Fixing a Crooked Columbus

The first step to fixing a problem is admitting that there is a problem. Unfortunately, in our case, we have two significant issues:

  1. We (tax-paying Ohioans) got screwed by greedy and power-hungry politicians. I'm sorry for the language. I don't know a better way to describe the fact our government is not working in our best interest. We deserve better.

  2. FirstEnergy poured millions into the campaigns of 21 candidates during the 2018 Ohio House of Representatives election, which ultimately helped Householder become the House Speaker. We uncovered the scandal and arrests made in 2020. NOTHING HAS CHANGED SINCE THE SCANDAL.

Ohio House Republicans finally introduced an ethics reform bill on the eve of the public corruption trial in January 2023. The bill is still sitting in the Ohio House.  

Bottom line: our government lost our trust in 2018 and has yet to do one thing to get it back. At any time during this multi-year period, my opponent could have taken action to propose legislation to help fix this problem. He did NOTHING. Unacceptable.

A bipartisan government with checks and balances is at the heart of fixing this problem. The Republican Party has a monopoly on our government. I don't trust anyone or any political party with total control. I am a lifelong Democrat; I believe in the democratic values of protecting our freedoms and fighting for the working class. But I would not trust the Democratic Party with total control. Power corrupts, and regardless of your political affiliation or the letter next to your name on a ballot, you need to be held accountable for your actions. If one party has total control, no one is held accountable.

Our founding fathers understood, and we're deeply concerned about the relationship between power and corruption.

"If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary." - James Madison.

"The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." Thomas Jefferson.

"Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak, and that it is doing God's service when it is violating all His laws." - John Adams.

"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." - Benjamin Franklin.

George Washington cautioned against the dangers of political parties and factions. In his Farewell Address in 1796, he warned that the spirit of a party could lead to "cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men" who would subvert the power of the people.

The architects of our great country that I love and gave years of my life to protect knew the dangers that have become a reality in Ohio.  

The good news is that this problem has a silver bullet. It will be long and hard-fought, but the start to fixing this problem is to vote for people over political parties. Elect individuals who are not controlled by either political party but vote and propose legislation based on what is best for the men and women who put them in office. Elect representatives that you know serve a purpose greater than themselves.  

Once we start doing that, I can guarantee you we will solve this problem. We will have an Ohio government worthy of our trust and working in our best interest.

Lawmakers who care about you more than themselves will quickly fix this by writing and passing laws that do the following:  

  • Enhance transparency in government operations by making information about public expenditures, contracts, and decision-making processes easily accessible to the public.

  • Implement robust auditing and oversight mechanisms to ensure public funds are used appropriately and government officials are held accountable for their actions.

  • Review and update existing anti-corruption laws to ensure they are comprehensive, enforceable, and provide sufficient penalties for corrupt practices.

  • Consider establishing an independent anti-corruption agency with the authority to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

  • Strengthen whistleblower protection laws to encourage individuals to report instances of corruption without fear of retaliation.

  • Establish secure and confidential channels for whistleblowers to report corruption and provide legal safeguards for those who come forward.

  • Implement ethics training programs for government officials to raise awareness about ethical standards and the consequences of corrupt behavior.

  • Promote a culture of integrity within the public sector through educational initiatives and awareness campaigns.

  • Implement measures to enhance transparency in political financing, including disclosure of campaign contributions and expenditures. END DARK MONEY.

  • Consider reforms to limit money's political influence and prevent conflicts of interest in the electoral process.

  • Encourage the active participation of civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the media in monitoring government activities and exposing corrupt practices.

  • Foster collaboration between government and civil society to develop and implement anti-corruption initiatives.

  • Utilize technology to streamline government processes and reduce opportunities for corruption, such as implementing e-governance systems and online services that minimize human discretion.

  • Explore using blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other technologies to enhance the transparency and traceability of government transactions.

  • Establish and enforce merit-based systems for the recruitment, promotion, and retention of government officials to reduce opportunities for nepotism and patronage.

  • Collaborate with other states, controlled by both political parties, to share best practices, expertise, and information in the fight against corruption.