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By Josh Sweigart
| Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 07:30 AM
It may not always be who you think. In this story that ran in our newspaper Sunday, writer Rick McCrabb compares how Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama are ranked by national veterans group.
Of course, veterans are far from in the bag for Obama. Here’s another story from that day on how Butler County veterans’ attitudes are split. It also includes insight from David Spencer and Keith Maupin, both of whom lost sons in the line of duty in Iraq.
Are you a veteran? Which candidate are you supporting?
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Presidential race
By Josh Sweigart
| Monday, October 6, 2008, 05:30 PM
Butler County officials outlined last week how $8.7 million in federal dollars can aid local neighborhoods impacted by the ongoing housing crisis.
The funds are part of the recently passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, which includes $2.4 million for Hamilton, $2.1 million for Middletown, and $4.2 million for the rest of Butler County.
This is good news and bad news, Butler County Community Development Director Donna Everson told county commissioners Thursday, Oct. 2, saying the dollar amount is based on how many homes in the county have experienced or are facing foreclosures.
“It’s based on the fact that we have enough that we’re getting $4.2 million to address it,” Everson said.
Continue reading "Butler County outlines post-foreclosure assistance, laments lack of pre-"...
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County Commission
By Josh Sweigart
| Saturday, October 4, 2008, 07:30 AM
In case you haven’t noticed, there’s a pretty big election going on. For any who haven’t seen it, this is our comprehensive page for all local elections stories.
Some highlights:
Any thoughts on any of these issues or races?
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Presidential race
By Josh Sweigart
| Friday, October 3, 2008, 05:09 PM
Within a week, Butler County will have hosted two notable people to talk about this year’s presidential election.
The first visited New Miami on Wednesday and stumped for Sen. Barack Obama. That was Max Kennedy, the ninth son of Robert F. Kennedy. Here is the story on Kennedy’s visit.
Next Wednesday, Oct. 8, Karl Rove will speak at Miami University about the race. He does not work for Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign, but generally supports his fellow Republican and is arguably one of the most famous political strategists of our time.
The event is sponsored by Miami University College Republicans. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Miami University’s Hall Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at the Shriver Center Box Office (513) 529-3200 for the general public. Tickets are free.
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Presidential race
By Josh Sweigart
| Friday, October 3, 2008, 11:27 AM
This weekend, we will run a story on the race for Butler County Clerk of Court. The candidates are incumbent Republican Cindy Carpenter and Democratic challenger Robert Tunnat.
Tunnat said he’s running on a campaign of change. Change what? He’s not completely sure:
“I’ve never been inside that office, so I don’t know what I’m going to change.”
So what makes him qualified for the job? He said he asked an attorney and all he needed was a high school diploma, which he has.
“As far as actual experience in anything like that, no I’ve never done anything like that before…but I know that there are people that work there now that would be able to help me along and show me the ropes as I go along.”
So why does he think people should vote for him, not his opponent?
“I’m for change, that’s about all I can think of.”
Read our paper this weekend for the full story.
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Crime and courts
By Josh Sweigart
| Friday, October 3, 2008, 09:52 AM
Both the state and the auditor’s political appointment took at least partial credit for Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds’ plan to reappraise property values in 2009.
Here is the story, which includes support for the idea from Shelly Wilson, director of the Ohio Department of Taxation’s tax equalization division. Said she:
“It’s the auditor’s right and the auditor’s duty to value the market at market value.”
Democrat Jack Zettler, who is challenging the Republican incumbent for the seat this year, also took credit for spurring the move. Here’s his comments:
“It’s wonderful to know that someone is listening to what you’re saying in a political contest, even if that someone is your opponent. Finally our interim county auditor has reacted to the numerous statements and articles by our campaign, as well as, the hundreds, if not thousands, of statements by the county homeowners about his unfair property values. Is he really going to get off his duff and do something?
His promise seems to be, ‘I raised your property tax values in 2008 despite the fact that your real property values are decreasing, but trust me, elect me and I’ll correct it next year.’
Right about now, do you hear the words in you head: ‘Sure, taxman Reynolds, I was born, but not yesterday?” Well I do.
Quite frankly his press release would be laughable if not for the fact that so many homeowners are suffering real economic hardships that have been exacerbated by his folly.
Taxman Reynolds when it comes to property valuations, the ‘bucks stops’ at the county auditor’s door. That just the way it is. You are supposed to do it right the first time.”
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County Auditor
By Josh Sweigart
| Friday, October 3, 2008, 09:49 AM
Press release from Butler County Solid Waste District:
The Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District is now accepting applications for its 2009 Recycling Incentive Grant. The District provides funds on a competitive basis to local businesses, schools, non-profit organizations and local governments to support new recycling initiatives or the expansion of existing recycling services.
Since 2000, the District has provided grant funding to diverse organizations in Butler County. Last year, 14 organizations received grant awards worth more than $15,000. The funding has helped subsidize the cost of new recycling containers, recycling services and promotional materials — resulting in increased and sustainable recycling programs throughout the county.
Here is what some of the 2008 recipients did with their grant money:
- Schools—Several area schools purchased recycling containers to support paper recycling programs. Through these programs, the schools generate revenue that helps sustain long-term recycling and school-based environmental activities.
- Businesses—Aeronca Inc. began a newspaper and beverage container recycling program. Candlewood Apartments collaborated with Miami University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences to implement new recycling for apartment dwellers.
- Nonprofits—Hamilton’s Parks and Recreation Department purchased and placed new recycling containers in its parks and golf courses.
Applicants must complete and submit their application online no later than December 12, 2008. To apply, please visit www.butlercountyrecycles.org, click on “recycling,” then “recycle at work,” and then “funding assistance.”
For more information on the grant or other recycling programs, please contact the District at (513) 887-3406.
The Butler County Recycling and Solid Waste District is dedicated to promoting recycling, waste reduction and responsible disposal of all waste from households, commercial businesses, and industry to conform to Ohio EPA regulations.
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