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A SERVICE OF OHIO'S PUBLIC BROADCASTING STATIONS
A SERVICE OF OHIO'S PUBLIC BROADCASTING STATIONS
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Bob Dyer, columnist, Akron Beacon Journal; Mike McIntyre, columnist, The Plain Dealer; Mike Roberts, freelance journalist.
Miserable City:
Cleveland finds itself at the very top of a dubious list. According to Forbes magazine, Cleveland is America's Most Miserable City. Forbes used nine standards to compile the list; among them, unemployment, crime, tax rates, weather and even the performance of professional sports teams. The magazine says Cleveland's top ranking was based on poor scores across the board. If misery loves company, Cleveland has plenty of it. It's one of four Ohio cities in the top 20. Akron was next highest at number 12.
Political Roundup:
Indiana Democratic Senator Even Bayh says he won't run for re-election, joining fellow Senators Chris Dodd and Byron Dorgan on the retirement list. Bayh was blunt, saying he no longer likes his job and has tired of the partisan gridlock in Congress. Locally, car dealer Tom Ganley has given up the Senate race and instead plans to seek the 13th House district seat held by Democrat Betty Sutton. We'll also comment on a report this week that the make-up of political liberals and conservatives might be grounded in neuroscience.
Hagan's Legacy:
Long-time county commissioner Tim Hagan may be serving his final term as a county office-holder. His office is being abolished by the new county charter and he previously announced plans not to run for re-election. Will Hagan's legacy be defined by a successful Medical Mart that revitalizes downtown; or will Hagan be more remembered for a failed attempt to revive the Ameritrust tower and his losing campaigns for Governor and Cleveland Mayor?
Akron Police:
Mayor Don Plusquellic has suspended officer Don Schismenos for 45 days after a run-in with a civilian who was videotaping an arrest he made. Schismenos, a member of the police gang unit, swore out a felony arrest warrant against the video-taper, doing so against the orders of a superior. City officials say citizens have lodged more than 100 complaints against Schismenos during his 17 years on the force.
Statue-wary:
One day soon, the U.S. Capitol might be home to a new Ohioan. State lawmakers are mulling the possibility of replacing the Capitol's Statuary Hall image of Governor William Allen (1874-76) with a more modern and politically correct personage. Allen came under fire recently for speeches now interpreted as pro-slavery and anti-Lincoln. Replacing such statues is not unusual. The big question for present-day Ohioans is who should join President Garfield in the hall?
February 19, 2010