Vote Kettler

Vote GREEN! for the first time, maybe.

2008-07-24T21:18:00.002-04:00

In a case brought by the Libertarian Party US District Judge Edmund Sargus declared that the Ohio Legislature has done nothing to fix the problems with the unconstitutional way that candidates' political party affiliation is designated on the ballot this November. The ruling allows the Libertarian Party to affix their party's name along with their candidates listed. The judge did not prohibit other political parties' candidates from listing their choice as well. This may be HUGE! For the first time voters may see the word "GREEN" on the ballot with a candidates name. As of now, I am the only Green candidate on the November ballot. The letter below requests the "Green" designation.

Tim

July 24, 2008

Muskingum County Board of Election
205 North Seventh St.
Zanesville, Ohio 43701

Jennifer Brunner
Ohio Secretary of State
180 East Broad St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215

To the Board,

In light of United States District Court Judge Edmund Sargus’ recent ruling re: “party designation on November ballot” I hereby request that my name, Timothy J. Kettler, a qualified candidate in the November 4, 2008 election for Ohio Senate District 20 be listed with the party designation of “Green Party” (Green).

The Green Party is a national, state and locally recognized political party which has run candidates in Ohio, most recently in the 2006 Ohio Gubernatorial election. As a 2006 statewide candidate for Ohio Secretary of State I received over 2% of the official vote (78,075 votes) thereby demonstrating sufficient support among Ohio voters to be listed with the party designation.

Popular support notwithstanding the Hon. Judge Sargus ruled that the Ohio Legislature failed to act to establish party designation guidelines in compliance with constitutional requirements and this request should therefore be granted.

In a letter to the Muskingum County Board of Election, dated February 26, 2008 and submitted with the nominating petition supporting my candidacy I requested the party designation of “other party”. I now request and assert that the correct party designation be “Green Party”(Green). In the event that the Judge, Legislature or Secretary of State issues orders that determine I do not qualify for the “Green Party” designation I do not waive my rights to be listed as “other party” as previously requested.

Respectfully,

Timothy J. Kettler
29674 Township Road 30
Warsaw, Ohio 43844
(740) 824-3828
tmkettler@aol.com

Paid by Kettler for Senate 29674 Twp. Rd. 30 Warsaw, Ohio 43844 Roberta Kettler treasurer

My response to the Sierra Club questionaire

2008-07-15T22:59:00.000-04:00

SIERRA CLUB OHIO STATE CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE – 2008
In order to ensure a timely evaluation of your responses as well as speed the endorsement process, we request that you answer all questions in an electronic format (Microsoft Word documents preferred). Please be sure to number your responses according to the question being answered.
Your responses will be considered privileged and confidential, and will only be seen by Sierra Club volunteers and staff.
Please email your completed questionnaire to: larry.schartman@ohio.sierraclub.org. Please direct any questions to Brandi Whetstone in our Columbus office: 614-461-0734 x311.

Good Governance
Ohio's state government must work to protect all of her residents and not be captive to a few special interests. Ohio has been the subject of a petition to the US EPA because of Ohio’s failures to implement and enforce environmental laws. Ohio also has major challenges in meeting ozone and particulate standards sufficient to protect human health and insuring our rivers meet water quality standards.
1. As a representative of Ohio’s government, will you work to protect Ohioan's health and our ecosystems by aggressively sponsoring and supporting environmental laws which are intended to protect public health?
Yes. As a self-employed small businessman for the past 22 years in the environmental field I am accustomed to and supportive of environmental laws and work well with those public employees working to enforce them. My experience has taught me not only the ecological benefits but also the economic benefits of strong environmental policy.
2. Will you protect the right of Ohio to pass environmental rules, permit regulations and laws that are more stringent than federal environmental standards?
Absolutely. Weakening of environmental regulation at the federal level has serious implications for Ohio’s future and must be resisted at the state level.
3. How will you work to change the culture at Ohio EPA and to insure that Ohio EPA enforces environmental laws?
Experienced leadership from those of us coming from the private sector will be instrumental in combining our common interests. A massive education effort to re-establish our priorities to recognize the challenges we face will be necessary and greatly facilitated by a legislator with my bsckground. OEPA must be guaranteed full enforcement capabilities and physically and financially supported in their mission.

Protecting Ohio’s Natural Heritage
Ohio ranks 47th lowest in the nation for the amount of public land per capita and needs to prioritize purchasing and protecting our natural heritage for future generations. Many of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources programs are intended to increase timbering and mineral extraction while there are few to protect natural resources. Current practices allow logging on state and federal forests of Ohio and highway projects threaten forests by seeking passage through these last remaining vestiges of wildness. Other projects also threaten Ohio’s wild and scenic rivers and water supplies.
For example, growing corn-based ethanol uses large amounts of herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers and the agricultural run-off poisons rivers, lakes and streams. Also, ethanol refineries require large quantities of fresh water – 4 gallons of fresh water input for every gallon of ethanol output – and, with no supply evaluation required in the permitting process, some Ohio communities could face fresh water starvation.
4. Would you support legislation that would require water surveys to be completed prior to permitting any new ethanol refineries?
Yes. As a wastewater professional I recognize the impact short-sighted development may have on our natural resources. It is also useful to mention the increased consumption of fuel required to raise these crops. If we are to successfully implement the increased production and use of alternative fuels we must place much weight on long-term sustainability. I favor increased funding for research and development of butanol rather than ethanol.
5. What initiatives would you undertake to protect Ohio’s natural resources for future generations?
Supporting the Ohio Department of Health’s plan for new rules for Household Sewage Treatment Systems, critical for compliance with the Clean Water Act, strict control of logging in Ohio’s state and national forests and guaranteed protection for Ohio’s old growth forests, Reconsideration of permits for gasification plants such as AMP Ohio’s proposed fossil fuel generation plant in Meigs County and coal mining along the Ohio River. I would work to initiate substantial tax credits for consumer’s using on-site renewable energy technology. Explore funding for ODNR through bottle deposit laws, earmarked funds and certain limited user fees, among other methods.

6. Will you oppose legislation to allow increased logging and drilling on lands controlled by ODNR?
Yes
7. Will you initiate/support legislation that encourages protections for forested lands while allocating funding for future land acquisitions that will act to increase forest resources for the future of Ohio?
Yes, but with insistence that “forest resources” are to benefit the general public and not solely private industry.
8. Would you support the withholding of highway funds for new or expanded projects that endanger Ohio’s designated state and national wild and scenic rivers?
Yes, to be considered on an individual basis, however economic development must learn to co-exist in a manner that guarantees protection for these irreplaceable public waterways. It is my perspective that protection of “our” wild and scenic rivers trumps the interests of corporations and special interests.

Healthy Ohio Cities
Ohio's cities are threatened from without by sprawl and from within by crumbling infrastructure. Many of Ohio’s 21st century cities have 19th century sewer systems that cannot support the growth that suburban development places on them. This results in untreated sewage in our rivers and streams. Ohio’s forest, farmland and green spaces are being destroyed by sprawl, while urban areas are losing housing, jobs and population to the sprawling exurbs.
9. How will you help to reverse these trends as a state legislator?
First we must secure funding. Considering that we are competing with a growing number of needs for finite resources we must consider how to redirect current financial resources and find new ones. Combined sewer systems (sanitary and storm sewers in one trunk line) are a current crisis and must be corrected. I do not favor privatizing our infrastructure services to raise capital for other needs. I do however favor prioritizing certain needs, infrastructure being one of them, and making funding decisions accordingly.
10. What programs will you promote to encourage cities to re-invest in our urban centers and in current infrastructures, rather than building new development outside our towns and cities?
First and foremost would be accelerated development of public transportation. Harsh economic realities, illustrated by runaway fuel prices will require rebirth of cities to minimize travel while creating more local and regional economies Greenovating inner-city neighborhoods will not only offer affordable housing and aesthetic social, economic and culture centers but can offer new opportunities in economic development serving the construction and infrastructure institutions.
11. Do you support measures to help Ohio’s cities eliminate sewer overflows into homes and rivers and clean up Ohio’s waterways so we reach or exceed clean water standards?
Yes. Although great strides have been made in creating regional sewer districts that eliminate many storm-surge problems, and the Ohio Dept. of Health is re-drafting new Household Sewage Treatment System rules to improving receiving waters’ quality, continued improvement will require commitment in the face of tough funding decisions, once again a question of priorities and political will.

