Office of the Governor Press Releases

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Board of Directors today submitted to Governor Ted Strickland its first annual performance review of BWC Administrator Marsha Ryan.

“Last year, I signed legislation calling for an annual review of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation administrator, among other reforms,” Strickland said. “I am encouraged by the results of this evaluation, and I commend the work and leadership of Administrator Ryan in her first year at the BWC. This review is testament to our continuing efforts to ensure integrity, accountability and professionalism in the BWC system.”

The BWC Board of Directors rated Ryan’s overall performance as an “excellent/plus” on a numerical rating system. Ryan received a 4 (excellent) out of 5 (superior) rating or higher in six evaluated categories: performance objectives, leadership, planning, interaction with external parties, integrity and ethics, and board governance.

The board unanimously offered the top rating (5) of Ryan’s integrity and high ethical standards.

“We are very pleased with the leadership demonstrated by Ms. Ryan and we’re certain that the BWC is in excellent hands,” said BWC Board of Directors Chair Bill Lhota. “Administrator Ryan has set the ‘tone at the top’ at BWC and has demonstrated a sincere desire to do what is best for Ohio’s employers and its workers.”

The performance evaluation was completed in accordance with Ohio House Bill 100, which created the BWC Board of Directors and outlined its powers and duties as a fiduciary, external governing body of BWC. The evaluation was completed following Ryan’s first full year as BWC administrator.

In addition to the six evaluation areas, the Board of Directors documented the administrator’s top challenges and accomplishments.

“There have been numerous accomplishments at the BWC over the last year, including the recruitment of a quality senior staff, engaging 11 new board members, and fostering an environment of teamwork, focus and accountability throughout the agency,” said Lhota. “Marsha Ryan’s leadership and commitment to ethics and integrity are helping to restore credibility to the BWC.”

A link to the full performance review is available by clicking here.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed House Bill 248.

House Bill 248

State Representative Louis Blessing sponsored HB 248, which specifies requirements regarding contracts for a non-recourse civil litigation advance, a transaction in which a company makes a cash advance payment to a consumer who has a pending civil claim or action in exchange for an amount out of the proceeds of any realized settlement, judgment or verdict the consumer may receive in the civil lawsuit.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed an executive order establishing the Ohio Anti-Poverty Task Force, which will develop recommendations aimed at reducing the number of Ohioans living at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

“Too many Ohioans are currently living in poverty,” Strickland said. “This task force will give my administration diverse perspectives to tackle this serious issue and help Ohio families who are struggling to make ends meet.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today made the following statement regarding the appointment of Nancy Rogers, dean of the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, as acting Ohio attorney general.

“Two weeks ago a vacancy occurred in the office of Ohio’s Attorney General. At that time, I indicated that much needed to be done to allow the hard-working and committed public servants in that office to do their work on behalf of the people of Ohio without distraction. And much needed to be done to refocus the public’s attention on the good and important work being done there everyday.

Today, by appointing as Ohio’s Attorney General a woman of great integrity, accomplishment, intellect, humility, dignity, experience and maturity, I believe we are taking an important step to restore orderliness and public confidence in the Office of the Attorney General.

Until today, Nancy Rogers served as the Dean at Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law. She has stepped down from her Deanship to take on this important challenge.

Attorney General Rogers will, for approximately six months, take a leave from the OSU law faculty to right the ship in the Attorney General’s office. She has made it abundantly clear to me that she has no interest in running in the November election to finish out the remaining two years of the Attorney General’s term. Once the November election results are final, she will return to the OSU law faculty with, what I am confident will be, the sincere thanks of the people of Ohio.

Why have I chosen Nancy Rogers for this important post? She is a person of great accomplishment. She is widely admired by her colleagues and peers for her judgment and leadership capabilities. And, Attorney General Rogers is a national leader in the field of dispute resolution – a skill that I can assure you will come in handy as our state’s Attorney General.

