Now is the time to change Ohio.....

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Now is the Time to Change the Way Ohio

Draws Legislative Districts

This coming year, two events will take place that will help shape the face of Ohio’s political landscape for the next decade – the 2010 census and the statewide elections this November. This is important because the results of the census will determine the number of seats Ohio will have in Congress. The number of people in each Ohio Senate and Ohio House district is also based on an equal distribution of the state’s population.

In addition, the winners of the elections for governor, auditor of state and secretary of state determine the members of the Apportionment Board, which is responsible for creating the maps of Ohio’s legislative districts every 10 years based on the results of the federal decennial census. This process is scheduled to take place next year, and both political parties have a vested interest in the outcome, as the party in power can draw maps that favor its own candidates. This system has been in place for decades and has long been criticized for promoting one-party control of state government and hyper-partisanship, with those in power having more of a say in determining who gets elected than the voters themselves.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. The Ohio Legislature is currently considering a proposal that seeks to change the methods used to draw Congressional and legislative districts to make elections more competitive and put the power back in the hands of Ohio voters. Last year, the Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 5, which was sponsored by Senator Jon Husted (R- Kettering). SJR 5 would replace the Apportionment Board with a seven-member bipartisan redistricting commission responsible for drawing legislative districts.

The redistricting commission would be composed of the governor, auditor of state, secretary of state, the Speaker of the Ohio House, the President of the Ohio Senate, and the minority leaders from each chamber. This is different from the current makeup of the Apportionment Board, which includes only two members of the Ohio General Assembly – one from each party. To approve any new redistricting plan, a five-vote majority is required, with two of the five votes coming from the minority party. This change would ensure that any new plan is created through bipartisan cooperation and that all opinions are heard and taken into consideration.

When drawing Congressional and legislative districts, SJR 5 requires them to be compact and to keep communities together whenever possible. The plan also calls for the commission to try and maximize the number of competitive districts, eliminating the ability of drawing districts that favor one party over another, as has been the case in the past.

To help further increase transparency in the redistricting process, any Ohio resident would be able to submit a Congressional or legislative plan for consideration by the commission. Additionally, once a plan has been adopted by the commission, the members must prepare a public report detailing the methods and reasoning used to create the district maps.

Given the prominent role Ohio plays in our nation’s elections, it is imperative that the system we use to draw legislative districts be fair and balanced instead of one that rewards those in power. Other proposals to reform the redistricting process have been introduced in recent years, and I believe that now is the right time for the Legislature to take on this issue – before the census results are in and before this fall’s elections are complete. Time is of the essence, however, as SJR 5 must be passed before February 3 if it is to be placed on the May ballot for consideration by voters.

SJR 5 is currently under consideration in the House Elections and Ethics Committee, and members of the Ohio House are also working on their own redistricting proposal. I am hopeful that legislators from both chambers will come together in the coming weeks and develop a redistricting plan that is more accountable, less partisan and makes for more competitive elections.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.

A NEW YEAR AT THE LIBRARY

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A NEW YEAR AT THE LIBRARY

Written by Christy Trent:
       Another year has come and gone. The older I get the quicker the years appear to pass! It seems like just yesterday we inaugurated a new President, we followed the terrifying and then hoax filled story of the balloon boy, we watched stocks collapse and rebound, and we've tracked our local Bengal’s Pro football team to a winning season and on to the play offs. There have been so many world and life changing events in just a year.
       When the year 2000 closed out and 2001 began we embarked on a new century. It's hard to believe we are already into the 10th year of that era. A look back into the 20th century helps us to see how far our country has come and how far we still have to go. The book, America's Century: Year by year from 1900 to 2000, by DK Books, is a historical map of the good, the bad and the ugly events of that time frame.
       To start off the century, in 1900 a flood of immigrants streamed through Ellis Island at a rate of 100 an hour. Immigration reform was widely called for even back then due to lack of jobs and health care issues. 8,000 automobiles cruised the nation's roads and over 4 billion cigarettes were rolled for American smokers.
       In the early 1900's Henry Ford sold his first Model A car for $850, film producers were told to clean up their act with a movie, The Widow Jones, for showing a 20-second kiss, and International Paper Company produced disposable wax cups known as Dixie cups.
       The 1920’s saw the organization of a new company, I.B.M., that made computations by using a card with holes punched in it. Mae West was arrested for “moving her navel up and down” in a play and a small money-losing radio company was purchased and renamed CBS.
       The years to follow were much harder for our country. Unemployment was at an all time high of 4 to 5 million. President Hoover called for a $500 million emergency reconstruction program to help rebuild businesses. The Social Security Act was signed by President Roosevelt in the latter part of the 1930’s.
       On the lighter side, in 1935 the Cincinnati Reds were the first major league team to host a night game. In 1936 Shirley Temple was the box-office queen at the age of 8 and Bugs Bunny made his debut in 1940.
       History continued to repeat itself over the following decades. Presidents were elected. Wars were fought. Movie stars died. Technology grew by leaps and bounds starting with the new computer in 1946 that weighed 30 tons! Sports continued to break records and boundaries with Jackie
Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball in 1947. Elvis, whom critics called “unspeakably untalented and vulgar,” rocked America in the 1950’s and kids in the US went crazy for hula hoops.
       It seems our fairly young country has seen it all and then some. How exciting it is to think there is still so much more to discover in the century stretching ahead of us. Head over to your local library and pick up this book or others describing our past in this great country we call home.