Smart Transportation and Energy Choices for a Safe and Secure Ohio
Energy and transportation costs make up a large component of most Ohio family's expenses and with oil and natural gas supplies depleting these costs will only increase, leaving Ohioans poorer in the process. Giving Ohioans transportation and energy choices will afford them needed financial security here at home and reduce our energy dependence from abroad. The outputs from energy production and transportation are also Ohio’s major source of pollution. Reducing these pollutants by implementing efficient energy and transportation programs will leave Ohioans safer and healthier.
Energy efficiency is the quickest, easiest, cleanest, and most secure way to meet our energy needs. It is also our cheapest energy option. Energy efficiency programs also create local jobs. It is estimated that 21.5 jobs are created for every $1 million invested in energy efficiency.
12. Do you support annual 2% natural gas and electric efficiency saving standards based on cost-effectiveness tests that ensure the programs save money?
Most consumers, when they have access to reliable information support conservation efforts and are willing to make the necessary commitments. I see the proof of it every day in my business. However, we must confront the “notion” that the science is still out on the subject in order to make real progress. I would enthusiastically support the necessary research to develop and disseminate the defining information and institute policy.
Co-generation (Co-Gen) or Combined Heat and Power is the process where waste heat produced in existing industrial processes is captured and put to productive uses. It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of Ohio’s electric needs can be met using Co-Gen and at 1/3 the cost of building new coal-fired power plants. Ohio is far behind other Midwestern states in developing Co-Gen and changes in Ohio law are necessary.

13. Do you support holding hearings on changing Ohio law to increase the development and use of Co-Gen?
Co-Gen is useful in moving toward a sustainable power gen system. It can be developed rather quickly given that a good deal of the generation and transmission components are already in place. I would caution however that marketing tends to “sell” these types of improvements, and they are substantial improvements, as some sort of panacea for our problems. While employing systems such as go-gen we must remain focused on long-term sustainability that eventually makes fossil-fueled power generation a distant secondary system. I would certainly support efforts to increase development and use.

Reducing residential and commercial building energy use can save Ohioans money and slow the process of global warming. In fact, “zero energy” buildings are feasible by 2030 according to the American Institute of Architects. While encouraging the design, development, and production of these energy saving structures will be complex there is cause for hope but more must be done.
14. Would you support holding hearings and investigations to determine what must be done to promote building more energy saving structures in Ohio?
Yes. There is more at stake than only environmental concern but also greatly needed economic opportunity.

The Ohio Hub proposed by the Ohio Rail Development Commission is a high speed train system which would serve at least four inter-city travel corridors. The Ohio Hub will reduce pollution and create jobs. Preliminary analysis shows that the Ohio Hub could create as much as 6,600 construction jobs, 6,000 indirect jobs and 1,500 permanent rail operating jobs.
15. Do you support the Ohio Hub?
Yes! Development of public transportation is a top priority and will have far-ranging benefits from mere economical travel to efficient delivery of health care services. Sustainable solutions, my friends!

In a typical urban area at least half of the hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide pollutants come from mobile sources, such as cars, planes and trucks. Several regions (e.g. four Southwest Ohio counties) cannot meet the U.S. EPA’s new stricter standards for ozone. Public transit works to reduce the amount of toxic air pollution by reducing commuter traffic.
16. How do you see yourself increasing public transit and freight rail in light of the increases in fuel costs and toxics and air pollution from existing auto and truck based transportation and do you support investing state dollars in public transportation projects in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Dayton?

In my business (wastewater services) I use heavy trucks and travel in high mileage situations. I am part of the problem we face, making competing interests find common ground. Dedicating capital expenditure to improve efficiency is laudable and fairly easy given the current economic environment. I believe however that we all will have to give great consideration to the development of more local and regional economies, that is staying closer to home as a new business model. Some essential commercial travel will always be necessary and unavoidable, so we must develop the bulk of our transportation services with every day travel in mind, serving the public on a broad, perhaps unlimited basis. A trip on the I-71 or the I-70 corridor will certainly convince oneself of the need to invest public transportation dollars along that route. I would also mention the quality of life aspect involved in more hours spent daily in traffic in long commutes readily alleviated by fast, efficient rail travel.
Hike/bike trails provide both recreational opportunities, support environmentally sound economic development and offer an alternative to cars for short trips.

17. How would you support the extension of Ohio’s hike/bike networks?

With many new trails being built in many locales, urban, suburban and rural I am conflicted on this issue. I do have concern that trails being built on established or newly abandoned rail right-of-ways may limit development of light rail opportunities. I fully support trail development with this consideration in mind.

Ohio’s Endangered Treasure – Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the most biologically productive of the Great Lakes and her tourism alone brought in $7.4 billion dollars to the state economy. As in the 50's and 60's Lake Erie is once again suffering: dead zones resulting from phosphorus and nitrate pollution, unsafe mercury levels in fish, massive fish kills at power plant intakes, destruction of native species by invasive ones and over development of shorelines. Lake Erie can best be defended with common sense regulation and lobbing important stakeholders – specifically: The International Joint Commission, The Great Lakes Council of Governors, The Great Lakes Regional Collaborative, The Ohio Congressional Delegation, and The Ohio Legislature.
18. Will you support the implementation of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact and will you work to provide state funding in support of Great Lakes Restoration Agreement?
Yes. I view the Lake as infrastructure, not for sale and deserving of proper maintenance. As a Cleveland native and someone who travels there regularly on business I am very conscious of Lake Erie’s traditional importance, economically, ecologically, socially and aesthetically.
19. Will you support an agreement to end open lake dumping of dredge materials?
As a wastewater professional I find this practice abhorrent and entirely unnecessary.
20. Will you call for more stringent rules and regulations to reduce fish kills caused by power plant intakes, including mandating cooling towers?
One of the problems I have with coal-fired power plants is that they are almost always located on our public waterways! One way to reduce fish kills would be to reduce the number of power plants. Yes, I would support these types of regulations.
21. Will you support a permanent ban on oil and gas drilling in or on Lake Erie?
Yes, unequivocally.

Environmental LeadershipThe Sierra Club is America’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. It works to elect candidates who will lead the fight in protecting our communities and natural surroundings. Candidates supported by the Sierra Club include those who champion legislation that protects our clean air, clean water, and special wild places; speak out against environmentally destructive measures; lobby colleagues around important environmental bills and amendments; are active on an environmental committee; or otherwise work to protect America’s natural heritage.
22. What has been your greatest environmental achievement?

As a self-employed small businessman I have worked in the wastewater industry for the past 22+ years. I have not only educated myself and raised my own awareness, but I have been afforded the opportunity of educating the public and helping them to make decisions based on sound, sustainable ecological principle. I have found common ground on which to build trust relationships that we might work together to promote a healthy, sustainable, high quality future for ourselves, our children and all that follow after. Often times economic considerations factor into our consumer decisions, I feel my success has been in partnering with my customers to make the right decisions because we want to, not solely because we must.

Lobbyists Hack Your Elections

2008-07-13T22:30:00.001-04:00

Some background on our work!
Mon Jul 7, 3:01 AM ET
The Ohio Election Justice Campaign announced today that e-mail between Ohio lobbyist and Ohio election officials suggests that convicted felon Bob Ney connived with Ohio election officials to promote the agenda of lobbyists. E-mail disclosed pursuant to public records request by the Ohio Election Justice Campaign, which calls for an investigation into influence peddling in Ohio's elections.

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) July 7, 2008 -- An e-mail between a lobbyist for the Ohio Association of Election Officials (OAEO) and county election officials suggests that convicted felon Bob Ney connived with election officials to promote the agenda of lobbyists, the Ohio Election Justice Campaign (OEJC) announced today. The OEJC calls for an investigation into influence peddling in Ohio's elections.
The e-mail was sent by Aaron Ockerman of State Street Consultants, a registered lobbyist for the Ohio Association of Election Officials (OAEO), a corporation that promotes the business interests of Ohio election officials. He was a registered lobbyist for Election Systems & Software, ES&S, (ESS) in 2003.
Neil S. Clark and Paul Tipps, founders of State Street Consultants, were registered lobbyists for ES&S, 2002-04, and for Diebold (DBD), 2004 and 2005. Diebold rebranded itself as Premier Election Systems in 2007.
The subject of the e-mail was OAEO's response to the recommendations of the Ohio Legislative Ballot Security Committee, then studying the security of the electronic voting machines.
Attached to the e-mail was a letter from the leadership of the OAEO: Michael Sciortino, Director of Mahoning County Elections, located in Youngstown, Ohio in Northeast Ohio, and President of OAEO in 2004; and Keith Cunningham, Director of Allen County Elections, located in Lima, Ohio in Northwest Ohio and First Vice-President of OAEO in 2004.
The OAEO leadership sent this letter to the most powerful members of the Ohio Legislature, Speaker of the House Larry Householder (R) and Senate President Doug White (R).
In this letter, the OAEO leadership write: "Congressman Bob Ney, the primary sponsor of the Help America Vote Act and former member of the Ohio General Assembly, has expressed to us his apprehensions with the committee's recommendations. The OAEO shares many of those same concerns. We ask you to quickly, but deliberately, remove the doubts developed unintentionally by the Ballot Security Committee..."
The e-mail containing this letter, which was circulated by lobbyist Ockerman to the majority of election officials at the county level, also includes articles written across the state to support the position of the OAEO. Many are editorials with no author name: Cincinnati Enquirer, Mansfield News Journal, Toledo Blade, and Akron Beacon Journal.
Representative Bob Ney (R-OH) pled guilty to a conspiracy to commit multiple offenses, including honest services fraud, making false statements, and making false statements to the U.S. House of Representatives. Case No. 07-027, http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/January/07_crm_027.html.
Ney admitted that he engaged in a conspiracy where "he corruptly solicited and accepted a stream of things of value from Abramoff, Abramoff's lobbyists, and a foreign businessman, in exchange for agreeing to take and taking official action to benefit Abramoff, his clients, and the foreign businessman." The conspiracy began in "approximately 2000" and continued "through April 2004."
The above e-mail was sent by lobbyist Ockerman on April 13, 2004.
This e-mail was obtained pursuant to a public records request regarding the attempted legal block of the vote recount in Delaware County following the contested 2004 presidential election in Ohio.
At the time it was obtained, according to Paddy Shaffer, Director, OEJC, Delaware County election officials Janet Brenneman (director) and Kim Spangler (deputy director) expressed dismay at her request. When asked why, she was told it was because "these records had already been requested by someone else," suggesting that a parallel investigation was being conducted.
See http://www.bradblog.com/?p=4960 for the Dan Rather report on touch screen voting and calls for a full congressional hearing on the possibility of commercial fraud by the voting machine companies. For background information, see Lobbyists Hack Your Elections: The OEJC Calls for Voting Systems Recall, Return, and Refund (Part I), http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/11/prweb571204.htm.
Ohio Election Justice Campaign Website: http://www.electiondefensealliance.org/OEJC

