Office of the Governor Press Releases

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland, Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Josefina G. Carbonell, and leaders from the Ohio Departments of Aging and Insurance today announced the launch of a public awareness campaign designed to encourage Ohio’s baby boomers to begin considering their future long-term care needs and to begin planning early.

The “Own Your Future” long-term care awareness campaign is a joint federal-state initiative to increase awareness among the American public about the importance of long-term care planning.

“According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about nine million men and women over the age of 65 needed long-term care in 2007. Discussions about the long-term care needs of an aging family member can be difficult, and are too often put off until a loved one needs care,” Strickland said. “The ‘Own Your Future’ campaign is a great first step toward helping Ohio families have meaningful discussions and make decisions about long-term care needs before those types of services are needed.”

The campaign will stress the importance of healthy lifestyles, will encourage legal and estate planning and will describe and explain various tools and products that could be useful to individuals. An additional goal of this campaign is to highlight for consumers the importance of not only deciding now what types of services they would like to receive and where, but also exploring the best ways to pay for the services they choose.

“Perhaps one of the most important aspects of planning for the future is knowing what resources and assistance are available in your own community,” said Barbara E. Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “Ohio’s twelve area agencies on aging can help consumers of any age identify their preferences and needs and develop a plan that is right for them.”

Public service announcements are airing on television and radio stations statewide. The Department of Health and Human Services will mail letters to 1.7 million Ohio households with residents between the ages of 45 and 65, encouraging the recipient to request a free, Ohio-specific planning guide for long-term care. Officials expect to distribute more than 100,000 guides.

“Advance planning for long-term care needs can help you and your loved ones in many ways,” said Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson. “Long-term care planning does not necessarily take the place of having family members care for their loved ones. It helps ensure that individuals and their families have choices when the time comes.”

The campaign will include a series of regional forums around the state, coordinated with the area agencies, to give Ohioans a chance to talk with professionals in their communities about long-term care. Residents with an immediate need for long-term care may call their area agency on aging toll-free at 1-866-243-5678 to request a free personal assessment by a professional long-term care planner.

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

Sinclair Community College Board of Trustees

Laurence Harkness, of Dayton, served as the president and CEO of Children’s Medical Center in Dayton from 1982-2003. Harkness previously held positions in several professional organizations, including the American Hospital Association, the Association of Ohio Children’s Hospitals, the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions and the Ohio Hospital Association. Harkness received a bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst College in 1962 and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri in 1971.

Gregory Edwards, of Dayton, is the executive director of the Mathile Family Foundation, which serves children and families in need throughout the Miami Valley by providing grants to organizations whose programs align with the Foundation’s mission and focus areas. Edwards received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and an MBA from Xavier University.

The Ohio Real Estate Commission investigates complaints concerning the selling of real estate without a license, issues brokers licenses and administers licenses examinations.

Gary Froelich, of Kettering, serves in private practice with Froelich Law Office Co., LPA, in Dayton. An active community member, he is currently on the board of Dayton Public Radio and is a member of the Leadership Dayton Board of Governors. He previously served for 12 years as a trustee on the board of the Children’s Medical Center. Froelich received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1965 and a law degree from the Ohio State University in 1968.

The State Board of Emergency Medical Services is charged with preparing a plan for the statewide regulation of emergency medical services during times of disaster. The board oversees an Emergency Medical Services Grant program to improve quality and accessibility of EMS services within the state.

James Davis, of Westerville, is a firefighter/paramedic for the City of Columbus, Division of Fire. Davis also serves as a rotor wing flight nurse with Medflight of Ohio/Grant Lifeflight and as an adjunct faculty member for the Columbus State Community College paramedic program. He received associate degrees in nursing and emergency medical services from Columbus State Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University

Vickie Graymire, of Ottawa, has served as the trauma program manager at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima since 1998. She has been active in several professional organizations, including the Northwest Ohio Regional Trauma Registry, the Society of Trauma Nurses and the Ohio Society of Trauma Nurse Coordinators. Graymire received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bowling Green State University in 1990 and a master’s degree in nursing from Wright State University in 1993.

Mark Burgess, of Ashland, has served as chief of the Ashland Division of Fire since 1994. He was previously the Division’s assistant chief and EMS captain. Burgess is an active member of the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association.

