Dansack District 46

Gerrymandering in Ohio

2011-09-15T19:50:00.001-07:00

I realize this is too late as the Ohio House passed the gerrymandering bill today, but contact State Rep Matt Huffman, the chair of the State Govt and Elections Committee andlet him know that you are not happy with the passage of SB 319. This is our state and we've got to take it back. Remember to vote no on State Issue 2 which concerns Senate Bill 5 in Ohio. We can make a difference and most importantly, we should try !

Happy Labor Day Weekend !

2011-09-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this weekend and celebrate the Labor movement in this country with your family and friends and what it stands for. Right wingers and those who are adversarial to the labor movement can get to work tomorrow and work on more ways to ship jobs overseas to save a little money and make more profit for the guys at the top to sit on and not invest in America. Go out and buy another yacht or two, but at least buy it from a company in the good old United States of America !

Thanks

2011-08-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the politicians who played around with the debt ceiling issue, leading to the collapse of the world markets we are seeing presently. Great job and great forward thinking, guys and gals !

The Debt Ceiling

2011-07-26T19:41:00.001-07:00

Tired of all the right wingers who refuse to compromise on raising the debt ceiling. Where were all these pious deficit hawks when George W. Bush dismantled our economy by his spending in two unfunded, unnecessary wars? Since they didn't speak up then, we can't listen to their hypocrisy now.

Happy 4th of July !

2011-07-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

"Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber". ~Plato ~

2011-06-09T03:32:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day !

2011-05-30T19:46:00.001-07:00

Thank a veteran for his/her service to our country and remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy !

A little bit of this and that

2011-05-28T16:43:00.000-07:00

Pretty disgusted with the Governor in Ohio and our local representatives in District 46 (Ohio House) and District 2 (Ohio Senate). The people who elected you did not elect you to limit voting access or to limit the rights of unions to negotiate a fair contract. They elected you to work for policies and programs that will lead to jobs in Ohio. How much more simple can it get? Jobs folks, jobs.

The Ohio House also voted to allow the desecration of our state park system through oil and gas drilling in our State Parks. The vote was 54-41 and I'm not sure how District 46 representative, Barbara Sears, voted although I have a pretty good guess.

Please call your Senator at 800-282-0253 and ask them to put people before profits in this matter. I may call mine as well, but as you can see from some of the earlier posts, Mr. Wagoner and his staff have neither the time nor the inclination to return calls to yours truly.

Keep fighting the powers that be in Columbus for a better Ohio !

Simply put: The Face of Global Terrorism is dead !

2011-05-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

Still no call from Mark Wagoner's office

2011-03-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

hey, I know the vote is through the Senate for Senate Bill 5, but I'm still waiting for my call from Senator Wagoner's office. Maybe he already left office ? I know he said this term was his last, but that is no reason to ignore constituents who contact his office. Still waiting, Senator for a call from your underworked and overpaid staff.

Constituent service Ohio Senate District 2 style

2011-02-26T08:53:00.000-08:00

Well folks, here's the scoop. I contacted the office of State Senator Mark Wagoner on Thursday February 17, 2011 regarding the matter of Senate Bill 5 which is currently being considered by the state of Ohio. The message I heard clearly stated that no one was in the office at the time and if I left a message with my name and phone number , they would get back with me. However today is Saturday February 26, 2011 and I have yet to receive my call from either the senator or a member of his staff.

These folks are well paid by us, their tax paying constituents, and should be responsive to our concerns. However, in the senator's world, apparently constituents don't matter. Funny, but he did have plenty of time to plan the juvenile destruction of property and vandalization of property while on a "retreat" with some of his fellow legislators back in January. If you can't do your job, you may as well resign and let someone else take over.

Representative Sears focusing on top priorities again

2011-02-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

The following is a story from the Toledo Blade illustrating Ohio District 46 State Representative Barbara Sears' latest attempt to change Ohio law with respect to the labeling/categorization of the dog breed "pit bull" in Ohio. Is it just me, or does anyone else
think that this is a waste of time which does nothing to meet the challenges our region and
state face at this critical time?

toledoblade.com -- The Blade ~ Toledo Ohio

Will this create jobs? What is the benefit of this bill to ordinary Ohioans? Please let me know, Ms Sears.

This is how our legislators in Columbus are working to solve our state's problems

2011-01-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

toledoblade.com -- The Blade ~ Toledo Ohio

Read this link. Perhaps these guys(and women) should spend their time working on solving our problems in Ohio, instead of "procuring" (another word for stealing?) toilet paper from a resort at which they are staying, and vandalizing a colleague's property. Pathetic. We'd expect this from high schoolers or middle schoolers wouldn't we?

Of course, no alcohol was involved, because there were a few tea drinkers in the group. Or was that Tea Partiers?

Maybe they should all resign for disgracing their offices. Nice role models for our children.

In the wake of the Arizona tragedy of 1-8-11

2011-01-09T09:14:00.001-08:00

Folks, as the Pima County AZ sheriff put it yesterday in the wake of the tragic domestic terrorist attack in Tucson, "It may be free speech, but it does not come without consequences". Let's move to a more peaceful discourse and discussion of the issues which separate us as Americans. Let's also pray for those who are injured and for those who were slain and all of their families and friends in this terrible time.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night !

2010-12-24T21:19:00.001-08:00

Elizabeth Edwards RIP

2010-12-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

Just a short note on the untimely passing of Elizabeth Edwards. She was a very brave lady in the face of a disease which has taken well too many before their time. I will remember her courage and grace in the face of what had to be two great disappointments: Her long bout with breast cancer which shortened what had been a very productive life and the infidelity of her husband. Thoughts and prayers go out to her surviving family. May the causes she championed find solutions which work for every day Americans. Rest in peace.

Happy Thanksgiving Day !

2010-11-25T09:30:00.001-08:00

We all have much to be thankful for: family, friends, and abundant resources from God. Let's also set aside time today to think about those who are struggling and say a prayer for them.

We are the greatest country in the world, and we can become greater if we take care of our own, as Jesus would have done. Paraphrasing Robert F. Kennedy, each time that one of us acts in the interest of the less fortunate, it sets forth a ripple of hope. The combination of these ripples of hope can become a tidal wave which can wash away the hunger, poverty, and homelessness which still adversely affects our great country and the world at large.

We have much to be thankful for and more work to be done.

Nothing about George W surprises me

2010-11-12T17:38:00.000-08:00

Check out this link: Difficult to believe that this man was selected once and then elected president. Sort of says much about the electorate in this country.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/12/george-bush-book-decision-points_n_782731.html?utm_campaign=111210&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-politics&utm_content=FullStory&utm_term=Daily+Brief#s180908

Some might call this hypocrisy ?

2010-11-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

If you happen to run into Kasich, Portman, or DeWine today, make sure you ask them why they are so eager for another sip at the government trough they claim to detest ? They seem to hate our government, but want to become part of it again, what a paradox that is ?

Vote for the moderate choice for Governor, Ted Strickland !

2010-11-01T03:22:00.000-07:00

Keep the progress moving in Ohio and America

2010-10-28T17:34:00.001-07:00

Election day is fast approaching. I have already voted and have volunteered for candidates I believe in. It is too easy to forget about events which transpired in the last ten years which brought us to the brink of financial disaster in September/October 2008. We are now in the midst of a slow but steady recovery. I regret that there are well too many folks unemployed and underemployed, but we have two choices in Ohio and across our great country.

We can choose to go back to the politics of large tax breaks to the richest folks without a way to pay for these tax breaks along with a shortsighted hands off deregulation of the banking/financial industries: We've already seen how these policies have panned out in the past for the period of 2001 through 2008.

Or we can continue to chart a new course which we began in 2009, I repeat, BEGAN in 2009. It is much too early to determine if this new course will lead us to the prosperity we saw in the 1990's, but I believe we should give it some time, say, perhaps, two more years to dig out of the eight year hole that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and their comrades created with their ill conceived policies.

I believe in our President and in our leadership team in Ohio which includes Governor Ted Strickland and Atty General Richard Cordray. Having met these two men in person, I have looked into their eyes and can tell that they have our best interests at heart.

Please support our entire Democratic ticket in Ohio. Give us 8 years in Ohio to continue the slow but steady progress we have seen. The foundation has been laid and the future is bright if we have the courage to continue.

Thanks for reading and have a good evening !

I wonder what Rich Iott is going to dress up as for Halloween

2010-10-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a link that is somewhat disturbing. I have a good friend whose parents lost many family
members during the reign of terror which was Nazi Germany. And our congressional candidate
dressed as one to "bond" with his son. Maybe they could have played catch with a baseball, or collected baseball cards, or golfed together.

The link: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/10/why-is-this-gop-house-candidate-dressed-as-a-nazi/64319/

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

To all my friends in the Labor community. It's been a tough few years, but we will prevail!

Sad news for the Anthony Wayne Democratic Club

2010-08-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

One of our charter members passed away this week. Joyce Weber was a very nice lady and a great democrat. She will be missed, but is no longer suffering and certainly in a better place. Thoughts and prayers go out to her daughter Judy and the rest of her loving family. Rest in peace, Joyce.

Doesn't it seem that the right wingers are much better at negative campaigns?

2010-08-01T06:24:00.000-07:00

And then they offer up as an alternative the same policies which got us into the mess we're in in the first place. Never an original thought with those hard right folks. Their next one will be their first.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

Celebrating our nation's independence last night in Maumee for their fireworks show, I stopped to reflect on those serving at home and abroad in our armed forces to maintain our freedoms. Whether you agree with the wars/conflicts we are engaged in (I personally don't), these holidays are a good time to pause and reflect on the fine young men and women who serve.

Thank you for your service to our country!

Condolences to the Kazcala family

2010-06-09T04:08:00.000-07:00

Very sorry to hear of the shocking death of former Lucas County Auditor Larry Kazcala. I campaigned some with Larry back in 2006 when I ran for the state legislature and we had a friendly relationship although I didn't know him well. Condolences and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.

