As a father of two, I can only imagine the heartache and sorrow felt by families after it is discovered that one of their children has been victimized by a sexual predator. These types of crimes not only rob a child of their innocence, but it also has a dramatic impact on their families and loved ones. Unfortunately, as technology and criminal techniques continue to advance, this problem is becoming more widespread and affecting more people. In fact, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, nearly one in seven kids, between the ages of 10 and 17-years-old, will be solicited for sex over the Internet. Additionally, the Center estimates that one in five girls, and one in 10 boys, will be sexually victimized before they are adults.

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In 2006, the National Highway & Transportation Safety Administration reported that every 30 minutes someone lost their life in an alcohol related traffic accident. In fact, alcohol related crashes made up more than 41 percent of the total number of accidents that year. Even more troubling than the overall number of accidents is the number of repeat DUI offenders. According to recent state statistics, there are currently more than 33,000 individuals in Ohio with five or more DUI convictions. While recent statistics also show that the number of drunk driving accidents is in decline, clearly, there is still more that needs to be done.

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Part of the privilege of holding a public office or being appointed as a government policymaker is having the ability to access important resources and information.  Of course as with any privilege, a great sense of responsibility should be attached.  Accordingly, we as lawmakers are charged with using the information and resources at our fingertips solely for the purpose of creating efficient and effective government processes and improving our constituents’ quality of life.

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With summer just around the corner, I thought I would take this time to inform you of a few activities that the whole family can do in the State of Ohio. The 12th district encompasses many different state parks; including Grand Lake St. Marys, Lake Loramie, Hueston Woods, and Kiser Lake. Activities at these state parks range from camping, fishing, boating, and swimming.

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If you are the parent of a child who is preparing to graduate from high school this spring and they have no idea what they want to do with their life, encourage them to enter into the field of nursing. Due to a recent decline in the number of nurses needed to meet the needs of today, the Department of Health and Human Services predicts that Ohio, like many other states in the nation, will be facing a significant nursing shortage by 2020...

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With the arrival of spring, comes the chance for severe weather. Severe weather can come in the form of thunderstorms; which can produce high winds, heavy rains, and dangerous lightening. Also, tornadoes can produce during events of severe weather. Tornadoes can produce winds in excess of 250 miles/hour and cause major damage to property. I wanted to take this opportunity to inform you of what you can do to protect your family, pets, and your property.
 
The first thing is to have a plan. Make sure that everyone in the family knows what to do in the event of sever weather. Second, it is always good to run through the plan that you have created. Remember in the event of a thunderstorm or tornado always stay indoors and away from windows. Also if there is a tornado you will need to go to the lowest level of your home and to the inner-most room.
 
I hope that this information finds all of the constituents of the 12th district safe and secure. As always feel free to contact my office for any concern or issue that you may have.
 
 

One of the most frightening experiences a person can be faced with is becoming the victim of a home invasion.  If in your home at the time of the crime, this raises the stakes and places you and your family in a potentially dangerous situation.  While no one wants to have their privacy violated in this way, when facing an intruder who could possibly be looking to harm you and your family, your primary focus is going to be protecting yourself and your loved ones from harm.  In this situation, it is my belief that a person should be able to defend his or her home with an appropriate level of force.  However, today’s laws are written in such a way that an individual who chooses to use force could face civil and criminal prosecution, even when the force is warranted and done to protect oneself and ones family.

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The Ohio primary election is fast approaching on March 4, 2008. I would like to take this time to remind you all of the eligibility requirements for the types of I.D needed to vote, and also voter registration requirements. To vote in the State of Ohio you must reside in the state for at least 30 days prior to the election that you intend to vote in. The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming primary election is February 3, 2008.
        
Also, it is important to remember that when you vote you will need to take your I.D. The different forms of I.D. that are acceptable in the State of Ohio are; Ohio Drivers License, Ohio photo I.D., Bank Statements, Utility Bills, Paychecks, or any government document that shows your current address.
Remember voting is your constitutional right and I would like to encourage all who are eligible to vote to take advantage of the upcoming opportunity.