Citywire
By Erin Norris and David S. Lewis |
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New Senate Resolution Promotes Awareness of Human Trafficking
State Senate Resolution 133, introduced by Senator Teresa Fedor, will establish January 11th as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Ohio. The resolution promises to continue Ohio's "tradition of advancing fundamental human rights" by increasing awareness and encouraging public involvement.
The resolution seeks to bring the issue into the public eye. As the bill states, "Although laws to prosecute perpetrators of human trafficking and to assist and protect victims of human trafficking have been enacted in the United States, awareness of the issues surrounding human trafficking by those people most likely to come into contact with victims is essential for effective enforcement because the techniques that traffickers use to keep their victims enslaved severely limit self-reporting."
This resolution will go into effect on January 11, 2010. There will also be a statehouse event on this day, featuring a keynote speaker and a panel of human trafficking experts, to address this urgent issue and work toward solutions.
Editor's Take: As we reported in October, Ohio (and Columbus) has a real problem with human trafficking. It's too easy to call someone a "crack whore" without understanding what that means: someone is facilitating a debilitating addiction in order to control another person. We as a citizenry must be aware of what's happening in our communities, and work to minimize the environment allowing these illegal activities to take place. That goes for you, too, Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Alive!, and The Other Paper: stop permitting known pimps to advertise in your classified sections. Shame on you all. How dare you cover those heartrending stories, while knowingly enabling the crimes to happen?
Security Cameras Costly, Effectiveness Debated
Columbus city officials are currently negotiating a $250,000 deal with Security Risk Management Consultants, Inc., the firm that designed the security systems for Easton and Port Columbus, to assess the possible installation of more security cameras in the city. Many citizens are concerned with the threats this poses to privacy, as well as the cost - just the pilot project could require up to $1.25 million in funding. Columbus currently uses two mobile camera towers, as well as several smaller units to monitor graffiti-heavy areas, but the new project could oversee the installation of several more. Multiple cities in the U.S., as well as England, have installed thousands of security cameras, with relatively positive reception from city officials, but many citizens believe this is a cursory measure with little effect on curbing criminal activity, and that the funding would be better used to place more police officers on the street.
So far the plan has not moved past the preliminary phases, and Columbus civic associations must volunteer and vote for the program in order for any cameras to be installed.
Editor's Take: While preventing crime is a laudable goal, I am one of those that is uncomfortable with the constant surveillance of a population. Not only is the cost exorbitant; the efforts are often poorly placed. I doubt we ever catch a terrorist by constantly monitoring an area prone to graffiti; let's spend our money more wisely.
Columbus City Schools Re-evaluate Sexual Orientation in Nondiscrimination Policies
Schools in Columbus are currently proposing measures that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Proponents hope that, by adding sexual orientation to the list of race, creed, gender, and other legally recognized discriminators, students will be less susceptible to bullying, and employees will be protected from unfair preference in hiring and firing decisions.
There is currently no provision in Ohio's state law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, so local policies are the only effective way to establish these rules.
Editor's Take: While I generally believe in allowing municipalities as much sovereignty as possible, I think this should be a state law. Perhaps we should first consider overturning the constitutional ban on same-sex marriages in this state, however; that farce, perpetrated by Republicans hoping to swing Ohio for George W. Bush in 2004, is a blemish on our progressive culture and an embarrassment to the state.
Parking Meter Rate Increase Delayed
City officials recently halted a 50-percent price hike on parking meters, a measure that was initially approved less than a month ago by the Division of Mobility Options. The price hike was particularly controversial, in part due to the lack of public input required to approve it. Area business owners worried that it would deprive meter-heavy areas such as the Short North, German Village, and Downtown, of much-needed patronage.
Dan Williamson, a representative for Mayor Mike Coleman, said in a recent phone interview, "There will still be an increase, but we wanted to have sort of an open forum for people and business owners." A working group will be established, and meetings will be held several times a month for concerned citizens and civic groups to weigh in.
What are some of the suggestions being made so far? "It changes in terms other than an across-the-board increase, [such as] extending some of the hours, or putting some meters where there aren't any." While it is almost certain that a price increase or an extension of hours will occur, it will be decided under a more democratic process. Williamson added, "Our goal is to have the best policy."
Editor's Take: No taxation without representation. I have written in these pages before that the only part of the revenues budget projected to increase this year were revenues from fines and fees; 614 has also reported on the income tax hike that was approved by special election in August.
We gave you what you wanted when you had the decency to ask us. Demonstrate your competency by doing more while asking for less. Columbus businesses cannot afford it.
New Condo Receives City Tax Abatement
According to a release, The Jackson on High condominium project received a 100-percent real estate tax abatement for 10 years, by unanimous approval of City Council on December 14. The Jackson is the only existing condominium project in the Short North to receive a full 100 percent abatement. According to the release, The Jackson falls within the newly created CRA (Community Reinvestment Area) named "High and Second Community Reinvestment Area."
The Jackson, which is currently offering condos from $400,000 to $1 million, is located next to Skully's, around Fourth Avenue and High Street. The tax abatement, equal to about 2 percent of the purchase price per year, makes the development more attractive to buyers. For example, a condominium purchased for $300,000 would receive an estimated tax savings of $57,000 over the life of the abatement, or $475 per month.
Editor's Take: Things get squirrely when the real estate market is in such bad shape. The "Coming Soon!" sign at the Ibiza project across the street is starting to fade and tear, dilapidated from too much Exposure . . .
Originally Published: January 1, 2010