Actual conversation with right wingers on Facebook

2010-05-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

The following exchange is one I had the pleasure of enduring the night of May 25 while responding to a facebook post: Names have been deleted to protect the identity of those
who took part.

The President needs to take a Valium before he comes in and talks to Republicans, He's pretty thin-skinned.” I would be happy to write him prescription.~ Dr. Charles Krauthammer
yesterday at8:30 pm· Comment ·Like Unlike

Edd
Maybe Dr. Nevorkien should write it and he wouldn't need any refills.
Yesterday at 8:45pm

Carmen
Beth - LOL on the "privacy" statement. Love it.
Yesterday at 8:51pm

Mark D. At the very least, this President can speak English, unlike his predecessor.
Yesterday at 9:53pm ·

Tracy
excuse me????
Yesterday at 9:54pm

Mark D.
did I stutter?
Yesterday at 9:57pm ·

Mark M
Oh PLEASE!
Yesterday at 9:57pm

Gary
He speaks the socialist way, and that is crap!
Yesterday at 10:08pm

Beth
Easy boys...he make speak English, but he is no American.
Yesterday at 10:11pm

Gary
EXACTLY my point, Beth.
Yesterday at 10:12pm

Mark D
ooh namecalling very good Gary! Why not take out your anger on the Prez who took a budget surplus down the toilet with useless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Yesterday at 10:12pm ·

Gary
No anger, buddy just the truth. You can't handle the truth about this very very socialist so-called president. Freddie mac a very liberal source of our financial problems.
Yesterday at 10:14pm

Mark D.
Gary, the budget surplus? what happened and when did it go away? Let's not blame it on 9/11! Stretch your mind!
Yesterday at 10:16pm ·

Beth
Mark & Gary, you are welcome to your opinion any time here on my profile page. But we are all very civil here--bashing belongs at the DNC National Convention...or at a White House Press Conference.
Yesterday at 10:16pm

Gary
No, you libs still think that it never happened, and that Bush was behind it. More ludicrous madness from far left wackos.
Yesterday at 10:17pm

Mark D.
just asking questions Gary won't answer. No bashing here Beth.
Yesterday at 10:17pm ·

Mark D.
let's see? Far left or far right? most of us are somewhere in the middle.
Yesterday at 10:18pm ·

Gary
I can answer, you cannot answer anything about this community leader that was set up by Soros to be Prez.
Yesterday at 10:18pm

Beth
Thanks Mark. Take a look at something that speaks to where Gary and I do agree...we can all be right. See above on my wall.
Yesterday at 10:18pm

Mark D.
I'm almost out for the night, but still waiting for my answer Gary. In the last 35 years, which president of either party balanced the budget and had a surplus? Which party was he? Which president then took that surplus and squandered it? I rest my case.
Yesterday at 10:23pm ·

Mark M
I don't care if he can speak English or not. Listen to what he SAYS! Watch what he DOES!
Yesterday at 10:28pm

Mark D.
listening and watching Mark. not at all disturbed like the far right is.
Yesterday at 10:36pm ·

Jason
@Mark, I guess we sholuld have done nothing after the 911 attacks? Plus, how can you hide behind a comment like "who ruined the budget surplus"? You are living in a "I hate Bush" mentality and just like Obama you are blaming present day issues on anyone but the Dems (and they are in charge - they hate the R'). When does Obama (and Dems) start taking blame for things or will it always be Bush's fault (in your mind)? I thought Obama was Prez, not Bush...ha h a
Yesterday at 11:02pm

Mark D.
@ Jason. Rome wasn't built in a day. It took that nasty "liberal" Clinton some time to clean up the deficit messes left from 12 years of Reagan/Bush and it'll take Obama some time to clean up after 8 years of Dubya Bush. Maybe we can sell some of the stockpile of obsolete weapons accumulated during the Reagan/Bush years to reduce our deficit. Or better yet, ask the folks who made their fortunes on the backs of the American people throughout that era to bail us out.
Yesterday at 11:07pm ·

Mark D.
Oh, at least we did something after 9/11. Killing many innocent Iraqis who had nothing to do with the terrorist attack on our soil certainly leveled the playing field and increased our standing in the international community. How could I have been so wrong about all this? ; )
Yesterday at 11:09pm ·

Beth
Go to Sleep, Mark...lol...these guys can go all night!
Yesterday at 11:10pm

Jason

Who cares what Iran thinks of us. Reagan saved this country. Obama makes me miss Clinton.
Yesterday at 11:19pm

Mark D.
Beth, I have no problem with debating these guys. So far all they have is that Obama is a socialist and he and the Dems should take responsibility for everything. Not one will answer my points with an effective counterpoint. Too many drinking the far right Koolaid if you ask me.
Yesterday at 11:19pm ·

Beth
Just dont unfriend ME because of it...lol...thanks for playing!
Yesterday at 11:22pm

Mark D.
Jason, that was IRAQ, not Iran. Two separate countries. You do remember that we backed Saddam Hussein in the 80s against the Iranians don't you? Gave him a stockpile of weapons to uitlize against his neighbors. Oh yeah, that was the savior Reagan's policies. Again I stand corrected (notice the dripping sarcasm) ! ; )
Yesterday at 11:23pm ·

Mark D.
Beth, I usually just let it go, but tonight for some reason it is entertaining. Sort of like debating Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and some of the other talk show righties.
Yesterday at 11:26pm ·

Jason
Do you understand the difference between Sunnii and Shia (spelling)?
Yesterday at 11:29pm

Jason
Sadam and Osama = Sunni and Iran = Shia. They both HATE the US. Iraq loves us now thanks to BUSH
Yesterday at 11:34pm

Mark D.
Oh thanks Jason for clearing that up for me. I'll rest more easily tonight feeling the love from the Iraqis.
Yesterday at 11:43pm ·

Julie
I think I need to take a Valium before I listen to him.
Yesterday at 11:44pm

Beth
How about you and Sharon and I go out for a glass of wine...I am going to need it after this!
Yesterday at 11:45pm

Beth
Sounds like a great idea!
Yesterday at 11:56pm

Gary
Mark, buddy, you could not debate Beck's pinky, sorry for your luck. Balanced budget with Republicans like Kasich, who will also make a great Governor. Mark, can you deny that this President has surrounded himself with socialists and communists in his administration, one that Castro would love to have.
20 hours ago

Mark D.
Ohio has had four years of balanced budgets with the moderate Ted Strickland as governor. It's required by statute. Yes I can deny that President Obama has surrounded himself with "socialists". Meanwhile, my points sit out there unrefuted by you and others who can only employ namecalling when intellectually challenged.As for Glenn Beck, anyone who follows him deserves what he or she gets. Gary, keep drinking the Koolaid, what's the flavor of the week?Beth, keeping a tally? 15 posts and no namecalling from this midwestern independent Jeffersonian democrat.
15 hours ago ·

Mark D.
One last word. President Obama was clearly elected by a strong majority of the popular and electoral vote. All the right wing zealots with their wild machinations and squealing sort of remind me of Ned Beatty's character in "Deliverance", if you get my reference. Chew on that one for awhile.
14 hours ago ·

Jason
I will leave it at this, If the wars are unjustiyfied, in your opinion, why hasnt the annointed one pulled out of Afghanistan yet? Why is he spending so much? He has spent more in his first year than Bush's last 4 years.
14 hours ago

Gary
Mark, supposedly no name-calling. Riiight.You, and the rest of the Michael Moore Morons feel that you are intellectually superior to everyone else. That is so far from the truth that it is actually funny. Kool aid, very funny that you utilize a RUSH term with your cynical dribble. Mark, you are a riot, and a legend in your own mind. You use the DELIVERANCE reference trying so hard to be clever, riiight. Again, you show your own arrogance just like this one term prez in office. Typical.
13 hours ago

Mark D.
Gary, you've mortally wounded me. Drinking the koolaid goes back to the Jonestown massacre in the 1970's before anyone had ever heard of Rush Limbaugh (by the way) Don't let the facts of my arguments get in the way of what you know for sure that just isn't so. Peace out!
2 hours ago ·
Write a comment...

Had some fun. Notice that none of my questions were answered and at least one of the righties gave up the intellectual argument and called me some names.

Great discussion boys and girls!

No to Reagan on the $50 bill

2010-05-11T19:06:00.000-07:00

I'm not ready to join the chorus of those who want to see former President Ronald Reagan replace Ullyses Grant on the $50 bill. Too many reasons to list here, but one of the main reasons would be the fallacy that Reagan was fiscally conservative as President.

Reagan railed against Jimmy Carter's deficits which totaled around $30 billion for the last year of Carter's presidency. Ronnie then doubled the national debt which had been accumulated during our entire history as a nation in his first four years in office, routinely running deficits of $200 billion or more annually.

Carter was much more fiscally conservative than Reagan, yet was attacked as a tax and spend liberal (not true at all).Reagan was cast as some sort of jolly old man who in reality was a puppet for the strongmen who engulfed his presidency.

It is likely that Reagan was already suffering from early effects of Alzheimer's Disease as early as 1984 which was illustrated by his performance in at least one of his debates with Mondale and his inability to speak spontaneously while answering reporters' questions.

In reality, all we had to show for all of Reagan's defense spending was a stockpile of weapons which eventually grew obsolete, but he did keep the defense industry stockholders and CEO's rolling in the dough throughout the 1980's.

Additionally, let's please not put Reagan's face on Mount Rushmore either.

Primary Election day in Ohio

2010-05-04T03:24:00.000-07:00

Get out and vote today. If you are not satisfied with your choice of candidates, get involved in a party or movement and make a difference, possibly as a candidate.

Take part and exercise your right as a citizen in a democratic society. If you don't get out and vote today, or haven't voted thus far, please don't let me hear you complain.

Good luck to all the candidates who have come forward to present themselves and their ideas to their fellow citizens. Thanks.

The silly season of politics

2010-04-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well into the last week before the May primary in Ohio, we again are treated to the phenomenom that de-beautifies the roadsides far and wide in Lucas County, this being the
placing of yard signs in the public right of way. It appears that many empty lots, fields,
and corners have decided to support various candidates for public office , and not quite so many households have decided to do the same.