Are Ohio Voters Jus' a Bunch of Dumb Hayseeds?

2008-07-12T22:11:00.002-04:00

From My Colleague at the Ohio Election Justice Campaign, Paddy Shaffer.

Fri Jul 4, 3:01 AM ET
Recent research by Ohio Election Justice Campaign reveals over 800 pages of documents on destruction of 2004 ballots in violation of court order not submitted to the court, contrary to quoted comments in minutes of meeting of Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner with numerous election officials and voting rights leaders. These records are evidence in a federal lawsuit. OEJC calls upon all patriots to commemorate our great nation's independence from King George's tyranny, including his denial of elections, to demand election justice in Ohio and across the nation.

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) July 4, 2008 -- The Ohio Election Justice Campaign announced today that its research revealed that no records from the destruction of the 2004 ballots had been submitted to the federal court with jurisdiction over the matter. (King Lincoln, et al. v. Blackwell, et al.,) Case 2:06-cv-00745, U.S. District Court, S.D. Ohio.) http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/electionlaw/litigation/klbna.php
A recent review of court records revealed that the over 800 pages documenting the destruction of the ballots in violation of federal court order were not in the possession of the court.
Over 56 of Ohio's 88 counties destroyed election records.
On July 3, the following letter was sent in response to this startling discovery:
Dear Secretary Brunner,
I am writing to bring a serious issue to your attention.
According to the Voting Rights Institute meeting minutes from August 21, 2007, your understanding was that every county sent an inventory and a letter of explanation to Columbus with the ballots and that "this information was all turned over to Judge Marbley. We have had no updates from his court as of today." Page 6, Voting Rights Institute, Advisory Council Meeting, August 21, 2007, Shaker Heights, Ohio; http://www.sos.state.oh.us/vri.aspx.
Our research has revealed that these records have not been filed with the Court, although almost a year has passed.
In addition, 15 counties have yet to submit letters of explanation.
Please bring this issue to the attention of your staff charged with this responsibility or to the Ohio Attorney General as soon as possible.
I know that many members of Ohio's voting rights leadership, including representatives from the League of Women Voters, the NAACP, People for the American Way, and Citizens' Alliance for Secure Elections, as well as members of the group I direct, not to mention numerous election officials, serve on the Voting Rights Institute Advisory Council.
They and many others were under the impression that the Court had possession of these critical documents and were waiting for the Court to do something.
Are Ohio voters dumb hayseeds or have they trusted unwisely?
Sincerely,
Paddy Shaffer, Director Ohio Election Justice Campaign
The OEJC declares a renewed need for voter independence today, July 4, and in commemoration of this national holiday, and the republic and democracy it represents, calls upon all patriots to demand election justice in Ohio and across the nation.

Ohio Election Officials May Face Criminal Charges

2008-07-11T00:16:00.001-04:00

Ohio Election Officials May Face Criminal Charges: Ohio Election Justice Campaign Files in Federal Court
Columbus, Ohio, PRWEB, July 11 -- Eight members of the Ohio Election Justice Campaign filed papers on Thursday in United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, asking Hon. Judge Algenon Marbley to begin criminal contempt proceedings for the destruction of ballots from the November 2004 election.

The Ohio Election Justice Campaign (OEJC) submitted over 1000 pages of supporting documents.

In the case before Judge Marbley, Ki Civ. No. C2 06 745 (S.D. Ohio), the judge had issued specific orders directing Ohio's 88 county boards of election to preserve all ballots from the election until a decision was rendered in the case.

At least 56 county boards assert they have destroyed some ballots from 2004; seven counties assert they have destroyed all ballots.

This citizen-initiated action is pro se litigation in which the plaintiffs act as their own attorneys.

The papers in front of Judge Marbley also ask him to impanel a Special Grand Jury to investigate the destruction of ballots. A Special Grand Jury, as a collection of citizens authorized to hear the evidence, is uniquely suited to sorting out the degrees of culpability associated with the destruction of the ballots. It is also authorized by statute to issue a public report, which can then be circulated to the employer of appointed public officials.

Paddy Shaffer, director, OEJC, said, "The time for accountability is now, prior to the November election of our next president. Many counties allegedly destroyed ballots before the election was even certified. Why would we trust these people with the upcoming elections?”

Mark Brown, a plaintiff in the suit and a candidate for public office in 2004, said, "Justice delayed is justice denied is injustice repeated."

The Ohio Election Justice Campaign was formed by concerned citizens, many of whom participated in the 2004 election as observers, election protection workers, poll workers, and election investigators as well as organizers and witnesses in Ohio's 2004 Presidential Vote Recount.

Plaintiff Tim Kettler, currently a Green Party candidate for Ohio Senate District 20, ran for Ohio Secretary of State in 2006. Kettler believes the only way to stop this type of criminal behavior and incompetence is through citizen action: "Whether we challenge these offenses in court or run for public office, we must replace those who would show such contempt for the law."
Contacts:

Paddy Shaffer
paddy@columbus.rr.com
(614) 761-0621

Tim Kettler
tmkettler@aol.com
(740) 502-6453

For more information visit www.electiondefensealliance.org/OEJC

Now For Something Not So Entirely Different

2008-06-21T10:58:00.002-04:00

First a note on the Ohio Education Association endorsement. The committee has voted by a margin of 9 votes to 6 to endorse the Repulican Jimmy Stewart. Aparently they felt it was in their best interests to buddy up to their supposed winner rather than support a candidate who supports real education reform and organized labor. I am rather used to the perculiar propensity voters have for voting against their own self interests so.... no new news there.

And Now for Something Not So Entirely Different!

For the sake of this discussion let’s just assume that we are all rational thinking citizens who have witnessed the most destructive succession of events in our country in perhaps, our lifetimes. We have seen the illegal invasion and occupation of a foreign nation under false pretenses depleting our national treasure and more importantly causing the countless loss of innocent life and security. In the prosecution of that invasion and occupation we have willingly (as a nation) given up our civil liberties, our daily lives that we were so urged to continue in the face of terrorist attack. We have been subjected to the sacking of our economy for the benefit of multi-national corporations and the degradation of human rights on behalf of a for-profit health care system that makes decisions on patient care in line with the bottom line. Our legislators have continued to kow-tow to the fossil fuel industry in the face of record fuel prices, an industry that continually reports record quarterly profits and works daily to quash a waiting green economy. Our workforce has seen the ever-nearing end of organized labor, our country’s last line of defense for workers’ rights and the self-determination of dignity. Our leaders have fueled the expansion of religious extremism that mirrors the foreign religious extremism our leaders rail against, the same religious extremism that would usurp the constitution and deprive a woman of her rights. And all the while we continue to wallow in the farce of an elections system that discourages participation and is owned by private corporations amid a growing procession of elected officials on their way to prison.

But wait, there’s hope! In an unprecedented voter turnout the Democrats were swept into congressional office and poised to retake the White House. As we all knew they would move quickly to force an end to the war and had a plan to respond to our concerns. Oopps!!!

In recent days the Democrat-led Congress has once again voted to continue funding of the occupation of Iraq in direct conflict of their campaign promise. They have capitulated on FISA, extending immunity to lawbreakers in an assault on our civil liberties. Senator Obama has backed out of public financing for elections, instead choosing to accept millions of dollars in corporate-interest money from the Democrat Party under the guise of a populist funded campaign. Weak of will but strong on political correctness he has been dragged in a tit-for-tat demonstration of who is more religious when religion in government is not an issue for campaigns. And in the face of our greatest economic challenge the end of the oil economy, our leaders are teetering on the brink of consenting to the eminent domain seizure of OUR public lands to drill oil for the enrichment of their friends in the industry. All of this and not a passing word of acknowledgement of their capitulation in the stealing of the last two presidential elections, in the name of protecting the process, to be sure!

