The Saturday morning Dispatch greets us with the headline “A casino proposal emerges yet again.”
The Dispatch reports that Penn National Gaming, an opponent of the Clinton County casino ballot proposal last November is now talking up a new gambling proposal that it supports.
And to make life even more tedious for Ohio voters, MyOhioNow.com, the casino proponent that lost in the November election, says it will continue with another gambling proposal for the 2009 ballot.
The Dispatch reports that Penn National Gaming spent $36 million to defeat the 2008 MyOhioNow.com Clinton County proposal.
My wife groans at the headline and I shake my head. I call the members of the WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM editorial collective. They’ve read the same story in the Dispatch.
Even without actual casinos in Ohio, the gambling industry has a limitless supply of cash to spend on Ohio ballot politics.
Pari-mutuel wagering at county fairs
Bexley Public Radio and WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM are not reflexive opponents of gambling.
In fact, the WCRX-LP editorial collective supports strong pari-mutuel wagering at Ohio county fairs. Pari-mutuel wagering is a nonprofit form of gambling appropriate to an agricultural industry. Horse breeding is entirely about excellence and the risks needed to achieve it. Pari-mutuel betting at county-fairs promotes that form of agricultural achievement.
But the casino gambling industry is not about horse breeding. Casinos are not an agricultural industry.
Casinos are about relentless odds that always take money from gamblers. The grind of the casino industry creates an endless supply of cash and the industry is using that cash to wear Ohio voters down with ballot proposals.
Recent history of gambling ballot proposals in Ohio
At some point, casino proponents will wear us down. The gambling industry can come back to the Ohio ballot ceaselessly until it prevails. Look at the recent history of gambling proposals Ohio.
1990 Lorain casino
1996 Riverboat gambling
2006 Slot machines at horse race tracks
2008 Clinton County casino
That is a ballot issue on the same topic every fifty-four months. And the time between the industry proposals is shortening. It looks like the next proposal will be made only twelve months after the last ballot issue.
The gambling industry seems to be using the ballot to experiment and figure out what it thinks Ohio voters will eventually accept. Each initiative tinkers with a casino proposal a little bit. The industry’s hope is that at some point a proposal will be made that the voters find acceptable.
Democracy by fatigue
But that is not what is really happening. The casino proponents are really just wearing down their opponents and Ohio voters.
This is democracy by fatigue. Ohio voters have to accept the relentless pressure of these gambling proposals. We have to learn the details, the tedious details, of the gambling industry proposals and form opinions about their worthiness. And then Ohio voters have to actually show up at the polls and cast their vote.
Taxing casino ballot proposals
How can some fairness be brought to the situation?
The solution is obvious to the WCRX-LP editorial collective. The Ohio electorate should extract something from the gambling industry to balance the bother of the industry’s repeated gambling proposals.
What the WCRX-LP editorial collective proposes is that a state tax be imposed on the sponsors of any ballot proposal when voters have voted on the same subject during the prior twenty-five years.
The tax should be equal to the amount of money spent by the proponents of the last ballot issue on the same subject.
What does “same subject” mean? That doesn’t matter to the editorial collective.
The editorial collective is satisfied if the Ohio Secretary of State and the casino industry go to court to decide what a "same subject" is. Just tax this industry for ignoring the obvious and consistent mood of Ohio voters.
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 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Dianne Garrett's Community Calendar. Tax preparation assistance at senior center.
For the third year in a row, seniors can receive assistance preparing their taxes at the Whitehall Senior Center, 4924 Etna Road. AARP volunteers will be available every Monday beginning February 2 through April 6. To make an appointment between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., call 501-8593, or stop by the center. Walk-ins will be welcome, however, they will be worked in between set appointments.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thompson continues asking Whitehall City Council to consider a controversial resolution.
Whitehall City Council woman Jackie Thompson is once again bringing forth a controversial resolution.
She is asking her peers to designate February as "science month". It was her intention to honor Charles Darwin on his 200th birthday and Galileo's 400th anniversary of the first use of a telescope.
At the meeting on January 13, council member, Bob Bailey, reminded Thompson that February 12 is the birth date of what he called "probably the most important president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln". Thompson said that she knew it was someone else's birthday, but couldn't remember who. However, she was insistent that council should honor the two scientists for their accomplishments, particularly Darwin, for his contributions to medicine and evolution.
Again, Bailey reminded her that the Theory of Evolution is still only an unproven theory, and offered to give her his points on creationism. Council members also suggested eliminating the names, and just leaving it as "science month". Thompson would not budge.
One year ago, as Thompson began her first year of a four year term on council, she introduced stiff legislation to ban pit bulls from the city. Council later adopted another piece of legislation designed by Bailey, which allowed for an appeals board, and basic laws mirroring those of the Ohio Revised Code. The resolution received a first reading at the January 20 meeting, which gives council more time at the next committee meeting on January 27 to discuss it further.