I know the idea is to increase your name recognition, but I feel it is difficult to choose to support those who blatantly disregard the codes and regulations which are in place for the placement of
yard signs.

Just a word to those who are running for office. Please inform your volunteers of the rules regarding the placement of these signs, and clean up the right of way for all of us to enjoy.

Make sure the signs are set back inside the utility poles, and make certain to get the approval of property owners before placing your placards. Follow the rules and you may just get my vote this November.

Anthony Wayne Democrats to meet

2010-02-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting is February 24, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Whitehouse Municipal Building on Providence St. in Whitehouse, OH. Hope to see you there. We'll have elections for 2010 officers of the organization and hope to have at least some of the filed candidates for Lucas County Commissioner on hand to introduce themselves.

Ten file petitions for Lucas County Commissioner

2010-02-19T04:34:00.000-08:00

This article was published in the Toledo Blade on February 19, 2010. After the late withdrawal of current commissioner, Ben Konop, there is a crowded field of candidates including six democrats and four republicans. May the best man or woman win! The link to the article follows: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100219/NEWS16/2190314

No, I'm not running for County Commissioner

2010-02-16T20:38:00.001-08:00

Just to clarify as several past supporters have called me and asked if I had taken out petitions for Lucas County Commissioner. I am not and will not be a candidate for elected office this year. I do have experience running for office in the western part of Lucas County and have ties to Oregon and eastern Lucas County which some thought would be beneficial for a Democratic candidate in a county-wide race.

I wish all who file petitions for the County Commissioner race in Lucas County well and look forward to a spirited campaign filled with ideas and concepts, not insults and putdowns. Let's hope that this campaign will deviate from what we usually see in modern day politics and help to chart a course for a kinder, gentler process.

Also, I would like to wish Harry Barlos, the former commissioner and former Maumee mayor good luck in his race against Barbara Sears in District 46. Representative Sears has not focused on issues of importance in NW Ohio, preferring to spend her time on the ever-pressing issue of the categorization of pitbulls, which I'm sure keeps most of us awake through many a sleepless night. Let's work on the real issues like jobs, healthcare, and other economic concerns, and after we get that right, then work on the dog issues.

An excellent piece by Gary Hart from the Huffington Post

2010-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

The following is a reprint of an article from the Huffington Post.

Gary Hart
Author, Wirth Chair professor at the University of Colorado
Posted: January 6, 2010 12:02 PM

Getting the Government We Seem to Want

The current turmoil in Colorado politics and beyond, marked by resignations of senior elected officials, has many lessons. First among these is: "It isn't fun anymore." From the nation's founding, the idea of public service never was meant to be "fun." The Jeffersons, Madisons, and Hamiltons intended the thoughtful, dedicated, and dis-interested (that is, those who were committed to the public interest) to hold public office for a time and then return to the ordinary citizen's life--involved and engaged but not in an official capacity.

But, having held office in the 1970s and 1980s, I can testify to the fact that politics used to be more civilized, more collegial, and more, well, enjoyable. It certainly was more honorable. Since then, the confluence of exorbitant campaign costs, special interest influence, and the meanness of "consultants" have all conspired to remove almost all joy from public service. The net result is, with a few notable exceptions, the decline in the caliber and quality of Americans willing to serve.

For the tea-baggers and government-haters, this is all to the good. They claim to love our country even while hating its government. So, the worse the government performance, the more it proves their point. And the less thoughtful, intelligent, and wise the elected officials, the worse the government.

The U.S. Commission on National Security for the 21st Century reported this in January 2001: "the United States finds itself on the brink of an unprecedented crisis of competence in government. The maintenance of American power in the world depends on the quality of U.S. government personnel...at all levels. In this light, the declining orientation toward government service as a prestigious career is deeply troubling." Deeply troubling not for some reason of abstract civics, but deeply troubling for the security of this nation.

So, the cynics and trolls who scream like banshees at town hall meetings and scan the blogosphere to post cynical put-downs of their country's government are hurting no one but themselves.

Not one of these people has the courage to stand for public office. And the most qualified Americans will continue to choose not to serve their country and we will continue to be weaker for it.

Very well said by the former senator from Colorado.

Enjoy the holidays with loved ones!

2009-12-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings to all. Have a great holiday season with friends and family!

Does anyone else wish that Sarah Palin and Levi Johnston would just go away already?

2009-11-17T20:57:00.001-08:00

Well, I do. What a couple of pathetic, media seeking miscreants these two are. I'm so tired of Ms. Palin crying and whining about the media's treatment of her. Perhaps she can be the ambassador to the country of Africa in the next GOP administration. Or maybe she can simply be in charge of keeping her eye on Russia from her backyard.

As for Mr. Johnston, I would have suggested that he actually work out and get in shape if he is going to parade his body in a public venue such as Playgirl magazine. I'll be surprised if the scrawny little boy draws many "fans" to buy what must be a struggling magazine.

Please, my message to both of you is to go away for awhile and let us cleanse our national consciousness from any memory we have of you. Do us all a favor and we'll be eternally grateful.

AW Democrats to meet August 26 at 7:00pm

2009-08-08T13:18:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Anthony Wayne Democratic Club will take place Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 pm at the Waterville Branch of the Lucas County Public Library system. The library is located on Michigan Ave. in Waterville.

Anthony Wayne Democrats to meet June 24

2009-06-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Anthony Wayne Democratic Club will take place Wednesday, June 24 at 7:00 pm at the Waterville Branch of the Lucas County Public Library system. The library is located on Michigan Ave. in Waterville. We will have a speaker from the Lucas County Prosecutor's office on hand for the occasion.

Hope to see you there!

A sad week for our family

2009-05-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

My Dad passed away this week Wednesday after a long illness which weakened his heart and kidneys to the point where he couldn't fight the good fight any longer. He loved his wife and family fiercely and would do anything for us. He leaves behind my mother, his wife of more than 51 years, 4 children, 8 grandchildren and many friends along with cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family.

He was a man who cared deeply about his family, his community, and the state of affairs in our state and country. I know he was deeply happy when President Obama was elected this past fall and I'm glad that he got the chance to see the first African American President elected. He supported both me and my older brother in our political aspirations, and I know he was a loyal reader of this blog. Somewhere, he will read this post and a smile will come to his face.

We laid him to rest today, and I know he is finally at peace and in a better place. Congratulations Dad for fighting the good fight and thank you for your love and commitment throughout our lives. You will be missed even as you will still be with us. Rest in peace and we love you.

Vote for Maumee Schools

2009-05-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, May 5, 2009, the citizens of Maumee, OH will be given the choice on whether to support the "Excellent with Distinction" schools in their fine city as denoted by the State of Ohio by passage of an additional 3.9 mill operating levy.

Hopefully the citizens will respond with a resounding yes and further cuts to the superlative educational system in Maumee will be forestalled. Even with passage of the levy, cuts in teaching personnel and elsewhere will be necessary due to reduced funding at the state level. Any further cuts, besides the ones already announced, will seriously continue to jeopardize the ability of the school system to operate at the high level of achievement that residents of Maumee have come to expect and enjoy.

If you are contemplating not voting for the levy to send a message to the state of Ohio regarding fixing the school funding dilemma which has plagued our state for at least the last 12 years, I would suggest the following action: Vote for the levy to keep the schools functioning at a high level of effectiveness; then, contact your locally elected state representatives to ask that they make school funding in Ohio the priority it should be. The folks to contact are State Representative Barbara Sears, and State Senator Mark Wagoner.

Ask these representatives to put aside their other priorities, whatever they may be, and focus on this groundbreaking issue at this time. It may require these elected officials to expend a little political capital and some energy, but if enough citizens contact their offices, we may see some effort from these "leaders" to make progress on this issue.

Irresponsibly pushing this issue off into the future is simply not good enough for the fine citizens in the Maumee, Anthony Wayne, Sylvania and other schools systems in the area Mr. Wagoner and Ms. Sears represent. Contact them and ask that they work on this issue at this time. The citizens of the District 46 community are counting on them to make this issue a priority this year.

Please support our schools until we can figure out another method to fund education. The education of your children and grandchildren, neighbors, and friends are hanging in the balance.

AW Democrats to meet April 22 at 7:00pm

2009-04-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Anthony Wayne Democratic Club will take place at the Waterville branch of the Lucas County Public Library, located at 800 Michigan Ave., in Waterville. Hope to see you there!

Casino Gambling a Good Idea for Ohio?

2009-04-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

For what it's worth, I believe that casinos and gambling would have been a good idea for Ohio to create jobs and raise some revenue, but the sad fact is that the time to make this move would have been about 20 years ago. At that time, fewer states and cities were home to gambling casinos and Ohio could have been a leader. From what I remember, groups for various religious and moral reasons fought hard to keep the gaming industry out of Ohio for fear that that type of development would lead to organized crime, prostitution, problems with addictions, and other moral misgivings. While true, we already had all those things at the time, and still do to this day, but without any of the benefits and tax dollars this industry would have brought along with it.

Now, after the horse has left the proverbial barn, we see some local politicians advocating the idea of gaming casinos in Ohio. It is my opinion that we're at least a few days late and many dollars short after more than half the country allows casino gambling on some scale with our nearest neighbors in Michigan and Indiana well established in this industry. So, time for some new ideas folks, not the recycled thoughts that may have worked 20 years ago.

In NW Ohio, we have various legislators who have made the re-designation of the "pit bull" and new "Joe Wurzelbacher protection" legislation their priorities. Elsewhere in Ohio, we have a state legislator who is interested in a bill to allow our General Assembly members the privilege to marry folks who are so inclined to enter into matrimony. All worthwhile endeavors to be sure!

I believe, on the other hand, that after we get through with all these important priorities, we may want to focus on jobs, economic development, education funding, and a tax policy which works for all Ohioans. We're not so patiently waiting for these insignificant "pet projects" to be taken care of so we can get back to the work of important policy debate and hopefully solutions. The clock is ticking and the natives are getting restless. This space intends to keep the heat on these folks who would represent us.

