Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland and Lt. Governor Lee Fisher today offered strong support for SEIU’s and the Healthy Families Act Coalition’s decision to remove the paid sick day initiative from the November ballot. 

 

“In my judgment, this initiative was not the right way to pursue the worthy goal of obtaining paid sick leave for working people,” Strickland said.  “While I support providing paid sick leave to working families, I was deeply concerned that a divisive public campaign about Ohio’s business climate as well as the enactment of new requirements that would put Ohio at a competitive disadvantage would both negatively impact Ohio’s economy.”

 

“We need to be doing everything we can to help Ohio’s businesses and industries grow to retain and create new jobs,” Fisher said. “We’re pleased the SEIU and all of the Healthy Families Act proponents have taken this step today.”

 

Strickland made it clear that he supports the enactment of federal legislation that would establish required paid sick days nationally, adding that he and his staff are ready to provide input to craft a thoughtful federal bill, drawing upon their recent experiences working to devise a workable compromise bill in Ohio.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today announced the appointment of Glenda Smith to the Butler County Municipal Court Area III and the appointment of Kathleen Romans to the Butler County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division.

“In her years as a public servant and attorney, Glenda has exemplified hard work, legal expertise, and commitment to her community; she also brings a diversity of experience to the bench that will make her an outstanding judge,” Strickland said. 

 

Smith, 47, of Fairfield Township, fills a seat on the Butler County Municipal Court that was vacated due to the resignation of Judge Robert Hendrickson on August 15th.

 

Smith will begin September 6, 2008.

 

Smith has maintained a private practice in Fairfield Township since 2001 and has presided as a hearing examiner for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles since 2007. She represented law enforcement officers as a deputy attorney general in Indiana from 1992-1993, and protected the interest of vulnerable citizens as a guardian ad litem in the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office from 1999-2001. She has also taught a variety of law-related courses as an adjunct professor at both Cincinnati State and Columbus State.   Smith received her bachelor’s degree from the Indiana University in 1989, and both her master’s and legal degree from Indiana University in 1992.

 

“I am humbled by Governor Strickland’s appointment and assure that I will serve the court and community with high standards,” Smith said.

Kathleen Romans, 59, of Middletown, fills a seat on the Butler County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division that was vacated due to the death of Judge David Niehaus on August 1^st.

 

“Kathleen has served Butler County for more than two decades as a respected attorney dedicated to protecting Butler County families and children,” Strickland said. “Kathleen is ready to assume the great responsibilities of a juvenile judge from day one.”

 

Romans will begin September 6, 2008.

 

Romans was appointed by the late Judge Niehaus as magistrate of the Butler County Juvenile Court in 2003, and continues her service in that court.  Romans has also maintained a private general law practice sine 1983. Prior to becoming a juvenile magistrate, Romans was a supervising assistant prosecuting attorney in Butler County Juvenile Court for over eighteen years (1983-2001).

 

Among her community activities, Romans served on the Middletown Regional Hospital Foundation Board from 1994-2003 and chaired the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Board of Butler County from 1994-1998.  She is active in the legal community as both an attorney and magistrate, dedicating much time to working on issues of domestic violence, child assault and abuse of children.

 

Romans received her bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1973 and her law degree from Dayton Law School in 1983.

 

“As a long term resident of Butler County, I am deeply honored by this appointment and I look forward to continuing my service to my community in this role,” Smith said.

 

A high resolution photo of Smith is available at the following link:          http://www.governor.ohio.gov/News/Photos/GlendaSmith/tabid/826/Default.aspx

 

A high resolution photo of Romans is available at the following link:  http://www.governor.ohio.gov/News/Photos/KathleenRomans/tabid/825/Default.aspx

Columbus, Ohio – As the national economic slowdown continues to deprive Ohio of expected revenues, Governor Ted Strickland today ordered $540 million in budget adjustments in order to make sure Ohio’s budget remains in balance.

 

This reduction comes in addition to a $733 million budget adjustment plan announced last January, for a total of $1.27 billion in budget adjustments over the biennium.

 

“I believe this decision is the best way forward given the challenging economic environment we face in the months ahead,” Strickland said. “We are making tough decisions, while also protecting the core priorities such as investing in education, children’s health care and tax reform that I believe will help revitalize our economy in the long run.”

 

“The best long-term solution is to get the national and Ohio economies moving again,” Strickland said. “When you look at our $1.57 billion jobs bill and our recently-enacted energy bill, I believe Ohio is doing more than any other state. It’s time for a more aggressive and more vigorous jobs stimulus package at the national level.”