But honestly there is hope. It will require us to join together to challenge these people and their policies at every turn. No more can we expect them to someday represent the interests of working men and women, the poor and working poor when they are so insulated from our daily lives that they may hold themselves above accountability at our expense.

I ask you to support my campaign for Ohio Senate District 20 as one to bring about new leadership that will stand up to the challenges we face. As a committed peace activist I will immediately begin efforts to recall the Ohio National Guard. As a small businessman and concerned family member I will continue to seek the passage of the Health Care for All Ohioans Act. As someone who has been in business for twenty-two years in the environmental field but more importantly as someone who cherishes our public ownership of our pristine lands, who has experienced the elevation of quality of life through my family’s personal use I am committed to protecting and preserving that which is under OUR stewardship for future generations, our public lands, forests and waterways. If we are to retain those qualities, tools and strengths that have built our state, built our country, then we must resist the politics of fear and never capitulate or comprise our civil rights.

It is time to put some action behind our words and that will take your volunteerism and financial support. There is public money available to Ohio statewide candidates, but you and only you can designate its use. Contribute now and receive up to a $50 Ohio income tax credit and show your support for truly public-funded campaigns.

My response to the Ohio Education Assn.

2008-06-12T20:51:00.002-04:00

Today I was interviewed by the candidate screening committee of the Ohio Education Assn. The OEA represents teachers in the 20th District. I was also allowed two minutes for both opening and closing statements. The interview lasted approximately 30 minutes. These are my respones to the questionaire.:

Key educational issues
1. Describe what you consider to be the three most important issues facing-Ohio's public schools and explain why you chose those three issue
*Funding All funding formulas must satisfy the Supreme Court’s demand to provide adequacy and equal opportunity and be approached with a broad perspective to include consideration of diminishing finite financial resources as well as the cost of post-secondary education for prospective teachers. This will require a general and sweeping re-establishment of priorities.
*Privatization Any conversion of operating funds to profits typically decreases the amount of services delivered. Historically, Ohio’s public schools have served us well with adequate funding and citizen support. Private contracting may suit some needs but only with rigorous oversight.
*Labor Relations Collective bargaining helps teaching professionals resist the economic pressures of the labor market and establish long-term relationships in their districts. A cooperative agreement between labor and administration promotes the common mission to provide the highest quality education for every student.
School Funding
2. What recommendations would you offer to improve school funding and decrease the reliance on local property taxes to fund public education?
*I fully support the provisions of the Education Amendment to define the cost of a quality education, commit adequate state resources, set local property tax ceilings and fund necessary safety and security partners.
3. Ohio's tax law does not allow school districts to collect on increases in property valuation because of the state's tax reduction factors (HB920). Would you support legislation or an amendment to the Ohio constitution to give school district voters the authority to repeal or modify the tax reduction factors?
*Yes. Promoting and allowing voter/citizen involvement in school issues is desirable.
4. What would you do to improve higher education funding and increase access to and completion of higher education funding in Ohio?
* 1) Implement or Extend tuition freeze at state universities. 2) We must lead with the message of education as a top priority in order to build public/political support for redistribution of funds from other areas and generation of new revenues (taxes) dedicated to higher education, current economic pressures notwithstanding.
5. Do you believe that the Ohio General Assembly has imposed unfunded mandates on local school districts? If so, how would you address the problem? *Certainly the federal government has through NCLB requiring more staff and resources for compliance. Since the State of Ohio did not effectively rebut the program’s requirements they could be perceived as levying an unfunded mandate. Any provisions to reject unfunded mandates in any branch of government should also be applied to education, perhaps even more stringently.
Retirement Systems
6. Would you support a plan that would require employers and/or employees to increase their contributions to the state retirement systems to cover post-retirement health care?
*Maybe. I support the Health Care for All Ohioans Act which would satisfy this need.

7. Do you believe that the General Assembly should take action to restrict pension system investments in order to advance public policy goals?
* I see pension funds as trust funds earmarked for that specific purpose. Funds, properly invested are intended to increase the security of the beneficiaries. Advancing public policy, however noble does not seem to be in line with that purpose.
Collective Bargaining and Employee Rights
8. Do you support collective bargaining rights for public education employees under ORC section 4117?
*Yes, I support collective bargaining for all employees regardless of career path. Successful collective bargaining contributes to a sense of community vital to public education.

9. Do you support allowing local school districts to subcontract with private groups to provide educational or educational support services? Why or why not?
* When the role of public education is recognized and secure, private contracting of specific services may be done successfully. It must however be under strict oversight, be financially beneficial to the school district and not compete with the fundamental role of public education.

10. Would you sponsor or support legislation to repeal statutory provisions allowing school districts to privatize school busing services? Why or why not?
*Don’t know. Volatile fuel prices currently make any predictions about transportation costs impossible. I tend to support district operation of school busing due to the important role of “bus driver”, especially in rural districts. Security/safety issues may best be served by in-house operations as well.

11. Do you support the rights of teachers to evaluation and due process prior to the termination or non-renewal of a teaching contract? *Yes, unconditionally.

12. In your opinion what is a fair state minimum teacher's salary?

* I don’t feel it appropriate for me to assess the monetary value of a teacher’s work. Recognizing that geographical location may affect cost of living there may be some variance. Generally speaking a teacher’s salary should reflect the education and training needed, as well as continuing study and personal commitment and the community’s need to retain effective teachers. I personally don’t know any teachers who I would judge to be overpaid.

13. What elements do you believe should be included in the evaluations of teachers and other education professionals? Do you believe that student standardized test scores should be a factor in teacher evaluation and/or compensation?

* Performance based evaluations are present in most workplaces. As a self-employed small businessman my evaluations are reflected by our long-term relationships with our customers and our ability to generate profit. As a parent of a school-aged child my view would include many considerations, standardized test scores would not be one. Any evaluation should be developed locally to reflect the particular conditions and needs of a school or district.

Vouchers and Charter Schools
14. Do you support the use of public tax dollars to support vouchers, for-profit charter schools or tuition tax credits to parents who send their children to private schools or home schooling them? Why or why not?
* Funding our public schools requires a dedicated pool of resources. Public tax dollars should not leave the system. Opting out is a personal choice and must not impact our ability to fund an adequate and equal education for all Ohio students.
15. What legislation would you propose to improve the financial and academic accountability of charter schools? Do you support shutting down persistently failing and/or unauditable charter schools?
* I would support legislation that would promote consistency of standards comparable to public schools within the same district and establish strict fiscal and administrative oversight. Control over such schools should fall to the local board of education and should not adversely impact the public schools in the district. Obviously charter schools that cannot be audited or persistently fail should be subject to due process.
Additional issues
16. School safety is a major concern for students, parents and educational employees. What proposals would you offer to assure safety in educational settings such as K-12 institutions, MR/DD's, youth correctional facilities and other academic institutions?
*The proposed Education Amendment recognizes and provides funding for these needs, that’s the first step. With these additional resources available consultations among the involved parties, students, parents, employees and safety and security personnel should develop a somewhat standardized, comprehensive “emergency school guideline” for implementation.

17. Numerous studies show that smaller class sizes can improve students' academic performance. Would you support efforts to aid school districts in reducing class size? What policy initiatives would you support to help address closing achievement gaps in Ohio?

*Adequate funding would be most effective in reducing class size, something everyone agrees on. As a father of a child with ADHD and anxiety disorder I have had a first hand look at the challenges a diverse student body faces. Policy initiatives such as Universal Design for Learning would greatly aid this need.

18. How can policymakers help to improve parental involvement in Ohio's public schools?
*The lack of general involvement in community and political structures is growing rapidly.
The message we carry must place education as a priority and stress acceptance of personal and community responsibility for success. The electoral process is unfortunately exclusive rather than inclusive and that must be changed.

19. What do you think will be the major issue(s) in your campaign?
*Health care.
It is my perspective from personal experience as well as from conversations with voters that health care is a major concern. In order to create jobs we must solve this crisis. To keep struggling local governments and school districts afloat we must solve this crisis. To provide immediate stop-gap help for the 1.5 million uninsured and the 1.5 million underinsured Ohioans we must solve this crisis. I support the Health Care for All Ohioans Act. I have served on the state council of the non-profit SPAN Ohio writing and supporting this legislation since 2004. The HCFAOA is fully-funded and extends full comprehensive health care to every Ohio resident and worker without exemption. I urge the OEA to join in this effort.