Nancy has been a superb leader and administrator during seven years as the Dean at OSU’s Moritz College of Law. Before serving as Dean, she was the Vice-Provost for all of Ohio State University and held a number of other leadership and senior administrative positions at the Law School during her more than 30 years teaching there.

Nancy has garnered the deep respect of her peers for her effective and thoughtful performance in those positions. In January of 2007, Dean Rogers was elected the national President of the American Association of Law Schools, the organization setting the course and priorities for legal education across the United States. And just last month, Nancy received the Ohio State Bar Association’s highest honor when she was presented the Ohio Bar Medal in recognition of her sustained, exemplary service to the bar of Ohio.

Attorney General Rogers deeply understands the importance of public service. Her father, Clifford Hardin, served in Washington as the Secretary of Agriculture; her father-in-law William Rogers served in two administrations, first as Attorney General and then later as the Secretary of State. Her husband, Doug Rogers, is an intellectual property attorney who is also an expert in the area of the rights of the disabled. Doug has served as the Director of the Ohio Legal Rights Service agency, which fights for those rights every day.

With a distinguished family history of public service, it should be no surprise that Attorney General Rogers has been keenly involved in serving the community. Nancy has given nine years of service, as a presidential appointee, to the Board of the Legal Services Corporation which works to meet the legal needs of the poor. While General Rogers has assured me that she will be working well more than full time to fulfill her new duties, the one bit of non-profit involvement she has decided to continue is her leadership, with U.S. District Judge Marbley, of a local program which mentors ninth graders interested in a career in the law.

It is my very distinct honor to present to you a woman who I am certain will bring to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office the dignity, professionalism and focus that Ohio’s people and the staff there deserve: Attorney General Nancy Rogers.”

A high resolution photo of Rogers is available by clicking here.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed Senate Bill 289, legislation that will establish the Ohio Department of Veterans Services and ensure employment rights to those serving in the uniformed services.

“I am proud that Ohio will have a new department to ensure Ohio’s veterans and their families have one central place to go to access the benefits they deserve,” Strickland said. “The Ohio Department of Veterans Services will be an advocate for Ohio’s veterans in Washington, ensuring our state’s veterans have greater access to federal benefits and programs.”

The new department will assume the duties of the Governor's Office of Veterans Services, including the Ohio Veterans’ Home Agency and the Ohio War Orphans Scholarship Board.

The duties of the current director of the Governor’s Office of Veterans Services will transfer to the new director of the department, who will serve as a member of the governor’s cabinet.

“The new department will work closely with county veterans’ organizations to effectively coordinate and collaborate while providing quality services to Ohio’s veterans as expeditiously as possible,” Strickland said.

The legislation will also provide employment protections for members of the uniformed services or the Ohio organized militia who must take a leave of absence from their job to serve their country. SB 289 offers Ohio soldiers the reinstatement and reemployment rights outlined in the “Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.” Those who are denied a reinstatement or reemployment after military service can be reinstated through the court of common pleas.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed House Bill 13.

House Bill 13

State Representative Diana Fessler sponsored HB 13, which prohibits using the Social Security number of a motor vehicle owner on the vehicle registration renewal notice mailed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed an executive order establishing the Ohio Senior Civic Engagement Council, which will work to enhance volunteer, educational and employment opportunities for older Ohioans.

“As Ohio’s population of older adults grows, we must give them the resources and opportunities they need to continue leading productive, fulfilling lives,” Strickland said.

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that from 2005 to 2015, the entire working-age population of Ohio will grow by 224,000. At the same time, the population of Ohioans who are age 55 and older will increase by more than 552,000. The statistics show that a large portion of the growth in the working-age population will be generated by these older Ohioans.

“Older adults will play a major role in Ohio’s economic success for the next several years,” Strickland said. “The Council will work to keep them active and engaged in their communities and careers, as well as help employers prepare for changing workforce needs.”

