Severe Winter Weather Leads to Legislative Shutdown

A winter storm that dropped a foot of snow on Columbus led to extensive cancellations of committees and chamber sessions for the week.  A full slate of committee hearings and bill deliberations had been scheduled for this week, but nearly all of them were cancelled as snow blanketed the state, making it difficult for legislators from across the state to travel to Columbus for the Tuesday and Wednesday legislative sessions. 

LetOhioVote Files Additional 177k Signatures for Ballot Measure

LetOhioVote, the group seeking a statewide referendum on Governor Strickland’s plan to install Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at Ohio’s race tracks, filed another round of petitions Monday.  The group originally filed over 340,000 signatures, but only about 214,000 were deemed valid, leaving them approximately 27,000 signatures short of the required number for a statewide ballot issue.  However, since the original filing, the group has collected an additional 177,000 signatures which it believes will give them more than enough to place the issue on the November ballot.

Governor Appoints PUCO Chief of Staff to Vacant Commission Seat

Governor Ted Strickland announced Monday that he would appoint Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chief of Staff Steven Lessner Monday to the open commissioner’s seat.  The PUCO Nominating Council released its list of four candidates to fill the open slot last week, including Mr. Lessner.  Mr. Lessner has served as the Chief of Staff for the PUCO since 2007, managing the staff and the day-to-day operations of the Council.  “Steven has served the PUCO in numerous capacities for the past 30 years. He is well regarded by his colleagues and he understands the issues facing utilities and customers in Ohio,” Gov. Strickland said. “Steven’s deep knowledge will continue to be an asset to the PUCO in his new role as commissioner.”  Mr. Lessner will replace Commissioner Ronda Fergus, and will begin a five-year term on April 11th.

Ohio Ballot Board Approves Language for Third Frontier, Casino Transfer

The Ohio Ballot Board met Tuesday to consider language and explanations for two statewide issues which will be decided by voters in the May 4 primary election.  The Ballot Board is charged with determining how to present issues to the voters so that they can make an informed decision.  The board approved language on the Third Frontier bonding issue which places emphasis on the job-creation possibilities of the plan as well as its coordination with research and development organizations and universities.

The Board also approved language for the ballot issue to relocate the Columbus casino.  Originally planned for the Arena District of downtown Columbus, the issue would move the casino to the city’s west side.  The board made mostly minor changes to the language proposed by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner’s office.   A community group called Stand Up Columbus! And Penn National Gaming, the casino developer, have joined forces to help convince voters to approve what will be Issue 2.  “We look forward to meeting with them and other community and neighborhood leaders to discuss what we hope will be a successful campaign in May,” Penn National spokesman Eric Schippers said.  The groups hope to garner support for the issue by explaining to voters that the issue is simply an address change, and does not authorize any new developments or costs.