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Republican Candidates
introduced and Issues Discussed Saturday
Submitted Article
The Darke County Republican Men’s Club met in regular session Saturday
morning in the Brick Room of the Brethren Retirement Community.
President Bob Robinson opened the meeting and noted that this was an
opportunity for those in attendance to meet the (Republican) candidates
and hear about the local and state issues they would be voting on.
This was the last meeting before the upcoming November 8, 2011 election
and many candidates were in attendance. Incumbent Greenville Mayor Mike
Bowers asked for the group’s support and thanked them for their
continued support in the past. Greenville Auditor Nancy
Myers echoed the mayor’s sentiments. She will be seeking another
term as your City Auditor if you live in Greenville.
Clarence Godwin spoke to the group about his desire to become the 1st
Ward Councilman. He cited a good work ethic as an independent
businessman as well as some experience locally serving on various
boards.
Jesse Green offered some ideas on why he is the best candidate for
Municipal Court Judge. He has been a lawyer since college,
serving as a Judge Advocate with the Ohio Army National Guard. He also talked of
his family and their values.
One local issue was discussed and that was the Greenville City School
bond levy to build a new K-8 building, as well as refurbishing the
current High School. Shawn Daugherty presented the information in
a short slide show and the questions were answered by Susie Reigle,
Superintendent of Schools and Bob Rhoades Co-Chair of the Citizens for
Quality Schools Committee.
Justin Hines gave a short talk on why he was running for Greenville
Twp. Trustee. He is a local independent businessman and because
of his work with heavy equipment has done work with almost every
township in Darke County. He is interested in the politics of
Greenville Twp. Susan Miles spoke on behalf of her husband Maury
who was unable to attend. Maury is also running for the Township
Trustee seat in Greenville Township. He was appointed to the seat
when former trustee Mike Stegall was elected County Commissioner.
Miles is also a small businessman and the owner of Wolf Tent and Awning.
The group was honored to have State Sen. Keith Faber (R) Celina, State
Rep. Jim Buchy (R) 77th House District, and State Rep. Richard Adams
(R) 79th House District in attendance.
Rep. Richard Adams explained to the group what was contained in Issue 1
which will be on the ballot. The measure deals with the House
Resolution increasing the judicial retirement age limitation.
Sen. Keith Faber discussed Issue 2 which has been a very controversial
issue concerning public employees right to negotiate. The measure would
repeal legislation that limits collective bargaining for public
employees in the state. The formal title of the proposal that this
measure would repeal is Senate Bill 5. Notably, SB 5 prevents unions
from charging “fair share” dues to employees who opt out. The process
to place the referendum on the ballot for voters to decide was
completed by supporters, as signatures were certified for the Ohio
Secretary of State. This is a referendum issue.
Rep. Jim Buchy talked a bit about Issue 3 to the group. The measure
calls for exempting residents of Ohio from national health care
mandates which would stop any state law from forcing persons, employers
or health care providers to participate in a health care system. The
measure is being sponsored by The Ohio Project. The measure is in
response to President Barack Obama’s signing of a national health care
mandate law in 2010.
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