Todd’s radio ad on schools

According to Buckeye State Blog, allowing parents to take their children (and tax dollars) and go to private, charter, religious, or suburban schools is the equivalent of busing them. Bill Todd advocates those options in a new radio ad (mp3). It’s a bit slimy to use the busing term, since that issue concerned mandatory busing, and what Todd (and others) are for is parental choice- precisely the opposite. By and large, Democrats oppose giving parents that choice, because the party puts teachers ahead of poor children. I know that sounds like over the top hyperbole but at the bottom line it has to be true. But there are also elements of limiting choice and maintaining the collective and dependence on the state.

It’s also fairly ridiculous that modernesquire tweaks Bill Todd for mentioning that Mayor Mike Coleman’s kids go to Catholic school, and then he questions whether Todd’s kids went to Columbus schools. But modern, only one of these two people wants to force poor kids to go to public schools.

Also at Right Angle Blog.

(Previous post: Charter school enrollment rising.)

Ohio Carnival of Politics #82 is up and running.

Bill Sloat’s got a follow-up on the “now-fractured” Buckeye State Blog fight. There’s a threat of legal action, but I doubt anything will come of it.

More names and numbers

Will this be the last batch of names and SSNs announced to have been on the stolen data tape? From channel 10:

The names and Social Security numbers of 66,000 additional Ohioans were listed on a computer backup tape that was stolen in June, according to a report that was released Monday.

Of the 66,000 names, nearly 50,000 are Ohio taxpayers and another 19,000 were state employees, 10TV’s Cara Connelly reported….

The state now estimates the theft and its response to it will cost about $3.1 million.

Also, the deadline to apply for the credit reporting has been extended to October 31. You can search to see if your info is among the stolen here.

(Previous post: Stolen data tape fallout.)

Transport omnibus

Here’s a look at the “new” electronic parking meters at columbusING. Jon notes that the device appears to be “rescued from a 70’s interpretation of the future.” It does look a little Star Trek- The Motion Pictureish. I had a post on them a while back.

Brendan at spacetropic has a post up about a Cinci Enquirer article about a transportation study put out by a 501(c)3 a year ago. Cincinnatians spend on average 20% of their income on transportation, which puts them at #6. Cleveland is #2 at 20.5%. I looked at the study (pdf) which lists the top 28 cities by that measure and Columbus isn’t on it. Houston is #1, which should come as no surprise to people familiar with that city.

To possibly make it easier to find your way around on public transportation, Google is starting to index transit maps and schedules to allow mass transit directions at the Google Labs Transit project. No Columbus info yet and it looks like it’ll be a while. Here’s a sample map for Portland:


View Larger Map

COTA does have a trip planner, but it’s not as cool or as fast as Google’s. It needs more ajaxiness.

Walker and Eric have a new blog focusing on Columbus transportation at X-ing Columbus.

Buckeye State Blog bans contributor

Jerid Kurtz of Buckeye State Blog has banned regular contributor Paul Ackerman of Linwood Campaign Services. There’s a big argument going on in the comments to this post at BSB. Paul’s bio was removed from BSB’s About page.

Dave Hickman’s been posting comments about it on this post of mine. Quite gleefully, I might add. It’s hard to know from the outside what’s really going on there, but it doesn’t look pretty. Maybe they should read up on how poisonous the Ohio blogosphere is and… think of the children. Or something.

Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, who’s also the head of the Ohio Department of Development, leaves for Japan today to lobby for investment, basically. He’ll be back on the 15th.

SUV mom did it several times immediately before

From Lisa Cornwell for the AP in the Dispatch:

A woman whose 2-year-old daughter died in an overheated car last month had left the girl unattended in the vehicle twice in the two days before the death and had earlier been warned about the danger that created, according to a police report….

The police report in the death of the 2-year-old girl showed that employees at the Compass School in Loveland said she had been left unattended in a vehicle on at least three other occasions.

Teacher Tara Phillips told police that on Aug. 21, Nesselroad-Slaby came to pick up the 5-year-old at the school and told the child to hurry up because the baby was in the car. The next day, Nesselroad-Slaby came in again to pick up the older child and stayed for about 10 minutes to watch the class act out a story, the report says.