Curious Priorities in SW Lucas County

2009-03-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

There are probably many issues to be concerned with at this time with our economy in freefall, health care costs skyrocketing, education funding, our high unemployment and declining tax base. Hunger, desperation and hopelessness!

We are extremely fortunate to have a state representative who has identified as one of her priorities the proper classification for the "pit bull" in Ohio. I can't tell you how much sleep my neighbors and I have lost recently regarding this issue. Personally I can't think of a bigger problem to sink one's teeth into (no pun intended, of course) than removing the pit bull from a list of "vicious" dogs! Read the link from today's Toledo Blade. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090318/NEWS24/903180353/0/OPINION03

I'm sure you will agree with me that we're certainly getting our money's worth from our present representative from District 46 in Ohio. Fix the "pit bull" classification and the jobs will surely follow! Sort of like Field of Dreams' "build it and they will come" ? Finally, after all these years of wandering in the proverbial desert, we have a representative who truly gets it in SW Lucas County! I can almost hear every pit bull within a three mile radius heaving a sigh of relief.

Seriously folks, haven't we got bigger fish to fry? Amazing!

Volunteer opportunity in NW Ohio

2009-03-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

My family and I just returned from a wonderful volunteer experience working with "Food for Thought", a christian based group which operates out of New Harvest Christian Church in Oregon, Ohio and works to help feed the hungry in NW Ohio. Their website link is as follows: http://www.freelunchtoledo.com/

Last night we helped from 6 pm to a little after 7 pm, helping to pack lunches for almost 400 people and also packing toiletries to pass out Saturday morning. This morning we met with other volunteers to help pass out the lunches along with fresh fruit, eggs, and cookies/cakes to an estimated 150-200 persons near the Lucas County Public Library at Michigan and Adams in downtown Toledo. This was an excellent experience for our family and the nice thing is that our two daughters, ages 7 and 4, were able to and encouraged to help out with the effort.

I encourage any of you in NW Ohio who are interested in helping out to check out the website mentioned above and contact the group to indicate your interest. We were wholeheartedly welcomed and plan on returning to help out in the coming weeks and months.

Odds and Ends

2009-03-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

Please say a prayer for the victims of the latest round of flooding which has hit NW Ohio hard, especially the Findlay/Ottawa Ohio areas. Perhaps we should have been re-building and addressing some of our infrastructure needs instead of wasting our Federal tax dollars in the needless and useless war in Iraq, but I certainly don't want do confuse any of you out there who believe otherwise with logic.

We are still paying a tax on our groceries in Ohio due to the commercial activity tax (CAT), a tax contrived by the ever-popular Taft administration and supported by various local politicians. This was implemented after the bill was passed in 2005 by the GOP legislature. The CAT imposes a tax on gross receipts for certain businesses in Ohio which effectively means they are paying tax before they make a profit. We continue to pay this tax on groceries since 2006, a tax which hadn't been seen since the great Depression. Good going, GOP'ers.

The tax is assessed for the "privilege" of doing business in Ohio, a privilege that many businesses seem more than willing to pass up, given the state of our economy lately. That same tax bill permanently increased the sales tax in Ohio from 5.0 percent to 5.5 percent, yet another example of the low tax GOP actually increasing our taxes. Maybe someone actually ought to call out these anti-tax hypocrites regarding these changes when they start crying about high taxes. The sad thing is that these changes put more of the total burden on the lower and middle classes, who continue to have the audacity to eat and buy household staples in these rough economic times. At least the very wealthy received a generous tax cut so they can continue to contribute obscene amounts of money to the Republican of their choice.

I'm signing off for now until next time. Have a great week!

President Obama speaks to the nation tonight

2009-02-24T12:06:00.001-08:00

What a pleasure it will be to hear a president who actually can communicate effectively and eloquently with the American people. What a stark contrast to the previous eight years. I'll be tuning in to hear President Obama's message of hope, while realizing that there is no quick fix to the economic mess he inherited from former President Bush. Even writing former President Bush feels good, you should all give it a try.

Don't be surprised to see a GOP response which attacks the president and throws words like socialism and liberal around with a grain of salt. Remember, it was the so-called fiscal conservatives who took our largest surplus in history and threw it down the drain with reckless spending at home and abroad with the senseless and needless Iraq War.

If those folks are the conservatives, I say we ought to try out the progressive/liberal agenda and see how that works. Stay tuned!!

Reminder: Anthony Wayne Dems meet tomorrow night

2009-02-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

The meeting is 7:00 pm at the Waterville Branch of the Lucas County Public Library on Michigan Ave. in historic Waterville, OH. Our guest speaker will be Ben Konop, Lucas County Commissioner. Please come out and support our organization. 2009 dues are due!

A sad sign of the times

2009-02-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

Sad sign of the times as reported in the business section of the Toledo Blade: Hershey closes Pa. plant, moves to site in Mexico

The story details that production of York Peppermint Patties and other candy brands is ending at the Hershey Co. plan in Reading, Pa. after 23 years.

The chocolate maker closed the facility yesterday and will move production to a new factory it has built in Monterey, Mexico. 260 workers have been laid off with this move.

I'm sure the executive board of Hershey will adjust the prices of the affected products including the York Peppermint Patties downward to reflect the sub-standard wages they will more than likely be paying in Mexico. That's sarcasm folks.

Just another example of an American company selling out its loyal workforce to make an additional profit. Sad, but true. And 260 more workers who more than likely did nothing to deserve this slap in face will join countless others in the unemployment line next week.

Where does it end folks? Where does it end?

Anthony Wayne Democrats to meet February 25

2009-02-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the Anthony Wayne Democratic Club will take place February 25, 2009, 7:00 pm at the Waterville Branch of the Lucas County Library on Michigan Ave. in Waterville.
Our guest speaker will be Ben Konop, Lucas County Commissioner. Hope to see you there!

Tired of the partisanship

2009-02-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else out there tired of the incessant partisanship we're seeing out of Washington, DC? From all accounts (according to respected economists) we are in a economic crisis the likes of which we haven't seen since the Great Depression, yet I see little effort by our legislators to work together.

In the fall when we were faced with similar remedies to our economic problems, there was at least some bi-partisan support for the "bailout" plans which apparently were necessary to keep our economy running at least at some level until we can emerge from these doldrums which are forcing folks from their homes, putting them in souplines, and finding massive unemployment levels unseen in a good many years.

Now, however, we see the GOP refuse to support the President's latest economic recovery plan because it "goes against their credo"? What kind of credo is that? The kind which George W. Bush followed when he and his GOP cohorts took the surplus left to them by the Clinton years and swirled our economy down the toilet with the worst deficits in our country's history in just 8 short years. The kind of credo which would send $Billions of dollars down a sewer named Iraq with an ill-conceived war which was absolutely unnecessary and which continues to harm our country's security to this day.

Look, I'm certainly no economist, and if I was I wouldn't be cranking out this blog at this hour of the night. What I do know is that we are experiencing more of the same sad tactics from the grand old party which I believe has characterized it in my lifetime.

What a pathetic sight to see John Boehner and the rest of his merry henchmen decry this stimulus package after seeing him and his ilk run the country down the drain in the past 8 years.
I hope to God that this economic recovery package gets our country back on its feet again after the sad past 8 years of missed opportunities. And when it does, we can sweep the rest of these naysayers out of office and send them back into the private economy, off the public dole which they have clung to for the past 15, 20 or 25 years and more. The same public dole they seem to decry at every opportunity, but one they cling to until their knuckles are white.

Thanks and have a good evening.

Classic moment re 2008 election

2009-02-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Today, while my four year old daughter was "helping" me clean the bathrooms in our house and actually cleaning the toilets, she asked the following question: "Who is that guy that didn't have a license to clean toilets"?

Very funny line from an astute four year old who thankfully has been spared from all the rhetoric regarding the famous unlicensed plumber/newsreporter/jack of all trades. Here in Ohio, some "leaders" had the priority above all else to pass a bill making sure future unlicensed plumbers who claw their way into their 15 minutes of fame are protected. Not saying we shouldn't protect our citizens and their identities, but surely there are bigger fish to fry if one looks carefully at where we are as a state and what our real priorities should be.

Have a good evening.

The Senate debates the economic recovery package

2009-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

I can’t stand seeing the same tired old men, who haven’t spent even one day out of the last 20 years or so actually WORKING, debating the economic stimulus package. How can they know what is good for the country’s working people when they haven’t worked an honest day in the last 20 years? I think they all ought to resign, as they have abdicated their responsibilities to govern by going along with the failed policies of the Iraq war and tax cuts for the wealthy.

Where are all the jobs that the Bush tax cuts were supposed to create? Or the Taft tax cuts for that matter? To paraphrase Cuba Gooding’s character in “Jerry Maguire”, “Show me the jobs!”

I do know that thanks to the Taft tax plan of 2005, we are facing enormous deficits and cuts in Ohio as the income tax reductions have not been replaced by new jobs promised by that regime. I also know that as a result of the commercial activity tax (CAT) imposed by the Taft Administration we now pay a tax on groceries for the first time in Ohio since the great depression.

The bottom line is that the failed policies of the past have not worked, yet all the GOP can talk about is more and more tax cuts (for the wealthiest) to free up capital for job creation. It hasn't worked. We're tired of having the same old solutions bandied about. We all know that garbage which smells bad to begin with will smell worse with time. Please bring some new fresh ideas to the table, or resign your positions.

Phone call to Senator Voinovich's office, 2/3/09

2009-02-04T20:36:00.000-08:00

I phoned Senator Voinovich's office on 2/3/09 to ask him to support the President's economic stimulus package and the gentlemen I spoke with did not seem too eager to listen to what I had to say. He did not ask for my name and only grudgingly asked where I was calling from.

I was not impressed by the "public service" I received while making this phone call. This made me feel as if my opinion was not all that important to the senator.

Hopefully, whoever takes his place after the 2010 election will employ staff who at the very least give off the impression that they care what constituents are concerned about.

