Saturday, January 30, 2010

Sharon Montgomery reports Ohio proposed ban on texting while driving for Bexley Public Radio.





Montgomery discusses proposed Ohio legislation with WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM at Bexley lunch spot.

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Ohio legislation: Sponsor testimony on HB 415 to ban texting while driving in Ohio.

State Representative Nancy Garland (D, HD 20) packed a lot of statistics and facts into a fairly brief, concise sponsor testimony which she described as a "marriage" of previous bills. The other primary sponsor, Representative Michael DeBose (D, HD 12) allowed the hearing to move forward by simply indicating he had the same reasons for sponsoring this bill.

Three Republican committee members had some comments and questions. If any of these committee members had been stuck on "But do we need a separate law?" no one expressed that opposition again.

Representative David T. Daniels (R, HD 86) thanked the sponsors for bringing the bill forward; he also had concerns about definitions of the devices covered in the bill. He doesn't want the bill to ban a device that truckers use. Daniels described the device as a sort of scanner and computer which usually only operates when the truck is not moving, to be included in the ban. Daniels wants to talk to local groups in his district connected to trucking industry and asked if sponsors would work with them on this. Representative Garland was agreeable to co-operating.

Representative Timothy Derickson (R, HD 53) said he sees the need for this law on a daily basis.

Representative Jeffrey McClain (R, HD 82) asked about dialing a phone. Representative DeBose said this bill allows phone use.

Representative McClain referred to the recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling that law enforcement can't "get into" a driver’s phone and wondered how an officer will know if a driver was dialing or texting.

Ohio Supreme Court decision on warrantless search of cell phone records. State of Ohio vs. Smith.

Representative McClain was referring to the case State of Ohio v. Smith decided by the Ohio Supreme Court on December 15, 2009.

The court’s decision was that a warrantless search of data within a cell phone seized incident to a lawful arrest is prohibited by the Fourth Amendment when the search is unnecessary for the safety of law-enforcement officers and there are no
exigent circumstances.

The facts of the decision began on January 21, 2007, Wendy Thomas Northern was transported to Miami Valley Hospital after a reported drug overdose. While at the hospital, she was questioned by Beavercreek police. Northern agreed to call her drug dealer, whom she identified as . . . Antwaun Smith, to arrange for the purchase of crack cocaine at her residence. Beavercreek police recorded the cell phone conversations between Northern and Smith arranging for the purchase.

That evening, the Beavercreek police arrested Smith at Northern’s residence. During the arrest, police searched Smith and found a cell phone on his person. The arresting officer put the cell phone in his pocket and placed Smith in a cruiser, then searched the scene for evidence. Later, police recovered bags containing crack cocaine at the scene.
While the record does not show exactly when they first searched Smith’s cell phone, at some point police discovered that the call records and phone numbers confirmed that Smith’s cell phone had been used to speak with Northern. There was testimony that at least a portion of the search took place when officers returned to the police station and were booking into evidence the items seized from the crime scene. The police did not have either a warrant or Smith’s consent to search the phone.

After being indicted for cocaine trafficking and several related crimes, Smith moved to suppress evidence obtained from his cell phone. Smith went to trial and was convicted on all charges, after which he appealed his conviction.

Representative DeBose said law enforcement would have to get the phone records to issue their citations.

Representative McClain clarified that would put the burden of proof on the driver and Representative DeBose agreed.

Representative Garland said something I couldn't hear then said they've talked to AAA about this problem.

That court ruling was that a properly-seized phone cannot be searched for stored data like phone call logs without a warrant. It seems to me that the phone wouldn't have to even be seized. Even if the guilty driver erased the logs, the service provider's billing records give call times and the citation would have the time of the traffic stop.

All we need is whatever permission is needed to get the records from the provider and to make that admissible in court if the offender went to court.

In my opinion, if drivers don't want the burden of proof, then their choice is to be safer by not even making a phone call!

Tom Whiteman spoke eloquently to the committee on the spur of the moment at the Senate hearing. He has some background with law enforcement including training. He is going to try to get someone from the Highway Patrol to address this issue.

I will let Representative McClain (and sponsors Garland and DeBose) know that at least one of the several Pennsylvania bills has specific language on the dialing and burden of proof issues.

Representative Garland told Whiteman and me the plan is to give this bill three hearings and then a vote. Chairman Linda S. Bolon (D, HD 1) tries to have the committee every other week. That schedule will make the second hearing on February 9 and the third hearing on February 23 when the committee will make its recommendation for the full House.

Sometimes, one hearing is reserved for proponents (and maybe interested parties) and another hearing is reserved for opponents (and interested parties); sometimes any of those three groups can speak.

I don't know yet who will be able to speak on February 9. I'll try to find out before the hearing notice comes out February 4.

Members had no questions or comments when Representative DeBose's aide and then Representative Joseph Koziura (D, HD 56) gave sponsor testimony on their bills. Unless members have reasons to vote “no” that they just aren't expressing publicly, I'm daring to be hopeful that after twelve years of trying, we might actually get one of these bills to a floor vote. Of course, even if the House passes it, the Senate would get it next and they aren't even showing much interest in their own bill.

New insights

I have had two recent productive phone conversations that gave me more understanding of how all the pieces will eventually have to fit together to make effective, intelligent public policy.

Nancy Crespo, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and I discussed the Ohio Revised Code provisions that require ODPS to provide educational programs. The state funding for these educational programs is allocated for specific topics like seat belts or teen driving.

I had assumed the ODPS, with its focus on traffic safety issues and all the data it collects that identify safety issues, was where the decision-making authority lay but apparently not.

The General Assembly has to allocate money specifically for DWP/T education before ODPS can develop such an educational program. Director Crespo did say she'd talk to Traffic Safety Office Executive Director Tina O'Grady about the “possibility” of any federal money for this kind of education.

This leads right to my other conversation with Brad Bailey. He is a legislative assistant to my Congressman Patrick Tiberi. Baily’s responsibilities include transportation issues.
Baily explained that Congressman Tiberi does not support the House proposal to withhold federal highway funding from states that don't pass texting bans.

Representative Tiberi thinks Ohio is hurting economically already and can't lose any more money. Baily said the Congressman can't really get involved in supporting Ohio's DWP/T bills because one level of goverment doesn't like to tell another how to do business. (I've encountered that explanation before.)

We didn't talk much about the other federal bills because I was trying to drum up support for the bill to withhold money if Ohio doesn't ban this.

Seems to me that a penalty for not enacting a ban is more of a motivator than rewarding a state when it enacts a ban.

After talking with ODPS, I see the value of the bills to provide federal money (grants to states who pass the bans; grants to NHTSA) for education campaigns, research, & data collection.

Bailey explained how funding is handled. The House transportation and infrastructure committee authorizes funding amounts for transportation programs; the House ways and means committee then authorizes the source of the moneys to be used. Congressman Tiberi is a member of the House ways and means committee.

Congressional legislators who want to, can't pass the buck from laws to just education. They have to pass a law at least to allocate education money. If they pass a ban, they might even eventually get some help finding some of that money.

News

John Gideon, vice president of Consider Biking, and one of our supporters and probable witnesses, sent me the New York Times article about the Pennsylvania House passing one of its bills. The legislation will make using a handheld phone a primary offense. This was a "preliminary approval" by the whole House with another vote coming. I don't know what the deal is with two votes.

Brad Bailey sent me the US Department of Transportation press release about prohibiting truck & bus drivers from DWT.

Kurt Weiland of Bexley Public Radio suggested I contact Ohio Insurance Institute to learn that industry’s interest. He also gave me contact names.

My Gahanna Council member gave me the e-mail address for a group called WebSafety that helps parents keep their kids safer using Internet and cell phones. I'll see if they might be of some help.

Hope to see many, many of you at the State House for the hearings on February 9 and February 23.

Sharon Montgomery

Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Sharon Montgomery.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Major Joe Contino flying missions in Afghanistan.

Joe is on assignment with the Ohio Air National Guard in the Mideast. Joe is flying missions to Afghanistan.

Dallas Lambert is substituting as host of the Joe Contino Show.

Joe Contino has hosted a Monday sports and commentary show on Bexley Public Radio since 2007. Joe is a pilot.

Dallas says that listeners who want to write to Joe can use the following address:

Contino, Joseph P
379 AEW/340 EARS
KC 135 OPS
APO AE 09309

Dallas Lambert is a student at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting. His work as substitute host is an internship. High school and college students are invited to apply for internships at Bexley Public Radio.

Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Spanish Language News with David Alexander for the week of Monday, January 25 through Friday January 29, 2010.


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Your Spanish language lesson for the week of Monday January 25 through Friday January 29, 2010. Follow along with David Alexander as he reads some news items in Spanish language.

