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From the 5/5/07 PD: No-smoking law debuts with unusual complaints Saturday, May 05, 2007 Harlan Spector Plain Dealer Reporter You might expect some bars and veterans clubs to test Ohio's anti-smoking law. But the Stark County Dental Society? A complaint against the medical group is among the more unusual ones made to the Ohio Department of Health the first two days the smoking ban was in full force. Someone also turned in a local health department in western Ohio. Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1178353980234600.xml&coll=2 Link contains photos. From the 5/5/07 Blade: Ohio smokers make run for border Michigan bar trade upticks as Buckeye State ban takes hold By JULIE M. McKINNON BLADE STAFF WRITER The signs at Michigan Tavern in Bedford Township, where most of the parking lot's vehicles sported Ohio license plates, said it all: "Wanna smoke? Come to Michigan. We'll take your business." Various bars across the state line from Toledo have had an increase in business since Ohio instituted a smoking ban in most public buildings, especially as officials started enforcing the law this week, employees say. And Ohioans say they have no choice but to cross the state line, where there is no such ban unless they just want food, a quick drink, or can lounge outside where smoking is allowed at their neighborhood's bars. Read more: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070505/NEWS17/705050391/-1/RSS08 From the 5/5/07 Marion Star: The cost of smoking just went up By JOHN JARVIS The Marion Star MARION — Shortly after noon on the first day of enforcement of the statewide smoking ban, the Marion City Health Department received its first complaint of a violation. Sandy Bridenstine, environmental health director, said the department would send a letter of notice to the establishment where the violation allegedly occurred, and do a follow-up investigation in about a week. “We’re not going to go out right away if we get a call about smoking,” Bridenstine said Thursday. “We’re not going to go out there that minute. We have so many programs that we’re working on. We have not hired anybody to be a smoking inspector. We’re working with the staff we have.” Read more: http://www.marionstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070505/NEWS01/70505001/1002/rss01

