Office of the Governor Press Releases

Columbus, Ohio -- Moving quickly to address a projected shortfall that may range between $733 million and $1.9 billion, Governor Strickland today directed agencies to implement more than $733 million in cost savings, management strategies, program reductions and efficiencies.

Strickland said that if conditions worsen he intends to seek additional funds that may be needed to balance the budget from the state’s $1 billion rainy day fund.

“I believe today’s decision is the most common-sense approach,” Strickland said. “The budget reductions I’m ordering today represent real sacrifice. There will be job reductions. Some programs will be curtailed or eliminated. Some institutions will be closed. But we will also be able to protect recent tax reforms and investments that I believe are crucial to Ohio’s economic recovery.”

Specifically, the governor’s budget reduction plan will allow the state to continue tax reform passed by previous legislatures, the newly-established homestead tax cut, children’s health care expansions, the tuition freeze for state colleges and universities, and increased funding for local school districts.

Strickland said he greatly appreciated the patience and dedication of state workers during this difficult time.

“I want every state employee to know how much I honor and appreciate the work they do every single day,” Strickland said. “I know that the decision I’ve made today will be disruptive, frightening and painful for many of my fellow state employees. I want you to know that I would not have made any decision today regarding budget reductions that I did not feel was absolutely necessary for the good of the state and the people of Ohio. I will do everything in my power, and I know agency directors will do everything in their power, to support you during this very difficult time of transition.”

Strickland emphasized that he arrived at today’s decision after careful consultation with Cabinet directors. Rather than ordering an across-the-board cut, regardless of results, the governor asked his Office of Budget and Management to lead a collaborative process with agencies in which different options were identified and shared with the governor. The governor then made his decision based on the advice and information agencies provided him.

“I have great respect and deep admiration for the work the Cabinet does,” Strickland said. “This was an incredibly difficult process for them, and I want to thank them for the hard work and care they brought to it.”

Strickland also ordered today a travel control policy limiting all out of country travel and all non-essential continental U.S. travel; a hiring control policy limiting state payroll expenditures and identifying all potential human resource cost savings measures; a personal services contracts control policy restricting the execution of future personal service contracts and mandating a thorough review of all current personal service contracts in an effort to achieve savings through reductions in or elimination of such contracts; an equipment control policy stopping all purchases of new equipment, with the exception of equipment needed for health, safety or other similarly critical state functions.

The following list includes budget reduction targets by agency as well as highlights of budget reduction actions by agency:


Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $2,754,372
FY2009: $1,126,817

• ODADAS will reduce administrative costs in central office by approximately $2.5 million in FY08 by placing controls on traveling, equipment purchases, and other administrative functions.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For ADA, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 6-12 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $800,000
FY2009: $500,000

• Lapse $1,000,000 for the biennium from the National Guard Benefits program (GRF 745-407) over the biennium.
• Lapse $180,556 in FY08 payroll costs from Central Administration (GRF 745-409).
• Lapse $119,443 in FY08 payroll from Army National Guard (GRF 745-499).

Budget Reduction Target:
FY 2008: $17,887,522
FY 2009: $21,133,915

• AGE will continue core activities without service disruption. Due to lower than estimated enrollment, appropriations in PASSPORT and Assisted Living are reduced. For PASSPORT it is anticipated that the available funding will cover new full enrollment estimates. For Assisted Living it will cover all current enrollees plus those currently in Nursing Facilities on the waiting list for assisted living.
• Administration will seek legislative approval to eliminate the 3% Medicaid reimbursement rate increase in fiscal year 2009 for PASSPORT and Choices providers.
• In part due to the growth of the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Medicare Part D) and the expansion of generic drug discount programs offered by retail chains, the need for services provided by the Ohio Best Rx program has not been as high as estimated. AGE will sustain the current program through the biennium using non-GRF resources.
  

Budget Reduction Target:
FY 2008: $275,562
FY 2009: $1,601,000

• To allow ODA to continue to fulfill its essential food safety operations with a minimal impact from budget reduction, the largest GRF-supported program at ODA, meat inspection, is exempt from reductions.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For ODA, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 17 to 31 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.
• ODA is pursuing several cost saving strategies of note. Attempts are being made to reduce ODA’s vehicle fleet, there is an out-of-state travel freeze in effect for all non-essential trips, and thermostats have been turned down by four degrees in all buildings at the ODA campus. Also, equipment purchases have been reduced and ODA has reached out to other state agencies to see what operational consolidation, or other joint cost saving measures, could be done.
  