Super Bowl Edition: Prediction! Cardinals win!

2009-02-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

As I write this, I am reminded of my intense hatred of the Pittsburgh Steelers growing up as a Cleveland Browns fan. The hatred has subsided, but in no way can I root for the Steelers simply because they are from the same conference and division as are the Browns.

I know some Michigan fans who root for Ohio State in their bowl games and OSU fans who root for Michigan in their bowl games. I've never understood this. Rooting for the Steelers would be absolutely against all that I felt as a young fan of the Cleveland Browns.

All this being said, I look for a close game and an Arizona Cardinals win by the score of 27-21. If I were a betting man, I'd take the 8 and 1/2 points and the Cardinals. This all being said, I've been wrong before.

Those who keep track of such things will note that this post was written well before the start of the game. Good luck to both teams and hopefully we'll see a clean game with no major injuries!

Be thankful for what you have.... A personal reflection

2009-01-16T20:55:00.000-08:00

Always, and especially on days like today with the bone chilling cold weather and wind chills, my wife and I try to impress upon our daughters how fortunate we are as a family to have a nice home, food on the table, clothes on our backs and a nice warm bed to retire to at the end of the day. Our daughters are 7 and 4 years of age, but they are beginning to realize that not all folks out there are doing as well as we are. Even at their young ages, they know that many in our country, the greatest country in the world, go to bed every night hungry, without adequate shelter and clothing, with many losing hope and living in quiet despair.

We have begun a family tradition at the nightly dinner table where we say grace and each of us will add something that they are specifically thankful for on that particular day. Most nights, our four year old Sophie sticks to the basics, enthusiastically annoucing, "FOOD or DESSERT!". On a day like today, they realize how fortunate we are with a warm comfortable home, and my older daughter will ask questions about where the homeless people will sleep, how will they will stay warm, etc. It is our hope that our girls will remember these nightly reflections as they become adolescents and then adults and will incorporate these types of family values as they move on in their lives as citizens of this great land.

I was fortunate to be able to take both my daughters out today to lunch and for some toy shopping as my older daughter Caitlin had saved up some of her allowance money and Sophie had received a gift card for her birthday. We went to McDonald's, which was a special treat for the girls, as we rarely eat "fast food", prefering for many reasons to make something at home and sit down for dinner as a family, which was a tradition for both my and my wife's family when we were growing up. I thoroughly enjoyed my hours today with my ever growing girls and look forward to many "date" days with them as they continue to mature and thrive.

I'll sign off now, and ask that all who read this post say an extra prayer for those in need, especially the homeless, as this frigid weather continues to grip the nation. Let's pray that those in need find work worthy of their abilities and a chance to prosper in the coming year. I know they'll be in my thoughts and prayers tonight.

Lucas County focuses on physical fitness

2009-01-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

What a great way to start out the new year, focusing on physical fitness. The story below reprinted from the Toledo Blade chronicles the new fitness program being instituted by the county with the unofficial "weight loss czar" being named.

I'm interested in other components to the program, as obesity and lack of conditioning affect many in NW Ohio and obviously leads to more serious health care concerns including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and others. Just think how much money could be saved and think of the better quality of life that could be led by citizens in NW Ohio and elsewhere with even a 10 percent drop in the number of folks suffering the affects of obesity.

Healthy eating habits and daily exercise are essential to good health and these are life style choices that my wife and I are trying to instill in our daughters who are now 7 and 4 years of age. Here's to "Looking fine in 2009" and beyond from Dansack District 46.

Panel puts its weight behind new officialCommissioners OK 'loss czar' appointee

By JC REINDLBLADE STAFF WRITER

For the record, no spandex, leg-warmers, or magenta tights were in sight when Lucas County commissioners met yesterday. So with 325 pounds on his 5-foot-9-inch frame, the county's new "weight loss czar" stood before commissioners and stated the obvious: He is no Jane Fonda.

That's just the point. Andrew Zepeda, known as Andrew "Z" on his 92.5 WVKS morning show, said that experiencing firsthand the tribulations of losing weight will help him push residents to achieve the county's goal of dropping a total of a million pounds in 2009.

"Why not somebody that's in shape?," Mr. Zepeda asked aloud. "It's because I'm going through the struggles that everybody goes through on a daily basis. Every meal is a struggle that you don't overeat."

The commissioners seemed convinced and voted 3-0 to appoint him the county's first such czar. Mr. Zepeda lost about 80 pounds in the past 12 months through diet, exercise, and a surgical procedure and is trying to lose more.

Commissioner Ben Konop said Mr. Zepeda's appointment is the first step in a comprehensive weight-loss program for residents, with more details to come this month.

The program will have a jingly theme: "Looking fine in 2009."

"This is a pretty ambitious program for Lucas County," said Mr. Konop, who noted that statistically, each citizen would have to lose just over 2 pounds to achieve the million-pound goal.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T22:02:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone a happy new year with my best wishes for a healthy and prosperous year ahead. Thanks for reading and I'll try to become a little more vigilant with my postings in the weeks and months ahead.

GOP senators in favor of "socialism"?

2008-12-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

I'm wondering if the GOP senators' plan to take income away from the UAW workers in the next year and presumably redistribute it elsewhere constitutes their own brand of "Socialism"? If any "Joe the Plumber" fans are out there, I'd like your opinion.

Let's get our priorities straight in Ohio

2008-12-03T10:47:00.001-08:00

Let's ask our legislators in Columbus to work on our economy and education in Ohio. While several of our school systems in House District 46 and Senate District 2 have major funding problems and are not able to pass a levy for new funding, our present state senator Mark Wagoner is working on other issues which he apparently believes are a priority for our region: legislation to strengthen rules governing access to confidential personal information kept by state agencies and designating a day to honor Vietnam veterans, in place of or in addition to Veteran's Day which is already designated to honor all veterans. Here are links to stories on each proposal.

http://glasscityjungle.com/wordpress/?p=4642

http://glasscityjungle.com/wordpress/?p=4662

No one is saying that these proposals have no merit. The question is, with our economy in freefall and with our schools suffering the consequences of short sighted policies by the Taft Administration (phase out of the tangible personal property tax without adequately replacing this funding stream for schools) do we have our "priorities" in place in Columbus and in NW Ohio? Many parents of children in public schools and many persons working below their level of education or currently unemployed probably don't think so.

So, I would say, after you're done addressing the major issues of our time, and also currying favor with the right wing base of your party(the Joe Wurzelbacher legislation), Mr. Senator, please get to work on minor issues including jobs and education. Many underemployed and unemployed citizens and underfunded schoolchildren are counting on you.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

On this day, I give thanks for my family and friends and wish all of you a wonderfully healthy and happy Thanksgiving Day. May we all be so blessed today and in the future with fun, laughter and fellowship.

Post Election Thoughts

2008-11-24T05:54:00.000-08:00

I must admit I was pretty worn out after the November 4 election. I had worked many hours on both a volunteer and paid basis for the election of Barack Obama and also for the passage of Issue 5 (the pay day lending interest cap) in Ohio and was pleasantly surprised by the relatively wide success of both campaigns. I can only hope that Americans will grant President-elect Obama a grace period to begin attacking the major problems which face our nation today and into the future.

I am relatively satisfied with many of the Cabinet picks we are hearing about as it appears the the Obama-Biden team is putting together a group of talented professionals to help lead our country out of the present abyss which the incompetent Bush administration has left its successor to clean up after 8 dismal years. I would like some more "new blood", but I understand the need for some experience. And at least we are getting experienced people from a relatively prosperous time in our country's recent history, the 1990's.

I'm not sure what the correct answer is to the current debate over the American auto industry and the proposed bailout idea, but I do agree at minimum that the "Big Three" should have to submit and adhere to some sort of business plan, before we commit billions of dollars to saving the industry. That being said, I can't envision a good method of "letting" these companies fail, as I believe the outcome of the mass layoffs we would then see would be catastrophic to our overall economy.

Off on another tangent, I was helping my seven year old get ready this morning, picking out her clothes from a popular children's clothing outlet and I took a quick look at where these garments were made: Indonesia, Egypt, and China. I then spent a few minutes looking for anything made in the good old USA, and the pickings were slim to none, unfortunately.

When I first met my future wife in the late 1980's, there was still at least some clothing we could find made in the USA and I remember her telling her extended family to make sure whatever they bought for me was made in the USA as that was my policy back then. Now, however, it is increasingly difficult to find domestically made products, however the prices have not gone down to reflect the cheaper labor costs these companies are incurring.

With respect to the "Big Three", when my wife and I were last shopping for vehicles in 2003, the domestic producers were selling products that were 60-70 % made in the USA and that was the option for "Made in the USA". In many cases, the products from Honda and Toyota had a higher content of domestic parts than their US counterparts. I can't imagine it is much different today.

I guess the point is that with our trade deficits growing, our jobs fleeing overseas and to Mexico and Latin America, we have gotten to the point when many folks can't afford to buy the autos, clothing, and other household products which are on the market today. That has led to the glut of products on the lots of auto dealers across the country and also to the turmoil in the overall auto industry and America in general.

This is not a call for protectionism, but rather a call for fixing unfair trade agreements, and policies which reward companies which are shipping our jobs overseas with tax breaks at the expense of our well qualified American workers. We need to level the playing field! A systematic plan to reverse some of the negative trends of the past 10-15 years is necessary and hopefully we'll see some of this out of the new administration.

And, lastly, even though fuel prices are lower now than in the recent past(thank God for small favors), we must forge ahead with development of alternative sources of energy, to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil, create jobs in wind, solar and other technologies which cannot be exported. President-elect Obama's plan for 5 million jobs in these industries with 80,000 of these jobs in Ohio must move forward. Let's not get sucked back into the complacency of the last thirty years. We must move forward for our sake and the sake of our children and grandchildren. Wouldn't it be great to look back 15 years from now and see an America which has eliminated its dependency on middle east oil, thus reducing our exposure in that troubled region? We can participate in writing a new future for the United States if we seize the day.

Election day is here: Vote Obama/Biden for change!