The Senior Civic Engagement Council will coordinate with the Ohio Workforce Policy Board regarding senior employment policies and activities, collect data about the engagement of older adults in employment, volunteer and educational activities and its impact on their health and well-being, and promote policies that enhance job opportunities, increase volunteerism and make educational opportunities available to older Ohioans.

Additionally, the Council will help business leaders and the workforce development system prepare for and offer services to Ohio’s growing number of older workers.

The Council will be led by the Director of the Ohio Department of Aging and include representatives from Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging, the Ohio Board of Regents, the Ohio Workforce Development Office and the Ohio Community Service Council, as well as representatives from the business sector, advocates for aging issues and older Ohioans.

Columbus, Ohio - Governor Ted Strickland today made the following statement regarding the resignation of Attorney General Marc Dann:

“Attorney General Marc Dann did the honorable thing by resigning today,” Governor Strickland said. “This decision will allow the important work of the Attorney General’s office to continue without the distraction caused by recent events.”

“Today is a sad day in many ways. I think it is appropriate for us all to acknowledge the personal pain and anguish that these events have caused the Attorney General, his family members, his staff and others.”

“Marc has accomplished much during the relatively short time he has occupied the office of Attorney General. The Attorney General and his professional staff have done meaningful work to promote environmental and consumer protection, foreclosure prevention, and health care accessibility.”

“I’m hopeful that today’s announcement will allow the professional staff at the Attorney General’s office to continue the important work in these and other areas. As I have said in the past, the office of the Attorney General is more important than any one person because in many cases it is all that stands between the people and the powerful.”

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed Senate Bill 3.

Senate Bill 3

State Senator Keith Faber sponsored Senate Bill 3 that prohibits elected officials convicted of specified felonies to hold elected office on completion of their prison term or commuting a sentence to become eligible to hold elected office; allows the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office; and provides an appropriation to the Office of the Inspector General. The bill goes into effect immediately.

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

The Ohio Community Service Council works to encourage and expand community service programs throughout the state. It also assists state agencies in coordinating community service education programs through cooperative efforts between institutions and organizations in the public and private sectors.

Maureen Drummond, of Canfield, has served as the program director for Volunteer Services Agency, Inc., in Youngstown since 2001. She previously served as the agency’s director of senior programs and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) project director. Drummond received a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1985.

Chelsea Merriman, of Hilliard, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Otterbein College. She serves as the volunteer coordinator for Otterbein’s United Methodist Children’s Home program and the vice president of the Center for Community Engagement TEAM. Merriman is also a member of Raise Your Voice, an Otterbein organization urging college students to vote and understand the political process.

Jeffrey King, of Columbus, has served as the State 4-H Leader and assistant director of the Ohio State University Extension since 1998. As State 4-H Leader, he oversees the Ohio 4-H Youth Development program across all 88 counties. King received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1981, a master’s degree from Ohio State in 1985 and a doctorate from Ohio State in 1997.

Juliet Thomas, of West Salem, currently serves as the AmeriCorps*VISTA leader and special project coordinator for the North Carolina Campus Compact. She was previously the community service coordinator for AmeriCorps*VISTA for the Ohio Campus Compact at Ashland University. Thomas received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 2005.

The State Medical Board receives applications and conducts examinations for certificates of persons desiring to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine and surgery in the state of Ohio. The board also may revoke existing licenses or certificates of doctors and surgeons in Ohio.

Marchelle Suppan, of Orrville, is the vice president of medical affairs for Dunlap Memorial Hospital and an adjunct instructor of basic pharmacology at the University of Akron, Wayne College. From 1991-2004, she served as the president/owner of the Suppan Foot and Ankle Clinic. Suppan received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1976, a doctorate from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1980 and an MBA from Ashland University in 2003.

Susan Stephens, of Gates Mills, works in private practice at the Institute for Spine in Concord and Associates In Orthopaedics in Cleveland Heights. Stephens received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1982 and a doctor of medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1986. She conducted her post-graduate residencies at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center.

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.