Council plans to act upon the resolution at the February 3 meeting. At that time they could choose to suspend the rules and vote, or proceed to a third and final reading on February 17.
Thompson has been an activist in the community for many years before running for a city council seat, which she only won by a three per cent margin. Some residents and council members feel that her proposed pit bull ban last year brought much unnecessary, negative publicity from outsiders to the little town.
Her latest resolution proposal is once again not looking too promising.
Whitehall City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month to pass legislation at 7 p.m. Committee meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome, but there is no public input at committee meetings.
She is asking her peers to designate February as "science month". It was her intention to honor Charles Darwin on his 200th birthday and Galileo's 400th anniversary of the first use of a telescope.
At the meeting on January 13, council member, Bob Bailey, reminded Thompson that February 12 is the birth date of what he called "probably the most important president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln". Thompson said that she knew it was someone else's birthday, but couldn't remember who. However, she was insistent that council should honor the two scientists for their accomplishments, particularly Darwin, for his contributions to medicine and evolution.
Again, Bailey reminded her that the Theory of Evolution is still only an unproven theory, and offered to give her his points on creationism. Council members also suggested eliminating the names, and just leaving it as "science month". Thompson would not budge.
One year ago, as Thompson began her first year of a four year term on council, she introduced stiff legislation to ban pit bulls from the city. Council later adopted another piece of legislation designed by Bailey, which allowed for an appeals board, and basic laws mirroring those of the Ohio Revised Code. The resolution received a first reading at the January 20 meeting, which gives council more time at the next committee meeting on January 27 to discuss it further.
Council plans to act upon the resolution at the February 3 meeting. At that time they could choose to suspend the rules and vote, or proceed to a third and final reading on February 17.
Thompson has been an activist in the community for many years before running for a city council seat, which she only won by a three per cent margin. Some residents and council members feel that her proposed pit bull ban last year brought much unnecessary, negative publicity from outsiders to the little town.
Her latest resolution proposal is once again not looking too promising.
Whitehall City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month to pass legislation at 7 p.m. Committee meetings are the second and fourth Tuesday each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome, but there is no public input at committee meetings.
HEAP. Details on eligibility for assistance.
For Franklin County residents who may need assistance with paying their electric bill, you may qualify for assistance through Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs. Some are in need, but just slightly above the income guidelines.
American Electric Power created the AEP Ohio Crisis Response Fund to provide utility bill assistance to those families normally ineligible for HEAP and Percent of Income Payment Program (PIPP). There will be available funds until March 31, or until they are exhausted.
To qualify, a household must be in disconnection status with their AEP account.
Each eligible household may receive a maximum of $175. To be eligible, a household's annual income must not exceed the following guidelines:
Size of Household Total Household Income for 12 Months:
1 up to $20,800 2 up to $28,000 3 up to $35,200 4 up to $42,500 5 up to $49,600 6 up to $56,780 7 up to $64,000 8 up to $71,200
IMPACT staff will be taking applications for these funds IMMEDIATELY. To make an appointment, call IMPACT Community Action at 614-252-2799. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Applications are available at: 700 Bryden Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 St. Stevens Community House, 1500 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219.
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE APPOINTMENT: Proof of total income for the last 90 days for everyone 18 years of age and older in the household. Copy of Social Security card or Social Security numbers for everyone over two years old. Birth certificate of applicant. Photo ID Current electric bill.
If the service is off or being transferred, a copy of the applicant's lease is required
American Electric Power created the AEP Ohio Crisis Response Fund to provide utility bill assistance to those families normally ineligible for HEAP and Percent of Income Payment Program (PIPP). There will be available funds until March 31, or until they are exhausted.
To qualify, a household must be in disconnection status with their AEP account.
Each eligible household may receive a maximum of $175. To be eligible, a household's annual income must not exceed the following guidelines:
Size of Household Total Household Income for 12 Months:
1 up to $20,800 2 up to $28,000 3 up to $35,200 4 up to $42,500 5 up to $49,600 6 up to $56,780 7 up to $64,000 8 up to $71,200
IMPACT staff will be taking applications for these funds IMMEDIATELY. To make an appointment, call IMPACT Community Action at 614-252-2799. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Applications are available at: 700 Bryden Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215 St. Stevens Community House, 1500 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219.
THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE APPOINTMENT: Proof of total income for the last 90 days for everyone 18 years of age and older in the household. Copy of Social Security card or Social Security numbers for everyone over two years old. Birth certificate of applicant. Photo ID Current electric bill.
If the service is off or being transferred, a copy of the applicant's lease is required
Dianne Garrett's Whitehall Community Calendar
Hometown Hero ceremony and breakfast. Tuesday January 27.