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $90,400,000
FY2009: $0

• The Board of Regents will save an estimated $150,000 in FY08 and $400,000 in FY09 by eliminating or not filling several positions. Additional savings of up to $250,000 each fiscal year will be realized through administrative action to minimize travel, equipment, subscription and personal service contracts.
• Cash management strategies and a revised disbursement schedule for three new programs (Choose Ohio First Scholarship, Ohio Research Scholars, and the James A. Rhodes Scholarship) will generate $90 million in savings in FY08. The administration will seek legislative approval to accomplish strategic realignment of appropriations in needs based financial aid, which will result in increases in appropriations in FY09.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For the Board of Regents, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of three to nine positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.
  

Budget Reduction Target:
FY 2008: $0
FY 2009: $0

• The labor and worker safety (LAWS) program, the only program at Commerce which receives general revenue funding, is exempt from GRF budget reductions.
  

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $2,322,040
FY2009: $2,678,040

• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, DAS is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure, or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels.
• Targeted budget reductions include excess FY08 appropriation for the school employees health care board, the FY09 OAKS project implementation appropriation, and supplemental funding for the state printing and mail fulfillment consolidation into DAS. There is also an array of targeted budget reductions in the County & University Human Resources Services program.

Budget Reduction Target
FY2008: $4,469,663
FY2009: $4,860,122

• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For the Department of Development, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 11 to 20 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.
• DOD will realize cost savings by, reducing personal service contracts related to the Thomas Edison Program and Travel & Tourism activities (these two GRF reductions total $2,324,000), reducing subsidy payments to the Labor Management Program ($76,000), and canceling old subsidy encumbrances ($366,000). Will seek legislative approval to transfer excess funds from the operating budget of the International Trade Division ($64,000).
• Nine million dollars will be obtained through increased lapses and without service interruption.

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $ 9,096,500
FY2009: $22,600,000

• DMH intends to begin the process for the closures of Dayton and Cambridge psychiatric hospitals and the consolidation of other hospital administrative functions. In order to maintain capacity for MH patients, units will be opened in the Columbus, Athens, Toledo, and Cincinnati locations.
• DMH will implement various cost control strategies in order to reduce administrative costs. DMH plans to reduce Central Office staff by approximately 20%. Additionally, a control on proposed and unfilled positions will begin immediately. The Central Office will also cut equipment and contract spending by 20%.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For DMH, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.

Budget Reduction Target:
FY 2008: $4,274,609
FY 2009: $12,987,100

• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For DMR, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 390-540 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.
• In addition to GRF reductions, DMR will meet its target through the cancellation GRF subsidy encumbrances and other non-GRF cash management strategies.
• DMR will realize cost savings by centralizing services and collaborating with other state agencies.
• DMR’s plan aims to minimize cuts to direct service provision and preserve Federal Medicaid match. To realize this strategy, DMR will move approximately 150-170 people from Developmental Centers to Martin Waivers, allowing for the closure of some cottages in some Development Centers.

Budget Reduction Targets:
FY2008: $ 7.8 million
FY2009: $ 6.9 million

• DNR will realize cost savings through restructuring measures such as transferring the Scenic Rivers program to the Division of Watercraft resulting in over $500,000 in GRF savings.
• DNR will realize cost savings through centralizing the fiscal operations of smaller Division offices.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For the Department of Natural Resources, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 85 to 157 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.
  

Budget Reduction Target:
FY 2008: $180,000
FY 2009: $280,000

• Increased lapses and federal funds carried forward from prior years will enable the department to continue to provide the same level of service.
• Due to reduced funding levels, efforts to modernize Ohio’s vital statistics records will not progress as quickly as planned.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For the Department of Health, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 16 - 34 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.
  

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $3,306,067
FY2009: $1,470,652

• In order to preserve the administrations’ commitment to a multimodal transportation system, ODOT provided allowable federal funds to assure that general aviation, rail, and public transit grants and local projects are held harmless.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For the Department of Transportation, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, and other reductions.
• Reduce Airport Improvement line item by $1,500,000. Despite this reduction, ODOT feels it will still be able to provide sufficient financial assistance to local general airports for system preservation and safety improvements.
• Other cost cutting activities include the cancelation of old encumbrances, lapsing prior quarter allotments, and reducing personal service contracts, travel costs, operational support fees, and hiring activities.