Mattie James, of Columbus, is the president and CEO of the Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc. – a position she has held since 1985. As president and CEO, James oversees a child and family development agency that serves more than 1,800 children and families in Franklin County. A West Virginia native, James received a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State College in 1964.

The Third Frontier Commission coordinates and administers science and technology programs to support the welfare of the people of the state and to maximize the economic growth of the state through expansion of the state’s high technology research and development capabilities and the state’s product and process innovation and commercialization.

William McCreary, of Sylvania, is the vice president and chief technical officer for Nippon Sheet Glass Group, a glass technology innovator and manufacturer. He serves as the vice president and chief information officer for Pilkington North America, Inc., an NSG subsidiary in Toledo. McCreary received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1971 as well as master’s degrees in business administration, economics, and applied math and computer methods.

The State Lottery Commission acts as an advisory body to the administration of the state lottery. Members should have prior experience in business administration, management, sales, marketing, or advertising.

Otto Beatty III, of Columbus, has been the co-owner of E.E. Ward Moving and Storage in Columbus since 2001. Beatty served as a partner and associate with Baker and Hostetler LLP from 1995-2007 and specialized in commercial law, Ohio administrative law, bankruptcy and financial institutions. He received a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College in 1991 and a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1993.

The State Fire Commission may recommend courses of action to be taken by the fire marshal in carrying out his duties.

Ann Spicer, of Columbus, is the executive vice president of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians – a position she has held since 1995. She previously served as the executive secretary for the Ohio House of Representatives from 1993-1994 and as an assistant to the Speaker of the Ohio House from 1979-1993. She received a bachelor’s degree from Capital University in 1977.

The eTech Ohio Commission governs eTech Ohio. An executive director oversees a staff of approximately 80 employees and manages the day-to-day operations of eTech. The Commission meets to consider grant requests and other policy matters.

David Todt, of Friendship, is currently the interim provost of Shawnee State University. He served as the university’s associate provost/director of Institutional Planning from 2004-2007 and the chairman of the Department of Teacher Education from 1997-2004. Todt received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1971 and earned graduate degrees from Miami University and the Ohio State University.

The State Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics adopts rules to carry out the form and manner of filing licensure applications and renewals and the standards for evaluating licensure examinations.

Rosalind Batley, of Canal Winchester, has taught at the Ohio State University since 1982. She currently serves as an associate professor in the university’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as in the Department of Pediatrics. Batley received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1973 and a medical degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1977.

Kevin Hawkins, of Poland, has been a board certified and state licensed staff prosthetist for the Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc., since 2002. He previously served as the director of prosthetic services for ABi Orthotics and Prosthetics. Hawkins received a bachelor’s degree from Memphis State University in 1984.

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 Holcomb, of Pickerington, is retired after 34 years in public education, where he served as a teacher and administrator. In the course of his career, he also worked as a part-time volunteer firefighter and EMT. Holcomb received a bachelor’s degree from Bluffton College in 1966 and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Kent State University in 1971.

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.

Gerry Bird, of Dublin, is the co-founder and managing principal of Bird Houk Collaborative, a multidisciplinary architecture, planning, urban design and landscape architecture firm. Bird served seven years as the president and/or director of the Columbus Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He received a master’s degree in architecture from the Ohio State University and an MBA from Capital University.

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.

Dennis Roark, of Springfield, has served in private optometry practice in Springfield for 35 years. He has been a member of the Ohio Optometric Association and American Optometric Association for more than 40 years. Roark received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1968 and a doctor of optometry in 1970.

The Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board oversees the grading of examinations of individuals applying to be professional counselors, social workers, or independent social workers and determines if an applicant is qualified for practice

Robert Nelson, of Yellow Springs, has served as the clinical supervisor for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio in Dayton since 1999. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Sociology and Anthropology Department at Wright State University. Nelson received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1970 and a master’s degree in social work from SUNY at Buffalo in 1973.