David Fiffick, of Youngstown, is the general manager of Clemente-McKay Ambulance, Inc., in Struthers. He also serves as an auxiliary deputy sheriff for the Mahoning County Sheriffs Department. Fiffick received a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1988. He also completed police officer and paramedic training programs.

The Environmental Education Council provides leadership and resources for environmental education throughout the state of Ohio.

Randall Edwards, of Columbus, is the senior media relations manager for the Nature Conservancy. He previously served as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Nature Conservancy’s Ohio chapter. Edwards was a reporter at the Columbus Dispatch for 15 years, including five years as an environmental reporter. He received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1984.

Robert Hare, of Sandusky, has worked for the General Motors Corporation for more than 32 years in the area of environmental management and currently serves as the manager of subsidiary operations. He has served as the chair of the Erie County Chamber of Commerce Environment Committee and the Erie County Environmental Education Committee. Hare received a bachelor of industrial engineering degree from the General Motors Institute in 1980 and a master’s degree in engineering science from the University of Toledo in 1983.

The Ohio Reclamation Forfeiture Fund Advisory Board reviews deposits into and expenditures from the reclamation forfeiture fund.

Chamese Jarrett, of Columbus, is the director of project management for Nationwide. She previously served as central services director for pension operations and audit manager for life and retirement internal audits at Nationwide. A certified public accountant, Jarrett received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Capital University in 1990.

G. Gary Kaster, of McConnelsville, has served as the president/owner of Carbon Project Services LLC since 2005. Prior to retiring from American Electric Power in 2005, he served in several positions, including eco-assets manager, forestry and recreation programs supervisor and natural resource programs administrator. He received a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University in 1969.

Nelson Kidder, of Pickerington, has worked for American Electric Power since 1986 and currently serves as the director of Reclamation and Coal Development. A registered professional engineer, Kidder received a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Virginia Tech in 1975.

Roger Osborne, of Fleming, has served as the vice president and chief engineer for B&N Coal, Inc., in Dexter City since 1979. He is a member of the board of directors of the Ohio Coal Association and the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers. Osborne received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1970.

Michael Sliva, of Cadiz, serves as a branch manager/assistant vice president for National City Bank in Cadiz, where he oversees a $58 million branch with 10 employees. He has served as vice president of the Harrison County Hospital Board of Trustees and president of the Village of Cadiz Community Improvement Corporation. He attended Jefferson Technical College from 1977-1979.

Gary Starner, of Logan, is retired from the Starner Construction Company, where he served as a general contractor for 28 years. He has served four terms as a Hocking County Commissioner and has been active on the Hocking County Soil and Water Conservation District Board for several years.

Christopher Walton, of Logan, is the chief engineer for the Sands Hill Coal Company, Inc., in Hamden. He previously served as the project engineer for the TCW Company, Inc., in New Lexington. A registered professional engineer, Walton received a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from the Ohio State University in 1981.

The Third Frontier Advisory Board advises the Third Frontier Commission on various items, including the strategic planning, general management and coordination of programs administered by the Commission.

Albert Ratner, of Cleveland, is the co-chairman of the board of Forest City Enterprises, Inc. An active community member, Ratner has served on the boards of trustees for several organizations, including the Cleveland Initiative for Education and the Greater Cleveland Partnership. He is an adjunct visiting professor at the Michigan State University Land Policy Institute. Ratner received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1951.

The State Chiropractic Board establishes rules to govern the practice of chiropractic medicine and issues licenses for the practice of chiropractic medicine.

Mark Korchok, of Cincinnati, directs the Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center of Cincinnati. He is a diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians and a certified chiropractic sports physician. Korchok received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo in 1983 and a doctor of chiropractic at Logan College of Chiropractic in Missouri in 1987.

The Ohio Advisory Council for the Aging reviews plans, budgets and issues that affect older Ohioans and advocates specific administrative and legislative actions.

Elaine Altstaetter, of Wapakoneta, serves on the boards of directors for the Lima YWCA and the Auglaize County Council on Aging. Altstaetter is retired, but currently studying at the Ohio State University Lima campus to earn certification to complete tax returns for the AARP. She received an associate’s degree in accounting from Northwestern Business College in 1953.

Lois Foster, of Akron, has served as the vice president of community impact for the United Way of Summit County since 1985. Foster has served as the program development chair for the Summit County Older Adults Coordinating Council and as the evaluation chair for the Foster Grandparent Program Advisory Council (Akron Summit Community Action). She received a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University and a master’s degree from the University of Akron.