 

The adjustment includes a 4.75 percent across-the-board cut to state agencies, after holding harmless key programs, and while also protecting 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 decided not to ask the legislature for additional authority to use funds from the state’s rainy day fund, primarily because he believes that those funds may be needed if there is further weakening in the national economy, as many are predicting today.

 

“I think it’s safe to say it’s raining now, but I fear there’s a larger storm looming ahead,” Strickland said.

 

Strickland also praised state employees for their hard work and dedication.

 

“While we were able to protect core priorities, today’s announcement will offer true challenges for state employees,” Strickland said. “We honor the work that they do every day, particularly during this difficult time.”

 

Specific line items fully exempted include: Medicaid (line item 525); Department of Education line items for foundation funding, pupil transportation, gifted pupil program, special education enhancements and career/technical education enhancements; Board of Regents line items for OCOG, OIG, SSI and capital component; Ohio Department of Job and Family Services line item for Disability Financial Assistance; Expositions line item for Junior Fair Subsidy; all GRF line items within the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction; all GRF line items within the Department of Youth Services; Ballot Board advertising reimbursement; Secretary of State line items for poll worker training and county postage reimbursement; debt service line items; line items related to tax relief; and all GRF line items for the legislative and judicial agencies. 

 

Additionally, the Department of Taxation’s revenue generation activities will receive a reduced cut of 2 percent across the board.  Finally, the Community and Hospital Mental Health Services (line item 408) in the Department of Mental Health will receive a reduced cut of 2 percent.

 

Budget reductions announced today will result in $198 million less being spent by state agencies through June 30, 2009.  The remaining $342 million shortfall will be made up through a variety of cash management actions.

Columbus, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has issued the following proclamation in honor of Patriot Day and has ordered all state and U.S. flags at public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday in remembrance of September 11, 2001.  

Patriot Day 2008 

On September 11th of each year, we observe Patriot Day as a remembrance of the lives lost and the selfless dedication of members of our public safety community on that day in 2001. We also honor the families and loved ones left behind.

In observance of Patriot Day, I hereby proclaim by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America that all flags of the United States and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio from Sunrise until Sunset Thursday September 11, 2008.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued a state declaration of emergency, allowing the State greater flexibility in quickly allocating resources from state entities, such as the Ohio National Guard and the Ohio Department of Transportation, out to local communities.

 

The declaration follows a major wind storm Sunday that resulted in the loss of five lives and led to widespread power outages and damage across the state.

 

“The state of Ohio has experienced hurricane-level gusts of wind, which is obviously extremely unusual for our state,” Strickland said. “We are staying in very close contact with our communities and doing everything in our power to assist the response and recovery to these extraordinary circumstances.  Ohioans are strong and resilient, and I know that our citizens’ first concern will be looking out for each other.  And I will make sure that the State of Ohio stands with its people during this difficult time.”

 

The Ohio Department of Public Safety is coordinating the response on the statewide level through the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. As of 11:55 a.m., there were 1.92 million customers without power across the state. The state declaration of emergency will allow Ohio greater flexibility of allocating resources to, among other things, help with local roads in need of clearing and to assist utilities in moving crews from around the state and nation to where they need to be to help get power restored as quickly as possible.

 

Other assessment updates include: 84 counties have reported damages or outages; an estimated 450 school districts are closed across the state; 11 counties have issued county level emergency declarations (Butler, Clark, Delaware, Greene, Hamilton, Knox, Licking, Madison, Montgomery, Morrow, Seneca; ODOT reports 46 roads are closed or restricted and one-third of the traffic signals on the state system are not functioning; county government offices are fully (Butler, Preble, Highland, Delaware) or partially (Clark) closed in five counties; numerous businesses and universities are closed or delayed.

 

Strickland urged Ohioans to remember that debris and power outages are causing hazards around the state, particularly in central and southwest Ohio. In particular, downed power lines are exceedingly dangerous.

 

“In this difficult time, I am asking Ohioans to pull together, look out for each other, check on their neighbors and share resources,” Strickland said. “I have great confidence that the people of our state will work together to help us get through this difficult time.”

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

State Pharmacy Board provides for examining and licensing of pharmacists.  It sets requirements which must be met before an applicant can be registered and may revoke licenses when deemed necessary.

 

Barton Gene Kaderly, of West Jefferson, has been a retiree since 2005.  He had previously been the owner and operator of Barton Kaderly Trucking from 1998-2005.  Kaderly also served in the Texas Department of Agriculture from 1985-1987.  Kaderly farmed for thirty years and has served in a variety of leadership capacities within the agricultural community.  Kaderly attended The Ohio State University from 1961-1962. 