Questions?

Email David Alexander at wcrxlp@yahoo.com or call the station at (614) 235 2929.


FRIDAY JANUARY 29, 2010

Estado colombiano pide perdón por asesinato de senador. (Colombian state asks forgiveness for senator’s murder)

Este miércoles el gobierno de Colombia pidió perdón por el crimen del aesinato del ex- senador Manuel Cepeda ocurrido el 16 de agosto de 1994. Dos militares fueron condenados por el crimen a 46 años de prisión que luego se transmutó en 10 años por buen comportamiento. El hijo del fallecido, Iván Cepeda, opina que tal reconocimiento ha sido demasiado débil y exige que el presidente Álvaro Uribe pida perdón en persona frente al Congreso y a través de una cadena de televisión nacional. Parece que el padre de Iván fue el blanco de un plan gubernamental para exterminar la Unión Patriótica (UP), de cuyo partido fue miembro a la hora de su muerte. (AFP, el 28 de enero, Carlos A. Sandí)

estado- state

perdón- forgiveness

asesinato- murder, assassination

senador- senator

crimen- crime

militares- military personnel

buen comportamiento- good behavior

fallecido- the decesased

cadena- channel

blanco- target

plan gubernamental- government plan

partido- party

miembro- member


Enfrentamiento entre Panamá y guerrilleros colombianos. (Confrontation between Panama and Colombian guerrillas)

Un choque entre fuerzas panameñas e insurgentes colombianos pertenecientes a las FARC tuvo lugar anoche y resultó en tres muertos, un herido, y dos capturados, todos de nacionalidad colombiana. Las autoridades de Panamá han declarado que dicho enfrentamiento fue fortuito y un producto de legítima defensa además de desmentir que habían bombardeado un campamento de las FARC con anterioridad. (AFP, el 28 de enero, Carlos A. Sandí)

enfrentamiento- confrontation

guerrilleros- guerrilla fighters

choque- clash

fuerzas- forces

insurgentes- insurgents

anoche- last night

muertos- dead

herido- wounded

fortuito- by chance

campamento- camp

con anterioridad- previously



THURSDAY JANUARY 28, 2010

Gobierno panameño ofrece servicio gratuito de internet. (Panamanian government offers free internet service)

El presidente panameño Ricardo Martinelli acaba de inaugurar un servicio inalámbrico de Internet que en una primera fase se estrenará en varios centros del país como las provincias de Coclé, Los Santos, Chiriquí, Herrera, Panamá y Veraguas. Luego en una segunda fase para el abril próximo se extenderá a otras 11 ciudades en Bocas del Toro, Darién, Herrera, Los Santos, Panamá y Chiriquí. Asimismo, el servicio, que es gratuito, se ofrecerá a una velocidad de 512 kbps y será disponible en lugares públicos como escuelas, bibliotecas, museos, centros de salud, y hospitales. En plena capacidad el servicio llegará a unas 2,3 millones de personas en Panamá. (www.prensa-latina.cu, el 27 de enero, mgt/mem)

panameño- Panamanian

gratuito- free

inalámbrico- wireless

velocidad- speed

disponible- available

lugares públicos- public places

escuelas- schools

bibliotecas- librairies

museos- museums

centros de salud- health centers

hospitales- hospitals

en plena capacidad- at full capacity

México incrementa ayuda a Haití. (Mexico increases aid to Haiti)

México va a intensificar la ayuda que presta a Haití en estos momentos de ahí que las fuerzas armadas mexicanas van a instalar una cocina comunitaria cerca de un hospital que se ubica en una de las zonas más afectadas de la capital haitiana de Puerto Príncipe. Una vez instalada, la cocina servirá unas tres mil comidas a los damnificados de la zona en una medida semejante a la que el ejército mexicano utilizó unos 5 años antes para ayudar a las víctimas del huracán Katrina en la ciudad nortemericana de Nuevo Orleans. Hasta la fecha México ha donado unos 8 millones de dólares a Haití además de 960 toneladas de comida, medicamentos, generadores eléctricos y otros artículos de primera necesidad. (www.elfinanciero.mx, el 27 de enero, Notimex/MVC)

incrementa- increase

la ayuda- aid

presta- give, lend

las fuerzas armadas mexicanas- the Mexican Armed Forces

cocina comunitaria- community kitchen

cerca de- near

Puerto Príncipe- Port-au-Prince

damnificados- victims, those affected

tres mil- three thousand

comidas- meals

el ejército mexicano- Mexican army

las víctimas- the victims

huracán- hurricane

la ciudad- the city

toneladas- tons

medicamentos- medicines, medications

generadores eléctricos- electric generators

artículos de primera necesidad- essentials



TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2010

Gobierno mexicano impulsa programa anti-obesidad (Mexican government pushes anti-obesity program)

El presidente mexicano Felipe Calderón va a impulsar un programa para combatir la obesidad de la población mexicana. De ahí que el presidente firmó un documento entitulado el Acuerdo Nacional para la Salud Alimentaria que propugna una estrategia contra el sobrepeso y la obesidad. De hecho un 70% de los adultos en México padecen de sobrepeso igual que unos 44 millones de niños entre los cinco y once años de edad. Calderón promueve la medida gubernamental con miras a los costes insostenibles en el sector de la salud pública acarreados por las enfermades como la hipertensión, y el diabetes que causa el mal de obesidad. En general, la meta del programa es de refrenar el aumento de la prevalencia de sobrepeso en los adultos y los niños y reducirlo al menos hacia los niveles del año 2006. Productores de comida también se sumirán al esfuerzo promoviendo mejores hábitos alimentarios además de elaborar surtidos de mejor calidad nutricional. (www.prensa-latina.cu, el 25 de enero, María Julia Mayoral)

impulsa- to push, promote

obesidad- obesity

población- population

Estrategia- strategy

Sobrepeso- overweight

Edad- age

Costes insostenibles- unsustainable costs

La hipertensión- hypertension, high blood pressure

El diabetes- diabetes

El mal- illness

La meta- goal

El aumento- increase

Los niveles- levels

Esfuerzo- effort

Hábitos- habits

Surtidos- variety packs

Calidad nutricional- nutritional quality


Macchu Pichu en riesgo por lluvias torrenciales. (Macchu Pichu at risk because of torrential rains)

En la provincia de Cuzco en el Perú el río Vilcanota se desbordó tras unos fuertes chubascos e inundó toda la zona, incluyendo el foco turístico de Macchu Pichu. En concreto, las fuertes lluvias dejaron unos dos muertos y más de 2.000 damnificados además de producir el desborde de otros dos ríos: el Aramay y el Huatanay. Al momento se ha suspendido el servicio de autobús y ferrocarril y ocho vuelos domésticos no han podido aterrizar en el aeropuerto Alejandro Velasco Astete. Lo que es más, a causa del siniestro varios turistas extranjeros han quedado atrapados en la provincia. (www.eluniversal.com, el 25 de enero)

lluvias- rain

río- river

chubascos- rain

damnificados- victims, those affected

el desborde- overflow

autobús- bus

ferrocarril- railroad

vuelos- flights

el aeropuerto- airport

siniestro- disaster

turista extranjeros- foreign tourists


MONDAY JANUARY 25, 2010

Ex-presidente de Guatemala esquiva búsqueda de autoridades (Ex-president of Guatemala eludes search by authorities)

Las autoridades guatemaltecas, colaborando con EEUU, han fracasado en su intento de capturar al ex-presidente del país, Alfonso Portillo. El ex-mandatario que gobernó Guatemala de 2000 a 2004 se ha implicado en el lavado de dinero y, según investigaciones llevadas a cabo por la fiscalía de Miami, Portillo usaba bancos de Estados Unidos para lavar dinero que luego transfería a instituciones bancarias en Europa y la isla de Bermuda. Además, se ha averiguado que los fondos se extravían a cuentas de familiares y posiblemente funcionarios de su gobierno por lo cual un tribunal en Guatemala ha dado una orden de captura y extradición para Potrillo. En total, los fondos transferidos se suman a unos 60 millones de dólares. (AFP, el 24 de noviembre)

esquivar- to evade

búsqueda- search

autoridades guatemaltecas- Guatemalan authorities

lavado de dinero- money laundering

fiscalía de Miami- public prosecutor of Miami

bancos- banks

los fondos- funds

cuentas- accounts

familiares- family members

funcionarios- government workers

tribunal- court


Candidatos a la presidencia lanzan campaña en Costa Rica. (Candidates for president launch their campaigns in Costa Rica)