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $345,500
FY2009: $800,736

• DPS will reduce equipment purchases, personal service contracts, and travel.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For DPS, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 4-11 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $14,663,591
FY2009: $60,876,761

• DRC’s plan will not reduce the number of corrections officers, parole officers, or nurses.
• Within DRC prison operations, unit management will be changed to centralize the delivery of inmate services and programs at selected institutions. This change will save more than $7 million dollars over the biennium.
• DRC will implement a number of changes to the prison commissaries which will include bulk purchasing through a statewide contract and price increases which will save over $6,425,000 during the biennium.
• DRC will improve efficiency by consolidating operations at selected adjacent prisons, resulting in savings of $6,441,202 over the biennium.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For DRC, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 434-815 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.
  

Budget Reduction Target:
FY08: $0
FY09: $1,695,008

• The State of Ohio is currently engaged in good faith settlement negotiations of a system wide challenge to the constitutionality of conditions in its juvenile corrections facilities (S.H. v. Stickrath). Because the Governor has determined that substantial reforms are necessary to improve Ohio’s juvenile corrections system, he has directed that cuts at the Department of Youth Services be limited to reductions in central office operations and administration staff. By preserving all other system resources at this time, the Governor has maintained the maximum potential flexibility for the implementation of needed reforms.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For the Department of Youth Services, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of Central Office workforce through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, and other staff reductions due to operational efficiencies totaling $1,343,363 in FY09.
• Central Office reduction in operations (training, travel, supplies & equipment) totaling $351,645 in FY09.

Budget Reduction Target:
FY 2008: $51,833,533
FY 2009: $49,682,040

• The Administration has requested that the Department of Education implement a budget reduction strategy that exempts services critical to direct pupil education.
• The Department of Education expects to achieve these targets through lapses, cancellation of prior-year encumbrances, and reductions in targeted line items.
• In order to maintain the commitment to primary and secondary education in HB 119, numerous line items, including foundation funding, auxiliary services and STEM, will be exempted from the reductions.
• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency may be taking cost reduction measures, and may be expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. The potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments and other reductions.

Budget Reduction Target:
FY 2008: $554,212
FY 2009: $663,770

• Leading by example, the Governor’s office is reducing GRF appropriation by $629,490 or 25.2% in fiscal year 2008 and by $779,130 or 16.1% in fiscal year 2009 in Operating Expenses and Federal Relations.
• The Governor’s office will meet its target through $190,638 of non-GRF cash management strategies, such as controls on travel and other expenses.
  

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $17,192,793
FY2009: $50,357,026

• Because of the downturn in the economy and projected state revenues, the agency is taking cost reduction measures and is expected to reorganize, restructure or consolidate operations in order to realize cost savings and operate successfully within reduced appropriation levels. For the Department of Job and Family Services, the potential impact of these actions may be a reduction of 309 to 574 positions through attrition, vacancies that will remain unfilled, early retirement incentive plans, abolishments, and other reductions.
• JFS also plans to reduce rent costs by moving and consolidating staff in satellite offices.
• JFS will use various cash management controls, including increased use of non-GRF funds to help offset GRF reductions.
• JFS will continue to implement the Medicaid expansions, restore dental services for adults and provide rate increases for community health providers as set forth in Am. Sub. H.B. 119, providing access to medical care for Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens.
• Additionally, the following changes will be made to the Medicaid budget:
  • delay the increase for inpatient rates for hospitals.
  • defer recalibration for hospital rates.
    

Budget Reduction Target:
FY2008: $0
FY2009: $73,000,000

• The Ohio Lottery Commission will achieve its budget target by enhancing lottery revenues through refreshing game products and adding games, such as Keno and other monitor games limited to age and time controlled settings, such as bars and other similar venues.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the following additions to the Governor’s Office staff:

Deputy Legislative Director

Kris Long, of Columbus, has served the past year as the governor’s policy executive assistant for public safety and criminal justice, and the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. She replaces former deputy legislative director Mike Culp, who left the Governor’s Office earlier this month.

Long previously served as chief of staff and legal counsel for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus and worked in private practice in Michigan. Long received a bachelor’s degree from Hope College in Michigan in 1991 and a law degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1998.