Francine Packard, of Youngstown, works at the Center for Behavioral Medicine, Youth Services, in Youngstown as the acting adolescent and adult recovery services coordinator. She also serves as a crisis response team member for the Center. Packard received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1995 and a master’s in education at Youngstown State University in 2001.

The Reclamation Commission provides an administrative appeal to any person claiming to be aggrieved or adversely affected by a decision of the chief of the Division of Mineral Resources Management at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, relating to mining and reclamation issues.

Gene Branstool, of Utica, is a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. A farmer for 39 years, Branstool was inducted into the Licking County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2004. He is currently a member of the board of directors for Licking Memorial Hospital. He graduated from the Ohio State University College of Agriculture in 1958.

The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Board licenses practitioners of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training, either through examination or reciprocity and investigates complaints and concerns relative to alleged violations of Chapter 4755 of the Ohio Revised Code, which can result in the suspension or revocation of a license, or the refusal to issue or renew a license.

Kimberly Lawler, of Frazeysburg, is a full-time occupational therapy instructor at Zane State College. She is also a register/licensed occupational therapist at Genesis HealthCare System in Zanesville, People First Rehab in Coshocton, Southeast Ohio Rehab Services in Salesville and Therapros in Cambridge. Lawler received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1992 and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2005.

Averell Russell Overby, of Athens, has served as an associate professor and the director of the Ohio University School of Physical Therapy since 1996. She previously served as an associate professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University. She received a bachelor’s degree from Immaculata College in 1969, a master’s in physical therapy from Stanford University in 1971 and a doctorate in public health from the University of Texas in 1993.

The Barber Board prescribes sanitary regulations for barber shops and barber schools, subject to approval by the Department of Health. The board also provides barbering permits, examinations, registration and certification.

Charles Graf, of Lancaster, is employed as a barber by the HairShop in Lancaster. He was previously self-employed.

The Technical Advisory Council on Oil and Gas advises the Division of Mineral Resources Management at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on technical matters which may arise concerning oil and gas production, drilling, and exploration.

John Ackerman, of Woodsfield, is a self-employed Nationwide Insurance agent and a farmer. As an insurance agent for 22 years, Ackerman has worked with land owners and farmers on oil and gas leasing issues and property liability. He also served two years as the president of the Monroe County Agricultural Society.

The Ohio Steel Industry Advisory Council is responsible for conducting an examination of existing federal and Ohio laws that currently affect the production and consumption of Ohio steel, problems that the Ohio steel industry currently faces, including foreign competition and the economic climate for the Ohio steel industry, and other matters relevant to the future of the steel industry in this state. The Council also submits an annual report to legislative leaders and advises local and state government officials.

Larry Taylor, of Amherst, is currently the plant manager for U.S. Steel Lorain Tubular Operations. His 30 years of manufacturing and human resources experience include serving as the North American human resources manager for Almatis, Inc, from 2004-2006 and as the manager of human resources for Copperweld in Piqua from 1997-2004. He received a bachelor’s degree from Bluffton College in 2003.

Leonard Anthony, of Warren, is the president and CEO of WCI Steel, Inc. He previously served as the executive vice president and chief financial officer for Dresser Rand Group, Inc., in Houston from 2005-2007. Anthony also served more than 20 years in various positions at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Pennsylvania. He received a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1976 and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1993.

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

Mary Haag, of Cincinnati, is the director of coalition strategies for the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati. Among her professional affiliations, Haag is a board member and president of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Association of Ohio. She received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1986. She is also a registered nurse.

Kenneth Brown, of Springfield, is a probation officer with more than 15 years of experience. He currently serves as the director of probation for the Clark County Municipal Court. He previously worked as a unit supervisor for the Montgomery County Juvenile Probation Department. Brown received a bachelor’s degree from Wright State University in 1984 and a master’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1995.

The Ohio Respiratory Care Board regulates and enforces the provision of Chapter 4761 of the Ohio Revised Code for the purpose of improving the quality of respiratory care delivered to the public by respiratory care professionals.

