Getting traction with blogging

For many of us in elected office, finding time to share information and thoughts on a regular basis is difficult. Witness the last time I posted on this blog was in May!

An incredible array of developments unfolded since the last post. A sampling of the variety pack:

1. I did something I would never have predicted. When the state budget came up for debate in the Ohio Senate, my turn came up about 2/3rds of the way into the debate, and I said something to this effect: "Members of the Senate, on this budget, I recommend a restrained group hug!" And, there was a unanimous "yes" vote on the state operating budget for the two-year period, which started on July 1, 2007. I did go on to explain a number of signifant short-comings and problems in the budget plan.
   
2. I entered a period of exploring a possible run for the U.S. Congress in the district represented by Ralph Regula since 1973. This has been a fascinating experience and is coming close now to the time when I'll add up the positives and negatives and make a decision.
   
3. Among my personal major legislative work that is currently at the top of my stack: A) legislation attempting to steer the Muskingham Watershed District back on course as it continues down a path of attempting to impose what amounts to a tax on property owners in 18 counties B) attempting to protect small and medium sized businesses that would be hurt by a multi-state sales tax project unless Ohio's proposal is adopted in a December meeting of the state in Dallas, Texas C) considerations of redrafts of a major electricty industry regulatory bill this weekend and into next week -- a set of policy decisions that will seriously impact Ohio future economic position and the quality of life for our citizens.

These are a few things going on, as of 6:15 PM on Saturday, October 27, 2007!