Policy Executive Assistant for Public Safety and Criminal Justice, and the Bureau of Workers' Compensation

Renuka Mayadev, of Columbus, will replace Long as the policy executive assistant for public safety and criminal justice, and the Bureau of Workers' Compensation in the Governor’s Office.

Mayadev has served as the deputy director of constituent services at the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for approximately one year. As part of Director John Martin's leadership team, Mayadev focused on legislative issues, stakeholder communication and policy initiatives. She previously worked at law firms in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Mayadev received a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University in 1996 and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 2004.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed the following bills:

Senate Bill 25

State Senator John Carey sponsored Senate Bill 25, which creates “Gold Star Family” licenses plates. The plates will be issued to the immediate family members of a person in the armed forces who died in combat.

House Bill 169

State Representative Jeff Wagner sponsored House Bill 169, which establishes requirements governing the disposal and collection of used lead-acid vehicle batteries. The bill prohibits the disposal of a lead acid batteries at solid or hazardous waste facilities, requires retailers to post a sign indicating such batteries must be recycled, and imposes civil penalties of up to $25/day for violations.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today that the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has launched a statewide effort to provide free federal and Ohio income tax return assistance to Ohioans with household incomes below $54,000 per year.

The assistance is offered through The Ohio Benefit Bank – a free service that provides help for low and moderate-income Ohioans to claim tax credits and other work support benefits.

“Completing a tax return can often be a complex and time-consuming process. That’s why I encourage Ohioans who need assistance to take advantage of the Benefit Bank’s tax preparation services,” Strickland said. “Benefit Bank counselors stand ready to help families with their taxes as well as determine their potential eligibility for additional benefits.”

The Ohio Benefit Bank is offered through a public-private partnership between the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks and more than 400 faith-based, non-profit, governmental and private-sector partners.

Trained counselors are currently staffing more than 120 Benefit Bank sites and clinics across the state to help prepare and file federal and Ohio income tax returns at no cost to eligible Ohioans. Free income tax assistance is also available through an online, self-service program at OBB.Ohio.Gov. Ohio public libraries are also partnering with the Benefit Bank to provide internet access and encourage individuals to utilize the online program.

Ohioans can also check potential eligibility for other work support benefits such as health care coverage, home energy assistance, child care subsidies and food stamps at Benefit Bank sites and clinics or online.

To identify tax assistance services available in local communities or to get additional information on the Benefit Bank, please call 1-800-648-1176 or visit OBB.Ohio.Gov.

In less than 18 months of operations, the Benefit Bank has helped more than 7,500 Ohioans claim more than $9 million in tax credits and other work supports.

However, more than $1.6 billion in tax credits and other supports go unclaimed by eligible Ohioans who do not apply. More than 95 percent of these unclaimed funds are federal dollars. This includes more than 165,000 Ohioans who do not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement regarding the pending clemency application of John G. Spirko:

“John Spirko was convicted, by a jury, of a heinous murder. At times, when he wasn’t denying having committed the murder, he appears to have admitted doing so. Ohio and federal trial, appellate and supreme courts reviewed his conviction and upheld it. Alibi claims and claims regarding evidentiary weaknesses, including more recently developed theories and interpretations of evidence, were considered by those courts and rejected. In addition, Governor Taft and I granted Mr. Spirko, collectively, seven reprieves to allow for the analysis of DNA related to the case. Once completed, these DNA tests neither exonerated Mr. Spirko nor implicated him or anyone else.

The Ohio Parole Board twice unanimously recommended against clemency for Mr. Spirko. Most recently, in 2005, six members of the Board recommended against clemency and three recommended that Mr. Spirko be allowed time to exhaust newly developed legal theories in the courts. Mr. Spirko was ultimately allowed that opportunity and his claims were rejected. Mr. Spirko’s claims that his own lies led to his conviction for an offense that he did not commit are unpersuasive in the face of the judicial scrutiny this case has received. Nonetheless, I have concluded that the lack of physical evidence linking him to the murder, as well as the slim residual doubt about his responsibility for the murder that arises from careful scrutiny of the case record and revelations about the case over the past 20 years, makes the imposition of the death penalty inappropriate in this case.