Carol Gilligan, of Lakewood, is the founder and president of Health Aid of Ohio, Inc., a company that offers rehab medical equipment to approximately 6,000 patients in northern Ohio. She serves on the Ohio Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (OAMES) Medicaid and Medicare committees and is a member of the American Association for Homecare.

Susan Ciarlariello, of Dayton, has served as the director of respiratory care at Dayton Children’s Medical Center since 1986. She also serves as director of transport and director of the sleep center for the Medical Center. She received an associate’s degree in respiratory therapy from Sinclair Community College in 1975, a bachelor’s degree from Antioch University in 1991 and an MBA from Wright State University in 2003.

E. Lucy Kester, of Ravenna, is the education coordinator for the respiratory therapy section of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. A registered respiratory therapist, Kester has authored several reports dealing with respiratory care. She received an associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1975, a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1980 and an MBA from Cleveland State University in 1987.

The Public Health Council is the primary rule-making body for the Department of Health and its powers and duties are set forth in law. It adopts, amends, and rescinds rules pertaining to public health. It prescribes, by rule, the number and functions of divisions and bureaus and the qualifications of the chiefs of the divisions and bureaus with the Department; and it advises the director of health on matters affecting public health.

David Bitonte, of Louisville, served as the medical director for Ohio KePro, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Ohio, from 2000-2007. He served as a practicing anesthesiologist from 1985-2000. Bitonte received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1976, a doctorate from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1980 and an MBA from Youngstown State University in 2003. He is currently in private practice.

The Wildlife Council advises the Division of Wildlife of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on policies pertaining to preservation of wildlife, management of wildlife based on public hearings or investigations, and has supervision over the wildlife in state parks.

Horace Karr, of Pomeroy, is retired after working nearly 40 years in construction. He also owns and operates a large farm operation in Pomeroy.

James Lynch, of Columbus, is retired after working 33 years in numerous capacities for WBNS TV-10 (CBS), including regional sales manager, local sales manager and account executive. An avid outdoorsman, Lynch is a member of numerous sportsman organizations. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1958.

The Savings and Loan Association and Savings Bank Board makes recommendations to the superintendent of financial institutions and the deputy superintendent of savings and loan associations and savings banks on matters relating to the business of savings and loan associations and savings banks.

Dan Stevens, of Bethel, is currently chairman of the board of directors for Bethel Building and Loan Company. He has more than 30 years of experience in the funeral industry, including as owner/president of Kennedy-Stevens Funeral Homes in Bethel from 1973-1997 and as an employee of Carriage Services in Houston from 1997-2007. He attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.

Sandra McNeil, of Greenfield, is the executive managing officer and board member for the Home Building and Loan Company, where she has worked since 1972. She has also served as a member of the Greenfield Area Medical Center Board of Trustees since 1972. A life-long resident of Greenfield, McNeil has served on numerous other city and community boards and organizations.

Robert Smith, of Portsmouth, has been the president and CEO of American Savings Bank in Portsmouth since 1998. He has worked at the bank in numerous capacities since 1966. Smith served as the chairman of the Ohio Bankers League in 2007. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1974.

Robert Hamilton, of West Lafayette, has served as chairman and CEO of the Home Loan Savings Bank in Coshocton since 1998. He has worked for the bank in numerous capacities since 1981 and previously served as the vice president of Bank One of Coshocton from 1960-1981. He attended the American Institute of Banking, the Ohio School of Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed House Bill 332 and House Bill 352.

House Bill 332

State Representative Mark Wagoner (currently State Senator) sponsored HB 332, which adopts a new version of the Revised Uniform Partnership Act, a model statute that dictates how partnerships should be set up and organized, as well as the rights and duties of the partners.

The bill phases out the current Ohio Partnership Law by January 1, 2010, and replaces it with the new Ohio Uniform Partnership Act to govern all new and existing partnerships.