2008-11-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

Update on the Ohio Republican Party

2008-11-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

As of Friday, the Ohio Republican Party has not been able to remove me from their mailing list and this prompted another message left to the political division of the party. I repeated in no uncertain terms that I did not want any more of the negative propaganda disguised as campaign literature sent to my address. I also left a phone number at which to be reached, as the gentleman I left my message with had requested.

No call back from this disorganized group and I'm sure I'll be hit with more negative advertisements tomorrow.

The inability of this group to remove me from their mailing list speaks volumes about the pathetic organization of their party structure. I'll keep calling until I get a response. Two more days!!!!

Why not be proud of your Republican Party?

2008-11-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

While driving home from church this morning, and surveying the landscape which included many candidate signs in the public right-of-way (don't you elected and appointed officials know and follow the laws?), it struck me that our representatives in the Ohio legislature must not be proud of their party. Unless it is in very small print at the bottom of their signs, State Senator Mark Wagoner and State Representative Barbara Sears appear to be running away from the Republican Party by not proudly stating "Republican" on their campaign signs.

Now if these folks were truly independent officials and not deeply tied to the special interests (big energy, big health care, big banking and others) and didn't pocket huge campaign donations from these folks, this would not be such a big deal. But take a look at their campaign finance reports and you'll see the corporate PACS dominating their contributor lists with the implied expectation that Ms. Sears and Mr. Wagoner will continue to do their bidding in the state legislature at the expense of every day Ohioans.

So I say to Mr. Wagoner and Ms. Sears the following: Be PROUD of your Republican Party which has brought us to the brink of the worst financial crisis since the great Depression. Don't run away and hide. Be courageous and run with George Bush and John McCain (whom you undoubtedly support), unless, of course, you're willing to disavow all the special interest PACS which fund your sometimes ugly campaigns. I won't hold my breath waiting for you folks to return the obscene amounts of money which hold you hostage to big business concerns. I don't want to turn blue in that futile pursuit.

The falling gas prices, I wonder why?

2008-10-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of you have noticed the falling gas prices across the country and especially in Northwest Ohio the past month or so. I'm sure it's merely a coincidence that this precipitous fall in price aligns very closely with the coming election season. That being said, I would suggest that folks fill their tanks on November 4 to take advantage of the election season sale.

In 2004, right before the election, I paid $1.32 and 9/10 a gallon and shortly after that the price took off, increasing in leaps and bounds. Who knows if the fuel price cut just prior to the election had something to do with the outcome, which was a very narrow victory for George Bush.

I'm sure the powers that be have systematically reduced the price of a gallon of gas over the last month so that voters will think, "Hey, things aren't that bad, I'm going to stay with the status quo and keep the GOP in power". Let's hope that we're not fooled again.

Vote for change, vote for the future. Let's turn Ohio Blue!

Contact the Ohio Republican Party

2008-10-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today, after receiving another in a series of immature flyers through the mail from the Ohio Republican Party regarding the Ohio District 46 race, I contacted them directly and asked to be taken off their mailing list. I suggest that anyone else who is sick of the garbage that is filling our mailboxes every other day do the same and send them a message.

The specific flyers are negative towards Darlene Dunn and urge the reader to "Vote "No" On Dunn". As readers of this blog understand, I deplore negative advertising with a vengeance.

The phone number for the Ohio Republican Party is 614-228-2481. Call and send them a message that you're sick of this type of childish advertising. And vote for Darlene Dunn for State Rep in District 46.

Jackie Brown for District 2 State Senate

2008-10-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

The following is a letter I have submitted to newspapers in State Senate District 2 asking voters to support Jackie Brown in her bid for the office. I have met with Jackie and find her to be a caring, compassionate woman who has the best interest of our region at heart. Most importantly, I believe Ms. Brown will serve with the integrity which I find lacking in many of our present governmental leaders. I believe she will work towards a solution to our school funding dilemma that the GOP legislature in Ohio (including the District 2 incumbent) has irresponsibly pushed off into the future for the past 12 years.

The letter follows:

I write this letter to urge citizens of Ohio State Senate District 2 to elect Jackie Brown as our new State Senator

As a resident of Senate District 2, I believe we need more people like Jackie Brown in public office. Her real life experience and commitment to public education as illustrated in her work with the Rossford School Board is exactly what we need down in Columbus.

Send a message to the power brokers in the state and support Jackie Brown for State Senate on November 4. She'll be a strong and effective voice for everyday men and women in District 2.

Sincerely,

Mark Dansack

Can you imagine Sarah Palin as President?

2008-10-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

I was sent this link by a friend. http://www.palinaspresident.us/ Move your mouse around to different images and click. Pretty humorous although sad in a way. To any folks out there who get upset or uptight when viewing, I can only quote one of my favorite cruise ship comedians, George Cantor, when I paraphrase, "We've got to laugh at ourselves, folks".

Two weeks to go, and hopefully a change to a new progressive direction will be seen in this country. Keep working to get out the vote and run up margins that will be fraud proof.

Barack Obama at the Seagate Centre

2008-10-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

I was able to attend the speech at the Seagate Centre yesterday after receiving tickets from the Obama campaign organizer I have been volunteering with in Monclova Township. Senator Obama outlined several new initiatives for helping out our economy which are well documented. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081014/NEWS09/810140299 These proposals represent a framework for addressing some of our short term challenges with respect to our present financial crisis and these measures deserve careful consideration for timely adoption to aid some of our struggling citizens.

I took my 7 year old daughter who has walked door-to-door with me this fall for the Obama campaign. As it turns out, she is studying our government and election procedures and had the day off for teacher inservice training, so attending the speech turned out to be a great addition to the lessons she is already learning in her second grade class at Monclova Elementary. We got great seats and it was an exciting day for her.

I need to point out one more happening from the event. The one time Pres. Obama referenced the opposition, there was a smattering of boos which were immediately cut off by the candidate. It's a shame that we don't see that from the other side, whose main strategy in the past 10 days has been to whip their crowds into a frenzy, resulting in inappropriate shouts from the crowd which have NOT been addressed by the candidate. (especially Gov Palin) Just an important difference which I saw and heard and wanted to point out.

Three weeks to go and let's hope that both sides take an approach to the higher ground in politics, respectfully discussing our important issues and disagreeing with being disagreeable. I hope this is true in all our contested races in the area. The citizens of this area deserve a mature dialogue without misrepresentations, focusing on solutions to our problems and careful consideration of the major issues facing this region and our state.

This press release in from the Dunn for State Representative campaign

2008-10-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

DUNN DEMANDS REPUBLICAN OPPONENT STOP SMEAR TACTICS AND FOCUS ON THE ISSUES IMPORTANT TO MIDDLE CLASS

Recent Attack Ads Include Misleading Statements To Distract from Sear's Failed Record
Sylvania, OH
-- Candidate for Ohio's 46th House District, Darlene Dunn demands that her opponent and the Ohio Republican Party immediately cease misleading statements and focus on the issues important to Ohio's struggling middle class. Dunn has run a positive, grassroots campaign focused on the concerns of the 46th house district residents since she declared her candidacy in January.

"There are serious challenges facing the middle class of Northwest Ohio, and the voters deserve to see vigorous debate on their most important concerns, not lies and misleading cheap shots from Republicans trying to hide the fact that they have nothing to offer to voters," said Dunn.
Dunn was surprised and disappointed to see attack ads and mail from her opponent, but even more shocked at the content. These are the facts:

1) TV ad
· False Claim: "So irresponsible, Dunn forgot to renew her law license"
· Fact: In thirty-one years of practice, Dunn has never had a grievance filed against her. Dunn left her private practice as she was helping her mother and family to cope with the deaths of her father, father in-law, and brother. Fees were paid and she was reinstated when Dunn was ready to resume her practice of law after caring for her family.

2) Mail
· False Claim: "Wrong Values of advocating on behalf of a deadbeat dad"*
· Fact: Attorney Dunn's role as a court-appointed attorney is to see that her client's right to representation in our American legal system is preserved. Dunn spent seven years in the Lucas County Prosecutor's office putting criminals in jail and prosecuting deadbeat parents who refused to pay their child support obligations.

*The Toledo Bar Association has recommended that this ad be investigated by the Ohio Bar Association.

"My opponent is unable to run a campaign on the issues because she is trying to hide the fact that she is a do-nothing legislator who is just collecting a paycheck," said Dunn "She has failed to pass a bill or to even sponsor any legislation to address the concerns of Ohio's struggling middle class—shame on her."

Dunn has knocked on thousands of doors across the district, talking with middle class Ohioans about the economy, health care, job stability, and job creation. Voters have told Dunn they want a representative who will attack these problems and not attack people.

Darlene Dunn is a candidate for the 46th State House District, which includes the cities of Sylvania and Maumee, the village of Ottawa Hills, the townships of Harding, Monclova, Providence, Richfield, Spencer, Springfield, Sylvania, Swanton, Waterville, and the villages of Whitehouse and Waterville.

Commentary

Maybe it is just the 46th District in Northwest Ohio that brings out the worst in the GOP. Or maybe the republican candidates utilize misleading, negative attacks since they have no record of accomplishment on which to run.

All I know for sure is I never see Edna Brown, Peter Ujvagi, or Matt Szollosi ,who all represent Northwest Ohio in the state legislature, resort to this sort of dirty campaigning. All I can say is shame on Barbara Sears and the Ohio Republican Party for attempting to use false and deceptive advertising. I believe the citizens of District 46 deserve better.

Illegally placed signs in Lucas County

2008-10-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

As astutely pointed out by a commentor on this blog, there have been a plethora of illlegally placed political signs by (apparently) someone involved with the McCain/Palin campaign in Monclova Township. These have been placed in the public right-of-way along Monclova Rd, Maumee-Western, Albon Road and elsewhere. I'm not sure who is responsible for this violation, but if folks contact their local township or city officials, hopefully these signs, which in addition to being an eyesore are a safety hazard, will be removed.

