BuckeyeBlog

With the final decision on Issue One just a day away and as the battle between both sides heats up, I decided it was time to be front and center with a Columbus Police Officer. On Saturday, August 2, 2009, I accompanied a police officer who’s job may be on the line. I rode side-by-side with him during the second shift at the 19th Precinct on the west side of Columbus. This is a first-hand account of a night in the 19th Precinct.

It began like any other ride-a-long, (I have been on two others before, one in Athens, Ohio and the other in Baltimore, Maryland), strange looks, some smiles but mostly the officers just pretending like I am not there. After passing the warrant check and scanning my license I was cleared to go.

The officer I was riding with has been with the Columbus Police Department for four years, an average length it seemed compared to the other officers working that night. The officer explained what was in the car, mentioning his car is short on supplies because, “the city won’t pay for them.” Then it was time to head on the road. (more…)

A family in Lorain County faces possible charges for a third degree misdemeanor for organizing a food co-op for their family and friends. Authorities in Ohio entered their home with guns drawn to “secure the surroundings,” and confiscate all of their food.

The Sheriff’s Department says this is the typical way their police force and most others across the state handles situations in a residential neighborhood.

Immigration may not be the hottest topic right now; but, that doesn’t mean it has taken a back seat.  For three years Henry Fischer and his company Fischer Homes found themselves caught right in the middle of a highly publicized federal immigration case.  The Federal Government was accusing Fischer Homes of knowingly hiring subcontractors that employee illegal immigrants.  From the beginning Henry Fischer stood by his company and his employees who faced years behind bars.  Mr. Fischer even took it upon himself to let a renowned journalist follow the cases every move.  Award-winning journalist Jon Entine tells the story of Henry Fischer and Fischer Homes in his book, No Crime But Prejudice: Fischer Homes, the Immigration Fiasco, and the Extra-judicial Prosecution. Here is a behind the scenes look at how the investigation process unfolded for Entine.

Learn more about this compelling story and meet Henry Fischer: Click here

This morning, Joel Riley of 610 AM WTVN in Columbus spent three hours discussing the Buckeye Institute’s proposal for merit pay for Ohio teachers. Below is Joel’s discussion with David Hansen, President of the Buckeye Institute:

The entire show is available on WTVN’s podcasting page.

The Buckeye Institute’s Mike Maurer discusses the governor’s economic agenda, the federal bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and what it means to be a conservative with Ohio Republican Rep. William G. Batchelder. A 32-year legislative veteran, Rep. Batchelder is the dean of Ohio conservatives.

Or click here to download the audio.

State Rep. Josh Mandel (R-Lyndhurst) joins Buckeye Institute President David Hansen to discuss his support for special needs vouchers, his opposition to Gov. Strickland’s misguided so-called stimulus bill, and his support for Rep. John Adam’s State Income Tax elimination bill. A Marine Corps officer who has served two tours of duty in Iraq, Rep. Mandel also gives his perspective on the progress of the war.

A first term legislator, Rep. Mandel is quickly becoming a steadfast voice for conservative principles in the Ohio House of Representatives.

With the Senate passage of SB 57, the special needs voucher,  children with disabilities are one step closer to receiving the type of educational options they vitally need.  The measure now goes to the Ohio House for hearings and a vote.  Buckeye Institute Education Policy Analyst Beth Lear discusses the initiative with David Hansen on Buckeye Voices.

The Evergreen Freedom Foundation’s Labor Policy Analyst Scott Dilley discusses labor union accountability with Buckeye Institute President David Hansen.

National Review Reporter Stephen Spruiell joins David Hansen on Buckeye Voices to discuss his article “Factory-Sized Deception – Obama, freely trading in dishonesty.”  Spruiell argues that Barack Obama’s campaign misled Ohio voters by blaming NAFTA for specific plant closings in Ohio

Conservative columnist and best selling author Robert Novak joins Buckeye Institute President David Hansen for a casual discussion about his new book “The Prince of Darkness” and the state of the presidential election in Ohio and nationally.  Mr. Novak was the keynote speaker at a dinner hosted by the Buckeye Institute and the Federalist Leadership Center.