House Bill 352

State Representative Tom Patton sponsored HB 352, which adds alpacas and llamas to the definitions of “agricultural animal” and “livestock” in laws dealing with financial assistance to livestock exhibitions, the exhibitions themselves, concentrated animal feeding facilities, licensure of livestock dealers and registration of livestock brands.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed House Bill 544.

HB 544 immediately abolishes the Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation and authorizes Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray to liquidate the Foundation’s $270 million in remaining funds.

HB 544 allows $230 million from Ohio's tobacco master settlement agreement to help support the $1.57 billion bipartisan economic stimulus package. The remaining $40 million will be distributed to the Tobacco Use Prevention Fund, which will be administered by the Ohio Department of Health.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, Treasurer Richard Cordray, House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty, Senate Minority Leader Ray Miller and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern called for Attorney General Marc Dann’s resignation last night.

The text of a letter sent to Attorney General Marc Dann last night, Sunday, May 4, 2008, follows:


Sunday May 4, 2008


Attorney General Marc Dann
State of Ohio
Rhodes State Office Tower
30 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Dear Attorney General Dann,

We write to you tonight to ask that you resign your position as Attorney General of the State of Ohio.

We believe that your actions have irreparably harmed your ability to effectively serve the people of our great state.

The work of the Office of the Attorney General matters more, and is far more important, than any one person. In many, many cases it is all that stands between the people and the powerful. Sadly, we no longer have even the most remote hope that you can continue to effectively serve as Attorney General and that is why we are asking for your resignation.

We also want to make you aware that if you do not choose to resign, Democratic members of the Ohio House of Representatives will immediately introduce a resolution seeking your impeachment. We sincerely hope that this action will not be necessary and that you will act in the best interest of the people of Ohio by tendering your resignation Monday morning.

Sincerely,

Ted Strickland
Governor

Sherrod Brown
U.S. Senator

Lee Fisher
Lt. Governor

Jennifer Brunner
Secretary of State

Richard Cordray
Treasurer

Ray Miller
Senate Minority Leader

Joyce Beatty
House Minority Leader

Chris Redfern
Chairman, Ohio Democratic Party

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today signed into law Senate Bill 221, a landmark energy reform bill that will ensure predictability of affordable energy prices and serve as a catalyst to enhance energy industries in Ohio, bringing new jobs while protecting existing jobs.

Strickland made the following comments today before signing SB 221 in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium.

“One year ago today I spoke to the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and outlined a set of principles to guide our efforts in transforming our electric structure in the State of Ohio.

These principles were focused on:

• Transparency and accountability
• Making sure customers have equal footing with utilities
• Energy efficiency
• A strong renewable and advanced energy portfolio
• Modernizing Ohio’s electric infrastructure
• The need to reduce green house gas emissions
• Establishing a stable balance between the protections of regulation and the opportunities of competitive markets.

Today I am proud to say that with the help of legislative leaders in both parties we have kept our word to Ohioans on these important and guiding principles.

This bill, Senate Bill 221, will ensure predictability of affordable energy prices and maintain state controls necessary to protect Ohio jobs and businesses.

We will safeguard Ohio families by empowering consumers and modernizing Ohio’s energy infrastructure.

And we will attract the jobs of the future through an advanced energy portfolio standard—and today’s action by Ohio means that a majority of states now agree that these technologies represent the future of energy in the United States.

This requirement means that 25% of the energy sold in Ohio must come from advanced and renewable energy technologies—from clean coal to wind turbines—by 2025.

This could not have been accomplished without the hard work of many of you here today as well as citizens across the state—and I want to thank you for your tireless efforts to get us to this point and remind you that you will continue to play a vital role as we work to implement this plan.

Staff at the Public Utilities Commission, and its commissioners, deserve an enormous amount of gratitude for the work they have already begun and will continue to do as we see these legislative objectives through to the finish line.

I am proud to be here today with Ohio's legislative leadership. We can all be proud of this bill.”