I contacted the administration in Monclova on Friday, October 3 and it appears that some of the mess has been cleaned up by township officials. Thank you to those responsible for the prompt attention given to this situation.

Biden and Palin Debate: What did you think?

2008-10-03T08:37:00.001-07:00

This was my brief take on the debate:

I thought that Biden was well-prepared and knowledgeable about the issues that were discussed. Gov. Palin was so well rehearsed she didn’t even bother to answer many of the questions, simply sticking to her simple talking points about how John McCain is a “maverick”.

If anyone out there saw the latest remake of “The Manchurian Candidate”, you’ll get this reference. It was almost as if they found and reimbedded the chip into the Governor’s head that was missing during the Couric interview.

A great drinking game would have been to take a shot every time Palin said “maverick”. The local hospital ER’s would have been overcome by victims of alcohol poisoning if that were the case, but when you have nothing else to say I guess you stick to what you think you know.

At any rate, the American people (according to two polls I saw) overwhelmingly thought Joe Biden won the debate and it was clear that he has a much greater command of the issues. Palin does score points for being more alive than McCain, but then again so does your basic garden slug.

What is going on in the McCain/Palin campaign?

2008-09-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I wrote a blog post asking whether John McCain was about to dump Sarah Palin from his ticket after many leaks of negative information began flowing from Alaska. http://dansackdistrict46.blogspot.com/2008/09/will-mccain-dump-palin-from-ticket.html In the last 24 hours, the traffic to this blogsite has more than doubled with the majority of the visitors searching the topic of McCain dropping Palin from his ticket.

With McCain apparently "suspending" his campaign, readers from Arizona, North Carolina, California, Virginia, Texas and elsewhere seem to believe there is a movement afoot to "shake up" the McCain campaign which may include a change in the VP slot. Stay tuned for any updates which are received.

Anthony Wayne Democrats meet tonight

2008-09-24T05:56:00.001-07:00

Just a quick reminder that the Anthony Wayne Democratic Club will meet tonight at 7:00 pm at the Waterville branch of the Lucas County Library on Michigan Ave. in Waterville. Guest speaker will be Jim Hutchinson from the Anthony Wayne Schools Levy campaign.

We meet the fourth Wednesday of every month and would encourage Democrats and progressive independents to come out and join in our efforts to take our region, state, and country back from the special interests who dominate presently.

Hope to see you there.

Obama surges in new poll; Palin's favorability drops

2008-09-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

This link in from msn.com: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26862018/ It appears that Barack Obama has opened up a 9 point lead in the latest ABC/Washington Post survey , conducted Friday through Monday, of likely voters. According to this link, " Among white voters, economic anxiety translates into greater support for Obama. He is favored by 54 percent of whites who said they are concerned about the direction of the economy, but by just 10 percent of those who are less worried".

The survey also found that the strong initial public reaction to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate, has cooled somewhat. Overall, her unfavorable rating has gone up by 10 points in the past two weeks, from 28 percent to 38 percent.

The first presidential debate is this Friday and many Americans who are beginning to pay closer attention to the issues are expected to tune in. The debate is scheduled to primarily discuss foreign policy, but with the recent crisis on Wall Street, there should be a fair number of questions directed toward the bailout proposal from the White House and other hot button economic issues of concern to the American people.

Also, Gov. Palin had her picture taken with several heads of foreign countries along with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on Tuesday in an attempt to beef up her foreign policy resume and stature heading into the November election. She did not, however take questions from the media or conduct a press conference. Prior to this latest resume builder, Gov. Palin's previous foreign policy experience consisted of being able to see Russia from her home. Link here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26853766/

Of note on Palin's visit with Kissinger, she verbalized that it was "great". Should anyone run into her in the next few days, perhaps she should be congratulated for that in-depth analysis which should put our minds at ease with respect to foreign affairs and her grasp of same.

Stay tuned for more.

Update: Todd Palin will ignore the subpoena to testify!

2008-09-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

As an astute commenter has just posted below, the word is out that Todd Palin will ignore the subpoena to testify in the "troopergate" fiasco. Looks like more stonewalling from the reforming crusaders from Alaska. I'm sure they plan to "shake up" Washington, DC, with the help of the "Lobbyist in Chief" John McSame.

Palin won't cooperate with investigation on "Troopergate"

2008-09-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

Poor Governor Palin, perhaps she should read her history books regarding Richard Nixon and Watergate. She would then know that sometimes it is the coverup which is much worse than the original misdeed. Here is the latest link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26727937

If the governor has nothing to hide, won't the truth come out if she cooperates? This looks suspiciously like an attempt to stonewall until after election day in November. Didn't the Republican legislature in Alaska commission this investigation? What makes the investigation "tainted"? Inquiring minds would like to know.

McCain/Palin, Mavericks? Plus nickel and diming Alaskans for Palin perks

2008-09-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

I don't think so. Watch this link to the latest Obama campaign commercial: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1185304443/bctid1782584531

Some people will say anything to get elected, but the American people are smarter than McCain and Palin give them credit for.

Also check out this link to Governor Palin's nickel and diming the citizens of Alaska for her and her family's expenses:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26616212

Do we really need

$707-a-day hotel room (s)? How many regular folks have stayed in a $707 hotel room? Sort of reminds one of a $400 haircut that caused many right wingers to flog John Edwards over and over.

She sure is a courageous reformer. I'm sure Todd and the Palin children have been instrumental in formation of policy in Alaska. The governor ought to be ashamed of herself for advertising herself as an agent of change. To me, it's simply more of the same.

John McCain, "Lobbyist in Chief"

2008-09-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

John McCain, “Lobbyist in chief”; Read about the “reformer” who’s going to bring change to Washington. I guess he has to tell his campaign staff to stop lobbying. Link here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-ritz/mccain-campaign-lobbyist_b_124524.html

It is a joke for this creature of Washington to attempt to recast himself as an agent of change after his experience argument fell flat on its face.

The GOP will keep us secure??

2008-09-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

Did you happen to check out John McSame's speech last night to the Republican convention? Tough to believe that those protesters somehow worked their way past the tight security of the party which pledges to keep us safe.

It is curious that out of 85,000 people who were in Invesco Stadium for Obama’s speech, there were no apparent protesters who worked their way in to disrupt it.

However, out of the few thousand who “jammed” the Xcel center to hear McSame speak, somehow protesters got in to disrupt. I thought the GOP is the party who will make our country secure and then I find out they can’t even keep their own convention secure.

Or maybe people don’t have anything to protest about Obama because he’s not part of the tired Washington establishment that McSame has helped so successfully to run over the past quarter century.

The change that McSame talks about is simply not there as his economic policy mirrors that of GW Bush of the past 8 years ( which is working so well). The only change McSame would bring is that of an older priviledged man to replace the somewhat younger priviledged man who now occupies the White House. That, is not change I can believe in.

Will McCain dump Palin from the ticket?

2008-09-01T21:47:00.001-07:00

There are rumblings that senior staff to John McCain are studying options prior to Wednesday night when Governor Palin is set to be nominated for the vice-presidency at the GOP convention. http://www.newsday.com/news/local/politics/ny-lireax0902,0,1563786.story This would represent the first VP candidate to be dropped off a major party ticket since Thomas Eagleton back in 1972. Of course, Palin is not yet on the ticket, so technically she would not be discarded. Reportedly, social conservatives are not happy with the latest reports of Palin's 17 year old unmarried daughter being pregnant out of wedlock.

Another revelation just in regarding multiple millions of federal dollars which went to Wasilla, Alaska while Gov. Palin was mayor. See link here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26504638 . This contradicts the reformer image that the McCain campaign has attempted to build for Palin in the days since she was named as the VP choice and also goes against a McCain theme in his campaign regarding earmarked federal funds. Another in a series of stories that may get the Alaska governor bounced from the ticket. This keeps getting better and better. Stay tuned.

Darlene Dunn for State Representative, District 46

2008-08-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Darlene Dunn's website to learn more about her plans for Ohio. Ms. Dunn is concerned about the cost of higher education, job creation, and moving Ohio out of the present status quo. Check out the following link to her website to learn more about her campaign: http://www.votedarlenedunn.com/index.html

How are area Charter Schools faring?

2008-08-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Not good. Check out this link from the Toledo Blade this date: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080827/NEWS04/808270404/-1/NEWS

Of 277 charter schools in the state which were listed in the state report cards, 102 were in academic emergency, 56 in academic watch, 61 were in continuous improvement, 18 were effective, with eight rated excellent and one excellent with distinction. It's time to hold Charter Schools accountable for their performance. Contact your area legislators with any concerns you may have.

Jackie Brown for State Senate District 2 -- Website

2008-08-23T06:51:00.001-07:00

The Jackie Brown for State Senate District 2 in Ohio sent along this campaign website: http://www.ohio4brown.com/ Please visit to learn more about Ms. Brown and her plans for Ohio.

How many homes do you have? John McCain forgot how many he owns.

2008-08-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the following link: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/08/21/politics/fromtheroad/entry4372200.shtml

It just keeps getting better and better. It's no wonder that McCain believes our economy is fundamentally sound when he's doing so well he lost track of how many homes he and his wife own. It takes one back to Bush 41's shocking surprise over the supermarket price scanners in the 1992 election campaign which illustrated how out of touch he was with the American people. How can you hope to lead a nation when you have no idea of what the average person endures on a daily basis?

Monclova Homecoming Festival and Parade

2008-08-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

Come on out and join us at the Monclova Homecoming Festival and parade today. The Anthony Wayne Democratic Club will be out walking with the Tina Skeldon Wozniak for Lucas County Commissioner group and will work on behalf of Barack Obama, Jackie Brown for State Senate District 2, and Darlene Dunn for State Representative, District 46. Hope to see everyone out for the event!!

Record Deficits: The work of a "compassionate conservative"

2008-07-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

Please read the following link about the projected deficit for this fiscal year:

WASHINGTON - A senior Bush administration official says the budget deficit for this year will set a record in dollar terms, approaching $490 billion.
The official said Monday the deficit was being driven to record levels by the sagging economy and the stimulus payments being made to 130 million households in an effort to keep the country from falling into a deep recession. A deficit approaching $490 billion would easily surpass the current record deficit of $413 billion set in 2004.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the new deficit estimate had not been formally released. Bush administration officials were scheduled to do that at a news conference later Monday.