Martin O’Connell, of Girard, is the president of the District 11 Area Agency on Aging and chairman of the Trumbull County Senior Advisory Board. He served as the chairman of the Trumbull County Senior Levy Campaign in 2005 and the City of Girard Senior Levy Campaign in 2007.

Molly Varner, of Cutler, is retired and most recently served as the director of the Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District/Area Agency on Aging. She also served as a field representative and caseworker in the office of then-Congressman Ted Strickland. Varner has been involved as a board member of the Greater Marietta United Way and the Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Donelda McWilliams, of Defiance, is a retired funeral director. She serves on the auxiliary boards of Defiance County Senior Services and the Area Agency on Aging. She previously served three years as the chairperson of the AARP legislative committee. McWilliams received a bachelor’s degree from Defiance College in 1942 and a mortuary science degree from Wayne State Mortuary School in Detroit.

The 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.

John Ellis, of Olmsted Falls, has 22 years of experience in the field of addictions treatment and prevention. He is currently the director of program services for the Drug Addiction and Alcohol Services Board of Lorain County. Ellis received a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University in 1994 and a master’s degree in social work from Cleveland State in 2001.

The Board of Building Standards formulates and adopts standards and regulations governing the erection, construction, repair, alteration and maintenance of all classes of buildings specified under section 3781.06 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Steve Kasarnich, of Akron, has held various positions with Carpenters Local Union 639 and the Ohio State Council of Carpenters. Since 1988, Steve has served as an executive regional director of the Carpenters’ Council for 11 unions in northeast Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. He has also served on the Akron and Summit County Building Code Boards of Appeals. He received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University.

Jennifer Coleman, of Cleveland, has 20 years of experience as an architect. She is currently the president of Jennifer Coleman Creative LLC and previously served as a project director for Westlake Reed Leskosky in Cleveland. Coleman received a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1987.

The State Veterinary Medical Board issues licenses, conducts examinations for licenses and approves schools which meet the board’s requirements.

James Hearst, of Cincinnati, is the owner and chief medical officer of Oakley Square Animal Hospital, which he founded in 1985. Among his professional activities, he is a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and the Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association. Hearst graduated from the Ohio State University College of Agriculture in 1967 and received a doctor of veterinary medicine from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1971.

The State Board of Career Colleges and Schools establishes minimum standards for the registration and operation of schools, and for certificate diploma and degree programs offered by schools.

Jerome Brockway, of Jefferson, is currently the superintendent for the Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School. He previously served as the CEO of the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center from 1986-2002. He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a Ph.D. from the Ohio State University.

The Public Health Council is the primary rule-making body for the Department of Health. It adopts, amends, and rescinds rules pertaining to public health.

Gail Long, of Shaker Heights, served as the executive director of the Merrick House, a multi-purpose settlement house serving several neighborhoods on the West side of Cleveland, from 1987-2006 and previously served as the assistant director. She received a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University in 1965 and a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve university in 1967.

The State Employment Relations Board studies representation and negotiation problems in employment relations, recommends legislation, and studies employment conditions in the state. It also organizes collective bargaining units, hears and determines charges of unfair labor practices, and oversees negotiations between public employers and public employees.

Eugene Brundige, of London, is arbitrator, mediator and labor relations consultant. He served as the chief negotiator and deputy human resources director for the City of Columbus from 1998-2000 and the director of classified personnel for Columbus Public Schools from 1996-1998. Brundige graduated from Ohio University in 1966, and received a master’s degree in educational administration from Ohio University in 1968.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today praised the Ohio House for passage of a bipartisan amended substitute Senate Bill 221.

“I believe that this is a good bill,” Strickland said. “The House today passed a bipartisan bill that meets the goal of protecting consumers against unwarranted and unjust rate increases. Put simply, it protects our ability to keep and create jobs in Ohio by maintaining stable, predictable and affordable electric rates.”

Had the governor and legislature failed to act, Ohio’s electric utility rate stabilization plans would have expired at the end of this year, leaving consumers subject to the excessive rate increases other states have experienced when deregulated. When Illinois’ version of rate stabilization ended recently, electric bills immediately jumped as much as 55 percent; in Maryland, electric bills skyrocketed by 72 percent.