From the 5/4/07 PD: Smokers welcomed to Ritzy, airy lounge Hotel heats, furnishes relaxing outdoor area Friday, May 04, 2007 Patrick O'Donnell Plain Dealer Reporter Would you like a mint with your smoke, sir? Or a newspaper with your cigarette? Smokers get the full white-glove treatment at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel near Cleveland's Public Square. Smokers have a full plant-lined smoking lounge, which opened Thursday. It holds a sofa and two chairs, small tables and even a bowl of bright, shiny apples. Entryway bell staff hover nearby with a tray of mints, water and papers. Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1178267714121040.xml&coll=2 From the 5/4/07 Enquirer: Owners learn smoking rules Health officials aim to 'educate first' as law goes into effect BY JON NEWBERRY | [email protected] Cincinnati and Hamilton County public health officials briefed business owners on the state's new no-smoking rules on Thursday - the first day the rules were in effect - and tried hard to put to rest any concerns that they'd be on a witch hunt for violators. The intent is to "educate first and enforce second," said Ken Sharkey, spokesman for the Cincinnati Health Department. Read more: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070504/NEWS01/705040431/ From same: Smoking ban has bar owners, patrons glum Some will take business elsewhere BY QUAN TRUONG | [email protected] Greg Varacalli, the owner of Anthony's Cigar Bar and Grille in West Chester's Voice of America Center, said Thursday he'd rather be an outlaw than follow a rule he fears will run him out of business. Enforcement of Ohio's indoor smoking ban officially began Thursday. But this coming weekend, Varacalli is seeing to it that cigars will be smoked at his bar. "It's such a screwed-up law, there's got to be some civil disobedience," Varacalli said. "I want one more weekend for these guys. Come Monday, we'll be good citizens and follow the law; but we're gonna be outlaw smokers this weekend." Varacalli said he picked up the phone Thursday and turned himself in to the Ohio Department of Health, knowing full well the consequences. Read more: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/NEWS01/705040430/1056/COL02 Link contains photos. From the 5/4/07 Blade: OHIO INDOOR SMOKING ORDINANCE State begins enforcing ban; action fails to clear for those opposed to law By JULIE M. McKINNON BLADE STAFF WRITER Beyond the closed side door at Good Times Sports Bar & Grill on Jackman Road, Bruce Stafford and Michael Miller played pinball, drank beer, and smoked freely - and legally - on a partially enclosed patio. A few miles away, soon after a group with smokers left Delaney's Lounge earlier than usual, a man who declined to give a reporter his name for fear of being penalized for defying state law searched the Alexis Road bar for a place to put his cigarette's ashes before lighting up. Read more: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/NEWS24/705040345/-1/RSS Link contains photos. From the 5/4/07 Canton Repository: Smoking ban clears the air in local bars BY KELLI YOUNG REPOSITORY STAFF WRITER CANTON Cheri Suter propped her flip flops on the top of the Freeway Tavern's bar and leaned back into the black swivel chair. She marveled at how one day - and one new law - changed the Navarre Road SW bar overnight. Wednesday, the tavern's 10 swivel chairs were filled with patrons who drank beer, smoked and joked with each other. On Thursday - the first day the statewide smoking ban was enforced - the Freeway's doors displayed "No Smoking" signs, and a melon-smelling candle replaced ashtrays on the bar. Read more: http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=352288 Link contains a photo. From the 5/4/07 News-Herald: No ifs, ands or butts Many fuming over new law By: Sandra M. Klepach [email protected] 05/04/2007 Ashtrays were washed and stacked for safekeeping Thursday behind the bar of Gunny's Hall in Mentor. The hope among members of the private veterans' club was that they'll return in time for the groundbreaking of a building extension May 14. Rudy Baitt, commandant and Vietnam veteran, said he'd even be content with a "smoking section" - a concept now legally forbidden for all other bars and restaurants as of Thursday, the first day requiring the voter-approved smoking ban to be enforced. The language of the law initially exempted groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars halls or Elks Lodges. But a temporary restraining order will now last at least until the morning of the Gunny's groundbreaking, when a Franklin County judge will determine whether the language is fair. In the meantime, designated outdoor smoking areas marked the front and rear of the hall Thursday. "A lot of comments are, 'Why did we invest the money ($11 to $26) to join the private club, then?' " Baitt said. "We were almost legal, but then they came up with something else. "When we fought in the war, we fought for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and some of us are dedicated smokers," he said. "We're abiding by the law, but we don't think it's fair." Read more: http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18299479&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6 From the 5/4/07 Ashtabula Star Beacon: Don't think about lighting up MARK TODD Star Beacon JEFFERSON - - Contrary to reports, Ashtabula County's health department will not ignore public smoking offenders who cross their path, Health Commissioner Ray Saporito said Thursday. However, inspectors will be checking for compliance with the new law primarily among clients the county routinely examines, such as restaurants. A law that bans smoking in many locations in Ohio was approved by voters in November, but enforcement didn't officially start until Thursday. Ashtabula County has officially notified the state that it isn't up to the task of completely policing the new law. Read more: http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_124072330