En el país centroamericano de Costa Rica los aspirantes a la presidencia se han lanzado a la calle en busca de votos para las elecciones nacionales que se celebrarán el 7 de febrero. Entre los candidatos figuran Laura Chinchilla, la favorita, además de Otto Guevara y Ottón Solís. Los tres ya han comenzado a hacer campaña en varias regiones del país y se enfrentarán en un debate televisivo que se transmitirá la noche del domingo. De hecho, el día en que Costa Rica acude a las urnas también se eligirán dos vicepresidentes, 57 legisladores, y cientos de concejales para representar a los 81 municipios del país. (www.univision.com, el 24 de enero, cas/tf)

candidatos- candidates

presidencia- presidency

lanzan- launch

campaña- campaign

centroamericano- Central American

en busca de- in search of

votos- votes

debate televisivo- televised debate

las urnas- the ballot boxes

legisladores- legislators

concejales- councilmen

municipios- municipalities



El colectivo editorial de WCRX-LP
La fundación de la radioemisora pública de Bexley
transmite a través de WCRX-LP 102.FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

La fundación de la radioemisora pública de Bexley está extenta de impuesto federales bajo la sección 501 (c) del IRC. Cualesquiera donaciones se pueden deducir de los impuestos federales para indiviuos que detallaren sus deducciones. Cheques pagables a Bexley Public Radio Foundation o WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM. El diseño es copyright 2010. Todos los derechos reservados. La radioemisora pública de Bexley. El texto es copyright 2010. Todos los derechos reservados. David Alexander

Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Except for news report text, translation and other text is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. David Alexander.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Schumacher Gallery at Capital University


Capital University's Schumacher Gallery will exhibit selected items from its ethnic collection, featuring objects from African and Oceanic cultures, now through Feb. 6 on the fourth floor of the Blackmore Library.

A reception will be held Jan. 22 from 5-7 p.m. as part of Bexley's Art Walk, which highlights Art Access, Bryan Roberts and Hammond-Harkins galleries, as well.

Many of the pieces on display at the Schumacher were recently acquired and haven't been displayed.

Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. John Matuszak. Photo is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.

"Residents target porn shop, proposed gun store" writes Bexley Public Radio senior correspondent John Matuszak.


Area residents are angry about the opening of a Lion's Den adult book and video store on Alum Creek Drive, and the large sign erected off of I-70. The building in the background is slated to become a shooting range and gun store, another development that has residents fired up.

A plan for a gun shop and shooting range on Alum Creek Drive has area residents questioning the wisdom of adding firearms to an already high-crime neighborhood.

An adult book and video store next door isn't getting great reviews, either.

On the firing line

Bexley resident Larry Gunsorek, president of Anchor Government Properties, wants to put the gun shop and shooting range in the former Sun TV building at 1030 Alum Creek Drive in Columbus, near Livingston Avenue. Most recently, the site housed offices for the state parole agency.

The proposal for the firing range was approved in November by the Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustment, with a thumbs-up from the Livingston Avenue Area Commission.

That decision is being appealed by the Columbus Compact Corporation, a development arm of the city, on the grounds that the business could contribute to a rise in gun violence. The appeal hearing will be held Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. at 757 Carolyn Ave.

The site already is zoned for retail sales, so no approval was needed to open a gun shop in the building.

During testimony before the BZA, zoning officer David Reiss explained that, when it comes to retail stores, the law makes no distinction between selling guns and toothpaste.

Anchor Properties spokesman Todd Dillon told the BZA that the shooting range would require background checks and memberships for entrance, and such businesses are highly regulated. The retail outlet would offer security systems and uniforms, as well as guns, he said.

Brian Boatright, with the Livingston Avenue Area Commission, said his organization was convinced that the firing range would be safe and that they welcomed a large retail business, as opposed to a vacant building.

Jonathan Beard, director of the Columbus Compact, is not swayed by the promises of safety and security at the site.

"Despite any efforts of the gun store operator, guns from this store will be on the streets in short order, and will be used in violent crimes," Beard warned in a letter to Mayor Michael Coleman. "Gun stores are routinely subject to theft, burglarly, unlawful sales, and straw purchasers that, for drugs or money, deliver guns to criminals."

The Columbus Compact has also filed a lawsuit with the Franklin County Common Pleas Court claiming there was inadequate notice and opportunity for public input before the Livingston Avenue Area Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustments made their decisions, and that the BZA did not consider all of the facts.

Beard said several neighborhood groups under the umbrella of the area commission oppose the gun range decision. The Columbus Urban League and the NAACP have also voiced objections.

The Rev. Bob Ward, a Bexley resident and pastor of Free English Lutheran Church on the Near East Side, is among those against opening a gun shop in the neighborhood.

In a letter rallying opposition, Ward recalled an incident from last summer that illustrated to him that there are already too many guns on the street.

He was helping to mow vacant lots with a group of young volunteers when a gun battle broke out among men hanging around the corner. Ward grabbed the kids and ducked for cover, but the kids weren't afraid.

"This happens every day. We don't pay any attention to it," they told him.

Ward cites a study done at Ohio State University that shows a 25 percent increase in gun violence around urban gun stores. Nationwide, one-third of guns used in crimes can be traced back to a sale from a licensed firearms dealer within a three-year period, he added.

During the BZA hearing, retired Columbus poice officer Roger Runion suggested that about 90 percent of those using the firing range would be cops or firefighters, adding to the safety of the neighborhood.

Bruce Black, president of the Berwick Civic Association, said the people he has spoken with are split about 50/50 on the issue.

Some opponents are questioning the integrity of the applicant.

Gunsorek, who could not be reached for comment, pleaded guilty in November to hiring undocumented workers to do construction and renovations at several of his company's properties, according to a Columbus Dispatch report from Nov. 8. He could be sentenced to five years in prison and receive a fine of $250,000, the article said. One of his companies is accused of underpaying the workers.

Ward is mounting a letter-writing campaign to get the zoning decision on the gun range overturned. Mayor Coleman has asked his development director to look into the issue.

"I share the concerns of those residents who oppose the firearms facility and the new adult bookstore and their effect on the character of their neighborhood," the mayor wrote to Development Director Boyce Safford III, calling them "a community setback."

Roaring mad

The Lion's Den store and its large signs are raising a few eyebrows, as well.

Having a large sign advertising a porn shop at their freeway exit doesn't create the best atmosphere for Bexley, Capital University and east Columbus neighborhoods, Bexley Mayor John Brennan said.

Brennan called it "a slap in the face" that could hamper Bexley's efforts to redevelop its side of Livingston Avenue.

Brennan had his development director, Bruce Langner, contact Mayor Coleman's assistant, and Langner also is looking into sign regulations and Ohio Department of Transportation rules to see if the advertising can be reduced in size.

Berwick resident Gretchen Garner has been doing her homework, too.

"It's the corner store for sex offenders," Garner said of the shop at 1150 Alum Creek Drive.

In fact, there are 47 registered sex offenders living within a mile of the business, she learned.

And she pointed out that there is another porn shop less than half a mile away from the Lion's Den.

But at least it doesn't have large billboards beckoning customers speeding by on the interstates.

The city's graphics commission gave its approval for the 60-foot signs at the I-70 and I-270 exits in August. The applicant was listed as the All-Star Sign Company.

Zoning officer David Reiss explained to Garner that the commission makes its decisions based on the structure of the sign, not its content.

The initial application was for 75-foot illuminated signs, Garner said, but a compromise was reached to OK the 60-foot structures that were put in place.

Garner thinks that is still much too large. "Thirty-five feet would have been adequate."

Garner is continuing to work with the zoning department and neighborhood organizations to get the size of the signs reduced.

Many of her neighbors are upset about it, as well, but Garner is the one who has jumped into the fight."I feel like Erin Brokovich."

Guns and porn aren't what the eastside needs, she believes.

Larry Rubin, who has a $24 million investment in the Bexley Gateway project less than a mile from the area, wasn't happy to learn about his new neighbors to the south.

"It's not making it any easier" to revitalize the neighborhoods to have these types of businesses nearby, Rubin said. He also faulted the lack of communication between Columbus and the residents who are affected by these decisions.

Mayor Brennan said he would not be happy to see the gun shop open on Alum Creek Drive, pointing out that recently two young men were shot to death right across the street. But he didn't think Bexley could influence decisions made in Columbus.

"It isn't a great location, but our hands are tied," Brennan said.


Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. John Matuszak. Photos are copyright 2010. All rights reserved. John Matuszak.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Spanish Language News with David Alexander for the week of Monday, January 18 through Friday January 22, 2010.


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Your Spanish language lesson for the week of Monday January 18 through Friday January 22, 2010. Follow along with David Alexander as he reads some news items in Spanish language.

Questions?

Email David Alexander at wcrxlp@yahoo.com or call the station at (614) 235 2929.

