Citywire
By Eric Pacella |
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Strickland sides with slots
If you're tired of driving all the way to Indiana to feed the one-armed bandit, you may not have to wait much longer before slot machines are available right here in Franklin County. In an attempt to generate much-needed tax revenue, Governor Ted Strickland wants to see state-purchased video slots installed in Ohio horseracing tracks, including Scioto Downs and Beulah Park. Strickland plans to ask the state legislature to approve the proposal, citing time constraints as the reason to circumvent the process of putting the issue on the ballot. Strickland, whose gubernatorial stumping included a strong anti-gambling platform, authorized keno machines for bars last year, also without a public vote, asserting that it was an extension of the lottery. Ohio voters have rejected casino issues or slot machines four times, most recently in November 2008. Strickland is using other methods to make up for the revenue shortfall as well, like eliminating over $200 million from the public library fund.
High Street roundabout
Columbus drivers might someday be able to turn left onto High Street from East North Broadway. Anyone who has attempted to get from Interstate 71 to Rag-O-Rama knows how much of a headache such a simple trip can be. A task force led by Clintonville Area Commission member Mike McLaughlin has proposed a roundabout to replace the intersection for the low price of $1 million. The city has already designated $385,000 to install a left-turn lane at the intersection. Officials say roundabouts in Dublin and Hilliard have reduced injury accidents.
Equalized health benefits
Teachers at Columbus City Schools will be able to take advantage of health insurance coverage for same-sex partners beginning next school year. The school board voted unanimously on the issue, which also provides paid leave in the event of a partner's illness, death, or death of a partner's family member. The decision has been criticized for its potential cost to the district and for the exclusion of unmarried heterosexual couples. The school district estimates that fewer than 50 partners will sign up in the first year, at an estimated cost of $211,400.
Anti-terror funding scandal
An independent accounting review of anti-terrorism grants found that the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police racked up almost $3 million in "questionable" payroll spending. This includes more than $860,000 of salary and benefits for OACP director Todd Wurschmidt. Other questionable uses of the funding include non-program-related t-shirts, brochures, and pens, as well as the publication of a book on Ohio's law enforcement history. No record of spending on doughnuts was found. In the meantime, several independent companies hired by the organization to promote the anti-terrorist cause have gone unpaid.
Short North parking
Valet companies in Columbus might be forbidden to use on-street parking if Columbus officials have anything to do with the situation. Parking in the Short North is particularly hard to come by, especially after 6 p.m. when parking at a metered spot is free of charge. The city is also considering a measure forcing restaurants to share their loading zones with on-site valets. Smaller valet companies fear the potential change because of their increased difficulty in covering the cost of off-street parking.
Originally Published: July 1, 2009