The death occurred the next day, Aug 23rd. Clermont County Prosecutor Don White has already decided not to charge the mother, Brenda Nesselroad-Slaby. In light of this additional info, which White must have had, that seems hard to understand. It doesn’t look like a tragic one-time bout of forgetfulness. It looks like a pattern or recklessness.

Bill Sloat talks about a contrasting case here.

Gillmor’s wife to run?

So reports the Dispatch:

One day after the death of U.S. Rep. Paul Gillmor, a number of high-profile Republicans emerged as possible candidates for his Ohio seat, including his wife, Karen, state Rep. Robert E. Latta of Bowling Green and state Sen. Stephen Buehrer of Delta.

That’s happened before, notably with Sonny Bono’s House seat and with Mel Carnahan, who as a dead person defeated eventual US A.G. John Ashcroft for a US Senate seat for Missouri- of course everyone knew that Jean Carnahan would be taking over.

I don’t like this. Politics is becoming increasingly hereditary, unfortunately. Bush, Kennedy, and Gore all have their dynasties- and now the Clintons are attempting to establish a family brand. It’s rather undemocratic- but many of us are voting for them.

UPDATE: This blog is reporting that Karen Gillmor won’t be running (via Jeff Coryell).

Columbus teacher dies of bacterial meningitis

From NBC4i, Teresa Smoak, a Columbus public school teacher, has died of bacterial meningitis.

The health department is working with the school district to locate any of the people at risk to make sure they receive treatment. Officials said that antibiotics have been provided to students and faculty who were in close contact with Smoak.

Anyone who believes they know someone who has contracted the disease is asked to call their physician or Columbus Public Health at 614-645-1474.

The infection is spread by contact, but not casual contact. Here’s some info on bacterial meningitis, from this site:

* Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain.
* Bacterial meningitis is most commonly caused by one of three types of bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
* The bacteria are spread by direct close contact with the discharges from the nose or throat of an infected person.
* Bacterial meningitis can be treated with antibiotics.
* Prevention depends on use of vaccines, rapid diagnosis, and prompt treatment of close personal contacts.

There’s been a rash of garage break-ins in German Village and surrounding neighborhoods. In broad daylight.

Charter school enrollment rising

The Dispatch blog reports:

Enrollment in Ohio’s eight largest urban school districts is slumping as more students head to charter schools.

A KidsOhio.org report illustrates the trend. In Dayton, 27 percent of public school students attend privately operated, tax-funded, tuition-free schools, up from 20 percent in 2003.

In Columbus, 13 percent of students attend charter schools; four years ago it was 4 percent.

The biggest increases are in Cleveland and Toledo where 18 percent of public school students in each district attend charter schools. Both were at 7 percent in 2003.

These numbers are increasing in Ohio even as many charter schools have poor to failing scores- on average, worse than public schools. But the averages don’t necessarily mean anything to individual parents. If your children are eligible for a decent or even just fair charter school while they’re zoned for a pretty bad public school, the statewide averages for public and charter schools aren’t really a concern. Your choice is only between two specific schools. And you should have that choice (and more).

(Previous post: Ohio needs credible alternative for public schools.)

Ohio: Clinton pulls ahead in latest poll

The latest Quinnipiac poll of Ohioans has been released:

New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic front-runner has opened a 47 - 40 percent lead over her GOP counterpart, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, up from a 43 - 43 percent tie in an August 8 poll….

Giuliani and Clinton both lead in their respective parties.

Also, Dems beat Repubs in all polled matchups except McCain vs. Obama.

(Via The Daily Briefing. Previous post: Rasmussen: Guiliani edges Clinton by 1 pt in Ohio.)

Carnival of Ohio Politics #81 is up.

There’s a new German Village resident as of yesterday. Congratulations to Walker Evans and the new mom!