In making this determination, my staff and I conducted a thorough review of the judicial decisions associated with this matter, the Adult Parole Authority’s reports and recommendations, letters received in the Office of the Governor and by the parole board, the arguments and exhibits presented at the Parole Board hearing, the arguments presented by Mr. Spirko’s counsel in favor of clemency, recordings of various interviews, relevant photographs, newspaper analyses of this matter and Mr. Spirko’s institutional mental health records.

Based on this review, I have decided to commute Mr. Spirko’s sentence to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.”

A copy of the warrant of commutation of sentence is included below:


1. John Spirko, Jr., #A171-433 was convicted of the crime of Aggravated Murder with a Death Penalty Specification and sentenced by the Van Wert County Common Pleas Court to death.

2. Mr. Spirko is currently incarcerated in the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and is scheduled to be executed on January 24, 2008.

3. I find that Mr. Spirko’s claim that his own lies led to his conviction for an offense that he did not commit is unpersuasive in the face of the judicial scrutiny this case has received.

4. I also find that the lack of physical evidence linking Mr. Spirko to the above-mentioned murder, combined with the slim residual doubt about his responsibility for the murder arising from a careful scrutiny of the case record and revelations about the case over the past 20 years, makes the imposition of the death penalty in this case inappropriate.

5. Accordingly, I direct that the sentence of death of John Spirko be commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

6. I signed this Warrant of Commutation on January 9, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio.


____________________
Ted Strickland, Governor

Filed this 9th day of January, 2008 with the Van Wert County Common Pleas Clerk of Court by Jose A. Torres

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today that the Cleveland Clinic has voiced its support for the Governor’s Energy, Jobs and Progress plan (Senate Bill 221) and has encouraged passage of the bill in its current form. A copy of the Cleveland Clinic letter endorsing the plan is included below:

January 4, 2008

The Honorable Jon Husted
Speaker
Ohio House of Representatives
77 S. High Street, 14th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111

Dear Speaker Husted:

Cleveland Clinic stands in full support of the energy proposal (SB221) as passed by the Ohio Senate. This proposal acknowledges that healthcare providers need reliable electric service at predictable rates.

We believe the existing legislation provides a balanced framework for rate-setting through a transparent process that will benefit all sectors.

We urge prompt passage of this legislation in its existing form.

Sincerely,

Oliver C. Henkel, Jr.
Chief External Affairs Officer


cc: Governor Ted Strickland
Senate President Bill Harris
Chairman Robert Schuler
Ranking Member Ray Miller
Chairman John P. Hagan
Ranking Member L. George Distel

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

Boards of Trustees

University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees

Robert Richardson, Jr., of Cincinnati, serves as an associate in the law firm of Cook, Portune and Logothetis, LPA. He is a member of the United Way Young Leaders Society and the executive board of the Cincinnati NAACP and serves as a trustee for the Cincinnati Park Board. Richardson received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2002 and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2005.

The University of Rio Grande Board of Trustees

Shawn Saunders, of Gallipolis, is currently a preschool intervention specialist for Gallipolis City Schools. She previously taught at the Gallipolis Developmental Center and the Columbus Developmental Center. Saunders graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1979.

Central Ohio Technical College Board of Trustees

Edna Branstool, of Utica, is a registered nurse at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital, where she is responsible for the care of patients on a 57-bed telemetry unit. She was previously a critical care nurse at Knox Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Branstool received an associate’s degree of nursing from Central Ohio Technical College in 1997.

Lorain County Community College Board of Trustees

Madeline Torres-Hutlock, of Lorain, was recently appointed as an at-large board member for the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. An active community member, Torres-Hutlock served 13 years as a member and president of the board of trustees for the Lorain County Public Library System. She has also served on the Lorain County Children’s Services Board and was a founding member and vice-president of the Coalition of Hispanic Issues and Progress. She received an associate’s degree from Lorain County Community College in 1988.

Lee Kolczun, of Sheffield Lake, has been a practicing attorney and business owner in Lorain County since 1975. He is currently an instructor at Lorain County Community College’s business division. Kolczun received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami in 1967, a law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1972 and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University in 1984.

Columbus State Community College Board of Trustees

Poe Timmons, of Westerville, is currently the chief financial officer for the Dispatch Printing Company. She previously served as the senior vice president and chief financial officer for Tween Brands, Inc., from 2005-2006 and as the vice president of finance for the Safelite Group, Inc., from 1996-2005. Timmons received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1982.