 

Southern State Board of Trustees does all things necessary for the creation, proper maintenance and successful operation of a state community college and may adopt at any time or amend bylaws, rules and regulations for the conduct of the board and the government and conduct of the college.

 

Don W. Gephart, of Blanchester, has served as treasurer of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 304 since 1998.  He had previously served with the U.S. Postal Service from 1989-1998.  Gephart received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1974. 

 

The Rehabilitation Service Commission develops programs beneficial to the handicapped and provides for research to be carried out in the areas of handicap prevention, cause of blindness, possible programs of training and provides technical help to existing vocation rehabilitation centers. 

 

Bruce Steven Growick, of Worthington, has served as an associate professor at The Ohio State University since 1982.  He had previously served as the director of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Rehabilitation Division from 1989-1991.  Growick also served as a presidential appointee to the United States Access Board in Washington D.C. from 2001-2005.  Growick received a bachelor’s degree from City College in New York in 1971, a master’s degree from Columbia University in 1973, and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977. 

 

The Ohio Water Advisory Council recommends policies with respect to water management and conservation and recommends ways to enhance cooperation among governmental agencies who have an interest in water use and consumption.

 

Thomas J. Denbow, of Cleveland, has served as the director of ecological and water resources with URS, Inc. since 2002.  He had previously served as the executive director of Chagrin River Watersheds from 1997-2002.  He also served as a member of the Ohio Coastal Resources Advisory Committee from 2002-2006.  Denbow received a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 1971 and studied at The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory Research Station in 1987.

 

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is charged with, in consultation with the Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, developing and submitting goals for the state, pursuant to the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. 

 

Angela Suell Denny, of Columbus, has been a group and program facilitator for Aspirations: A Vocational & Social Support Group Program since 2006. She has also served as a vocational economic analyst for Vocational Economics, Inc. since 1986. Denny received a bachelor’s degree from Bellarmine College in 1985, a master’s degree from Spalding University in 1989, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in

1998.

 

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. Council has no executive or administrative duties.

 

Sheila M. Thomas, of Blacklick, has served as a group manager and clinical and outcomes manager for Regional Medical and Scientific Affairs, Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. since 2006. She was appointed to The Deans Advisory Committee for Diversity at The Ohio State University in 2000. Thomas received a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1992 and a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree from The Ohio State University in 2000. She is also recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award from The Ohio State University in 2007.

 

Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission studies the existing criminal statutes and Ohio Laws, sentencing patterns throughout the state and the available correctional resources. The results of this study shall be used to develop and recommend to the General Assembly a comprehensive criminal sentencing structure.

 

Jim Slagle, of Marion, has served as a prosecuting attorney for Marion County since 1985. He was previously president of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association and has sat on its Executive Committee for 19 years. Slagle is also a member of the National District Attorneys Association, the Ohio Community Corrections Advisory Board, and serves as a Trustee for the Ohio Justice Alliance for Community Corrections and for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. He received his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1977 and his law degree from The Ohio State University in 1980.

 

Ethics Commission enforces the Ohio Ethics Law. The Ethics Law, enacted in 1973, established conflict of interest provisions to ensure that state employees do not profit from their positions as a public officials. The Ethics Commissions receives, and may initiate, complaints concerning alleged violations of this law.

 

Steven Michael Dettelbach, of Cleveland, has served as a partner in the firm of Baker and Hostetler LLP since 2006. He has also served as council to the United States Senate and a Federal Prosecutor. He has been awarded Prosecutor of the Year from the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators and several other awards while working for the Department of Justice. Dettelbach received a bachelor’s degree in 1988 from Dartmouth College and a law degree from Harvard University in 1991.

 

Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board coordinates and approves any improvements, additions and renovations that are made to the Capitol Building, Capitol Annex, Capitol grounds, and the state underground parking garage.

 

Robert Edward Fletcher, of Columbus, has served as senior vice president of the Public Policy Group for the Ohio Associations of Realtors since 1991. Previously he has served as legislative counsel in the Office of Government Affairs for the Ohio State Bar Association, and as an attorney in theDivision of Personnel for the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. Fletcher received his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 1973 and a law degree from The Ohio State University in 1976.

 

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.

 

Linda M. Betzer, of Chesterland, served as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Ohio from 1985 until she retired from the position in 2007.  She has served as the president of Cleveland Memorial Society since 1987 and has been an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University since 2001.  She had previously served as an assistant county prosecutor for Cuyahoga County from 1976-1980.  Betzer received a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1970 and a law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law in 1975.