From the 5/3/07 PD: Watch out for cranky smokers Enforcement of ban begins today Thursday, May 03, 2007 Harlan Spector Plain Dealer Reporter A statewide ban on public smoking starts today, and this time they really mean it. The state begins enforcing provisions of Issue 5, the law approved by voters that forbids smoking in workplaces and public buildings. The law took effect 30 days after the November election, with no means of enforcement. As a result, about half the Cuyahoga County bars and restaurants followed it -- more restaurants than bars, health inspectors said. Chain restaurants fell in line. The popular night spots did, too. The neighborhood saloons, the egg and coffee joints in many cases didn't. Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1178181243224960.xml&coll=2 From the 5/3/07 Enquirer: Judge: Smoking not a 'right' Decision clears the way for statewide ban to take effect today BY DAN HORN | [email protected] A Hamilton County judge refused to block enforcement of Ohio's indoor smoking ban Wednesday, clearing the way for the law to take effect today. Common Pleas Judge Fred Nelson refused to block enforcement of the law after concluding Ohioans do not have a constitutional right to smoke or to own businesses that permit smoking. "There is no fundamental right ... to smoke in public," Nelson wrote in his decision. "This court declines to fabricate such a right." The ruling is a blow to a group of bar and restaurant owners who sued last year to stop enforcement of the ban, which prohibits smoking in enclosed public places or in businesses with employees. Voters approved the ban in November. Read more: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070503/NEWS01/705030418/ From the 5/3/07 Youngstown Vindicator: With smoking ban in place, private clubs await a ruling A preliminary hearing on that issue is set for later this month By ANGIE SCHMITT VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN — Today, local health agencies statewide will begin enforcing the smoking ban enacted in December. For now, however, private clubs such as the AMVETS in Vienna will have to pack away their ashtrays and wait. A provision of the statewide smoking ban that allows smoking in private clubs is under assault by an organization that represents Ohio's bar owners. A Franklin County Common Pleas judge ruled the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association's challenge of the exemption for private clubs "demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success." He issued a temporary restraining order Monday forbidding private clubs from smoking until the matter can be debated further at a preliminary hearing May 14. Read more: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/313884228311500.php From the 5/3/07 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Lights out for smokers in private clubs Joe Medici | The Chronicle-Telegram For more than a month now, members at private clubs throughout Ohio have been lighting up, thinking they were safe from the statewide smoking ban. That all ends today. After a trade association of Ohio�s bar owners succeeded Monday in temporarily removing an exemption from the state�s smoking ban for their rivals at private clubs, however, officials at the clubs are looking at what they consider a bleak future. Read more: http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/05/03/lights-out-for-smokers-in-private-clubs/ From the 5/3/07 Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune: Enforcement of statewide smoking ban to start today By Zachary Petit, [email protected] Starting today, a lit cigarette in the wrong place could be the smoking gun that earns local businesses everything from a warning letter to a $2,500 fine. Finalizing a key part of the process that began when a majority of Ohio residents voted for cleaner air in public establishments during the 2006 elections, enforcement of the statewide in-door smoking ban is set to begin today. Ohio Department of Health spokesperson Kristopher Weiss said his organization has received about 18,000 reports of alleged violations since the ban took effect Dec. 7, and overall, the ODH is pleased with the progress of the law that was completed more than a month before its deadline. Read more: http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/articles.asp?articleID=7950

Link contains photos. From the 2/11/07 Blade: TOLEDO PLANT WITH ON-SITE SUPPLIERS A FIRST FOR U.S. Bumpy at first, assembly smooths out for Wrangler By JULIE M. McKINNON BLADE BUSINESS WRITER WITH A two-week break in between, employees building Jeep Wranglers moved from working in the country’s longest-running auto plant to the newest last July. It took a week longer than expected to produce the first redesigned 2007 vehicle for sale, one sign DaimlerChrysler AG’s $900 million manufacturing experiment off Stickney Avenue in North Toledo was having a rocky start. Not only were workers dealing with an all-new vehicle and high-tech plant, but two on-site suppliers operate factories that build and paint Wrangler bodies, and a third supplies complete chassis. Read More...

From the AP, 4/12/07: Federated's March 'disappointing' THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK – Federated Department Stores Inc. said today that its first-quarter sales will come in at the low end of expectations, contributing to a hazy outlook for consumer spending as warnings of weak sales ahead overshadowed better-than-expected March sales for many retailers. Analysts said rising gasoline prices and the possibility of higher interest rates could lead shoppers to curtail their spending in the coming months. ... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070412/BIZ01/304120038/1076/rss01

From the 2/11/07 ABJ: Macy's lands quietly in Akron Ohioans take conversion in stride; changes here are subtle, not dramatic By Kerry Clawson Beacon Journal business writer While the conversion of former May Department Stores to Macy's last September caused a furor in some parts of the country, namely Chicago, the change has barely been a blip for shoppers in Northeast Ohio and throughout the state. After a 2005 merger, Cincinnati-based Federated Department Stores Inc. changed the nameplates of 400 former May locations Sept. 9. The conversion affected 11 former regional chains under the May name, including Kaufmann's, Marshall Fields, Filene's, Famous-Barr, Foley's, Hecht's, Lord and Taylor, L.S. Ayres, Meier & Frank, Robinsons-May and Strawbridge. ... Retail writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or by e-mail at [email protected]. http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/business/16669390.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_business

From West Life, 3/21/07: City tries to pave way for I-90 exit By Jeff Gallatin Bay Village Published March 21, 2007 City officials Monday took action to pave the way toward a smooth road for the interchange project at Nagel Road and I-90 in Avon. City Council passed a resolution of support for the multi-million dollar I-90 interchange project. It comes a few weeks after Avon Mayor Jim Smith questioned whether Bay Village and other Cuyahoga County communities were in support of the Lorain County city putting in the interchange. Sutherland said she would like to see additional study of the matter to see how it impacts her community, but also said she was not against the interchange. More at http://www.westlifenews.com/2007/03-21/90exit.html