Richard Owens, of Powell, is the past president of Heidelberg College in Tiffin and West Liberty State College in West Virginia. He has also served as a history professor at both institutions – currently at West Liberty State College. In addition, Owens has held leadership roles at several other universities, including the University of Rio Grande. Owens received a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College in 1969 and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in 1988.

Debra Moore, of Bexley, has served as the senior vice president for human resources and organizational development at OhioHealth since 2001. Moore was the associate dean of students for the University of Dayton from 1992-1996 and the university’s director of minority student affairs from 1986-1992. She received a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University in 1975 and a master’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1989.

Lakeland Community College Board of Trustees

Ernest Lallo, of Concord Township., is the managing partner in the law firm of Lallo and Feldman Co., LPA., and supervises the firm’s workers’ compensation practice. He also practices criminal law and occasionally serves as an acting judge in the Painesville Municipal Court. Lallo received a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in 1976 and a law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University in 1979.

Ryan Callender, of Concord Township, is currently an attorney in the law firm of Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP. He was a former instructor in the paralegal program at Lakeland Community College and former clerk to the board of the Lake County Commissioners. He received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1995 and a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1999.

Linda Williams, of Concord Township, is the superintendent of schools for the Lake County Educational Service Center. She previously served as the superintendent for the Richmond Heights City School District. A life-long educator, Williams received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1971, a master’s of education from the University of Georgia in 1974 and a Ph.D from Kent State University in 1980.

State Boards and Commissions

The Public Employees Retirement System Board is responsible for the administration and management of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

Lennie Wyatt, of Monroe, serves as the chairman for the Central Ohio Food Pension Fund, senior labor trustee for the Food and Non-Food Pension Fund, and a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union’s Southwest Ohio Health and Welfare Fund. Wyatt received a bachelor’s degree from Antioch University in 1984.

The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission coordinates investigations of organized criminal activity and performs all the necessary functions and duties relative to the investigations.

Stephen Walker, of Springboro, has served as the chief of police for the Centerville Police Department since 1996. He previously served as the department’s commander for the line operations division. Walker is a member the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Walker received a bachelor’s degree from Wilmington College in 1983.

The Solid Waste Management Advisory Council advises and assists the director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency with preparation of the state’s solid waste management plan and periodic revisions to the plan.

Yolanda Walker, of Akron, is the executive director for the Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority, where she oversees the district’s operations, personnel and solid waste plan. Walker is a member of the Solid Waste Association of North America and the Organization of Solid Waste Districts of Ohio. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron in 1985.

The Partnership for Continued Learning was established to promote systemic approaches to education by supporting regional efforts to foster collaboration among providers of preschool through postsecondary education, identifying the workforce needs of private sector employers in the state, and making recommendations for facilitating collaboration among providers of preschool through postsecondary education and for maintaining a high-quality workforce in the state.

Theodore Adams, Ph.D., of Wheelersburg, has served more than 30 years in the education field, including 15 years as the superintendent for Clay Local School District in Portsmouth (1985-2000). He is currently a professional educational consultant. Adams received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1971, a master’s degree from Xavier University in 1974, and a doctor of philosophy from Ohio University in 1990.

Eric Bickel, of Brookville, teaches aviation maintenance at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center and serves as the president of the Ohio Federation of Teachers Local 4575. He also coordinates more than 85 students in the MVCTC and Sinclair Community College aviation programs. Bickel received a bachelor’s degree from Park College in 2002 and a master’s degree from Wright State University in 2004.

Andrew Roth, of South Euclid, has been the president of Notre Dame College in South Euclid since 2003. Roth previously served as the vice president for academic affairs and the vice president for enrollment at Mercyhurst College. Roth received a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in 1968, master’s degrees from Case Western Reserve University in 1970 and Gannon University in 1980, and a Ph.D. from SUNY at Buffalo in 1999.

Angela Ruffolo, of Dayton, is a social studies teacher at Chaminade-Julienne Catholic High School. She also serves as an assistant women’s soccer coach and extracurricular faculty adviser at the high school. Ruffolo received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Dayton in 1994 and a master’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1999.

Chad Wick, of Cincinnati, has served as the president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks Foundation since 1998. He is also the chairman of the board for the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN). Prior to leading KnowledgeWorks Foundation, he was president and CEO of Rise Learning Solutions. Wick received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1965 and a master’s degree from Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management, in 1972.