“This legislation meets all of the principles I outlined nearly one year ago today,” Strickland said. “Among these principles are a commitment to accountability and transparency, ensuring consumers are on equal footing with utilities, and working to aggressively attract renewable and advanced energy investment in Ohio in order to create jobs and recognize the influence of global climate change. This legislation establishes an advanced energy portfolio standard that will position Ohio as a leader in the growing advanced energy industry.

“I appreciate the hard work the legislative leaders have given to this effort, and I look forward to signing a final bill agreed to by both the House and Senate.”

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland yesterday met with Public Safety Director Henry Guzman and Ohio State Highway Patrol Colonel Richard Collins to discuss the recent incident at the Sandusky Highway Patrol Post. The incident involved one trooper dressing up in a Ku Klux Klan-like outfit and a sergeant at the patrol photographing the trooper and distributing the photo.

This morning, Strickland determined that the sanctions which had been imposed by the Patrol were inadequate, and he asked Guzman and Collins to immediately begin proceedings to terminate the employment of the trooper and the sergeant involved.

“This incident has tarnished the reputation of a great law enforcement agency,” Strickland said. “We can not and will not tolerate this kind of insulting, disgraceful conduct which undermines public confidence in the important work that the Patrol does every day.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed Senate Bill 219.

Senate Bill 219

State Senator Kirk Schuring sponsored Senate Bill 219, which makes the period of limitation for criminal prosecution of a public official’s misconduct in office the same as the period of limitation for a non-public official directly related to the public official’s misconduct.

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

House Bill 429

State Representative Bob Gibbs sponsored House Bill 429, which authorizes businesses engaging in delivery sales within Ohio to return to Ohio’s traditional way of calculating the sales tax – at the origin of the sale. An emergency clause allows Ohio businesses now charging sales taxes based on the destination of their Ohio delivery sales to switch back to the traditional “origin” method as soon as the start of the next month if they wish. All other Ohio merchants who had moved to destination sourcing will have until January 1, 2010, to switch back to the traditional method, according to the new law.

House Bill 289

State Representative Tony Core sponsored House Bill 289, which makes changes to various aspects of the Agricultural Securities Areas Law and other provisions of current law dealing with property tax exemptions for property in agricultural security areas.

Senate Bill 84

State Senator Tim Schaffer sponsored Senate Bill 84, which clarifies the circumstances under which a political subdivision is required to pay for contracted emergency management services. The bill also authorizes boards of county commissioners to choose to maintain an electronic record of their proceedings.

Senate Bill 241

State Senator Gary Cates sponsored Senate Bill 241, which modifies the law governing payment of county expenses by a financial transaction device by increasing payment options to include automated clearinghouse network credit, debit or e-check, as well as expanding the list of county officials who can use the financial transaction device.

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendations Panel is accepting applications for vacancies on the Wayne County Municipal Court and the Pike County Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Division.

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

Applications for both positions 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.

Requirements for all applicants include submitting a letter of interest, resume, panel questionnaire and no more than six letters of recommendation.

Additional details about OJARP and the application process can be found on the OJARP homepage.


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.

Wayne County Municipal Court

The Wayne County Municipal Court position will be vacant as of June 1 due to the retirement of Judge Stuart K. Miller.

Applicants for the Municipal Court position must be a resident and registered elector of Wayne 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 Wayne County appointment will extend until December 31, 2009. To continue service in the position, the appointee must run in the November 2009 judicial election.

Applications for the Wayne County appointment must be received by 5 p.m. May 2.

Candidates must be available to interview in person on May 22 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 panel for the current Wayne County vacancy.

• Beverly Wire, Wayne County Public Defender
• Jerry Packard, partner, Logee, Hostetler, Stutzman and Lehman
• B. Jean Mohr, retired member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
• John Johnson, Sr., attorney and former state representative
• John Bejcek, president, East Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council
• Terry Kline, veterinarian and farmer

At-large panel members assigned:

• James Ray, panel chair, retired judge of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division
• Janica Pierce, attorney, Chester Willcox and Saxbe, LLP
• John Kulewicz, attorney, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
• Betty Davis, president of Community Concepts, Inc.
• Isabel Framer, court certified Spanish/English interpreter and chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators.

Pike County Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Division

The Pike County Court of Common Pleas position will be vacant as of May 31 due to the retirement of Judge William Wray Bevens.

Applicants for the Court of Common Pleas position must be a resident and registered elector of Pike 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 Pike County appointment will extend until February 9, 2009. To continue service in the position, the appointee must run in the November 2008 judicial election.