From the Buckeye Blog

2008-06-10T20:01:00.002-04:00

Sen-20: Strickland Endorses Shriver
Submitted by dpotts on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 9:27am.
Rick Shriver, the Democratic candidate for the 20th Senate District, has been formally endorsed by Governor Ted Strickland.
“Rick Shriver’s commitment to public service and extensive work in education make him the most experienced and qualified candidate to represent the 20th Senate District.” -- Gov. Ted StricklandWhile this isn’t a surprise, it’s good to see Strickland is getting involved.
I am especially proud to receive this endorsement. We are grateful for the Governor for all his good work in Southeastern Ohio, and I am looking forward to the chance to work with him and his leadership team in continuing to "Turn Around Ohio." -- Rick ShriverI had the chance to meet Rick a few weeks ago, and I was impressed. As a constituent of the 20th district I’d be thrilled to see this guy get elected. The 20th district is currently held by Joy Padgett, who is leaving the Senate after this term to deal with her financial scandals. Shriver will go up against Jimmy Stewart in November.

My Comments:
More of the same is the best they can do!
Submitted by Tim on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 7:51pm.
If the moniker of "pamphleteers of the revolution" is to be believed then it is time to quit supporting the corporate candidates and policies of the past, the same candidates, elected officials and policies that got us where we now find ourselves. Don't look to the Democrats for real leadership unless your vision of the future includes more capital punishment, a continuation of the illegal occupation of Iraq, increasingly obscene profits for the health care industry at the expense of working men and women, the poor and the working poor, collusion with the coal industry and power generators under the guise of "protecting jobs" and the same servitude to corporate and special interests that have left Lady Democracy in peril. On November 3, 2004 John Kerry left Ohio, declaring defeat and abandoning his supporters after raising millions promising to "count every vote" As one of the statewide organizers of the Green Party's 2004 Presidential vote recount I know that capitulation is not an option. As a self-employed small businessman I know that the for-profit health care industry is nothing more than a parasite on working family's backs, and as a committed peace activist I am positive that the illegal occupation of Iraq will not end unless state legislatures take on the challenge of ending it. If you prefer the status quo then Governor Strickland and his team are your kinda folks. However, if you want to take back your government, accept responsibility for that which your government does in your name, empower working families and those most vulnerable and least heard, the poor and the working poor then it is time to "think outside the box",gather some courage, take that leap of faith and VOTE GREEN!
Tim Kettler, Green Party Candidate Ohio Senate District 20 http://www.votekettler.com

Answers to Organized labor

2008-05-17T10:37:00.002-04:00

These are my answers to questions from the candidate screening cmte. of the Ohio Civil Service Employees Assn. District 5. We had a substantive discussion in conjunction with this questionaire.

OCSEA/AFSCME LOCAL 11
2006 GENERAL ELECTION QUESTIONNAIRE
Prepared for the
128TH OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Dear General Assembly Candidate,

The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association (OCSEA), an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), represents approximately 36,000 public employees across Ohio. Majorities of our members are employed by the state and are located in virtually every state agency and every county. OCSEA/AFSCME operates a legislative and political action program separate from other AFSCME affiliates in Ohio, and is not affiliated with other AFSCME locals for the purposes of endorsement. The AFSCME family does share many common interests and although our questionnaires may be ]
committee recommendations are considered by the OCSEA Statewide District Grassroots Committee. Final endorsements, in most cases, will be made on June 20, 2008. Notification will follow soon after that date if a candidate is endorsed.

OCSEA issues endorsements on the basis of candidates’ positions on workplace issues of importance to OCSEA/AFSCME members. These positions are determined by a candidate’s voting record (if one exists), any other record of statements on issues (including this questionnaire) and personal interviews. Endorsements are not based on political party affiliations. All candidates are invited and encouraged to meet with their local OCSEA members and seek our endorsement. District screenings will be held between April 7 and May 31, 2008, and candidates will be contacted by one of our local staff representatives.

The questionnaire should be returned to OCSEA/AFSCME Local 11, 390 Worthington Rd., Westerville, Ohio 43082, Attn: Sharon Reese no later than April 1, 2008. Questionnaires may also be returned via fax to Sharon at 614/865-4777. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon at 614/865-2646.

Sincerely,

Kim Fellinger
Governmental Affairs Director

OCSEA/AFSCME LOCAL 11 QUESTIONNAIRE – GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Name: Timothy J. Kettler

Address: 29674 Township Road 30, Warsaw, Ohio 43844

Telephone Office: (740) 824-4748 Fax: ________________ Cell: (740) 502-6453

Email:tim@votekettler.com,kettler-media@hughes.net WebSitehttp://www.votekettler.com

House District # _________ Senate District # 20 Incumbent: Yes ______ No X

Campaign Committee: Kettler for Senate

Campaign Committee Address: PO Box 343, Warsaw, Ohio 43844
List all elective offices previously held and period held:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

List any union membership and offices held and dates held:

Retail Clerks International Ass’n. 1968; IBEW 1970

OCSEA represents employees in every state agency (ie. ODOT, ODNR). Have you had an opportunity to visit a state prison, developmental center or other job site? If so, which facility did you visit? ____________________NO_______________________________________________

Do you have an interest in a particular area of state government? If so, please elaborate.
Elections… I was a 2006 candidate for Ohio Secretary of State. Environmental
Policy … I am a self-employed small businessman in the environmental field. The prospect of substantial job creation for tradesman in this field must be encouraged.

The State of Ohio is facing difficult economic times. OCSEA believes that there is a need for adequate permanent revenue in order to preserve vital state services, as well as provide a stable economic base for the state for future years. Please indicate which methods you would use to address a budget shortfall.
_____ Budget cuts
_____ Tap the Rainy Day Fund
_____ New Revenue
_____ Other (please indicate below)
___X All of the above
Ending state giveaways and tax abatements to corporations, particularly those that weaken the security of Ohio’s working men and women, the poor and the working poor are the types of budget cuts I would support. I consider state services to be part of our infrastructure and would focus on efficiency not across- the-board job elimination. I oppose using the money from the tobacco settlement for economic stimulus and would insist that it be used strictly for the original intent, cessation programs, treatment and healthcare. The rainy day fund would be a much more suitable asset for stimulus purposes. Given that the majority of recent tax reductions, both currently and those considered for future implementation have benefited upper income individuals and corporations any new revenue sources must not come on the backs of middle income
wage-earners, the poor and working poor. All other sources of revenue must be explored and should be incentive-based rather than punitive.

Ohio’s public employees have the right to bargain collectively under legislation
that was enacted in 1983. OCSEA strongly supports this right and believes that public employees and employers must bargain over all matters pertaining to wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

____X___ I agree with and will support the OCSEA position.

________ I disagree with the OCSEA position.
Additional Comment
The concept and practice of collective bargaining is vital to our economy and strength of our workforce. Public employees are guaranteed under law to the exercise of this right. The role of public employees is further enhanced by their delivery of services to all Ohioans. It is in the public interest that this sector of the workforce remains capable and vibrant. I would oppose all legislation such as Ohio SB 264 which contained provisions since removed barring teachers from collective bargaining and forcing them into binding arbitration.

Since its enactment, the Ohio public employee collective bargaining law has proven to work effectively. OCSEA strongly supports the law as it is written; however, legislative initiatives arise occasionally that would weaken or attempt to override the provisions of the collective bargaining law. Would you support legislation that would further erode employee rights?

____X____ I agree with and will support the OCSEA position.

_________ I disagree with the OCSEA position.
Additional Comments

I encourage and support the establishment and continuance of all legal collective
bargaining agreements and would oppose any attempt to weaken existing law.

Privatization of public services or programs is frequently proposed as a solution to public sector budgetary problems. OCSEA believes that privatization of public services or programs are bad public policy, and that public services are necessary to insure public accountability. OCSEA members have proven time and again, that if comparing apples to apples, public employees deliver the best quality service for less.

_____X__ I agree with and will support the OCSEA position.

________ I disagree with the OCSEA position.
Additional Comments
Trends indicate that the increased privatization of state and government services has not produced the types of savings and efficiency advocates have projected. The continued drain on funds for bloated administrative costs and excessive profits have created more budget problems than they resolved. Converting services into private profit-generating enterprise has threatened the security of working families and resulted in more citizens imprisoned, fewer with healthcare coverage and arbitrary delivery of necessary services.

Ohio public employees face severe restrictions on their ability to participate in the
electoral process under Ohio’s “Little Hatch Act”. Ohio is one of 9 states that prohibit public employees from participating in any kind of partisan politics—even on their own time. OCSEA believes that legislation (SB 246—127th GA) to permit public employees to engage in voluntary partisan political activity on their own time should be enacted, provided that safeguards against coercion by employers are included.

