources at NFM Welding Enterprises

Lee Plakas, Attorney and partner at Tzangas, Plakas, Mannos and Raies

Charlie Rohr, Business representative and organizer for Ohio and Vicinity Regional Council of Carpenters

Tony Townsend, Principal of Hope Academy; councilman for the City of Massillon

At-Large Members of the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendations Panel:

Janet E. Jackson, Chair, President and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio

Meg Flack, Board Member of the League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus

Doloris Learmonth, Managing partner at Peck Shaffer and Williams LLP in Cincinnati

Joy Malek Oldfield, Partner at Hill Hardman Oldfield, LLC, in Akron

Charles “Rocky” Saxbe, Former state representative, currently a senior partner in the Columbus law firm of Chester, Wilcox and Saxbe, LLP

Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today sent the following letter to President George W. Bush:

April 10, 2007

President George W. Bush
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Bush:

I write to you today in concern for the continued and unprecedented sacrifice our men and women in the Ohio National Guard bear in relation to the ongoing conflict in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.

Yesterday, the Department of Defense announced an alert order for the possible deployment of additional replacement units in support of the war in Iraq. Four National Guard brigade combat teams, including the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from Ohio, could be deployed as soon as December 2007.

As you are aware, the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team was originally in line for possible mobilization in 2009. The timeframe has been moved up dramatically. This is a significant departure from the commitment made to Ohio soldiers and their families, and I believe it is a breach of faith.

While this alert purportedly is not associated to the current “surge,” I remain troubled by the significant burden Ohioans continue to shoulder during the recent conflicts, with over 9,000 Ohio soldiers deployed since 9 / 11.

The brave men and women who serve in the Ohio National Guard are putting their lives on the line. I am asking for your assurance that prior to deployment, every

Ohio soldier has the most up-to-date equipment, including individual body armor systems, M-4 rifles and other weapons systems, night vision devices, and up-armored type wheeled vehicles. I am also asking for your assurance that every Ohio soldier has appropriate training.

Our soldiers and their families deserve nothing less. On behalf of the men and women in the Ohio National Guard, I look forward to your response and assurances.


Sincerely,



Ted Strickland
Governor, State of Ohio


cc: Defense Secretary Robert Gates

Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today reappointed Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Alan R. Schriber and Commissioners Ronda Hartman Fergus, Valerie A. Lemmie and Paul A. Centolella to the PUCO.

“These reappointments will maintain a continuity of service and institutional knowledge that will be an asset when Paul joins the commission,” Strickland said. “We will continue to work with the PUCO to ensure fair-priced utilities to all Ohioans and Ohio businesses.”

Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today asked the Controlling Board to reject a fact-finding report regarding the negotiations between the Ohio State Troopers Association and the State of Ohio.

“While I support the vehicle fire suppression systems recommended by the fact-finder, we need to continue to negotiate with the Ohio State Troopers Association on other matters,” Strickland said. “I hope to reach an agreement soon with an emphasis on investing in what matters most to keep all Ohioans, especially our troopers, safe.”

The Controlling Board will vote today on whether to accept the governor’s recommendation to reject this report. The next formal step in the negotiation process is conciliation. During conciliation each party submits its final offer regarding unresolved issues to a final and binding resolution process. Informal negotiations can continue up to and during conciliation.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointment of Fanon Rucker to fill a vacancy on the Hamilton County Municipal Court.

“Fanon’s leadership and diverse legal experience are superior,” Strickland said. “I believe he will be an excellent judge.”

Rucker, 35, brings more than 10 years of legal experience to the Hamilton County Municipal Court. Since 2002, he has been an associate in the Cincinnati law firm of Santen and Hughes, where he concentrates on general civil litigation, employment and labor law, and civil rights. He also serves as the law director and prosecutor for the Village of Lincoln Heights and prosecutor for the Village of Woodlawn.

Rucker previously worked in the Cincinnati law firm of Manley Burke from 2000-2002 and started a general civil litigation practice with a concentration on civil rights and employment and labor law. He worked as assistant city prosecutor for the City of Cincinnati from 1996-2000, prosecuting misdemeanor cases and representing the city in civil and administrative cases.

Rucker, a native of Gary, Ind., received his bachelor’s degree from Hampton University in Virginia and his law degree from the University of Cincinnati.

Rucker has been an active member in several community and professional organizations, including the Cincinnati Bar Association and Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati. He has published articles and presentations on various legal issues, in particular civil rights violations and ethics.

“I am humbled by this opportunity, and I look forward to serving the court and Hamilton County,” Rucker said.

Rucker will begin as judge on Monday, April 30.

Columbus, OH - Governor Ted Strickland announced today State Representative Kenneth A. Carano will serve as the regional director for the Office of the Governor for the Mahoning Valley.

“Ken Carano is uniquely qualified because of his vast experience as a public servant, educator and entrepreneur,” Strickland said.

Carano will begin with the Strickland Administration effective May 1, 2007.

Carano will act as an advisor, representative and liaison for the governor and state agencies on state and local issues concerning the four county area of the Mahoning Valley (Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana).

“I am honored Governor Strickland selected me to represent his office in the Valley,” Carano said. “I look forward to continuing my service to the people of this region and I will take their concerns, good ideas and thoughts about how to turnaround Ohio and the Mahoning Valley directly to the governor.”

In 2000 Carano was elected to serve the 65th District in the Ohio House of Representatives, and was re-elected in the newly designated 59th District since 2002. He served on numerous committees, including serving as the ranking member of the House Education Committee. Prior to his election to the Ohio House, Carano served as a member of the Austintown Township Board of Trustees.

Carano’s entrepreneurial experiences include Carano Enterprises, owner and managing partner of Regency Associates, LLP and owner and operator of K&L Painting.

From 1980-2000 Carano was a limited service instructor in the Communications Department at Youngstown State University. He prepared curriculum and instructed a business and professional speaking course and a course on speech for classroom teachers. Carano was also an English and speech teacher at Austintown Fitch High School.

Carano received a bachelor’s degree in education from Youngstown State University. He is a member of multiple community and professional organizations throughout the Mahoning Valley.