Reginald Wilkinson, of Columbus, is the president and CEO of the Ohio College Access Network and the co-chair of the Student Access and Success Coordinating Council of Ohio (SASCCO). Wilkinson retired in 2006 as the director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, a position he held since 1991. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1972, a master’s degree from Ohio State in 1973, and a doctor of education from the University of Cincinnati in 1998.

The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority administers the state’s 529 college savings plan, CollegeAdvantage. The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority makes the final determination on the price of a tuition credit or tuition unit, the designation of bonds as college saving bonds, and the selection and approval of investment agents for the authority’s various college savings programs.

Jonathan Ivec, of South Euclid, is the treasurer and vice president for finance and administration services at John Carroll University. He previously served as the university’s vice president for business from 1995-1999. A certified public accountant, Ivec received a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in 1977 and an MBA from the Ohio State University in 1978.

The State Historic Preservation Officer directs the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, the official historic preservation agency of the State of Ohio.

William Laidlaw, Jr., of Bexley, has most recently served as the CEO/executive director of the Ohio Historical Society. Prior to joining OHS, he was the director of executive education and interim dean of the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Laidlaw received an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1966 and an executive doctorate in management from Case Western Reserve University in 2000.

The Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities is designed to work with the Governor and the legislature to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities within Ohio.

Brianne Clink, of Cincinnati, currently serves as an intervention specialist at Milford Exempted Village Schools. Since 1999, she has been active in the Ohio Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities, including serving as co-chair in 2007. Clink is also a member of the Council of Exceptional Children. She received a bachelor’s degree in special education from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 2004.

Gary Roth, of Mansfield, has served as a member of the board of directors for the Independent Living Council as well as a volunteer for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Roth previously served as the program technician for Twin Oaks Living and Learning Center in Mansfield and as a service planner for the Renaissance House in Norwalk.

The Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Release Compensation Board adopts and amends rules necessary to underground storage tanks as well as rules governing the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Linked Deposit Program and the payment of claims on the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Assurance Fund.

Thomas Kmiec, of Lyndhurst, has more than 40 years of industrial experience dealing with environmental activities and is currently self-employed. Among his experiences, Kmiec has served as the manager for several projects dealing with the removal, upgrading and installation of underground storage tank systems. He received a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in 1963 and a law degree from Cleveland State University in 1970.

The Labor-Management Government Advisory Council advises the workers’ compensation oversight commission and the administrator of workers’ compensation on the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services and makes recommendations pertaining to the bureau’s rehabilitation program.

Kenneth Kiefer, of Okeana, has worked as a workers’ compensation representative for Cincinnati Fire Fighters, Local 28, since 1991. He has been a member of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters since 1971 and was appointed as the workers’ compensation representative for District 4 in 2002. Kiefer received an associate’s degree from the Ohio College of Applied Sciences in 1981.

The Ohio Water Development Authority may initiate, acquire, construct, maintain, repair and operate water development projects.

Loree Kenneth Soggs, of North Royalton, has served as the executive secretary to the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council since 1994. Soggs is also the president of the North Shore Federation of Labor and the vice president of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council. He has worked as an operating engineering since 1964. Soggs received a bachelor’s degree from Defiance College in 1968.

The Ohio War Orphans Scholarship Board determines the number of scholarships to be made available to war orphans.

Wallace Sarto, of Columbus, is retired after 42 years as a sales representative for McGraw-Hill. He is a charter and life member of AMVETS Post 89 in Columbus, and he is currently a member of the AMVETS executive board. In addition, Sarto is a past department commander for AMVETS, as well as a past national commander for AMVETS District 4.

The Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology adopts rules to ensure ethical standards of practice by licensed speech pathologists and audiologists, determines the nature and scope of examinations to be administered to applicants and evaluates the qualifications of all applicants, and supervises the examination of applicants and determines by rule the minimum examination score for licensure.

Helene Levenfus, of Beachwood, is the president of Cedar Audiology Associates, Inc., a private audiology practice she established in 1984. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists and the Ohio Academy of Audiology. Levenfus received a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College in 1976, a master’s degree in audiology from Temple University in 1978 and a doctor of audiology from the Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2001.