Applications for the Pike County appointment must be received by 5 p.m. May 2.

Candidates must be available to interview in person on May 22 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 panel for the current Pike County vacancy.

• Blaine Beekman, executive director, Pike County Chamber of Commerce
• Dale Seif, partner, Seif and Shugart, Attorneys-at-Law
• Dan Minter, president, United Steel Workers Local 5689
• Randy Runyon, assistant executive director, Community Action Agency of Pike County, Inc.
• Robert Junk, Pike County Prosecuting Attorney

At-large panel members assigned:

• James Ray, panel chair, retired judge of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division
• Janica Pierce, attorney, Chester Willcox and Saxbe, LLP
• John Kulewicz, attorney, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
• Betty Davis, president of Community Concepts, Inc.
• Isabel Framer, court certified Spanish/English interpreter and chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland on Wednesday signed an executive order that establishes a policy for state agencies to manage domestic violence and its impact on the workplace.

The Barbara Warner Workplace Domestic Violence Policy will provide guidance to state agencies in addressing and reducing occurrences of domestic violence and its impact on the workplace. Warner, an Ohio Department of Health employee who was a victim of domestic violence, was murdered by her husband in 1997.

“Domestic violence in and outside of the workplace has become increasingly prevalent,” Strickland said. “As an employer, the state must foster a safe working environment for all employees and provide the resources necessary to assist a worker who may be the victim of a domestic violence situation.”

Studies show that domestic violence occurrences can impact the workplace through increased absenteeism, increased employee turnover, reduced productivity and excessive heath care costs.

“This policy will ensure that state agencies offer the necessary services and flexibility to employees who may be dealing with the physical and emotional distress caused by a domestic violence situation,” Strickland said.

In addition, the policy ensures that victims of domestic violence will not face discrimination in employment decisions and that their identity will remain confidential.

All state employees will receive training on the domestic violence policy, which should be implemented by state agencies by July 1, 2009.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement regarding the House substitute for Senate Bill 221:

“After reviewing the House’s substitute for Senate Bill 221, I am today announcing that I would veto the bill if it passes in its current form because it would threaten our ability to both keep and create jobs in Ohio. Specifically:

1. The bill does not protect consumers against unwarranted and unjust rate increases. It lacks a clear and complete framework for determining rate increases.

2. The bill allows immediate and unfettered access for FirstEnergy to go to market, exposing businesses and consumers in Cleveland, Toledo and Akron to the risk of skyrocketing electricity prices.

3. The bill allows unfettered access for other utilities to go to market starting in 2013, exposing businesses and consumers across Ohio to the risk of skyrocketing electricity prices.

4. The bill prohibits agreements between utilities and businesses, which are vital economic development tools, approved by the Public Utilities Commission and transparent to the public; but it allows “side deals,” which are secret, making it impossible for consumers or the media to determine whether such deals are in the public interest.

5. The bill does not provide sufficient incentives to ensure a reliable supply of electricity.

6. The bill prohibits the PUCO from advocating for Ohioans before Congress and at the federal regulatory level.

While there are other concerns I have with this bill, I am not concerned about portions of the bill related to advanced energy. In fact, if the House and Senate pass an advanced energy bill, including an advanced energy portfolio with benchmarks and energy efficiency standards, I would enthusiastically sign it.

I also want to make clear that I am making this statement today because it is my understanding that the House plans to begin voting on this measure on Monday, and I felt it was important for legislators to know my position before then.

There has been much hard work on energy policy over the last year. I appreciate the work that legislative leaders have contributed to this effort, and I remain committed to giving my full time and effort to arriving at an agreement that all Ohioans can be proud of.”

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendations Panel is currently accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, General Division, due to the retirement of Judge Alex M. Triantafilou.

Applicants for the Court of Common Pleas position must be a resident and registered elector of Hamilton 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 Hamilton County appointment will extend until January 1, 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 Recommendations 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.

Requirements for all applicants include submitting a letter of interest, resume, panel questionnaire, and no more than six letters of recommendation.

Additional details about OJARP and the application process can be found by clicking here.

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 Hamilton County appointment must be received by 5 p.m. April 21.