We sure don't want any of those tax and spend Democrats in office when we can achieve results like this with the borrow and spend GOP'ers.

Why the controversy about the interview of Obama's family?

2008-07-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

The newest "scandal" seems to be about the light hearted "interview" given by the Obama family for Access Hollywood. While I did not see the entire program, it appeared to be nothing more than a brief introduction to Barack Obama's children and the portion I did see showed two normal girls who were charming and seemingly well-adjusted.

I'm not sure that this says anything about Senator Obama and his family, but it does appear to speak volumes about the current state of American politics where everything one does or says is put under the microscope. The furor, which apparently revolves around the Senator vowing to keep his children out of the limelight and then allowing the interview to occur, makes no sense to me. One of the things that the national media was able to do quite well was to keep any focus off of Chelsea Clinton during the time her father was president. I have every reason to believe that the press will also allow the Obama children similar privacy if the Senator is elected president.

I hope our focus as voters is on the issues of importance and not silly unimportant items such as this interview, the wearing of flag pins, and others. I'd rather know if we are going to engage in more pre-emptive wars, keep growing our deficets which increases the burdens on our children and grandchildren, and how we are going to educate our children and grandchildren for the future, among other issues. If our election this fall comes down to fear and folly, then we all lose as citizens.

Registering voters in Lucas County

2008-07-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent some time out at the Westfield Shoppingtown Mall and the University of Toledo registering voters on behalf of the Lucas County Democratic Party and the Barack Obama campaign. Most of the folks I approached were already registered and many of them thanked us for our work, but we were able to get a few new voters to register and hopefully they'll follow through and vote this November.

We were also able to sign up some volunteers to go door to door and make phone calls for the Obama campaign. I hope to be able to work some more toward electing democrats this fall and hopefully we'll see change that will work for ordinary Ohioans in the coming years.

If you are interested in becoming involved, you can certainly email me at my old campaign address of dansack4rep46@bex.net. Thanks.

Support our Anthony Wayne Schools

2008-06-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, August 5, 2008 we have important issues to decide within the Anthony Wayne School District. We are faced with the decision on whether to support our schools with a renewal of an emergency operating levy first passed in 2003 and passage of a new levy to provide additional funds for a 5 year period. Together these levies will provide 6.5 mills annually for the Anthony Wayne School District. I am proud to announce that the Anthony Wayne Democratic Club unanimously endorsed the levies at its May 28, 2008 meeting.

I understand the arguments against the levies and certainly can empathize with those who are on a fixed income and are being hit hard with the rising cost of living, and who feel that they cannot absorb yet another tax. I believe we must support our schools which are achieving an excellent rating on an annual basis.

If you are tired of seeing your property taxes go up and want to see some action by our do-nothing state legislature on this issue which has been on the horizon for over 10 years, I urge you to take the following action: Please contact our representatives in state government and ask them to act on this issue of great importance. For those in the Anthony Wayne School District, the folks to contact are Mark Wagoner, our newly appointed State Senator for District 2 and Barbara Sears, our newly appointed state representative for District 46. Ask them to work toward a solution for school funding in Ohio. Remind them that it may take political courage to tackle this issue, and ask them to exhibit that courage.

In short, until we can devise a better way to fund our schools, I believe we should support our local educators and our children and vote yes on these operating levies. Let's keep a good thing going in southwest Lucas County.

Thank you,

Mark Dansack, President
Anthony Wayne Democratic Club

We have a choice in Ohio Senate District 2 ! Meet Jacqueline ("Jackie") Brown

2008-06-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Please visit this link for more information about Jacqueline Brown who was appointed as the Democratic candidate for Ohio Senate District 2, replacing Sylvia Washburn who removed herself as a candidate due to family considerations. Ms. Brown is a member of the Rossford School Board and promises to be an energetic candidate for those who are tired of the status quo in Ohio which is represented by the appointed incumbent, Mark Wagoner. If you believe, as I do, that we can do better in jobs, education, and health care, consider giving a look to Ms. Brown.

Here is the link: http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/content/oh-sen-02-brown-d-selected-replace-washburn-d.

Brief, to the point analysis of John McCain, by Gary Hart

2008-05-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-hart/john-mccain-and-al-qaeda_b_101823.html

Excellent piece by Gary Hart, capturing the essence of John McCain and his dogged rationalization for our continued occupation of Iraq. I believe that our involvement in Iraq can be correctly summed up by the following phrase from former Senator Hart: ". . . we chose the wrong war at the wrong time with the wrong enemy".

Seriously folks, let's strategize our exit from Iraq and commit to utilizing our resources to defend our borders and build up our decaying infrastructure. Let's commit to improving our educational system to give each of our children the fighting chance they deserve in our global economy. To those who believe this would be wasteful spending, I can only say that if these folks think that education is expensive, wait until they discover the price of ignorance.

Have a great evening and let's make sure to spend some time this weekend remembering those who have served our country and fought and at times died for the freedoms we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. Remember those who served and served well this Memorial Day, May 26, 2008. Thank you.

Should Dann resign?

2008-05-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Let me know. Give me some feedback. Let your voice be heard.

Lucas County Republican Party

2008-04-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

This story from the Toledo Blade, April 30, 2008: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/NEWS09/804300423/-1/NEWS

Seriously folks, the Lucas County Republican Party must have as its mission statement something along the lines that it exists merely to make it easier for Democrats to get elected in Lucas County. What a comedy of errors this organization has become.

Surely the Grand Old Party can find someone with a better record than Joanne Wack to serve as its executive director.

Then we have a typical "courageous" quote from one of the few GOP elected leaders in the county, State Senator Mark Wagoner of Ottawa Hills, who states this regarding Ms. Wack, " The Chairman needs to determine whether she can continue to be effective with these sorts of distractions." This sort of reminds one of his quote regarding former Governor Taft as noted in a Toledo Blade story on August 21, 2005 in which he said, "In regards to the governor's future, he has issued an apology to the people of Ohio. We need to see whether he can continue to be effective. If he can't be effective, he needs to decide for himself whether he needs to continue." Strong words, Mr. Senator!

Of concern in Mr. Wagoner's quotes is his questioning whether Wack or Taft (in 2005) "can continue to be effective". We should probably remind Mr. Wagoner that in order to continue to be effective, one must be effective in the first place and there is no evidence that Gov. Taft in 2005 was effective with the same holding true for Ms. Wack in 2008.

Two situations when a so-called "leader" in the GOP could have shown some courage and used his position of influence to take a strong position, working for a better more effective government and party structure, but instead serves up some of the same vague "gobbledygook" which has characterized his tenure as a public official.

Certainly the Dems in Lucas County can rest easily in defending the county offices at stake in November with the GOP in constant turmoil. After all, it is fairly difficult to defeat Quilter, Gerken, Telb, Earley and others when you don't even field a candidate to run against them, which leads me back to our State Senator's silly line of questioning regarding whether Ms. Wack can continue to be effective. Oh yeah, she's been really effective thus far!!

Have a great evening! ; )

Is the "surge" working?

2008-04-30T19:18:00.001-07:00

This story in from MSN this date: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24381506/

A seven month high in casualties among our military in Iraq. Troop strength again frozen as the draw-down of forces is suspended. Where is the outrage? Who are our leaders who will formulate our strategy to get our men and women home safely? When will this colossal waste of resources, lives of our servicemen and women be over? When is enough enough? Let's stop the madness. Now.

Three more US soldiers die in Iraq

2008-04-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

This link in via MSN.com.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23977964. The deaths raised to at least 4,018 members of the U.S. military who have died since the Iraq war started in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. Let's get a plan together to bring our men and women home.

Vote John McCain for President

2008-04-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

Remember what day it is folks. ; )

Iraq: 5 years and counting

2008-03-18T21:01:00.001-07:00

At least 3,990 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the war in 2003. It has cost taxpayers about $500 billion and estimates of the final tab run far higher. Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph E. Stiglitz and Harvard University public finance expert Linda Bilmes have estimated the eventual cost at $3 trillion when all the expenses, including long-term care for veterans, are calculated.

Senseless and totally unnecessary, this colossal waste of lives and resources is President Bush's lasting legacy. To think of all the good that may have been accomplished within our own borders with countless infrastructure improvements which could have been made, makes me sick to my stomach. And we must consider the lives of our brave servicemen and women, lives lost and others forever changed by the horrors of war with the physical and emotional scars the survivors bring home, which sadden caring, thoughtful people across our country.

And the President never retreats from his premise that we are better off because of this war, with an ever-changing rationale. Let's pray that our next commander in chief brings an end to this atrocity.

Was the war worth it? Was the war worth the billions of dollars and thousands of lives wasted? I guess if you own stock in Halliburton it was. Gas prices through the roof, our own economy in shambles. We took out the existing power structure in Iraq and left a vacuum which still largely exists. This is Bush and Cheney's war and their sad legacy. And the violence continues, and we as Americans lose.

Howard Metzenbaum: Champion for the common man

2008-03-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Just a few words on the passing of Howard Metzenbaum, one of the last unabashedly liberal politicians of the great state of Ohio. As a young Democrat , I always felt that my interests and the interests of common, every day men and women in Ohio were being looked after while Senator Metzenbaum was in office.

Metzenbaum was a champion for the little guy, railing against corporate welfare through tax breaks. At times, it seemed as though the Senator was out of step with the more conservative Ohio voters, but he served in the Senate from his appointment in 1974, being elected in 1976 and re-elected twice, before leaving the Senate in January of 1995.

Howard made us proud to be Democrats during those years, and I think our state and country are worse off these days with the loss of men like Metzenbaum, as fewer and fewer of our elected officials exhibit the courage of their convictions as he did.

Like him or hate him, you knew where he stood, and in my opinion, that was on the side of working men and women in Ohio.

Rest in peace Senator.