From the 3/9/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Avon interchange would relieve traffic hangups MEGAN KING, Morning Journal Writer 03/09/2007 AVON -- The areas around SR 83 corridor and Crocker Road at Interstate 90 will reach total gridlock traffic conditions at peak hours if a new interchange is not built at Nagel Road, traffic engineers said at a Nagel Road interchange meeting last night. According to traffic projections for the year 2030, those areas would receive ''D'' ''F'' and ''E'' grades for the traffic during peak hours without the Nagel Road interchange. Traffic engineers said building that interchange would bring the traffic conditions up to ''C,'' or acceptable levels. While engineers discussed traffic flow and the process of getting approval for the interchange, community members who spoke at the meeting mainly focused on the recent controversy surrounding NOACA's approval of the interchange. The proposed interchange has come under fire recently after Cuyahoga County officials asked for a regional study to address the economic impact of constructing the new interchange. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18058954&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the Sun, 3/8/07: Avon will pay for I-90 work Thursday, March 08, 2007 By Brian Lisik The Sun AVON City officials are putting their money where their mouth is with a proposed project to build an Interstate 90 interchange at Nagel Road, Mayor Jim Smith said. But first the project must get past a study by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, expected to begin this month. "It's a matter of going through NOACA's 'mother, may I' steps," Smith said. "This project is going to cost us a lot of money, but we're doing it." Several Avon businesses have partnered with the city to fund the estimated $15 million project. Private funding is expected to shoulder about $10 million of the project costs, with the city paying the remaining $5 million through tax-increment financing. More at http://www.cleveland.com/sun/sun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/117337576645320.xml&coll=3

From West Life, 2/21/07: I-90 tangle Mayors spar over need for more study By Jeff Gallatin Bay Village Published Feb. 21, 2007 Mayor Debbie Sutherland and her Avon counterpart, James A. Smith, continue to be on different roads when it comes to the planned I-90 interchange project in Avon. Smith sent a letter to Sutherland last week making a public records request for copies of “any and all correspondence regarding the proposed interchange and copies of all messages and your telephone logs.” Asked about the letter and Sutherland’s approved request earlier this month for additional study of the interchange from NOACA (Northern Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency), Smith said he’s trying to make sure he has all the information about what’s going on regarding the project. More at http://www.westlifenews.com/2007/02-21/90issue.html

From the 2/20/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Henkel CEO says I-90 interchange would help businesses MEGAN KING, Morning Journal Writer 02/20/2007 AVON -- Avon's largest employer says politics could delay the Nagel Road-Interstate 90 interchange project that could help his businesses and other companies in the region. In a letter to Mayor Jim Smith, John Kahl, CEO of Henkel Corp., a consumer adhesives company that employs about 700 people, said the interchange is necessary to the company for its continued growth. ''With the growth of the Avon and Westlake communities, access points on Crocker Road and Route 83 have become severely congested and reduce the efficiency with which we can move our employees and our freight into and out of our facility,'' Kahl wrote. The proposed interchange has been under fire recently, as Cuyahoga County officials and Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency board have questioned whether the interchange is necessary and what economic effect it would have on other areas. NOACA is a federally designated metropolitan planning organization for Cuyahoga, Lorain, Geauga, Lake and Medina counties. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17872474&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 2/17/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Area officials push for firm timeline in Nagel Road impact study MATT SUMAN, Morning Journal Writer 02/17/2007 CLEVELAND -- Lorain County Commissioner Ted Kalo said county officials are not against an economic impact study for the Interstate 90 interchange at Nagel Road in Avon, but he asked a committee of a regional planning group to get it done in 60 days. The Nagel Road interchange, which has become unpopular with some officials in Cuyahoga County who fear it will be used to attract businesses from their county to Avon, was discussed yesterday morning at the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency's Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. NOACA must approve the $15 million project before construction begins. Bay Village Mayor Deborah Sutherland had asked NOACA to look at the economic impact the Nagel Road interchange would have on the region. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17863854&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 2/16/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Political feud boils over MATT SUMAN, Morning Journal Writer 02/16/2007 ELYRIA -- The Nagel Road interchange discussion at the Lorain County commissioners' meeting yesterday morning got heated when Commissioner Betty Blair scolded county Administrator Jim Cordes for an off-the-cuff remark. Cordes and Avon Mayor Jim Smith have expressed frustration with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency's decision last Friday to ask for more information, such as what the economic impact a Nagel Road at Interstate 90 interchange in Avon might have on Cuyahoga County. NOACA is a regional planning organization for Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, Medina and Geauga counties that must approve highway projects. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17859390&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 2/14/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Avon mayor upset over attempts to delay Nagel Road, I-90 interchange MEGAN KING, Morning Journal Writer 02/14/2007 AVON -- Mayor Jim Smith said yesterday he is frustrated and angered by Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency board members' attempts to delay the Nagel Road Interstate 90 interchange the city hopes to construct in Avon. Smith also said yesterday in a meeting with Morning Journal editors, he is angry that Bay Village Mayor Deborah Sutherland called a private meeting of some NOACA board members today to discuss the Nagel Road interchange, and didn't invite Avon officials. ''No one's invited to this meeting when our interchange hangs in the balance,'' Smith said. Sutherland denied organizing the meeting and said Claire Kilbane of the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission called the meeting to ''have interested parties sit down and try to provide some guidance for NOACA as they look at how they're gong to analyze this project.'' More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17848553&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