Free lance writer and employee of the Dayton Metro Library.
Contact me at ctrent5@cinci.rr.com

“2010: Is It Time for a Change?”

“2010: Is It Time for a Change?”

Written by:  Jan Beedle

The years fly by faster as a person ages. How many times have I heard that from oldsters and overlooked it? With each passing Holiday Season, I am finding the statement to be truer than the last. Maybe it is because I go slower, but the world around me seems to be going faster…and faster. January is always time for renewal.

In “Fiddler on the Roof,” tradition means everything in keeping alive a culture and a family. According to Webster, tradition is a custom handed down from the past. During the prologue to the musical, the role of God’s law in maintaining balance in villagers’ lives is explained in “Traditon.” The song places an inner circle (the people) within an outer circle, which contains the lawmakers, the priest, rabbi, and others who rule the village. Without their traditions, the residents would be “as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” When family values begin to unravel, so do loyalties – leading to dissolution of family.

Growing up and through adulthood, I may not have agreed or been comfortable with social or family special events, but I made myself grin and go on with the show. After all – I feel it is important for the matriarch to keep the family together.

In a world of love, hate and feelings, there is always some issue to have to deal with – no wonder so many retirees find it necessary to escape to find solace with their own age group. Is it safety in numbers, other shoulders to cry on, or the need to avoid life as it becomes more difficult to face?

When I see the world population struggling for a drink of fresh water, medical care, or a scrap of food, I feel guilty about my own comfortable, orderly lifestyle. Each year, I resolve to cut down on extravagance to family and myself by giving more to the less fortunate. The smiles and gratitude of those who truly need the help would be my greatest benefit.

This time of the year is when I gather blankets and pillows for the Dayton area homeless, but I had my heart set on helping with the annual Elder Beerman’s Thanksgiving dinner this year too. If I could involve my family, we could form a new tradition…one that might mean so much more to each of us. Guess the rotten economy caught up with the tradition.

I want to change our family Christmas celebration for 2011 to a simpler format. Drawing names for the adults does not appear to be a bad idea. One gift per child would be a culture shock to the recipient, but facing reality of adulthood and the plight of those who have not might be a heart-warming experience. Besides, I no longer see or feel gratitude or appreciation for any gift. It is as though the words, “thank you,” were never invented. I only see great expectations of more in the eyes of the receivers. Besides, I’m asking myself, “How does the exorbitant gift-giving help the world?”

A month before Christmas I heard a bold statement from a seventeen-year-old, “I only want money for Christmas. I am saving for a car.” Now they are telling the givers what they want and the expectation is out in the open. Someday she may have to face the fact that she may have to work for it, same as most. Do ya’ think? I have my own name for this generation – the Gottahaveitallrightnow Kids.

Since I am now the family matriarch, I suppose the entire change is up to me. We could still enjoy the shopping excursions, but instead buy for the needy. Rather than RVing to Florida, I will hang around here and plan a new year with a revised strategy of giving. I wonder if the revived Thanksgiving Day gala can stand two or more servers, or four, or nine? I have always been optimistic. I hope that I can save the holidays and we can remain together as a family for next Thanksgiving and Christmas.

As Tevye from “Fiddler…” sang, “What words of wisdom can I give them? How can I help to ease their way? Now they must learn from one another day by day. “One season following another laden with happiness and tears.” We could all become as “shaky as a fiddler on the roof,” or we could form new worthwhile traditions together.

Happy 2010. Won’t you join me in my pursuit of a lasting happiness? This could be a turning point for you too. It takes everyone to change the world.

Rep. Beck Appointed to Legislative Committees

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Rep. Beck Appointed to Legislative Committees

COLUMBUS— State Representative Peter A. Beck (R-Mason) today was appointed to the House Economic Development; Housing and Urban Development; and Veterans Affairs committees for the remainder of the 128^th General Assembly.

“I am excited to have the opportunity use the knowledge and skills that I have acquired as a business owner and veteran to serve the great citizens of Ohio in these committees,” Beck said. “These committees are sure to hear legislation that will address many of the pressing issues Ohioans are facing; I look forward to being a part of the process.”