Tuesday, January 27 will be the annual B107.9 Hometown Hero event at Whitehall Division of Fire, 390 S. Yearling Road, from 6 to 10 a.m. This year's honoree is Police Officer Eddie Rickles, who will be recognized at 8:30. Rickles serves as the public safety officer, and is a 1984 Whitehall Yearling High School graduate who became an auxiliary officer in 1986, and a full time officer in 1990. Culinary students from Eastland Career Center will cook breakfast, including made-to-order omelets, and the jazz ensemble from WYHS will perform between 8 and 10. The public is invited.
Hall of fame ceremony. Saturday January 31.
Whitehall Yearling High School's Hall of Fame induction will be Saturday, January 31 at approximately 7:10 p.m. just prior to the varsity game. This year's inductees are Stephen Jones (1971), Sharon Heise Bukowski (1976) and Joseph Federer (1978).
Free dinner. February 28.
Free community dinner each month on the fourth Saturday 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 1480 Zettler road, Columbus. All are welcome. Phone: 231-4568.
Free breakfast. Saturday January 31.
Free community breakfast each month on the last Saturday 9-11 a.m. at Shady Lane Presbyterian Church at the corner of Livingson and Elaine Roads in Columbus.
Angel Food order deadline. Sunday February 15.
The next food order for Angel Food Ministries will be due by February 15 with delivery date February 21. To find a location near you, log on to www.angelfoodministries.com, or call the Whitehall Nazarene Church at 231-6547. All orders must be placed through the web site, and can be paid for by credit/debit card. If using food stamps, cash or money order, you will have to go to a site to pay.
Free family movie.
Free movie and craft event at Whitehall Community Park, 402 N. Hamilton Road at 2:30 p.m. The movie will be "Fern Gully, The Last Rainforest". Whitehall Parks and Recreation Department is planning more of these family events in the future. Keep checking this blog.
Friday February 27. Neighborhood arts grant deadline.
The application deadline for the next round of Franklin County Neighborhood Arts Grants is February 27. The FCNA program is designed to increase community participation in the arts. Funding is available for projects in all arts disciplines. Program guidelines and application materials are available for download from the Greater Columbus Arts Council's web site at www.gcac.org. Two grant writing workshops will be offered to assist groups with their applications: January 27 at the King Arts Complex 2-3 p.m.January 29 at the Greater Columbus Arts Council 6:30-7:30 p.m. To RSVP email: oregan@gcac.org or call 221-8625.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
February community advisory committee meeting.
Notice
The regular meeting of the community programming advisory committee is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Monday February 2.
The agenda is a committee discussion of current programming schedule.
The meeting is open to the public. ID is required.
Admission is $10.00.
Notice of location and time changes: location is changed to 471 S. Drexel. Start time is delayed fifteen minutes. New start time is 4:45 p.m.
This change information is also posted on station office door.
Minutes of committee meeting.
In attendance were Mr. Fred Reister and Mr. Kurt Weiland. Mr. Weiland discussed three programming matters. The first was re-formatting of the CD (certificate of deposit) interest rate feature. The feature reports on the interest rates paid by banks in the Bexley Financial District. He also discussed production of a new feature that reports on Bluegrass Music concerts in the South. He also said that Simply Living and Bexley Public Radio Foundation are taking steps to make time available to broadcast Thom Hartmann on a regular basis.
The regular meeting of the community programming advisory committee is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Monday February 2.
The agenda is a committee discussion of current programming schedule.
The meeting is open to the public. ID is required.
Admission is $10.00.
Notice of location and time changes: location is changed to 471 S. Drexel. Start time is delayed fifteen minutes. New start time is 4:45 p.m.
This change information is also posted on station office door.
Minutes of committee meeting.
In attendance were Mr. Fred Reister and Mr. Kurt Weiland. Mr. Weiland discussed three programming matters. The first was re-formatting of the CD (certificate of deposit) interest rate feature. The feature reports on the interest rates paid by banks in the Bexley Financial District. He also discussed production of a new feature that reports on Bluegrass Music concerts in the South. He also said that Simply Living and Bexley Public Radio Foundation are taking steps to make time available to broadcast Thom Hartmann on a regular basis.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Bexley Public Radio establishes community advisory committee.
Management at Bexley Public Radio has established a community programing advisory committee.
Bylaws describing the committee and its function are available for $36.00 prepaid from the station.
Send check or money order to:
Kurt Weiland, Treasurer
Bexley Public Radio Foundation
2700 E Main St. Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Bylaws describing the committee and its function are available for $36.00 prepaid from the station.
Send check or money order to:
Kurt Weiland, Treasurer
Bexley Public Radio Foundation
2700 E Main St. Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
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