Candidates must be available to interview in person on May 6 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 panel for the current Hamilton County vacancy:

Barbara Bison Jacobson, Partner at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP

Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, CEO of Sesh Communications and publisher of The Cincinnati Herald, The Northern Kentucky Herald and The Dayton Defender

Timothy Burke, partner at Manley Burke, LPA, and chair of the Hamilton County Board of Elections

Tony Brice, vice president of Laborers Local No. 265 and executive committee member of the Greater Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council

Kristen Myers, attorney at Beckman Weil Shepardson LLC

Mary Asbury, executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati

At-large panel members assigned to the Hamilton County vacancy:

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

Meg Flack, Board Member of the Ohio League of Women Voters

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, Ohio - Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that nine mortgage loan servicers agreed to sign a “Compact to Help Ohioans Preserve Homeownership,” the first agreement of its kind in the nation.

In a Governor’s Office ceremony this morning, executives from six mortgage loan servicers signed a document pledging that they will work with the state in making every possible attempt to prevent default loans and foreclosures in Ohio. Executives from three other companies mailed signed copies.

“Home ownership is the very foundation of the American dream,” Strickland said. “I am very encouraged that these loan servicers have stepped forward and pledged to follow the common sense principles we outlined in our compact. These steps will reduce foreclosures in Ohio and bring stability to the families and communities affected by this crisis.”

“At the same time I would urge all Ohioans facing possible foreclosure to contact your loan servicer immediately to discuss your financial situation or call the State of Ohio’s Save the Dream Hotline. It’s a call that can help save your home,” Strickland said.

The loan servicers that signed a compact are:

• Carrington Mortgage Services
• Citi
• GMAC RESCAP/Homecomings Financial
• HSBC Finance Corp.
• Ocwen Financial Corp.
• Option One Mortgage
• Saxon Mortgage Services
• Select Portfolio Servicing
• Litton Loan Servicing

The six principles agreed to by the loan services include a willingness to:

• Engage in a substantial and large-scale loan modification effort for adjustable rate mortgage resets and subprime mortgages.
• Identify, evaluate and make good faith attempts to contact at-risk or defaulting borrowers as soon as possible.
• Modify loans to the extent permissible within existing fiduciary, contractual or other legal obligations and in accordance with prudent mortgage lending and servicing practices.
• Create incentives for staff and foreclosure counsel to modify loans rather than foreclose.
• Report progress to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
• Enter into a non-binding agreement with the State for some defined period of time. (The agreements extend to June 30, 2009.)

The agreements follow the governor’s proposed “Compact to Help Ohioans Preserve Homeownership” announced on October 9, 2007. At that time, the governor asked the servicers to review the proposed compact and submit any comments by October 22, 2007.

On November 9, 2007, after the response to his proposal primarily came from their trade association and not from the individual servicers, the governor announced that the response was inadequate and that nothing meaningful had been offered. He said he was open to talk with the individual servicers.

Kimberly Zurz, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce and chair of the governor’s Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, met with many servicers and their trade associations. At that meeting, the representatives discussed the proposed compact and agreed on the six principles, which substantively matched the spirit of the original compact.

After extensive negotiations in recent months, the servicers expanded upon the six principles, which led to today’s agreement.

“We are pleased that these servicers have joined in signing a compact,” Director Zurz said. “I hope that even more servicers will join their colleagues and the State of Ohio in this good faith effort to help Ohioans stay in their homes.”

The Save the Dream hotline number is 1-888-404-4674.

Columbus – The following statement can be attributed in whole to Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Senate President Bill Harris and House Speaker Jon Husted jointly pertaining to the use of funding for the recently announced bipartisan economic stimulus package:

“As the leaders of the executive and legislative branches of Ohio state government, we recently came together to unveil an economic stimulus package for the state of Ohio – one unlike any other in recent memory.

“Among the areas our economic stimulus package invests in are sectors of the economy that will support new, emerging technologies and advanced bio-medical research and development that will save lives and lead to new medical advances in our state.

“While we respect the concerns of the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation, the action they have taken today is troubling. The funding we have identified for our investments in Ohio’s future are state dollars and we feel the state is best suited to determine how those dollars are best utilized. We will take every step necessary to prevent the Foundation from circumventing a bipartisan decision that has been made for the good of all Ohioans.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose life was taken 40 years ago today.

“Through his actions and his words, Dr. King called our nation to live up to our most deeply held values as Americans. Though he has now been gone from this Earth longer than he was with us, Dr. King’s legacy will forever live within all those who seek peace and justice.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today appointed Gary Dumm to the Circleville Municipal Court. The judicial seat was vacated February 3 by the passing of Judge John R. Adkins.