Beck is currently serving his first term with the Ohio House of Representatives. In addition to his work with the Legislature, he works as a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Bank Auditor, Certified Financial Services Auditor, and an Anti-Money Laundering Professional at Donohoo, Cupp & Beck, CPAs. Beck previously served as mayor and vice-mayor of the City of Mason from 2007 until his appointment to the Ohio House in October 2009.

“After some delay I am pleased to see that Rep. Beck will be able to serve his constituents through committee assignments, and I thank the Speaker and majority for accommodating our newest member,” said Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “In addition to the three committee appointments Rep. Beck has received, the minority caucus has also requested he be placed on the Public Utilities Committee.”

Beck serves the 67^th Ohio House District and resides in Mason with his wife. Residents may reach Beck at his Columbus office located at 77 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, through telephone at (614) 644-6027, or by e-mail at district67@ohr.state.oh.us.

Bringing Clarity to the Way Ohio Measures Academic Progress

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Bringing Clarity to the Way Ohio Measures Academic Progress

For parents, choosing where to send their children to school is one of the most important decisions they will make. They want their children to have a safe environment in which to learn and grow, and one that will provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and the workforce.

To help parents, school officials and others gauge the academic progress of their local schools, legislators implemented a report card system for school districts in 1997. These annual report cards allow people to evaluate and compare a district’s performance on proficiency tests, attendance and graduation rates. Since then, the system has been modified to take into account changes in state and federal education laws.

Currently, the rankings are determined based on a combination of four factors: student performance on 30 state indicators involving proficiency tests in third through eighth grades and the Ohio Graduation Test as well as attendance and graduation rates; a performance index which measures the achievement of every student during the school year; a value-added measure that reflects how much progress students have made in the past year; and whether or not the district met Annual Yearly Progress (AYP), a federally required measure of reading and math proficiency in 10 student subgroups.

Based on a district’s performance in these areas, they are assigned one of the following rankings: “Excellent with Distinction,” “Excellent,” “Effective,” “Continuous Improvement,” “Academic Watch” or “Academic Emergency.” Parents use these report cards to help determine where they send their children to school and districts rely on the results to help them pass levies.

While I believe we need to hold our schools accountable for ensuring our children are making progress in their education, I feel the current system unfairly punishes high-achieving schools based on the performance of a handful of students. When the annual district report cards for the 2008-2009 school year were released earlier this fall, Lebanon City Schools received a rating of Continuous Improvement –down from its previous Excellent with Distinction designation.

The reason for this drop in the ratings is due to the district failing to meet AYP for reading in two student subgroups – Hispanic and Limited English Proficient – and under the current ranking system, districts that fail to meet AYP for three or more consecutive years can be ranked no higher than “Continuous Improvement,” regardless of their performance in other areas. I spoke with the Ohio Department of Education about this issue, and learned that the two subgroups involved have almost entirely the same students. Simply put, Lebanon is getting penalized twice for the same group of students.  This drop in ranking can give parents the impression that a school’s academic quality has dropped, when in fact it has not. A similar situation also occurred this year in the Kettering School District, which qualified for an “Excellent” ranking but was dropped to “Continuous Improvement” due to not meeting AYP in two student subgroups.

A closer look at Lebanon’s report card further highlights this inequity. For the 2008-2009 school year, Lebanon had a 98.1 percent graduation rate, met 29 of 30 state indicators, received a score of 101.6 on the performance index and scored above average for the value-added measure. Another district ranked “Continuous Improvement” for the same year met 0 out of 30 state indicators, received 80.4 on the performance index and did not pass all subgroups for the last three years and failed in seven subgroups this past year. This clearly indicates the current rating system does not provide the accurate, consistent assessment tool that is needed to properly express the academics of a school district.

To address this situation, my colleagues and I in the Senate recently passed Senate Bill 167, which would reform the rating system for Ohio school districts to prevent a school from dropping more than one classification simply for not meeting federal AYP standards for certain subgroups of students. Under Senate Bill 176, schools failing to meet AYP three or more years in a row in the same subgroups may only have their ranking lowered to “Effective” instead of the current “Continuous Improvement.”

Penalizing a successful, high-performing district based on essentially one subgroup failing to meet AYP seems very severe and inequitable – and potentially undermines the confidence placed in this accountability system altogether. Lebanon, by all other categories included on the state report card, is a high performing and very successful school district. This year’s rating of Continuous Improvement does not properly reflect the quality school system in Lebanon and, as a result, can cause great harm to the community. Senate Bill 167, in my opinion, addresses this issue while holding schools accountable and still providing a clear and accurate report of the academic conditions of a school district.

Senate Bill 167 has moved to the Ohio House of Representatives for further discussion, and I am hopeful that it will pass in the coming months so that next year’s school report cards can provide a more accurate picture of student progress and we can avoid situations like those in Lebanon and Kettering.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.