 

Pamela Williams-Briggs, of Mansfield, has served as a licensed embalmer and funeral director in the State of Ohio since 1981.  Williams-Briggs has owned and operated Williams Funeral Services since 1981.  She attended Knoxville College in Tennessee and received an Associates Degree from John Gupton College of Mortuary Science in 1975.  She is a member of both the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association.   She has previously served as the President of the Buckeye State Funeral Directors & Embalmers Association from 2003 to 2005. 

 

Ohio Board of Dietetics adopts, amends, or rescinds rules governing selection and approval of a dietician licensure examination.

 

Marsha Dumm, of Circleville, has served as a clinical dietician for Grant and Riverside Hospitals in Columbus since 1992 and as a clinical instructor for The Ohio State University since 2006.  She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Ohio University.  Dumm received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1973 and a master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1992.

 

Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators provides for the examination of applicants, issues and revokes licenses and adopts rules to govern the conduct of nursing home administration. 

 

 

Joan Reidy, of Lorain, has served as the president and administrator of R & J Investment Co., Inc. since 1985.  In her position, she has been honored with prestigious awards, including being named as one of the Top 20 Women Business Owners in Northeast Ohio in 1995.  She has been a member of the Ohio Health Care Association Board of Trustees since 1991 and has served in various leadership capacities.  Reidy received a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1974. 

 

The Ohio Benefit Bank is a web-based, counselor-assisted program that connects low and moderate-income Ohioans with free income tax preparation and access to potential public benefits. 

Shannon Teague will lead the efforts to enhance and expand The Ohio Benefit Bank.

Prior to being appointed to this position, Teague served as the Administrator of the Office of Community Partnerships with the Ohio Department of Youth Services. She has served in various leadership positions at the Ohio Department of Youth Services, including Superintendent of Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility and as Assistant Administrator of the Office of Substance Abuse Services. She had previously served as a Social Worker with The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Teague has also served as a Team Leader for Southeast Recovery and Mental Health Care Services.

 

In addition, her national and local community involvement includes serving as a Delegate Assembly representative for the American Correctional Association, a member of the Ohio Wardens and Superintendents Association, Ohio Community Service Council and National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. She is a board member of the North Branch YMCA of Columbus, and Parliamentarian of the Columbus Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Teague received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology/Criminology and a Master of Education Degree in Counselor Education/Rehabilitation from Ohio University.

 

 

Ohio War Orphans Scholarship Board determines the number of scholarships to be made available to war orphans and receives applications for scholarships, and decides which applicants are to receive scholarships.

 

 

Willie Davis, of Columbus, is currently serving as the chaplain and senior vice commander of the Marine Corps League Disabled American Veterans Chapter 3 and was recently appointed to the 10^th District Commander in 2006. He also worked as a police officer for the City of Grandview and was awarded Police Officer of the Year in 1985 and 1986. Davis is a 1965 graduate of Central High School.

 

Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Release Compensation Board adopts, amends, and rescinds such rules as are necessary to implement and the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Linked Deposit Program and payment of claims on the Petroleum Underground Storage Tank Assurance Fund, if the claim applies to a release posing a threat to human health and/or the environment.

 

Donald Jon Kuchta, of Macedonia, has served as owner and operator of the Motor Inn Garage for over 30 years. He served as president of the Gasoline Dealers Association and as president of Ohio Petroleum Retail and Repair Association. Kuchta graduated from John Adams High School in 1960 and went on to study at Bowling Green University as well as Cleveland State University.

 

Franklin Park Conservatory Joint Recreation District maintains the botanical landmark two miles east of downtown Columbus. It maintains the horticultural and the educational institution of the Conservatory that showcase exotic plant collections.

 

Karen Fiorile, of Columbus, has been active in the Columbus community since 1994.  She has been a committee chair for the Women’s Board of the Columbus Museum of Art and a president of the Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board.  Fiorile was previously involved in retail management.  Fiorile received a bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University in 1973.

 

Ohio Arts Council fosters and encourages the development of the arts and the preservation of cultural heritage in Ohio. 

 

Charles McWeeny, of Athens, has served as dean of the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University since 2005.  He had previously served as an associate dean at the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University and as a professor of art at Ohio University from 1986-2005.  McWeeny received a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University in 1979 and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1982.

 

Steven Allen, of New Albany, has served as chief executive officer at Nationwide Children’s Hospital since 2006.  He had previously served as vice president and chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital from 2004-2006.   Allen has also served as a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology since 2006.  Allen received a bachelor’s degree from Rice University in 1973, a doctorate of medicine in 1977 from the University of Texas, and a master’s degree in business from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. 