Valenta Ward-Gravely, of Cleveland, is presently a speech pathologist/audiologist for East Cleveland City Schools and the director of Diva Associates Counseling and Consulting Services, where she supervises audiology and speech-language pathology student clinicians from area universities. Ward-Gravely received a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University, master’s degrees from Kent State University and Cleveland State University and a doctor of audiology from the Arizona School of Health Sciences.

The Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Committee investigates and conducts hearings on complaints relating to cemeteries.

Richard Finn III, of Lockbourne, has worked for Catholic Cemeteries of Columbus for 25 years and has served the past 14 years as director. He is a member of the Catholic Cemeteries of Ohio, the Ohio Association of Cemeteries and Funeral Homes and the Ohio Association of Cemetery Superintendents and Officials. Finn received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1980.

The Ohio Geology Advisory Council demonstrates interest in Ohio geology and mineral resources by advising the chief of the Division of Geological Survey, recommending policy and legislation, reviewing development of plans, and recommending ways which will enhance cooperation from governmental agencies.

Robert Ritzi, Jr., of Beavercreek, is a professor of hydrogeology at Wright State University. Ritzi is also a member of the City of Dayton Environmental Advisory Board and chair of the water subcommittee. He is a fellow of the Geological Society of America and has served as chair of the GSA hydrogeology division. Ritzi received a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in 1981, a master’s degree from Wright State University in 1983 and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 1989.

The Children’s Trust Fund Board is responsible for the allocation of its funds and the establishment and maintenance of child abuse and child neglect prevention programs.

Lisa McDuffie, of Toledo, has been the chief executive officer of the YWCA of Greater Toledo since 2001. She previously served as the organization’s associate executive officer. From 1993-1995, McDuffie was the assistant director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Toledo. A licensed independent social worker, McDuffie received a bachelor’s degree from Findlay College in 1988 and a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1993.

The Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors administers examinations for embalmer’s and funeral director’s licenses, governs such apprenticeships and may issue and revoke such licenses.

Robert Wasko, of Youngstown, is the corporate vice president for Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell and has been an Ohio licensed funeral director since 1982. He served as a member of the Mahoning County Commissioners from 1993-1998 and is currently the chairman of the Mahoning County Board of Elections. Wasko received a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1980 and graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1981.

The Private Water Systems Advisory Board advises the director of the Ohio Department of Health regarding the revocation or non-renewal of the registration of a private water systems contractor and makes recommendations to the director regarding the amount of surety bond required of private water systems contractors.

Walter E. Phillips, of Lancaster, is currently the chief of the bureau of environmental health for the Ohio Department of Health. He previously served as the director of environmental health for the Fairfield Department of Health from 2003-2006 and the Hocking County Health Department from 2000-2003. Phillips received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1993, an MBA from Capital University in 1998, and a master’s degree in public health from the Ohio State University in 2007.

The State Board of Sanitarian Registration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring registered sanitarians possess and maintain specialized knowledge and skills in the field of environmental health.

Richard Setty, of Youngstown, is currently the director of environmental health for the District Board of Health-Mahoning County. He previously served as the board’s deputy director of environmental health and chief of the solid waste inspection program from 1995-1999. A registered sanitarian, Setty received a bachelor’s degree in environmental health from Wright State University in 1976.

The State Board of Optometry holds examinations for optometrists twice yearly. It issues licenses, may revoke licenses and establishes rules and regulations governing the practice of optometry.

Patricia Scharf, of Toledo, is a retired educator and former principal at Libbey High School and DeVilbiss High School in the Toledo Public Schools system. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1956 and a master’s of education from the University of Toledo in 1962. Among her community activities, Scharf is an active member and past president of the University of Toledo Alumni Association.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland initiated a “friendly wager” with Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco today as The Ohio State University Buckeyes prepare to take on the Louisiana State University Tigers in Monday’s BCS National Championship Game.

“Only Ohio’s pride in our Buckeyes can compete with the team’s tremendous season this year,” Strickland said.

Governor Strickland promised to send Louisiana’s governor a sampling of Ohio’s finest home-grown wines in the unlikely event of a Tiger victory.

Strickland is looking forward to enjoying a New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition: king cake, decorated in traditional Mardi Gras colors, after OSU claims victory Monday night.

“Come Monday night, we hope to have our cake and eat it, too,” Strickland said. “Go Bucks!”