From the 2/11/07 Lorain Morning Journal: New Avon I-90 exit faces look by NOACA MATT SUMAN, Morning Journal Writer 02/11/2007 AVON -- To the dismay of some local public officials, a Northeast Ohio planning organization will examine how the proposed Interstate 90 interchange at Nagel Road could affect future development in the region. When the interchange is completed, it would link I-90 and I-480 via Lear Nagel Road in North Ridgeville, Lorain County Engineer Ken Carney said. Avon Mayor Jim Smith said he would like to see construction of the interchange close to being done by the end of 2009. The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency voted unanimously Friday to take a further look at the interchange past typical traffic details, said Howard Maier, its executive director. Details of the study are still in the early stages, and it will be a while before NOACA votes on approval of the interchange, he said. More at http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17838295&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

Link contains a photo. From the 5/7/07 Enquirer: Arrest in Courthouse Deli theft THE ENQUIRER For the second time in two weeks, a person has been charged with stealing from the visually impaired owner of the Courthouse Deli on the first floor of the Hamilton County Justice Center. The sheriff's department said this morning that Mary Cayze, 19, of the 7600 block of Hamilton Avenue, Mount Healthy, was arrested today at 8:25 a.m. She was charged with theft. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070507/NEWS01/305070026/

From the 5/7/07 Cincinnati Post: Latinos rally in state capitol Post staff report Cincinnati-area Latino immigrants and their supporters joined a statewide rally for immigrant rights Sunday at the state capitol in Columbus. Rosita Urcia of the Coalition for the Rights and Dignity of Immigrants in Cincinnati estimated that 500 people participated in the rally sponsored by the Ohio Immigrants Network (Red de Immigrantes de Ohio, or RIO). Urcia spoke at the rally and urged Congress to reform immigration laws. "We in RIO, as a community-based immigrant organization, are encouraged by the fact that many of the 12 million undocumented workers, regardless of their time in the U.S., would be put on a path to citizenship under one of the proposals" for immigration reform in Congress, Urcia said in a telephone interview from Columbus. MORE: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/NEWS01/705070373 From the 5/7/07 Wooster Daily Record: Orrville plans to integrate Hispanic residents By PAUL LOCHER Staff Writer ORRVILLE -- The city took its first step toward bridging the disconnect between mainstream government and traditional population and a growing number of Hispanics moving into the community. A handful of city leaders representing the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Orrville, the Orrville Ministerial Association, the city's development office and city government met with L. Rafael Rodriguez, a consultant with the Northeast Ohio Regional Hispanic Business Program and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Ohio, to see whether there were items of mutual interest to address. MORE: http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/article/1964322

From the 5/7/07 DDN: Delphi loses $533 million in first quarter Staff Reports Monday, May 07, 2007 Delphi Corp. today a first quarter 2007 net loss of $533 million or a loss of 95 cents per share compared to a first quarter net loss of $363 million or a loss of 65 cents per share last year. The bankrupt auto parts maker reported first quarter 2007 revenues of $6.7 billion. Non-GM revenues were $3.9 billion, representing 58 percent of global revenues. "While Delphi's financial performance continues to reflect its uncompetitive U.S. cost structure, we are aggressively working on two fronts to improve the business," said Rodney O'Neal, Delphi's chief executive and president. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/07/ddn050707delphiweb.html