_____X__ I agree with and will support the OCSEA position.

________ I disagree with the OCSEA position.
Additional Comments
Regardless of career path all citizens are endowed with certain rights, most importantly the right to participate in the electoral process. As a 2006 candidate for Ohio Secretary of State I am acutely aware of the need to protect voting rights and increase citizen participation. I would strongly support reversing the restrictions of Ohio’s “Little Hatch Act”, clearly an infringement of voting rights

OCSEA and AFSCME believe that affirmative action and equal employment
policies have laid the basis for a more egalitarian workplace by helping to break down favoritism, race and sex prejudice, allowing job competition to be based solely upon qualifications. There have been attempts in some states (including Ohio) to repeal or significantly weaken equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws. OCSEA and AFSCME strongly oppose any attempts to repeal or weaken these laws.

____X___ I agree with and will support the OCSEA position.

________ I disagree with the OCSEA position.

If not, how would you address this issue?
As a self-employed small businessman and political activist I have the opportunity to speak with many people every day, both personally and professionally. It is my perspective that the goals sought by the implementation of equal opportunity and affirmative action laws have not yet been met. Continuation and or enhancement of these laws are of the highest priority.

The shifting of American jobs overseas to low-wage labor markets, commonly referred to as “off shoring” has been promoted as a money saver. American workers are losing jobs and the security of its citizens can be compromised. Public records, such as medical records and income tax preparation information, are transmitted to countries such as Sri Lanka and India without the necessary security precautions. OCSEA believes that Ohio should maintain quality jobs in state as well as provide accountability of services. Would you support legislation eliminating “off shoring” of state government jobs?

____X___ I agree with and will support the OCSEA position.
________ I disagree with the OCSEA position.
Additional Comments
Devastating job losses affecting Ohio can in large part be attributed to free trade policies such as NAFTA and CAFTA as well as support for the GATT agreement and the WTO. Both major parties have supported these trade policies and continue to accept campaign contributions from corporations benefiting from these policies. I, as well as all Green Party candidates refuse campaign contributions from corporate and special interest groups. I support a “litmus test” approach concerning this issue for all elected officials and candidates for office. Global trade has a role in a healthy economy but the current imbalance affecting Ohio’s working families must be changed. Organized opposition to “off-shoring” must be led by the individual members of the Ohio legislature in partnership with working men and women and organized labor.

9. The number of Ohioans who lack health insurance continues to increase rapidly. Despite
extensive debate, limited initiatives have been implemented to address this problem. OCSEA believes that all Ohioans should have access to affordable health care.
What provisions could you support that are commonly put forth as solutions. Check all that apply: Universal health insurance ___X__ Employer mandates ______ Create a high risk pool subsidized by the state ______ Workers Comp premium discounts for small business ______ Other
I have been a member of the SPANOhio state council since April 2004 and have been actively working for passage of the Health Care for All Ohioans Act. I view healthcare as infrastructure and support its administration in a non-profit, public system. I cannot support any solution that does not extend coverage to every Ohio worker and resident or allows the participation of the for-profit healthcare industry. Both the major parties refuse to consider the single payer model including Governor Strickland’s current Healthcare Initiative Advisory Committee.

Over the past several years, funding for the Ohio state parks has become woefully
inadequate to meet the needs of its visitors. Parks staffing has been reduced dramatically, while maintenance continues only in a patchwork fashion. OCSEA believes that because there will continue to be competing interests for scarce general revenue dollars, there should be a dedicated funding stream for parks to keep their doors open to the public free of charge. Do you agree with the OCSEA position?
Yes ___X____ No __________
If not, how would you address this issue?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

An initiative petition is likely to appear on the November, 2008 ballot requiring employers to provide a minimum amount of paid sick leave to employees in Ohio. The proposed law would require employers to provide the following: Seven (7) days of paid sick leave annually for employees working 30 or more hours a week; or a pro rata amount of paid sick leave annually for employees working less than 30 hours per week or less than 1,560 hours per year. OCSEA believes working Ohioans should be granted a minimum amount of sick leave annually. Do you agree with the OCSEA position?
Yes ____X___ No ___________
Other Comments
Although there have been gains in the minimum wage it does not reflect an adequate living wage. By establishing universal health care and paid sick leave we are in fact putting more dollars in the budgets of working men and women, the poor and the working poor. The justice and societal aspect of helping families in times of crisis is valid and deserving of support.

OOPS!

2008-05-02T16:59:00.002-04:00

Today's news that Ohio's Democrat Attorney General Marc Dann has carried on an extramarital affair while in his newly elected office sure does sound familiar! Pledging to clean up state politics on the heels of several Republican scandals Dann seems to have fallen victim to the same culture of unethical behavior we have unfortunately become used to from the major parties in Ohio.

Mr. Dann's private life doesn't particularly interest me however it does provide some perspective to his inaction concerning election crimes in Ohio. Presented with clear and substantial evidence of election crimes witnessed by myself and others the Attorney General continues to act in a manner suggesting obstruction. In a December meeting with representatives of the AG's office concerning these complaints I was assured that our concerns would receive due diligence and a follow up meeting would be scheduled. To date no meeting has been scheduled, no announcement of a follow up investigation has come forth.

Partisan politics in the Attorney General and Secretary of State's offices has been clearly apparent but the arrogance of these elected officials has never been so apparent as in these do as I say not as I do revelations. Mr. Dann has stated that he will remain in his position, I am not surprised as one of Governor Strickland's "team" bites the dust.

The Democrat Mantra

2008-03-12T19:40:00.002-04:00

Buy, Buy, Buy an election! Not that we haven't had plenty of incidence of corporate and well-moneyed influence in our elections, remember that Ohio Republicans and Democrats passed legislation on December 31, 2004 allowing a 7 YEAR OLD CHILD to give $20,000 in campaign contributions in an election cycle, but the latest may be the most blatant!

Democrats will approach wealthy contributors, including private business for money to fund a re-vote in Florida and Michigan. These are Hillary supporters and there are delegates there for her if she can win a do-over.

The outcome of another Democrat primary election is of no interest to me, but the very attempt to put corporate and special interest funding behind this move that would obviously benefit her chances is offensive to say the least!

Every time I hear her proudly exclaim that she is THE candidate of change and is the only one who can stand up to the corporate and special interests in Washington I am underwhelmed with her forthrightness. This from a Washington insider who spent the first several years of her law career at the Rose Law Firm defending corporate clients against class action lawsuits.

Looks like business as usual. Too bad.

Privatizing OUR Assets

2008-03-10T19:13:00.002-04:00

The two major parties have time and again shown their adeptness at privatizing America's public wealth in order to curry favor with their corporate benefactors. In a never ending cycle of sick, sycophantic servitude our leaders have given it all away to private greed. We allow OUR ownership of our infrastructure to be subverted and get short term promises in exchange for long term giveaways. Republicans and Democrats alike have given away our airwaves, health care security, Federal lands, our military and infrastructure to their connected friends and supporters in order to allow a profit on services historically perceived as non-profit support systems belonging to we, the people.

In the latest usurpation of our ownership Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, a Democrat proposed that the city sell it's public sewer system to private concerns in order to bail out the financially beleaguered Akron City School System. In what is portrayed as a windfall for public education is nothing more than a noose around our financial neck. There are certain basic needs that must function for everyone in order to protect the public as a whole. Waste water treatment is one of those, believe me I know, it has been my business for the past 22 years! One person's waste water left partially treated may easily threaten the safety of several, perhaps hundreds or thousands of others. Profit is not an appropriate or healthy factor to introduce into this equation. We routinely have seen the bottom line become the determining factor when health care delivery decisions are made, life and death decisions mind you, why would we expect waste water treatment to be any different? In fact we KNOW it is not any different! It was recently revealed that KBR (Kellog, Brown and Root) a former Halliburton subsidiary was piping partially treated waste water to American troops in Iraq as potable (treated for consumption) water. We are all aware of Haliburton's ability to generate a profit, especially as a war-profiteer, but we are also aware of their failings at performing up to the specifications of the contracts they enter into. Not only in their failure to perform but also in the occurrence of corruption such as in their contracts to provide food to US troops in Iraq.

It is clear that private ownership of public infrastructure is risky but it is not the only issue here. What about the two parties' failure to just honor Ohio's Constitution and fully fund public education? It seems a more direct, responsible approach. To me, at least!

Filing Day!!!

2008-02-26T21:38:00.002-05:00

For Immediate Release: February 26, 2008
Contact: Tim Kettlerkettler-media@hughes.net
(740) 502-6453

Green Party Candidate Files for 20th District Ohio Senate Seat

Tim Kettler of Warsaw today filed a nominating petition for the 20th District Ohio Senate Seat in the General Election to be held November 4, 2008. Citing the District’s immediate need for job creation, alternative energy development, health-care reform, verifiable elections, and equitable funding for education Kettler said he will bring an independent voice to the Senate race. “As a Green Party Candidate I am pledged to refuse any and all campaign contributions from corporate and special interests. When elected officials are sent to Columbus to represent the interests of their District more often than not these types of contributions influence their decisions in a way that does not represent the greater needs of their constituents”, he said.