FRIDAY JANUARY 22, 2010

Equipo médico español rescata a niña bajo los escombros en Haití (Spanish medical team rescues girl underneath rubble in Haiti)

En Haití un equipo médico proveniente de España acaba de rescatar a una niña que llevaba nueve días debajo los escombros. La niña, Estéfanie, de 14 años, fue descubierta cuando fijó la mirada en su tío que iba en busca de documentación y pasaportes perdidos entre los escombros. Luego la joven fue trasladada a un hospital en estado de shock sicológico y con una leve taquicardia. Al momento la atendió el médico español José María Navalpotro y se piensa que será dada de alta entre hoy y mañana. (www.lavanguardia.es, el 21 de enero, Europa Press)

equipo médico- medical team

rescatar- to rescue

los escombros- rubble

proveniente- from

la mirada- gaze

tío- uncle

taquicardia- accelerated heartbeat

médico- doctor

dar de alta- to discharge

Morales acusa a EEUU de invadir Haití
(Morales acuses US of invading Haiti)

El presidente de Bolivia, Evo Morales, acusó al gobierno de EEUU de ocupar Haití tras el envío de fuerzas militares a la isla, incluyendo el desplazamiento del buque hospital USNS Comfort para atender a las víctimas del terremoto que sufrió el país caribeño. Morales agregó que pediría una reunión de emergencia de la ONU para reclamar en contra de EEUU. En cambio, el mandatario boliviano elogió los esfuerzos de más de 200 militares bolivianos que forman parte de un cuerpo internacional de paz que trabaja en Haití desde hace varios años. Tales declaraciones se deben a la política anti-EEUU de su admininstración que se alinea más bien con el populismo socialista de Hugo Chávez en Venezuela, y el régimen de Castro en Cuba. (www1.voanews.com, el 21 de enero, Redacción voanoticias.com)

EEUU- US

el envío- the sending of

fuerzas militares- military forces

buque hospital- hospital ship

terremoto- earthquake

Los esfuerzos- the efforts

militares- military personnel, soldiers

cuerpo internacional- international corps

la política- politics

populismo- populism

régimen- regime



TUESDAY JANUARY 19, 2010

Autora domincana e ilustrador mexicano premiados en EEUU. (Dominican author and Mexican illustrator honored in US)

La escritora dominicana Julia Álvarez, que ganó fama por su libro En El Tiempo de Mariposas, acaba de ganar el premio Pura Belpre Author por su libro Return to Sender en la categoría de mejor autor latino. En la misma ocasión, durante la reunión nacional de la Asociación Americana de Librerías, ganó el ilustrador mexicano Rafael López por su trabajo en el libro Book Fiesta! escrito por Pat Mora. La inspiración del libro de Álvarez le vino cuando trabajaba de traductora en Vermont y se avaló un programa federal denominado Return to Sender para mandar a trabajadores ilegales a su país de origen, dejando de esta forma a sus hijos en su país adoptivo en espera de reunirse con sus padres algún día. De otro lado, el ilustrador López afirmó que había sacado inspiración para su ilustraciones de la rica tradición muralista de artistas mexicanos como Rivera, Siqueiros y Horozco. (www.eluniversal.mx, el 18 de enero, AP)


Vocabulario:

autora- female author

ilustrador- illustrator

escritora- female writer

fama- fame

la categoría- category

Asociación Americana de Librerías- American Association of Book Stores

trabajadores ilegales- illegal workers


Artistas dominicanos dan una mano para ayudar a Haití, su país vecino. (Dominican artists give a hand to help their neighboring country Haiti)

Numerosos artistas dominicanos participaron en un telemaratón para recaudar fondos para sus vecinos haitianos. El maratón se transmitió por todos los canales de televisión hasta la madrugada del lunes y contó con la participación de músicos incluyendo a Juan Luis Guerra, celebridades como la ex Miss Universo Amelia Vega, y hasta actores de la talla de Zoe Saldaña, la estrella de la película taquillera Avatar, que ayudó con el recaudo de fondos desde la ceremonia de los Globos de Oro en Hollywood. Aparte del dinero también se han recaudado dos furgones y diez camiones con comida y medicina. Al momento la República Domincana se ha convertido en un puente internacional de ayuda tras el colapso de los aeropuertos y puertos marítimos de la capital haitiana de Puerto Príncipe. (www.yucatan.mx, el 18 de enero, AP)


Vocabulario:

dominicanos- Dominicans

vecino- neighbor

telemaratón- telemarathon

recaudar- to raise money

la madrugada- early morning

los canales- channels

músicos- musicians

celebridades- celebrities

la estrella- the star

película taquillera- hit movie

recaudo

Los Globos de Oro- The Golden Globes

Furgones- vans

Camiones- trucks

La República Dominicana- The Dominican Republic

Aeropuertos- airports

Puertos marítmos- sea ports

La capital hatiana- the Haitian capital

Puerto Príncipe- Port au Prince


MONDAY JANUARY 18, 2010

Piñera gana elecciones chilenas. (Piñera wins Chilean elections)

En la segunda vuelta de las elecciones presidenciales chilenas ganó el derechista y empresario Sebastián Piñera. Tales resultados ponen fin a 20 años de gobierno de centroizquierda del país tras la dictadura militar de Augusto Pinochet desde 1973 hasta 1990. Piñera superó al otro candidato, el ex mandatario Frei, con un 51,6 por ciento del voto. Es más, el presidente electo ha anunciado incentivos para el sector privado con el fin de impulsar la recuperación del país tras el estallido de la crisis económica mundial. La victoria de Piñera le pone en la fila de otros dirigentes derechistas en Latinoamérica incluyendo Felipe Calderón en México, Álvaro Uribe en Colombia, y Alan García en Perú. (Reuters América Latina, por Juana Casas y Antonio de la Jara, el 17 de enero)

Vocabulario:

segunda vuelta – run off

derechista- right winger

resultados- results

centroizquierda- center-left

la dictadura militar- military dictatorship

el presidente electo- the president elect

candidato- candidate

incentivos- incentives

dirigentes- leaders


El gobierno del Salvador pide perdón por crímenes cometidos durante guerra civil. (The Salvadoran government asks forgiveness for crimes committed during the Civil War)

El gobierno del Salvador acaba de pedir perdón por las atrocidades cometidas por el estado durante la guerra civil. El conflicto armado, que duró cerca de 12 años, de 1980 hasta 1992, resultó en 75.000 muertos y más de 8.000 desaparecidos incluyendo el afamado arzobispo Óscar Romero que fue asesinado cuando celebraba la misa. La guerra terminó cuando el gobierno del presidente Alfredo Cristiani y el grupo guerrillero izquierdista Frente Farabundo Martí para la Liberación Nacional (FMLN) firmaron un tratado de paz en Chapultepec, México en 1992. En la conmemoración por el 18 aniversario del conflicto el actual presidente salvadoreño Mauricio Funes admitió que varias instituciones estatales habían cometido graves crímenes que violaron los derechos humanos y civiles de los ciudadanos del país centroamericano. (Reuters América Latina, el 16 de enero, Nelson Rentería)

Vocabulario:

perdón- forgiveness

crímenes- crimes

guerra civil- civil war

atrocidades- atrocities

estado- state

el conflicto armado- the armed conflict

muertos- dead

desaparecidos- disappeared

afamado- famous

arzobispo- archbishop

tratado de paz- peace treaty

actual- current

salvadoreño- Salvadoran

instituciones estatales- state institutions

ciudadanos- citizens

El colectivo editorial de WCRX-LP
La fundación de la radioemisora pública de Bexley
transmite a través de WCRX-LP 102.FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

La fundación de la radioemisora pública de Bexley está extenta de impuesto federales bajo la sección 501 (c) del IRC. Cualesquiera donaciones se pueden deducir de los impuestos federales para indiviuos que detallaren sus deducciones. Cheques pagables a Bexley Public Radio Foundation o WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM. El diseño es copyright 2010. Todos los derechos reservados. La radioemisora pública de Bexley. El texto es copyright 2010. Todos los derechos reservados. David Alexander

Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Except for news report text, translation and other text is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. David Alexander.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Laura Franks’ Dividend Note No. 19, January, 17, 2010 on Bexley Public Radio.






















This is a report on twenty-eight companies that have increased dividends. It is an occasional note by Laura Franks.

This informal collection marks dividend increases for mostly U.S. stocks. This report includes some equities based in Canada and Switzerland.

Bexley Public Radio hopes this is a positive note amidst the usual uncertainty of Wall Street and financial markets.

Laura’s commentary and analysis is sometimes offered in this informal journal.






Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT) Jan. 15, 2010 Madison, WI announced that quarterly dividends on common stock were declared by the Board of Directors. The common stock dividend is $.3950 per share payable on February 12, 2010, to shareowners of record on close of business January 29, 2010.

"I am pleased to announce that the Board has approved a 5.3% increase in our dividend," said William D. Harvey, Chairman, President and CEO of Alliant Energy. "This increase is consistent with our previously stated policy of targeting a dividend payout ratio of 60 to 70 percent of our utility earnings."

Dividends on common stock have been paid for 257 consecutive quarters since 1946.

Alliant Energy is an energy-services provider with subsidiaries serving approximately 1 million electric and over 400,000 natural gas customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electric and natural gas service is the company's primary focus.

Alpine Global Premier Properties Fund (NYSE: AWP) Jan. 12, 2010 WESTCHESTER, N.Y announced the monthly distributions for March, April and May at an increased rate of $.033 cents per share.

Fund manager Sam Lieber said, “The crisis of confidence which affected the global financial markets last year led to profound uncertainty over future business conditions. At the outset of last year, many companies sought to enhance cash flow retention by reducing or suspending dividends. As we enter 2010, business confidence has improved, corporate planners have improved visibility of future demand, and capital is available for participants in both the debt and equity public markets. During 2009, REITs and other public real estate companies around the world raised over $69 billion* in order to improve balance sheets.

More has been raised for new investments and even IPOs. From this enhanced equity base, we believe companies may begin to increase dividends, initially by returning to historic pay-out ratios and then when real estate incomes begin to grow. Thus, for 2010 Alpine believes that AWP can achieve a higher level of monthly distributable dividend income for shareholders through our dividend capture strategies.”

In the December, 2008 announcement of AWP’s reduced distributions for 2009, Lieber noted that “future improvements in the condition of global real estate securities markets may enable a dividend increase and shall be considered when appropriate.” Today’s announcement is an affirmation of that statement, which will continue to be a policy of the Alpine Global Premier Properties Fund.

American Financial Group (NYSE:AFG) Jan. 4, 2010 Cincinnati, OH announced it had increased its quarterly dividend from thirteen cents per shares up to 13.75 cents per share. This amounts to an increase of about six percent and will yield investors approximately two percent going forward.

The dividend is payable on January 25, 2010 to holders of record on January 15, 2010. As previously announced, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the company’s dividend during the fourth quarter of 2009. This new dividend rate represents a 6% increase over each quarterly dividend paid in 2009.

American Financial Group is an insurance holding company, based in Cincinnati, Ohio with assets in excess of $25 billion. Through the operations of Great American Insurance Group, AFG is engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialized commercial products for businesses, and in the sale of traditional fixed, indexed and variable annuities and a variety of supplemental insurance products. Great American Insurance Group’s roots go back to 1872 with the founding of its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company.

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (NASDAQ: OZRK) Jan. 7, 2010 Little Rock, AR announced its Board of Directors has approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per common share, or $0.52 annualized.

This dividend of $0.14 per share represents an increase of $0.01 per share, or 7.7%, over the dividend paid in recent quarters.



The dividend is payable January 26, 2010 to shareholders of record as of January 19, 2010. The ex-dividend date is January 14, 2010.

BCE Inc. (TSX,BCE) Dec. 17, 2010 Montreal today announced a 7% increase in its annual common share dividend to $1.74 per share for 2010 as well as plans for the use of its year-end 2009 surplus cash balance that include a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) for up to $500 million and a $500 million special voluntary pension contribution.

"BCE is committed to delivering attractive ongoing returns to our shareholders and has done so through consistent and sustainable dividend increases and share buybacks since December 2008," said George Cope, President and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada. "Our accelerating business performance built on the Bell team's strong execution of our 5 Strategic Imperatives, substantial free cash flow generation and ample liquidity provide us with the financial flexibility to reward shareholders while maintaining both a strong balance sheet and robust capital investment in Bell's networks and service programs."

The announcement represents BCE's third increase to the annual common share dividend and the second share buyback since the termination of its proposed privatization agreement in December 2008. With this increase, BCE's annual common share dividend has increased by 19% since the fourth quarter of 2008.

The BCE annual common share dividend will increase by 7% to $1.74 per share, effective with BCE's Q1 2010 dividend payable on April 15, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2010. This increase maintains BCE's payout ratio conservatively towards the lower end of its policy of 65% to 75% of Adjusted EPS for 2010.


Calumet Specialty Products Partners (NASDAQ:CLMT) Jan. 5, 2010, Indianapolis, IN announced its quarterly dividend of 45.5 cents per share, an increase of about 1% over its prior dividend in October of 45 cents.

Cameco Corporation (TSX: CCO; NYSE: CCJ) Dec. 7, 2009, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan announced that its board of directors has approved an increase in the annual cash dividend to $0.28 from $0.24 per share beginning in 2010. This represents a 17% increase in the common share dividend and will be the sixth increase in the last eight years. Cameco has consistently paid dividends since its shares began trading in 1991.

The company's board of directors also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per common share, payable on January 15, 2010 to shareholders of record on December 31, 2009.

Cameco is one of the world's largest uranium producers. The company's uranium products are used to generate electricity in nuclear energy plants around the world, providing one of the cleanest sources of energy available today. Cameco's shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

Canadian Utilities Limited, an ATCO company, (TSX: CU.X) January 14, 2010, Calgary, Alberta declared a first quarter dividend of 37.75 cents per Class A non-voting (TSX:CU) and Class B common share (TSX:CU.X), a 7.1% increase over the 35.25 cents paid in each of the four previous quarters. The dividend is payable March 1, 2010, to shareholders of record on February 8, 2010.


Citizens Financial Services, Inc. (OTCBB: CZFS) Jan. 8, 2010, Mansfield, PA, the bank holding company for First Citizens National Bank, has declared a cash dividend of $.25 per share, to be paid on January 29, 2010 to shareholders of record on January 15, 2010.

The quarterly cash dividend is an increase of 4.2% over the dividend the company declared one year ago.

Pennsylvania-based Citizens Financial Services’ First Citizens National Bank unit has community offices in Wellsville, New York and Pennsylvania offices in Genesee, Ulysses, Wellsboro, Mansfield, Blossburg, Canton, Troy, Gillett, Towanda, LeRaysville, Stateline, Sayre and in-store offices at Weis Market in Wellsboro and WalMart in Mansfield.


Clough Global Opportunities Fund ( Amex: GLO) Jan. 6, 2010, Denver, CO declared that it has increased its quarterly distribution by $0.02 per common share to $0.27 per common share starting in January 2010. This is an eight percent increase in dividend payments.

The dividend will be payable on January 29, 2010 to shareholders of record on January 22, 2010.

The Fund has approximately $1.4 billion in total assets, the net asset value was $15.56 per share and the market price was $13.28 as of January 5, 2010. Subject to market conditions, the Fund intends to distribute subsequent regular quarterly cash distributions.

Chuck Clough, founder of Clough Capital Partners and portfolio manager for the Fund notes, “We are pleased that with the Fund’s recent rise in net asset value of 42% in 2009, we are once again able to increase distributions.”

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA), Jan. 6, 2010, Philadelphia, PA a leading cable, entertainment and communications company, announced that the Company's planned annual dividend has increased 40% to $0.378 per share. In accordance with the increase, the Board of Directors has increased the quarterly dividend payable on January 27, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 6, 2010 from $0.0675 a share on the Company’s common stock to $0.0945 a share.

Comcast Corporation is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 23.8 million cable customers, 15.7 million high-speed Internet customers, and 7.4 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Core Laboratories N.V. (NYSE: CLB) Jan. 14, 2010, Houston, TX has announced a 20% increase in its quarterly cash dividend.

The cash dividend payable in the first quarter of 2010 will equal $0.12 per share of common stock. On an annualized basis, the quarterly cash dividend would equal a payout of $0.48 per share of common stock. The quarterly cash dividend will be payable on 25 February 2010 to shareholders of record on 25 January 2010. Dutch withholding tax will be deducted from the dividend at a rate of 15%.

Any determination to declare a future quarterly or special cash dividend, as well as the amount of any such cash dividend which may be declared, will be based on the Company's financial position, earnings, earnings outlook, capital expenditure plans, ongoing share repurchases, potential acquisition opportunities, and other relevant factors at the time.

Core Laboratories N.V. is a leading provider of proprietary and patented reservoir description, production enhancement, and reservoir management services used to optimize petroleum reservoir performance. The Company has over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and is located in every major oil-producing province in the world.


CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS) Jan. 12, 2010 Woonsocket, RI approved a 15% increase in its quarterly dividend, marking the seventh-straight year the company has upped the dividend.