 

Louisa Celebrezze, of Columbus, has served as a counselor with Sawmill Family Counseling Services since 2001 and as a pastoral associate with St. Catharine Parish.  She had previously served as a counselor with the Pontifical College Josephinum from 2001-2004.  She has also been a board member of the Friends of Early Music since 2003.  Celebreeze received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1963 and a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1986.

 

Karen Bell, of Columbus has served as associate vice president for arts outreach at The Ohio State University since July, 2008.  She also has served as a faculty member at The Ohio State University since 1980.  Bell had previously served as dean of the College of Arts at The Ohio State University from 2002-2008.  Bell received a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York-Potsdam in 1973 and a master’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College in 1980.

 

Wright State University Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution.  It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.

 

Katie Bullinger, of Beavercreek, has been pursuing a doctorate of medicine and a PhD of biomedical science at Wright State University since receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wright State University in 2004.  Bullinger serves as the School of Medicine senator and sits on various university committees. 

 

Kent State University Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution.  It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.

 

Erin West, of Stow, has been a student at Kent State University since 2006 where she is majoring in Psychology.  West has served on the Honors Community College Council and has been on the Kent State University’s Dean List three semesters.  West is also active in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

 

University of Akron Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution.  It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.

 

Marcus Phelps, of Mansfield, is currently a sophomore at the University of Akron where he is majoring in Economics.  Phelps has been active in residence hall government and the debate team since arriving at the University of Akron.

 

Cleveland State University Board of Trustees has control over all aspects of contracts with employees and takes necessary actions for the good of the institution. 

 

 

Imaan Benmerzouga, of Cleveland, is a graduate student studying Regulatory Biology and Molecular Medicine.  Benmerzouga has been honored with the YWCA’s Dr. Jennie S. Hwang’s Women of Achievement Award.  She had previously served as a student ambassador in admissions and records at Cuyahoga Community College.

 

Heidi Vielhaber, of Cleveland, is currently a student in the College of Science at Cleveland State University where she is studying pharmacy.  She has served as a student ambassador and as a community service council member.

 

The University of Akron Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution.  It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.

 

Joseph Rich, of Stow, is currently in his second year of studying law at the University of Akron.  Rich received a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in 2007.  Rich is an active member of the Akron Student Bar Association and a liaison committee member to the Akron Bar Association. 

 

University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the institution.  It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the university.

 

 

Diana Hechavarria, of Cincinnati, is currently studying at the University of Cincinnati to earn a PhD in management.  She received a master’s degree from Florida International University in 2007 and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 2004.  Hechavarria has also been a graduate assistant and the marketing director of the Graduate Student Association at the University of Cincinnati since 2007.

 

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission works towards better enforcement of Ohio’s Civil Rights’ statutes.  It reviews and, if necessary, takes court action against discrimination in housing, employment, union activities and public accommodations.

 

Rashmi Yajnik, of Columbus, currently serves as the president of California Hydrocarbons Corporation.  He is a member of the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission and is a board member the Asian Indian Alliance.  Yajnik received a bachelor’s degree from Birla Engineering College and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today asked Ohioans to consider a financial donation to area foodbanks, through the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, to help provide assistance to those still recovering from the effects of last Sunday’s windstorm.

 

 “The windstorm left an estimated 2 million customers throughout our state without power and many Ohioans are left facing difficult circumstances as a result,” Strickland said.  “Without the power needed to keep refrigerators and freezers operating, Ohioans were forced to throw away spoiling food.  For too many Ohioans this meant throwing away food without any idea of how they could replenish it.  These Ohioans are now turning to our soup kitchens and our food pantries, but some food pantries remain closed due to power outages.  Others are open with long lines and inventories dwindling.

 

“I know Ohioans will respond to this situation as we always do - with kindness, generosity and with a sense of community.  That’s why I am encouraging Ohioans to offer whatever assistance they can to help our food pantries and soup kitchens,” Strickland said.

 

The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks provides food and other resources to people in need through 12 Second Harvest Foodbanks, which then distribute food to more than 3,300 member charities, including food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other hunger relief organizations, in all 88 counties in Ohio. 

 

The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks suggests that, as demand is up 20 percent in many places and supplies are running low, Ohioans consider a financial contribution at this time.  While food drives can help, financial donations allow food banks to cost-effectively purchase high protein, perishable items through bulk purchasing.  Donations of food must be inspected and processed before being placed on the shelves of food pantries and that process can not finish in time to meet the needs of families still recovering from the windstorm.

 

Donations are being sent through the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (http://www.oashf.org/) for distribution to food pantries across the state. Donations may also be mailed to:

 

Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks

51 North High St, Suite 671

Columbus, OH  43215

 

When donating, please write, or otherwise mark, “Emergency Relief” in the designation line.