“Gary has gained the respect of the Circleville community through his years as a lawyer and acting judge in the municipal court,” Strickland said. “His professional experiences and commitment to Circleville are testament to his ability to serve as an effective judge.”

Dumm, 56, of Circleville, has 30 years of legal experience in Ohio and Florida. He has served in private practice with the Tootle and Dumm Law Firm in Circleville since 1990, and has trial experience in hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases in central Ohio.

Dumm also served as an acting judge in the Circleville Municipal Court under Judge O.C. Hosterman from 1983-1989 and Judge John Adkins from 1990-2007.

In addition, he worked as an assistant attorney general in the Florida Attorney General’s Office from 1988-1990. Prior to that, he served in private practice in Circleville.

Dumm received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1973 and a law degree from Capital University in 1977.

He has served as president of several local organizations, including the Pickaway County Public Library Board, the Pickaway County Community Action Agency and the Pickaway County Bar Association.

Dumm will assume his position on the court by April 14.

“In the past 30 years, I’ve gained insight and skills that have served me well in private practice and as an acting judge,” Dumm said. “I look forward to transferring these skills to the bench and working to ensure a firm, fair application of the law in our community.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland, Ohio Senate President Bill Harris and Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted today announced a $1.57 billion jobs stimulus package that aims to create new jobs while laying the foundation for future economic prosperity.

With the exception of the Clean Ohio program, this bipartisan package will not need to go to the ballot in November, allowing the positive benefits to the state’s economy to start almost immediately.

“I am thankful to President Harris and Speaker Husted for their leadership and hard work in helping develop a jobs plan that will create thousands of new jobs in our great state,” Strickland said. “Together, we have crafted a thoughtful approach to making the investments needed to jumpstart our economy.”

“I am pleased to stand in support of a bipartisan jobs package that relies less on debt, that ensures stimulus dollars can be released before the end of the year and which wisely targets investments where they can make the most difference to our overall state economy,” Harris said.

"I can support this plan – it invests in people and it creates real jobs because it requires private sector investment in the economy," Husted said. "The plan does not mortgage Ohio’s future, it invests in it.”

The economic package makes major investments in workforce, infrastructure and new and emerging industries that will spur job creation in Ohio.

The state leaders agreed that while the availability of high-quality jobs is essential to Ohio’s future, so too are the investments we must make to link Ohio students and Ohio graduates to those jobs. This package calls for $250 million over the next five years to build a jobs pipeline for students – a resource that will greatly expand internships and co-op programs that place Ohio at the forefront of job creation. Moreover, attracting students and graduates back to Ohio will serve a critical role in this effort.

The proposal’s investments of $1.57 billion, which represent approximately $700 million in less debt than the original proposal, will be funded through a combination of bond sales, existing revenue and other sources.

The details of the bipartisan economic package are:

New and Emerging Industries:

Bio-based Products, $50 million -- will help support and grow an industry that aims to produce polymers, plastics and other crucial modern materials out of Ohio-grown crops.

Biomedical, $100 million -- will help create jobs through spurring a part of Ohio's economy that saves lives and leads to medical advances.

Advanced and Renewable Energy, $150 million -- will create new jobs by making Ohio a powerhouse of renewable and advanced energy production such as wind, solar and clean coal.

Infrastructure:

Logistics and Distribution, $100 million -- will help spur job creation through investing in infrastructure that can be used to expand and support businesses that move and distribute products. Ohio's central location in the nation makes it a perfect location for a growing logistics and distribution industry.

Local Infrastructure, $400 million -- will be used to help build important local infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, sewers and water systems.

Clean Ohio Conservation, $200 million -- will fund the preservation of farmland and greenspace.

Clean Ohio Revitalization, $200 million --will help revitalize our cities and industrial areas by brownfield clean up and transformation into new residential and business development.

Historic Preservation Tax Credit, $120 million -- will revitalize historically significant buildings that expand the tax base of the local community.

Workforce:

Higher Education Workforce Initiative, $250 million -- aims to keep more college-educated Ohioans in the state by linking them with good internships, cooperative education programs and jobs while they earn their degrees. Matched with private sector investments, this will make Ohio a leader in higher education and job creation efforts.

“This bipartisan jobs stimulus plan will create jobs, make us a leader in emerging industries and establish the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity in Ohio,” Strickland said.