The Feed

SUV Hits Doc On Bike; Fatal Results Mar 47th Bike Tour

A Michigan surgeon did not make it as far as the operating room--dying on the roadway after an accident during a weekend biking event.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 6:11 pm

Storm System Brings Funnel Cloud Over Central Ohio

Tornado warnings were issued for Franklin and Delaware counties Sunday amid reports of funnel and rotating clouds. Click here for a photo....

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 5:32 pm

Did Dann's office sit on state collections regarding Gutierrez?

We already knew that before Gutierrez was hired, there were issues regarding his unpaid state and federal income taxes related to his construction....

Buckeye State Blog

May 11, 2008 5:06 pm

Bike to Work Tomorrow.

Kicking off “Bike to Work Week”, Mayor Mike is hosting a bike ride tomorrow morning from his place to the Ohio Statehouse from his home....

columbusING

May 11, 2008 4:04 pm

StartUp Weekend Columbus

Startup Weekend recruits a highly motivated group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists and more to....

columbusING

May 11, 2008 12:00 pm

Lazy Market Lunch #1

It's funny. As much as I love getting up early on Saturday mornings and going to the farmer's markets, I rarely cook when I get home. One day, it is....

Restaurant Widow

May 11, 2008 11:52 am

Renovated Pro Football Hall of Fame Opens

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday marked the opening of the $4 million renovated wings at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in northeast Ohio.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 10:32 am

Scandal At Ohio State Highway Patrol

A scandal has erupted in the Ohio State Highway Patrol and it may have a lot to do with Public Safety Director, Henry Guzman and some backroom....

Ohio 15th District

May 11, 2008 10:24 am

Alleged Robber Tops Most-Wanted List

The U.S. Marshals released a new list of most-wanted fugitives and are looking for tips that lead to their arrests.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 9:56 am

Thief Targets Cigarettes In Burglary

Crime Stoppers needs your help to solve a convenience-store burglary.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 9:53 am

Ohio Dems Strip Dann Of Endorsement

The Ohio Democratic Party no longer considers scandal-plagued Attorney General Marc Dann one of its own.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 9:25 am

Ghost-Hunting Groups Enjoy Popularity

As midnight approached, a grassy field where the old train depot once stood pulsed with activity.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 9:23 am

Community Remembers Marine Killed In Iraq

Hundreds of friends, relatives and local residents streamed into a funeral service Saturday for a central Ohio Marine killed last week when his....

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 9:21 am

Shooting Victim Walks To Safety

Police say an ex-girlfriend allegedly shoots a male, and he walks to a local fire station for help.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 9:08 am

McPeek: Rainy, Stormy Mother's Day

Central Ohioans should expect showers and thunderstorms for Mother's Day.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 8:48 am

Traffic Stop Leads To Chase, Fatal Crash

An overnight traffic stop leads to a chase and a deadly crash on the West Side.

nbc4i.com

May 11, 2008 8:37 am

The270 is single handedly saving Columbus one post at a time

Aren’t I awesome? If you haven’t heard, The Other Paper, otherwise referred to as TOP, recently wrote an article about Columbus....

the 270

May 10, 2008 11:49 pm

ColumBlogs

May 10, 2008 11:30 pm

Farm Fresh and Local Produce - 5/10/08

It was a beautiful spring day for marketing this Saturday, and I watched the sun rise this morning as I didn’t get any sleep last night in....

Columbus Foodie

May 10, 2008 6:25 pm

Marc Dann, as of Today, is Officially No Longer a Democrat

Details here. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Marc Dann, as of Today, is Officially No Longer a Democrat", url:....

Right Angle Blog

May 10, 2008 1:26 pm

Redfern Appoints His Delegates, Dann No Longer A Democrat

Blue Bexley is reporting that Chris Redfern has appointed Dave Reagan and William Craig Bashein as his two picks to be un-pledged delegates. ....

Buckeye State Blog

May 10, 2008 12:19 pm

Columbus Diver Eyes Trip To Beijing

Chelsea Davis turns her back to the pool, all 10 toes clinging to the board as it gently rocks up and down.

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 11:15 am

Market Report for May 10th

A beautiful sunny morning. I got up at the crack of 7:45 because I really wanted to get to the market early enough to buy some morels after someone....