Kettler has been involved with healthcare reform for the past four years as a state council member of the non-profit Single Payer Action Network of Ohio and supports the passage of the Health Care for All Ohioans Act. “As a self-employed small businessman whose family members have pre-existing conditions I know personally the obstacles Ohio’s current for-profit health-care system presents. There is no light offered at the end of the tunnel and it is time for fundamental change in the way health-care services are delivered. The Health Care for All Ohioans Act is fully-funded legislation that offers us the opportunity to fix our health-care crisis for the benefit of our businesses, workers, citizens and all Ohio taxpayers” Kettler stated.

Running as the endorsed Ohio Green Party Candidate, Kettler completed the required petition submitting over 2000 signatures. The Green Party is not recognized by the State of Ohio as an official political party. Their candidates must comply with election laws that compel Independent candidates to gather 25 times more signatures than the major party candidates are required to obtain in order to appear on the ballot. “The rules written by the two major parties are obviously intended to limit participation by third parties and Independents and are a direct cause of the overall low participation by Ohio citizens who never register, vote or run for elected office”, said Kettler

Tim is married with one son, Malcolm and resides in Coshocton County outside the village of Warsaw. He serves as the Secretary of the Green Party of Ohio and has operated Action Septic Service with his wife, Roberta for the past 21 years. As one of the organizers of the 2004 Ohio Presidential Vote Recount he was a co-plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against former Secretary of State Ken Blackwell resulting from the recount. He also ran for Ohio Secretary of State in the November 2006 election drawing two percent of the vote statewide. “I would like to thank the over 2000 voters and residents of Senate District 20 who signed my petition and support my candidacy” Kettler said in closing.

Just a Note:
The Muskingum County Board of Election was very efficient in handling today's filing. The Director and Deputy Director both assisted, checked all my paperwork, provided copies and counted all the signatures by petition count. They came up with the same number as we did!
They also were very accomodating in our filming the entire process. Although no media attended (Hillary was in town) we did shoot a press statement outside the office in the lobby and will have that up on the site soon.

Onward!!

Filing Day February 26th.!!!

2008-02-24T22:22:00.000-05:00

Tim Kettler of Warsaw, Green Party Candidate for Ohio Senate District 20 will file his nominating petition for the November general election on Tuesday February 26, 2008 at 3pm. A press conference will be held immediately following the filing at the Muskingum County Board of Election, 207 N. 7th. St., Zanesville, Ohio 43701. Kettler will file over 2000 signatures to meet the 1230 valid signature requirement. A press release will be issued at that time.

Campaign Update

2008-02-17T17:02:00.000-05:00

As the March 3rd filing deadline approaches the Kettler for Senate campaign has gathered over 2000 signatures to get Tim on the ballot as the Ohio Green Party candidate for Ohio Senator, District 20. The current total represents 170% of the required amount of 1230 signatures and should easily qualify the campaign for the ballot. While facing many challenges we are offered many opportunities to improve healthcare coverage, environmental protection, job creation, development of renewable resources, guarantee election justice and insure the security of the Ohio National Guard, all of which the major parties have failed to do. Join us as The Green Party leads in reinventing politics in Ohio, politics that represents constituents over corporations, offers relief to the working men and women of the 20th District and all of Ohio, and guarantees a voice for the most vulnerable and least heard, the poor and the working poor. Follow the campaign, volunteer or donate at http://www.votekettler.com/

From the Zanesville Times Recorder

2008-01-23T19:50:00.001-05:00

The following letter appeared in the Zanesville Times Recorder Jan. 17th. Thanks to Mr. Hommel, I appreciate your support and willingness to take the time to express your thoughts.

The reader comments following the article point up something that we have been discussing, that voters want solutions not rhetoric. Although I can think of several responses we are still in petitioning mode. We have and will continue to offer specific solutions and positions on issues important to the district. My SoS campaign was quite heavy on rhetoric and the theoritical and philosophical perspective on Democracy. Although there will certainly be elements of that in this campaign, we will offer specifics on healthcare, education funding, job creation, women's rights and development of renewables and environmental protection, as well as many other issues. Every voter has reason, justifiably so, to ask these questions and expect a direct answer.

Participatory Democracy, a brick in the Green Foundation, will be evident in our campaign and those we seek to empower. More to come as we move into campaign mode. I think the comments also reflect a lack of understanding and appreciation for third-party and independent campaigns and the obstacles they face and the timing required to be succesful. The question asked is how does one person change this? The election of just one third party/Independent candidate, one who does not accept corporate or special interest money answers the overididng concern of voters who want to vote their conscience but fear supporting a candidate who does not have a fair chance on an unlevel playing field. Such a victory will create a sea change of perception and participation. Imagine a member of the Senate acting solely on behalf of his/her constituents, instead of preying on them on behalf of corporate and special interests. That Revolution WOULD be televised!!!

Yes, these times require courage, hope and most of all ACTION! Join us. Tim

Tim Kettler deserves a chance to run for office

I am writing to ask all of you to consider helping bolster public participation and open up a closed electorate system. Over the next few months an independent candidate with the Green Party of the state of Ohio will be visiting areas in the 20th Senate district to gather signatures to get on the ballot. His name is Tim Kettler and Mr. Kettler deserves our consideration and more importantly he deserves the chance to run for public office and be heard.

It is much harder for independent candidates to get on the ballot, so please give Mr. Kettler a chance to campaign for your vote. Mr. Kettler supports a wide range of issues: organize opposition to NAFTA trade policy and devastating affect on Ohio lobs, protect our workers and unions, fund and protect public education, make college and technical education affordable, promote clean alternative energy, keep Ohio water and air clean, eliminate fraudulent electronic voting counts and promote a verifiable paper trail, assure all Ohioans have an equal opportunity to vote an run for office, and pass the Health Care for All Ohioans Act that covers every Ohioan for any necessary procedure their doctor orders without exclusion for pre-existing conditions.

Tim Kettler believes Ohio economy needs small business and small business needs single-payer. The single largest obstacle to the success of small business operators is the prohibitive cost of providing health care coverage for themselves and their employees, and the inability to gauge future costs. Competitive wages, safe and reasonable working conditions and health care coverage is central to mutually beneficial relationships between employers and employees. These relationships were typical of collective bargaining between unions and companies, and are once again possible on a broader scale thanks to the Health Care for All Ohioans Act. Please give consideration to Mr. Tim Kettler for 20th Senate District.

Johnathan Hommel
Zanesville

Post a Comment View All Comments

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I recieved some literature from someone campaigning for this man, and it's true that what it says sounds good. But I also have the same doubts as to whether he could actually get them accomplished.
He is for organizing opposition to NAFTA, but how effective could one man be in that regard? And he says he will fund and protect public education, but how is that possible when event he Governor seems to have put that on the back burner?
He has good ideas, and I wish him well. Every candidate has the right to at least try to change things. But I don't see any concrete plans for doing what he wants to do.

Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 2:29 pm

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What he believes, and what he is saying to get elected - and what he can actually do, if elected are all very different things. The elected one can only do what his 'collegues' will let him do. Its worth dreaming about, though.

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 8:24 pm

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send him to new concord i know wher three signatures are!

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 2:48 pm

Reaching our goal on the front lines

2008-01-07T17:59:00.000-05:00

Today the campaign reached 1000 signatures gathered. With seven weeks to go we are gaining momentum and support in spite of the efforts of the Republicans and Democrats to limit participation through unbalanced rules and a complete lack of fairness!

Most encouraging are the remarks of those I speak with when petitioning and their overwhelming agreement that everyone should have a chance to run, that more choices on the ballot is better and it is time for more parties. Thanks Voters! I agree!

District 20 race is shaping up....or shaking out?