The dividend will be 8.75 cents a share, payable Feb. 2 to holders of record on Jan. 22. It had been 7.625 cents. The increase translates to an annual rate of 35 cents a share, up 4.5 cents from the previous rate of 30.5 cents.

"This considerable increase reflects our continued strong financial performance, our optimism with respect to future growth and our significant cash generation capabilities," said President and Chief Financial Officer Dave Denton.
In November, The pharmacy service provider reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings but warned that it had some "big client losses" in its Caremark business for next year's pharmacy benefit-selling season.

Epoch Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: EPHC), Jan. 8, 2010, New York, NY announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.03 to $0.05 per share.

The dividend is payable on February 12, 2010 to shareholders of record as of January 29, 2010.

“We are pleased to announce an increase in our quarterly dividend,” said William W. Priest, Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “This quarterly dividend increase, combined with the previously announced expansion of our share buyback plan and the special dividend paid in December, reflects the Board’s continued confidence in Epoch’s business strategy and financial discipline. The Company remains focused on delivering above average returns and superior service to clients as we develop the firm in a manner consistent with our ‘best in class’ objective.”

Epoch Holding Corporation conducts its operations through Epoch Investment Partners, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary and a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Investment management and investment advisory services are the Company's sole line of business. Headquartered in New York, the Company's current product offerings include U.S. All Cap Value; U.S. Value; U.S. Small Cap Value; U.S. SMID Cap Value; U.S. Choice; International Small Cap; Global Small Cap; Global Choice; Global Equity Shareholder Yield; and Global Absolute Return.

Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd., (NYSE:FRFHF) Jan. 5, 2010 Toronto, Ontario which owns stakes in Canadian and U.S. insurers, raised its annual dividend by 25 percent, the fourth straight yearly increase.

The $10 a share dividend will be payable Jan. 26 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 19, Toronto-based Fairfax said today in a statement. Last year, Fairfax’s dividend was $8 a share.

Fairfax said the payout is determined by “current operating results” and its cash position. At the end of September, Fairfax had $2.34 billion in cash, short-term investments and marketable securities in its holding company. Profit in the third quarter was $562.4 million, a 20 percent increase from the year-earlier period.

Fairfax’s dividend has an indicated yield of 2.6 percent, according to Bloomberg data. That compares with 4.5 percent at Sun Life Financial Inc., Canada’s third-largest insurer, and 2.5 percent at Manulife Financial Corp.

Fifth Street Finance Corp. (NYSE: FSC) Jan. 13, 2010, White Plains, NY boosted its dividend by 11% to 30 cents, marking its second consecutive increase for shareholders.
The dividend will be paid on March 30, 2010 for shareholders of record March 3, 2010.


Fortis Inc. (TSX: FTS) Jan 11, 2010 ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR increases quarterly common share dividend by 7.7 percent that marks 37 consecutive years of annual common share dividend increases. The board has declared a common share dividend of $0.28 per share on the issued and outstanding fully paid common shares of the corporation, payable on March 1, 2010 to the common shareholders of record at the close of business on February 5, 2010.

The 7.7 per cent increase in the quarterly common share dividend to $0.28 from $0.26 extends the corporation’s record of annual common share dividend payment increases to 37 consecutive years, the longest record of any public corporation in Canada.

Fortis Inc. is the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, with total assets approaching $12 billion and fiscal 2008 revenues totalling $3.9 billion. The corporation serves more than 2,000,000 gas and electricity customers. Its regulated holdings include electric distribution utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries and a natural gas utility in British Columbia. Fortis owns and operates non-regulated generation assets across Canada and in Belize and Upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate across Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS.

Glentel Inc. (TSX: GLN) January 5, 2010, Burnaby, British Columbia announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, to $.0975 per share. The dividend has a record date of January 15, 2010, and is payable on January 29, 2010.

Glentel is a leading provider of innovative and reliable telecommunications services and solutions in Canada and the United States. Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Burnaby, BC, Glentel comprises two operating divisions - Retail and Business - that service thousands of consumers and commercial telecommunications customers.

Together with its divisions, the company operates more than 280 locations across Canada located in retail malls, Costco Wholesale stores, and business centers. As the largest multi-carrier mobile phone retailer in Canada, it offers a choice of network carrier and wireless device or phone. To its business and government customers, Glentel offers wireless service, rental equipment, satellite and terrestrial network systems, tower sites and wireless asset monitoring. Glentel operates its business under the trading names Glentel Wireless, WirelessWave, The Telephone Booth (Tbooth and la cabine T) and WIRELESS etc.
Linear Technology Corporation (NASDAQ:LLTC), Jan. 13, 2010, Milipitas, CA a leading, independent manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits, reported financial results for the quarter ended December 27, 2009.

During the December quarter the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balance increased by $33.0 million to $942.5 million. The Company is increasing its quarterly dividend from $0.22 per share to $0.23 per share. This marks the 18th consecutive year the Company has increased its dividend. The cash dividend of $0.23 per share will be paid on February 24, 2010 to stockholders of record on February 12, 2010.

According to Lothar Maier, CEO, “The Company began to recover from the global recession in the first quarter, but we continued to be relatively cautious as we entered the second quarter given the economic climate and level of uncertainty among our customers. However, the recovery continued throughout the second quarter and we experienced stronger than expected bookings with particular strength in the industrial, communications and computer end-markets. This allowed us to beat the high end of our second quarter revenue guidance as we grew revenues $20.2 million or 9% sequentially. In addition, higher gross margins and tight operating expense controls resulted in a 16% increase in our operating income, thereby increasing our operating margin to 45.1% of sales, up from 42.2% last quarter.

“Our factories continue to execute well, enabling us to maintain low lead times which allows our customers to place orders on us close to their demand requirements. Strong second quarter bookings and a related positive book-to-bill ratio that was higher than we have experienced in the past several quarters, leads us to be optimistic as we enter our third quarter. As a result, we are forecasting revenue growth for our third fiscal quarter in the range of 7% to 10% over our second fiscal quarter.”

Matthews International Corporation (Nasdaq: MATW) Oct. 22, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA declared a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share on the Company's common stock. The quarterly dividend has been increased one-half cent per share from $0.065 to $0.07. The dividend is payable November 16, 2009 to stockholders of record November 2, 2009.


Joseph C. Bartolacci, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Despite the challenges of fiscal 2009, we continue to have confidence in our long-term strategies. Accordingly, Matthews believes a modest increase in our dividend is appropriate." Mr. Bartolacci noted that this was the Corporation's 15th dividend increase since Matthews became a publicly traded stock in July 1994.

Matthews International Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a designer, manufacturer and marketer principally of memorialization products and brand solutions. Memorialization products consist primarily of bronze memorials and other memorialization products, caskets and cremation equipment for the cemetery and funeral home industries. Brand solutions include graphics imaging products and services, marking products, and merchandising solutions. The Company's products and services include cast bronze memorials and other memorialization products; caskets; cast and etched architectural products; cremation equipment and cremation-related products; mausoleums; brand management; printing plates and cylinders, pre-press services and imaging services for the primary packaging and corrugated industries; marking and coding equipment and consumables, and industrial automation products for identifying, tracking and conveying various consumer and industrial products, components and packaging containers; and merchandising display systems and marketing and design services.

OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE: OGE) Jan. 8, 2010 Oklahoma, OK announced that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in the company's annual dividend to $1.45 per share from $1.42 per share.

The increase is effective with its first-quarter 2010 dividend of $0.3625 per common share of stock, to be paid Jan. 29, 2010, to shareowners of record Jan. 8, 2010. This continues an uninterrupted string of quarterly dividends dating back to 1947.

"We are pleased to be able to increase our dividend again this year," said Pete Delaney, chairman, president and CEO of OGE Energy. "As we operate in a challenging economy, we are controlling costs and maintaining our company's strong financial position. This enables us to continue our commitment to growing earnings and dividends for the long term."
OGE Energy is the parent company of OG&E, a regulated electric utility, and of Enogex LLC, a midstream natural gas pipeline business.

Pentair, Inc. (NYSE:PNR) Jan. 7, 2010 Minneapolis, MN recently approved an increase in the company’s quarterly cash dividend of one cent per share, effective with the quarterly dividend payable in the first quarter of 2010. The new annual cash dividend rate - $0.76 cents per share as compared to the previous rate of $0.72 per share – represents a six percent increase.

Pentair is a global diversified industrial company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its Water Group is a global leader in providing innovative products and systems used worldwide in the movement, treatment, storage and enjoyment of water. Pentair’s Technical Products Group is a leader in the global enclosures and thermal management markets, designing and manufacturing thermal management products and standard, modified, and custom enclosures that protect sensitive electronics and the people that use them. With 2008 revenues of $3.35 billion, Pentair employs approximately 13,100 people worldwide.

Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Dec. 14, 2009, New York, NY
The board of directors of Pfizer Inc. today declared an 18-cent first-quarter 2010 dividend on the company's common stock, payable March 2, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 5, 2010. Pfizer increased the dividend by 12.5 percent, to 18 cents from 16 cents per share.

"The board has determined that a measured dividend increase can be supported at this time," said Jeffrey Kindler, Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "This increase is a testament to our commitment to enhance shareholder value and our confidence in our business and our ability to rapidly integrate Wyeth and realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. While the dividend level remains a decision of the board and will continue to be evaluated in the context of future business performance, we currently believe that we can support future annual dividend increases, barring significant unforeseen events."


Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) Jan. 6, 2010, New York, NY upped its quarterly dividend to 10 cents per share, doubling the previous quarter's payout. The company's dividend yield of 0.5% is a competitive one in an industry that virtually offers no income.

Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation designs, markets and distributes premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances.

The Company's brand names include Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, RRL, RLX, Rugby, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, American Living, Chaps and Club Monaco.
Its quarterly dividend is 10 cents per share, doubling the previous quarter's payout. The dividend is payable on January 8, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 24, 2009.

The company's dividend yield of 0.5% is a competitive one in an industry that virtually offers no income.

RGC Resources, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGCO), Nov. 24, 2009, Roanoke, VA at its meeting on November 23, 2009, declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share on the Company's common stock. The indicated annual dividend is $1.32 per share, a $0.04 per share increase over prior level. The dividend will be paid on February 1, 2010 to shareholders of record on January 15, 2010. This is the Company's 263rd consecutive quarterly cash dividend and the Company's thirteenth dividend increase since 1995.

RGC Resources, Inc. provides energy and related products and services to customers in Virginia through its operating subsidiaries including Roanoke Gas Company, Diversified Energy Company and RGC Ventures of Virginia, Inc.


Robbins & Myers, Inc. (NYSE: RBN) Jan. 5, 2010 Dayton, OH announced today that its Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend payment from $0.04 to $0.0425 per share. The dividend is payable on February 19, 2010 to shareholders of record as of January 21, 2010.

President and Chief Executive Officer Peter C. Wallace commented, "I am pleased to announce our fourth consecutive annual dividend increase, reflecting our strong financial position and strategy to create long-term shareholder value."

Robbins & Myers, Inc. is a leading supplier of engineered equipment and systems for critical applications in global energy, industrial, chemical and pharmaceutical markets.

Shaw Communications Inc. (NYSE: SJR) Jan. 14, 2010 Calgary, Canada announced that its Board of Directors has increased the equivalent annual dividend rate to $0.88 on Shaw's Class B Non-Voting Participating Shares and $0.8775 on Shaw's Class A Participating Shares. This represents an increase of 5% or $0.04 per share. Shaw's dividends are declared and paid on a monthly basis and this increase will commence March 30, 2010.

The Company continues to deliver solid operational and financial results which demonstrate the strength of its competitive positive and prospects for future growth. Accordingly, Shaw's Board of Directors determined that a dividend increase at this time is an appropriate use of the Company's free cash flow. Based on the January 13, 2010 closing stock price, the new dividend rate represents a yield of 4.3%.

Shaw's Board of Directors reviews the applicable dividend rates on a quarterly basis. Shareholders are entitled to receive dividends only when any such dividends are declared by Shaw's Board of Directors, and there is no entitlement to any dividend prior thereto.

Shaw Communications Inc. is a diversified communications company whose core business is providing broadband cable television, High-Speed Internet, Digital Phone, telecommunications services (through Shaw Business Solutions) and satellite direct-to-home services (through Shaw Direct). The Company serves 3.4 million customers, including over 1.7 million Internet and 900,000 Digital Phone customers, through a reliable and extensive network, which comprises 625,000 kilometres of fibre.

Tyco International (NYSE: TYC) Jan. 15, 2010 Schaffhausen, Switzerland announced that its board of directors has recommended that its shareholders approve an annual Swiss Franc dividend equal to $0.84 at the company's annual general meeting of shareholders on March 10, 2010.

The proposed $0.84 dividend is equal to 0.85 Swiss Francs as of January 11, 2010 and represents a five percent increase over the $0.80 dividend approved by shareholders in 2009. The proposed dividend will be paid in the form of a capital reduction and will be distributed in four quarterly installments throughout the year.



The proposed dividend will be denominated in Swiss Francs. The Swiss Franc amount will be determined based on the USD/CHF exchange rate in effect on March 8, 2010 so that the amount of the capital reduction is at least the Swiss Franc equivalent of $0.84 on such date. The adjusted amount will be announced prior to the annual general meeting.

Universal Corporation (NYSE: UVV) Jan. 6, 2010 increased the regular quarterly dividend on its common shares by one cent to forty-seven cents ($.47) per share. The dividend is payable February 9, 2010, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on January 11, 2010. This is the 39th consecutive annual dividend increase.

Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Universal Corporation is the world's leading tobacco merchant and processor and conducts business in more than 30 countries. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, were $2.6 billion. For more information on Universal Corporation, visit its web site at www.universalcorp.com.


Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Laura Franks.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Spanish language news. Monday January 11 through Friday January 15, 2010. David Alexander for Bexley Public Radio.


.
Your Spanish language lesson for the week of Monday January 4 through Friday January 8, 2010. Follow along with David Alexander as he reads some news items in Spanish language.

Questions?

Email David Alexander at wcrxlp@yahoo.com or call the station at (614) 235 2929.

THURSDAY JANUARY 14, AND FRIDAY JANUARY 15, 2010

Chávez impone racionamiento de electricidad. (Chávez imposes rationing of electricity.)

El gobierno de Chávez en Venezuela ha iniciado un plan de racionamiento de electricidad, con cortes de luz por cuatro horas cada dos días, a causa de la presente sequía de la represa de agua del Guri, que es la mayor generadora de electricidad del país. Tales cortes, que se extenderán hasta mayo, se han dado simultáneamente en los estados de Zulla, Carabobo, Miranda, y Táchira. Sin embargo, varios empresarios, gobernadores y alcaldes se opusieron a la medida, alegando que el racionamiento podía agravar la presente crisis económica y que hacía falta más tiempo para hacer preparativos de contingencia. Entre otras medidas, el gobierno ha impuesto la reducción de horarios de centros comerciales además de reducir por un 20 % el consumo de energía por parte de sectores industriales, comerciales y residenciales. (AP América Latina, el 13 de enero, Fabiola Sánchez)

Vocabulario:

racionamiento- rationing

electricidad- electricity

cortes de luz – power outages

sequía- drought

represa- dam

empresarios- business men

gobernadores- governors

alcaldes- mayors

horarios- schedules

centros comerciales- malls

consumo- consumption


España pronostica menor número de inmigrantes para este año. (Spain predicts fewer number of immigrants this year.)

Para el año 2010 se prevé una fuerte baja de la cifra de inmigrantes a España. Tal declive se debe principalmente a la crisis económica y el colapso del sector inmobiliario que se dio a finales de 2008. Por ejemplo, para el año pasado (2009) sólo se registraron unas 10.000 personas que inmigraron al país frente a la cifra de 25.000 que se daba en años de bonanza. De hecho, desde finales de los años 90 España ha sido uno de los principales receptores de inmigrantes en toda Europa. De ahí que 12 % de la población española actual es de origen extranjero. Además, tras el estallido de la burbuja inmobiliaria, que dio a traste el sector de construcción que era la fuente principal de la demanda de mano de obra, un 28% de inmigrantes se han quedado sin trabajo frente a la tasa de desempleo nacional que se sitúa en 17%. (Univision.com, el 13 de enero, AP Madrid)

Vocabulario:
inmigrantes- immigrants

baja- decrease

declive- decline

el colapso- the collapse

sector inmobiliario- housing sector

a finales de- at the end of

la cifra- figure

los años 90- the 90’s

años de bonanza- prosperous years

población- population

extranjero- foreign

el estallido- bursting

la burbuja inmobiliaria- the housing bubble

construcción- construction

la tasa de desempleo- the unemployment rate



TUESDAY JANUARY 12, 2010

Se encuentran cadávares de navegantes desaparecidos en la República Dominicana (Bodies of missing sailors found in Dominican Republic)

