Update from the people's house

One of my proudest accomplishments during this General Assembly has been balancing the state budget without raising taxes. This is especially true after facing a deficit of $8 billion because of the irresponsible spending and reliance on one-time money for recurring expenses by previous administrations.

GOP using women's issues to divert voter attention

To the Editor:

The letter "Economy bigger concern than 'women's issues'" in The Post May 5 throws out a lot of interesting and largely incorrect verbiage information. I shall attempt to respond appropriately.

Last chance to oppose raising taxes in city

To the Editor:

By now it's no secret the Rittman City Council is considering reducing income tax reciprocity from 1.5 to 1.0 percent; effectively raising taxes. In fact, it seems clear they will.

Publisher's notebook

The Obama administration last week issued a proposed rule governing hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas on public land that will - for the first time - require disclosure of the chemicals used. This will make President Obama's environmental friends happy and it sounds good to me as well.

Publisher's notebook

I read a column this week by Robert Samuelson from that other little Post newspaper - the Washington one. Bless their hearts, they keep trying to live up to our standards. But they aren't THE Post like us, they are just the Washington one.

Economy bigger concern than 'women's issues'

To the Editor:

This is in response to an April 21 letter. The first law you are talking about is one that bans abortion coverage in policies sold through a health insurance exchange except in cases of rape, incest or medical necessity. The exchange is set up for small businesses and individuals to shop for health insurance coverage. These health insurance exchanges are part of the Federal Health Care law that will take affect in 2014. The other bill protects women because doctors are required to make sure that no one is coercing the woman into having the abortion.

From the people's House

Helping to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Ohioans is one of the primary reasons I enjoy the privilege of serving as your legislator. By listening to your views and representing them in the legislative process, we are able to craft legislation aimed at improving a given situation.

A moment with the congressman

Last weekend I attended the 10th Annual Rally for Troops in Cleveland. It was an honor to be there to welcome home so many of the brave men and women who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It was also great to see so many people have come out to welcome them home and recognize their service.

Brown in your hometown

Justin Kuemerle, a Wright State University student, relies on federal student loans to help pay for school. He recently told me that without Stafford Loans, he would have to forgo college.

Thanks to everyone who made mock crash a success

To the Editor:

Rittman and Norwayne High School juniors and seniors were recently presented a timely and realistic scenario to consider for their own well-being. Albeit a mock display, the lessons and reminders were meaningful nonetheless. We thank and appreciate the many who cooperated to make this possible:

Publisher's notebook

A letter to the editor we received in Brunswick this week suggested that we start a bad road contest. We have received letters like this from multiple towns over the past year and the letter writer's suggestion struck me as a good idea.

Spaghetti supper a whole lot more than noodles

To the Editor:

The Rittman Historical Society would like to thank everyone who made our recent spaghetti supper a success.

We served a record number of dinners, thanks to the dedication of our members, the spaghetti supper committee, the willing volunteers from the community, our faithful pie-bakers, the Rittman IGA and the Smithville Inn.

A moment with the Congressman

Last week the trustees of the Medicare and Social Security Trust Funds released their annual report. The results, while not altogether surprising, are still disturbing.

There's more to the Chippewa Twp. fire story

To the Editor:

Last week's Post covered the April meeting of the Chippewa Township Trustees. It accurately reported the introduction of Dr. Menzel, who will coordinate the EMS services for Chippewa Fire and police departments.

People have a choice to give their lives for God

To the Editor:

Hebrews 10:26-27: For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries!

Brown in your hometown

Ohio workers can compete with anyone in the world. And, every day, at places like Nook Industries in Cuyahoga County, Middletown Tube Works in Butler County and Crown Battery in Sandusky County, Ohio workers are making goods used all over the world.

Reporting accurate facts is important to residents

To the Editor:

In response to the article about the trucks on Whitman Road in Doylestown, we're not quiet, but if you had asked the residents, some would tell you their house shook so hard they checked foundation and walls for cracks. I hate when people make things sound different than they are in reality.

From the people's House

One of the intrinsic problems in government is its ability to grow and convolute processes past their original intent. Generally, the more government we have, the more we spend and the more likely it is that someone will use it as an excuse to raise taxes. This is one of the primary reasons why I am such an advocate of small government.

Rittman lost out on sealed bid auction

To the Editor:

Medical conditions in my life have delayed me from writing sooner, however it has not changed the importance to me.

The love and word of God can save us and America

To the Editor:

Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be read like crimson they shall be as wool."

From the People's House

The Ohio House of Representatives is often referred to as "The People's House" because legislators are there to put forth the opinions of the Ohioans they represent. Many issues come and go, but others are constants in Columbus. For instance, we have had great focus on the economy and jobs during this General Assembly. But even during good economic conditions, these remain a priority.

Points from Portman

In the last 40 years, federal spending on entitlements, including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, has soared from less than half of Washington's budget to almost two-thirds. This past year alone, Medicare spending totaled about $560 billion - more than triple what it was two decades ago, even after inflation. Over the next decade, as the population ages, Medicare spending is projected to continue to grow at rates far outpacing inflation.

Brown in your hometown

Identity theft and tax fraud victims - like Michael Bucalo whom I recently met in Cleveland - know that "there are people out there [who] are so slick; they can steal your shoes while you are running." For criminals who prey on unsuspecting taxpayers, tax season is the time to cash in - on other people's hard-earned refund checks.

Publisher's notebook

Finally we are down to two real contenders in the race for the presidency. Although Republicans may not have been 100 percent sold on their candidate, many of President Obama's supporters are not as enthusiastic as they were four years ago either, so it will be a fair fight.

Moment with the Congressman

Over the last two weeks I have been traveling around the 16th District meeting with families and business owners from Canton to Medina and Wooster to Wadsworth. I have gotten a lot of great feedback and ideas that I will bring with me when I head back to Washington next week.