2008-01-06T20:46:00.000-05:00

The following article appeared in the Athens Messenger 1/6/08

Dem, two Republicans running for state Senate

KRISTIN HEINICHENMessenger staff writer

A sole Democrat has announced that he is contending for Ohio's 20th District Senate seat.Lifelong Morgan County resident Rick Shriver said he would run for the seat that is now held by Republican Joy Padgett, who is not seeking re-election.Also vying for the seat are Rep. Jimmy Stewart - who is running on the Republican ticket and currently represents the 92nd House District - and Tim Kettler of the Green Party."I'm really not a politician. I'm not interested in politics - I'm interested in public service," Shriver said.The 20th Senate District includes Athens, Coshocton, Guernsey, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Washington Counties.Over the past four years Shriver's undertakings have included being an educator, author and public serviceman. Shriver is beginning his fourth year as Morgan County commissioner. As commissioner, he said he has set in motion accessible opportunities for county residents."I'm a self-proclaimed one-term commissioner. I thought there were a lot of things we could probably do a little better and I think we've made progress. Morgan County is like a developing world. We lack a lot of basic infrastructure," he said.Shriver launched a Web site to post commissioner meeting minutes for residents of the county to view."I wanted people to understand more about county government - to make county government transparent," he said.Shriver - who teaches communications at the Zanesville campus of Ohio University, is a Fulbright fellow, and co-publisher of an audio production textbook - has instituted a learning center that provides distance learning opportunities."Morgan County is primarily a mining and manufacturing county. We really need to retrain our labor forces. This is critical in helping our economic recovery as education and higher skill sets are becoming important in today's economy. ... It's all a part of economic development," he said. "Naturally I'm passionate about education. We have more than seven institutions including all colleges and universities in the contiguous county - it's a consortium providing course work."And he helped to establish a federally-qualified health center within the county."Anyone in Morgan County can see this doctor and not worry about how they are going to pay," he said, explaining that the doctor will receive enhanced reimbursement for seeing Medicare and Medicaid patients. "And there will be sliding fee scales for anyone who does not have the means to pay."A product of the Appalachia Ohio environment but having exposure to other cultures through his travels, Shriver feels obliged to level the playing field."I'm basically a farm kid from Morgan County. I've lived on a farm that's been in the family for generations. I don't think there is a quality of life like there is here anywhere. I can say that because I have had the opportunity to travel to other parts of the world," he said, explaining his commitment to the region. "Appalachia has been off the radar. Now we have a governor that understands our needs - I'm really impressed with what Gov. (Ted) Strickland has done in his first term of office. I would like to have a place on that team - to really be a part of positive change."Paul Richards - a lifelong resident of Glouster - is no longer in the race. Initially he circulated petitions for the seat, but he chose not to file.Kettler is a lifelong Ohio resident. Currently residing in Warsaw with his wife, Roberta, and son, Malcolm, the couple owns and operates Action Septic Service - an environmentally-directed business. As an entrepreneur, Kettler is aware of obstacles that face small businesses. Voting rights, voter participation, job creation, development of renewable resources and school funding are a part of his campaign platform.The State of Ohio does not recognize the Green Party - instead candidates of this party are considered independents and have until March 3 to announce their intent to run.At the Statehouse, Stewart has supported issues of economic development, tax reduction, education opportunities and the expansion of health care to individuals. He has served as a member of the the House Finance and Appropriations Committee and as chairman of the Human Services Subcommittee.Stewart graduated from Marshall University with a degree in economics and earned his MBA at Xavier University with a concentration in taxation. Stewart and his wife, Stacey, reside in Albany with their three children. kheinichen@athensmessenger.com

My comments:

Mr. Shriver, as a member of Gov. Strickland's team will apparently have views that I do not share, at least on health care, political participation and capital punishment. Gov. Strickland's efforts to reform health care fall far short of what is needed, extending coverage to only 500,000 of Ohio's 1.3 million uninsured and does nothing for the additional 1.3 million underinsured. As a self-employed small businessman I know the obstacle that this presents and the Governor refuses to even discuss the only viable solution, single-payer universal health care for EVERY Ohio resident and worker.

Mr. Strickland wasted no time in continuing Ohio's record of executions with little thought for the fact that every day brings more evidence of innocent citizens on death row and recently one more state, New Jersey moved to outlaw this unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. If Mr. Shriver supports the Governor on these issues than my campaign will offer a clear alternative for voters in our district.

I resent Mr. Shriver's insinuation that politics should differ from public service. Elected officials are just that, public servants. For third party and independent candidates struggling to build a new political dynamic that empowers those most vulnerable and least heard, the poor and the working poor it is a backhand slap at candidates and elected officials with integrity that cherish our Democracy and seek to improve it not diminish and abandon it as he suggests. Such a cavalier attitude about the system, one that benefits him greatly over third party and independent candidates, (Republicans and Democrats only need 50 signatures to get on the ballot, independents need 1230) seems nothing but pandering to the "throw the bums out" crowd and does not bid well for the future. One would note that the reason there are "politicians" who have failed as public servants is the result of a system that is controlled by the Republicans and Democrats, has become unresponsive to the voters and seeks to limit participation by Independents and Third Parties. If he is truly interested in transparency in government then he should call fellow Democrats Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Attorney General Marc Dann and demand that they fully investigate the election crime compalints they have in their office. Then again perhaps he is one of those "politicians". If the shoe fits.....

As for the Republican, Jimmy Stewart, it has been my observation that when the interests of corporations and the public interest are in conflict it is simple to discern the outcome, just follow the money! Mr. Stewart sits on the House Healthcare Access and Affordability Committee, put there by the voters to represent their interests, yet accepts large amounts of money in campaign contributions from the for-profit healthcare industry. As we know the for-profit healthcare industry has a fiduciary responsibility to their investors to generate profit, that does not represent the interest of the public for increased accessability and affordability. I think we already know how this one plays out!

Tim

Democracy on the radio

2007-12-27T20:55:00.000-05:00

Jan. 2, 2008 "Welcome in the New Year and join Tim and other voting rights activists on Voice of the Voters, hosted by Mary Ann Gould, an hour devoted to voting rights and election reform. Ultimately it is an exploration of Representative Democracy itself and the responsibilities of citizens and their elected representatives. It airs every Wednesday night at 8:00 PM ET on 1360 AM and on the Internet. http://wnjc.duxpond.com/ (Ohioans can listen on the internet)"

The Ohio Healthcare Debate is on....or is it?

2007-12-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

Governor Strickland has convened several advisory committees to explore Ohio’s healthcare crisis and assist him in developing a plan to extend healthcare coverage to 500,000 Ohioans currently doing without. Great idea! Certainly we welcome any advances in extending healthcare beyond the failed levels currently in place but there is one problem, 1.3 million Ohioans lack healthcare coverage and that number is equaled by the number of underinsured, those living on the edge of financial ruin and heading for the ranks of the working poor.

The problem is further complicated, in fact imbedded by the governor’s refusal to include any discussion of universal coverage, such as that offered by The Health Care For All Ohioans Act and the companion legislation before the Ohio Legislature, House Bill 186 and Senate Bill 168.

Appropriately phrased, it is time to stop putting band-aids on Ohio’s healthcare problems! As one of the underinsured I know the reality! I am a self-employed small businessman and I must shop for my own insurance without the benefit of meaningful group rates and faced with family members with pre-existing conditions. Can you say blacklist? In 2006 our fairly healthy family spent 19.5% of our pre-tax income on healthcare costs, and that’s just for absolutely necessary care! Due to high deductibles and co-pays and the limited range of covered services our family must carefully pick and choose how we spend our healthcare dollars and it rarely includes the preventative and wellness care that is integral to a sustainable solution and a healthy workforce.

Under the funding formula of The Health Care for All Ohioans Act, a funding formula that eliminates bureaucratic paper-shuffling and unreasonable profit, my family’s healthcare costs would be immediately reduced by 66%, and that’s even after my business contributes under the 3% gross receipts tax levied on businesses. As an employer I would then have access to purchase employer-provided coverage for any employees for no more than 3.85% payroll tax levied on employers. That’s complete, comprehensive patient-choice healthcare, no deductibles, no co-pays, no pre-existing conditions, no disqualifications, coverage extended to every Ohio resident or worker earning under $97,500 annually at no cost! As a businessman, an employer, a wage earner and family member let me say, that is a universal bargain I will stand in line to pay for!

If Governor Strickland is serious about putting an end to Ohio’s healthcare crisis he must include examination of the single-payer, universal coverage plan offered by The Health Care for All Ohioans Act. Please contact your Ohio legislators to request their support for HB 186 and SB 168 and call Janetta King, Policy Director for Gov. Ted Strickland, 614-466-3555, and let her know that you want these bills to be part of the Governor’s healthcare study.

The Colorado 208 Commission, charged with analyzing four healthcare models for their state found that only the single-payer universal plan resulted in savings, the others increased costs.

More info at www.spanohio.org

Tim Kettler

A visit to the AG's office

2007-12-17T19:26:00.000-05:00

December 17, 2007

Today a contigent of election reform activists met with representatives of the Ohio Attorney General. In a nearly two hour meeting, The Ohio Election Justice Campaign met with Micheal Deemer, Deputy Attorney General for Governmental Affairs to discuss election problems and press for investigation of election crimes dating back to the 2004 Presidential Election and Recount. As a member of the steering committee I was one of those who had the floor to speak about the Recount events in Coshocton County including felony misconduct on the part of the Coshocton County Board of Election, Board employees and the office of then Secretary of State Blackwell. I gave Mr. Deemer and his two associates the complete complaint relating to the events in Coshocton County for their possible investigation, including all supporting public records and documents. Up until now this investigation has been obstructed by the Coshocton County Prosecutor and ignored by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. Today it was delivered directly into the hands of the Attorney General's staff and it was an encouraging moment! Mr. Deemer agreed to schedule a follow up meeting but may be in contact sooner concerning legal action related to this complaint.

Because we may again see the use of optical scan machines in Ohio this matter is of great concern. The tacit approval of election misconduct by our elected officials and public servants must not be tolerated. You can read the complete complaint from Coshocton County and view all the evidence at http://www.freepress.org/departments/display/19/2007/2462.

On another note: Today New Jersey outlawed the death penalty. Governor Strickland would do well to take notice.