Frente a la costa del este de la República Dominicana se han encontrado dos cadávares, que al parecer, formaban parte de un grupo de cuatro personas que se desaparecieron tras salir en un viaje de pesca. Se inició la búsqueda el jueves cuando los navegantes hicieron una llamada de alerta a las autoridades porque su lancha hacía agua. En concreto, el grupo se componía de dos estadounidenses, Robert Wayne y Laura Ricart; un español, Javier Jorge; y un dominicano, Plinio Jacobo. Eran todos socios del Club Náutico Zar Par y solían navegar todas las semanas. Los cadávares se hallaron al este del país al sur de Guayacanes en la provincia de San Pedro de Marcorís. (www.aldiatx.com, AP, el 11 de enero)

cadávares- bodies

navegantes- sailors, seafairers

viaje de pesca- fishing trip

la búsqueda- the search

llamada de alerta- emergency call

lancha- motorboat

dominicano- Dominican

socios- members

Club Náutico- Sailing Club

navegar- to sail



Se inaugura en Chile museo en honor a las víctimas de la dictatura de Pinochet (A museum to honor the victims of the Pinochet dictatorship is opened in Chile)

En Chile se acaba de inaugurar el Museo de La Memoria con vistas de conmemorar las víctimas del régimen dictatorial de Augusto Pinochet en Chile. Pincohet, que llegó al poder tras un golpe militar en 1973, gobernó por unos 20 años durante el cual se produjo alrededor de 30 millones de víctimas de asesinatos, desapariciones, y torturas, incluyendo la actual presidenta de Chile, Michelle Bachelet, y su familia. La inauguración también sa da en un momento propicio ya que tiene lugar seis meses antes de las elecciones presidenciales que determinarán el sucesor de Bachelet entre Sebastián Piñera, de derechas, y Eduador Frei, de centro-izquierda. (AFP, el 11 de enero)

conmemorar- to commemorate

las víctimas- victims

régimen- regime

golpe militar- military coup

alrededor- around

asesinatos- killings

desapariciones- disappearances

torturas- torture

de derechas- right wing

centro-izquierda- center left


MONDAY JANUARY 11, 2010

Uribe quiere que se apruebe tratado con EEUU (Uribe wants treaty approved with US)

El presidente colombiano, Álvaro Uribe, espera que congresistas demócratas de Estados Unidos firmen pronto un tratado de libre comercio con su país. En concreto, el mandatario de Colombia acaba de reunirse con una delegación del congreso estadounidense compuesta de cuatro legisladores, entre los cuales figuraban: Eliot Engel, Lyn Woosley y Shelley Berkley además del embajador de EEUU en Bogotá, William Brownfield. De hecho, los Estados Unidos es el primer socio comercial de Colombia con 14.000 millones de exportaciones y 10.000 millones de importaciones al año. Portavoces de Washington afirman que no se aprobará la medida hasta el año que viene. Lo que es más, se avaló otro tratado de libre comercio con Colombia bajo el presidente Bush, empero los demócratas se opusieron, queriendo más garantías de respecto de los derechos humanos. (César Sabogal (AFP), el 9 de enero)

Vocabulario

colombiano- Columbian

congresistas- congressmen

legisladores- lawmakers

tratado- treaty

libre comercio- Free Trade

mandatario- leader

acaba de- just

embajador- ambassador

EEUU- US (abrev.)

Socio comercial- trading partner

Portavoces- speakers

La medida- the measure

El año que viene- next year

Garantías- guarantees


Correa da seis meses más para Plan Ecuador (Correa gives six more months to Ecuador Plan)

El presidente del Ecuador, Rafael Correa, anunció que daría otros seis meses de plazo al llamado Plan Ecuador, una iniciativa gubernamental anunciada en 2007 que pretende dar un impulso al desarrollo de la zona fronteriza con Colombia. La zona en cuestión se compone de las provincias Carchi, Esmeraldas, Imbabura y Sucumbíos al norte del país. Si después de seis meses no se dan claras muestras de que el plan funciona, el gobierno lo cerrará. Hasta la fecha el gobierno de Correa ha gastado unos 135 millones de dólares en proyectos de seguridad y desarrollo para la zona, incluyendo la construcción de carreteras, hospitales, escuelas y otras obras públicas. (www.prensa-latina.cu, arc/prl, el 9 de enero)


Vocabulario

seis meses- six months

plazo- period of time

iniciativa gubernamental- government iniciative

desarrollo- development

zona fronteriza- border zone

provincias- provinces

muestras- signs

hasta la fecha- Up until now

seguridad- security

carreteras- highways

escuelas- schools

obras públicas- public works





El colectivo editorial de WCRX-LP
La fundación de la radioemisora pública de Bexley
transmite a través de WCRX-LP 102.FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

La fundación de la radioemisora pública de Bexley está extenta de impuesto federales bajo la sección 501 (c) del IRC. Cualesquiera donaciones se pueden deducir de los impuestos federales para indiviuos que detallaren sus deducciones. Cheques pagables a Bexley Public Radio Foundation o WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM. El diseño es copyright 2010. Todos los derechos reservados. La radioemisora pública de Bexley. El texto es copyright 2010. Todos los derechos reservados. David Alexander

Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Except for news report text, translation and other text is copyright 2010. All rights reserved. David Alexander.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Public Notice: CPAC Meeting February 1, 2010, 4:30 p.m.

Community Programming Advisory Committee meeting for Bexley Public Radio.

4:30 p.m. Monday February 1, 2010.

Community residents are welcome.

Admission is $10.00 per person.


Chairwoman Laura Franks.
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209

Friday, January 8, 2010

WCRX-LP Editorial collective asks "Video cameras to reduce property theft?"

Camera #1
Does Bexley need more video cameras as a deterrent to petty property theft?

In a recent broadcast interview with Bexley police chief Larry Rinehart, Bexley Public Radio senior correspondent John Matuszak asked about property theft in Bexley. The chief reported that during calendar year 2008, there were more than six hundred property thefts in Bexley. In the Monday morning Dispatch newspaper, the chief is quoted as describing Bexley as "a city in peril" because of this property crime.

A two hundred dollar bicycle stolen from a Bexley garage isn't a peril for the city but the editorial collective understands the chief's point.

Six hundred thefts, mostly petty thefts, is a large number for sure but not significantly different from the property crime frequencies in Dublin, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington.

For sure, the dollar value of stolen Bexley property is greater than these other suburbs because, well, it's a matter of quality and taste.

Sperling’s Best Places publishes crime rates in American cities on a scale of one (low) to ten. Dublin, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington are rated at eight and Bexley alone is rated at nine. Still all of these communities including Bexley are in the same fourth statistical quartile.

Camera #2
If the average theft involves stolen property valued at $500, there is an economic impact of $300,000 each year on Bexley residents. If the average is $2,000, then the impact is $1.2 million. If damage to door frames and windows averages $1,100, there is an additional $660,000 in economic loss to residents in the community.

Those dollar amounts help to set a range for how much money might be spent prudently to respond to the problem of property theft.

Equipment needs might be eighteen network digital recorders (at $900 each), one thousand infra-red digital night video cameras ($700 each), connecting cables for each camera and installation ($350 each) for a total of $1,066,800. Operations, staffing and repairs will add another $180,000 each year. AEP, Verizon and AT&T will want some compensation when the best camera location is on a utility pole.

Bexley police chief Larry Rinehart is promoting the formation of neighborhood block-watch teams in response to the number of property crimes suffered by Bexley residents.

Camera #3
The Bexley Public Radio editorial collective wonders whether neighborhood block-watch volunteers can be assisted by video cameras.

Currently, video cameras are used in some Bexley retail stores, banks and residences. Should video cameras be installed in all commercial locations in Bexley? Should video cameras be required at all residences?

Should the city install cameras in all of the alleys and along all of the streets?

How should installation be prioritized? Does the Bexley police department analyze property theft by location? Does the police department know which neighborhoods have the highest frequency of property theft? Should frequency of theft be used to prioritize installation?

Camera #4
Does the police department know how many businesses and residences use video cameras? Does the police department have a map of Bexley that shows what views are currently recorded. Banks, CVS and carry-out convenience sores obviously use video cameras currently.

Should Bexley adopt saturation coverage by digital video cameras as part of its response to unacceptable levels of property theft?

Do Bexley residents really want video cameras recording vehicular and pedestrian movement in the neighborhoods? What happens to privacy in our neighborhoods? Is this too much a Big Brother proposal?

Camera #5
Who should own the cameras, computers and discs recording digital data? Should the city own them?. Should the property insurers that carry the property risks in Bexley own the equipment? Should a Bexley property owner cooperative be formed to own the equipment? Should ownership be on a block by block basis?

Installing video cameras everywhere in Bexley sounds like a good stimulus public infra-structure program.

Listener thoughts are welcome. Email to wcrxlp@yahoo.com.

Contribute to Bexley Public Radio now!!!

This WCRX-LP editorial collective comment was first published February 15, 2009.

Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com

Camera #6
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.

Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Editorial collective.