Restaurant Widow

May 10, 2008 11:09 am

Jeweler Oversees Creation Of First Twin Jenna Bush's Ring

The brilliant diamond-and-sapphire ring that Henry Hager presented to first twin Jenna Bush when he proposed in August was the result of 125....

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 10:56 am

County Can't Explain Why Loan Program Didn't Purchase Sirens

Pleasant Township is a township that needs more sirens but doesn't have a lot of money.

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 10:45 am

McPeek: Dry Saturday, Wet Mother's Day

Central Ohioans should expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 68 degrees. Enjoy today. Mother's Day won't be as pleasant.

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 10:06 am

Car Strikes Pedestrian, 1 In Critical Condition

A woman is in critical condition Saturday morning after she was hit by a car on the city's North Side.

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 9:55 am

Smoldering Tires Keep Firefighters On The Scene

Firefighters were on the scene for hours Friday night after a tire fire in Dublin, NBC 4 reported.

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 9:51 am

3 Rushed To Hospital After 1-Car Crash

Three people were rushed to the hospital after a one-car accident early Saturday, NBC 4 reported.

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 9:41 am

Can A Pill Really Boost Calorie Burning?

The ads are irresistible: Lose two pounds a day! Burn fat around the clock! So is there a quick-fix for weight loss?

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 9:20 am

Julianna's Wish Holds Car Show Fund-Raiser

Julianna’s Wish is a nonprofit organization that's helping families in Fairfield County affected by Prader-Willi Syndrome or PWS, NBC 4....

nbc4i.com

May 10, 2008 7:47 am

BSB On Location at the Ohio Democratic Party Convention

Check out BSB throughout the day tomorrow for on-location coverage of the Ohio Democratic Party Convention in Columbus.

Buckeye State Blog

May 10, 2008 12:49 am

New high school graduation requirements for 2014

Should Ohio go to a two-tier grad system? The Ohio Core will require four credits in math, compared with three now required to graduate from....

Buckeye State Blog

May 10, 2008 12:41 am

Stroke Victim's Credit Card Stolen

A man rushed to the hospital with a stroke - his family discovers someone is using his credit card.

nbc4i.com

May 9, 2008 10:40 pm

178 Republicans Vote Against Mothers

It appears that the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives threw a tantrum this week. First, the Democrats and Republicans voted for HRES....

Ohio 15th District

May 9, 2008 9:48 pm

Gone.

Well, the demolition of the Firestone mansion was completed today. Despite informing the Columbus Foundation, Columbus Landmarks Foundation, and the....

Columbusite

May 9, 2008 9:43 pm

Dann Addresses Calls For Resignation

Speaker of the House Jon Husted, along with Ohio Senate President Bill Harris said they will craft a law that will put the attorney general's....

nbc4i.com

May 9, 2008 6:11 pm

Diamond Hill earnings flat in 1Q

Diamond Hill Investment Group Inc. reported flat first-quarter earnings as revenue jumped 17 percent, the firm told investors Friday. (DHIL)

Business First of Columbus

May 9, 2008 5:03 pm

Go! Makes Camp Affordable

Available monies make camp affordable for all families.

nbc4i.com

May 9, 2008 4:57 pm

We're Looking For a Few Good Candidates...

I have harped, and will continue to harp, on the importance of the Ohio Senate races in 2008. The Senators elected in 2008 will be voting on....

Buckeye State Blog

May 9, 2008 4:51 pm

Dems Take Different Views On Dann's Impeachment

Urging impeachment was a radical step that Ohio Democrats are ill-advised to carry through, a former longtime chairman of the Ohio Democratic....

nbc4i.com

May 9, 2008 4:35 pm

Legislators paving way for probe into AG's office

State lawmakers plan to pass legislation next week clearing the way for the Ohio Inspector General to investigate the embattled Ohio Attorney General....

Business First of Columbus

May 9, 2008 4:25 pm

Does Your Child's School Measure Up?

NBC 4 broke down the districts in Central Ohio that graduated the most students and those that didn't make the grade.

nbc4i.com

May 9, 2008 4:04 pm