From the 5/7/07 Enquirer: Blackwell evaluation divides board BY BEN FISCHER | [email protected] The Cincinnati School Board spent 75 minutes bickering last Wednesday over whether to give Superintendent Rosa Blackwell her next performance review - which could lead to another salary increase - this summer or next winter. Ultimately, they left without deciding anything. They'll try again at a meeting tonight. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070507/NEWS0102/705070379/1077/COL02

Link contains a photo. From the 4/18/07 Enquirer: Dems have Berding's back Party backs five incumbents, four challengers for City Council BY HOWARD WILKINSON | [email protected] EVANSTON - A move to take away Cincinnati Councilman Jeff Berding's Democratic Party endorsement fizzled Tuesday night, as the Cincinnati Democratic Committee voted to back a slate of five incumbents - including Berding - and four challengers. Berding had drawn the wrath of some in the party because, since taking office in December 2005, he has joined with Republicans Chris Monzel and Leslie Ghiz, Charterite Chris Bortz and Democrat Laketa Cole to form a majority on the nine-member Council for what they call fiscal belt-tightening. Click on link for article. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070418/NEWS01/704180422/1077/COL02

Link contains a photo. From the 3/27/07 Enquirer: Bates runs for council on safety issue BY JANE PRENDERGAST | [email protected] Widowed by homicide, Cincinnati school board member Melanie Bates has blasted city officials for not doing more to fight violent crime. Now she wants to work from the inside. Click on link for article. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070327/NEWS01/703270392/

From the 2/23/07 Cincinnati Business Courier: Council comeback Five black former members might try to regain seats Cincinnati Business Courier - February 23, 2007 by Lucy May and Dan Monk Senior Staff Reporters As many as five former Cincinnati City Council members - including two squeezed out of office by term limits - could campaign this fall to reclaim the seats they once held. Click on link for article. http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/02/26/story1.html

From the AP, 5/6/07: Republican plan would pay more to 'A' schools Medina representative comes up with proposal to reward achievement Associated Press COLUMBUS - Majority Republicans in the Ohio House want to give thousands of dollars more to school districts that earn an "A'' on their report cards. The proposal would cost the state about $6 million extra for schools, but it's important that the state set the precedent, said Rep. William Batchelder, R-Medina. The extra funding averages $30,000 for each of the 192 districts rated as excellent by the Ohio Department of Education. That's $10 extra per student. MORE: http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/17187401.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news From the 5/6/07 DDN: Officials say House action cost urban districts millions Lawmakers blocked a settlement over enrollment and funding with the state Education Department. By Scott Elliott Staff Writer Sunday, May 06, 2007 DAYTON — — State lawmakers were close to wrapping up debate last May over House Bill 530 when Dayton school leaders learned it might cost them millions. Then-school board president Gail Littlejohn grabbed her phone and dialed state Sen. Jeff Jacobson's cell number. "What is going on here?" she demanded. Just a few weeks earlier, Dayton, Cincinnati and other urban districts had cut a deal to resolve a dispute over charter school enrollment — a settlement with the Ohio Department of Education that would compensate those districts for overcharges on charter school enrollments. But lawmakers didn't like the deal. They were frustrated with what they viewed as frequent revisions to the education department's enrollment numbers — revisions that meant millions more each year in money for education. And they were uncomfortable with the terms of the settlement, which had the state offering to raise school district enrollment counts by about half the disputed number of students. MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/05/ddn050607charterA1.html

From Dow Jones, 5/6/07: Dana Corp. seeks court approval to continue product-liability case By MARC HOPKINS Dow Jones Newswires WASHINGTON - Dana Corp. wants to suspend Chapter 11 protections against litigation so it can appeal a $43.9 million judgment won by Microtherm Inc. The Toledo, Ohio-based auto-parts maker believes the move would benefit its bankruptcy restructuring efforts because it could erase a $70.8 million claim filed in the Chapter 11 case, Dana said Thursday in papers filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan. ---- More at: http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/NEWS01/705060305/1002/rss01