The Scoop..October 31, 2011

“Ohio has been in a free fall for the last twenty or thirty years, maybe even longer than that.”  Huffman points to our congressional representation dropping from 24 in 1960 to a mere 16 in 2012 – a direct result of the loss of population.  “Much of it because of the business and tax climate.  Factoring in local, state and federal taxes, Ohio ranks from the 46^th to the 49^th worst in the country for taxes.” 

Huffman says Issue 2 would require government employees to pay 15% toward their health care, would require them to pay a 10% contribution to their pensions, eliminate step increases in salary, and consider teacher performance as part of their compensation, among other points.  He says it does not eliminate workers’ collective bargaining rights, it better defines the terms and limits.  Huffman says passage of Issue 2 will help the state and local governments better handle their budget problems, “It’s a serious problem that Senate Bill 5 is attempting to deal with.  We have to do something that allows people to come here and be successful.”

In other business, Sgt. At Arms Jeff Gast welcomed seven members’ guests and one guest of the club.  He reported 100 members in attendance the previous week. 

Jed Metzger promoted the Chamber’s Holiday Hoopla fundraiser.

Lynn Thompson encouraged everyone to attend the Rotary Blood Clinic on Saturday from 7:00-9:30 at Senior Citizens Center.

Butch Kirk told redneck jokes for fellowship.