January 4, 2021 •
Temporary Replacement Appointed for Suspended Cincinnati Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld
Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler appointed Liz Keating, a Republican, as interim replacement for Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld. Sittenfeld is a Democrat who was indicted last month on six counts alleging honest services wire fraud, bribery, and attempted […]
Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler appointed Liz Keating, a Republican, as interim replacement for Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld.
Sittenfeld is a Democrat who was indicted last month on six counts alleging honest services wire fraud, bribery, and attempted extortion by a government official.
This is the second appointment of a Republican by Judge Winkler in a year where three of the nine council members have been arrested.
Per Ohio statute, the Hamilton County Probate Court appoints a replacement when a council member is suspended.
If Sittenfeld is found guilty of the charges or resigns, four Democrats on Council named in his successor designation certificate would select his replacement.
December 17, 2020 •
Cincinnati Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann Proposes Charter Amendment
Cincinnati City Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann proposed a charter amendment to the city charter. The amendment would allow the city to suspend a council member upon the filing of an indictment or certain criminal charges, and to remove them if convicted. […]
Cincinnati City Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann proposed a charter amendment to the city charter.
The amendment would allow the city to suspend a council member upon the filing of an indictment or certain criminal charges, and to remove them if convicted.
There is currently no provision in the Cincinnati Charter addressing what happens in the event of public corruption allegations.
The proposed charter amendment also requires ethics training for new council members within 60 days of oath of office.
The amendment also prohibits council members from amending their successor designation certificate after being indicted.
If approved by council, the charter amendment would be submitted to the voters for approval in 2021.
December 7, 2020 •
Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld Suspended
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld is the second councilman suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost after being arrested on federal bribery charges. Sittenfeld voluntarily agreed to the temporary suspension without objection. Additionally, Hamilton County […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld is the second councilman suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost after being arrested on federal bribery charges.
Sittenfeld voluntarily agreed to the temporary suspension without objection.
Additionally, Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler will appoint his temporary replacement next week.
Sittenfeld’s third term on council began in 2018 and ends at the end of 2021.
December 3, 2020 •
Ohio Governor Signs Extends Expiration Dates for Licenses by State Agencies
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 404 into law, extending expiration dates for licenses issued by state agencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbyist registrations set to expire at the end of 2020 will remain active until July 1, […]
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 404 into law, extending expiration dates for licenses issued by state agencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lobbyist registrations set to expire at the end of 2020 will remain active until July 1, 2021.
Any lobbyist who does not plan to continue lobbying activity in 2021 must log in and terminate engagement in OLAC.
The new renewal registration window will open in late spring 2021.
All registered lobbyists will receive follow-up information regarding specific dates from JLEC.
This extension is limited to lobbying engagements registered prior to November 22, 2020.
New lobbyists submit registrations in the usual manner, within 10 days of engagement.
This extension does not affect the deadline for activity and expenditure reports required to be filed electronically in OLAC by Monday, February 1, 2021.
December 2, 2020 •
Interim Council Member Named as Temporary Replacement for Suspended Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor
Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor was suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Pastor’s suspension comes after he was arrested on federal bribery charges. This is the first time the city of Cincinnati has used the […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor was suspended in a process initiated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
Pastor’s suspension comes after he was arrested on federal bribery charges.
This is the first time the city of Cincinnati has used the process through the probate court.
Additionally, Pastor accepted the temporary suspension without objection.
As part of the process, Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler named Cincinnati attorney Steve Goodin as Pastor’s temporary replacement.
Interim Council Member Goodin’s term began immediately after the suspension.
Goodin will continue the term until Pastor’s court case is completed or he is removed from office.
Pastor’s four-year term began in 2018 and ends at the end of 2021.
November 23, 2020 •
Third Cincinnati Council Member Arrested
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld was arrested on federal corruption charges. He is the third council member to be arrested this year. Sittenfeld denies the allegations of bribery and attempted extortion and does not plan to resign. If he […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Alexander “P.G.” Sittenfeld was arrested on federal corruption charges.
He is the third council member to be arrested this year.
Sittenfeld denies the allegations of bribery and attempted extortion and does not plan to resign.
If he does resign, four members of the council will choose his successor by a majority vote.
November 16, 2020 •
Cincinnati Councilmembers Introduce Proposed Ethics Reforms
Two Cincinnati Councilmembers, Greg Landsman and Betsy Sundermann held separate news conferences in front of City Hall today. The two councilmembers announced a series of proposed reforms to restore the public’s trust in government after two members were charged with […]
Two Cincinnati Councilmembers, Greg Landsman and Betsy Sundermann held separate news conferences in front of City Hall today.
The two councilmembers announced a series of proposed reforms to restore the public’s trust in government after two members were charged with corruption just this year.
The proposed reforms include establishing an ethics commission, designating a chief ethics and good government officer, campaign finance reform, ongoing training, and a potential charter amendment that would allow for the recall of people in office.
At this time, there is no provision in the Cincinnati Charter addressing what happens in the event of public corruption allegations.
Tamaya Dennard resigned from council in February. Councilman Jeff Pastor, who was arrested Tuesday has not resigned despite calls for him to do so.
November 12, 2020 •
Cincinnati Council Member Arrested on Federal Charges
Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor was arrested Tuesday by FBI agents for leading a bribery scheme involving payoffs for city development projects. Pastor is accused of bribery, money laundering, extortion, wire fraud, theft of honest services, and conspiracy. If convicted, […]
Cincinnati City Councilman Jeff Pastor was arrested Tuesday by FBI agents for leading a bribery scheme involving payoffs for city development projects.
Pastor is accused of bribery, money laundering, extortion, wire fraud, theft of honest services, and conspiracy.
If convicted, he could face more than 20 years in prison.
Additionally, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and many council members have called for Pastor to resign.
Pastor is the second council member this year charged with taking bribes from developers.
Tamaya Dennard resigned from the council in February after her arrest on fraud and bribery charges in an unrelated case.
Finally, if Pastor resigns, Vice Mayor Christopher Smitherman will select his replacement.
November 5, 2020 •
Akron Passes Charter Amendment Raising City Purchase Thresholds Requiring Approval
Akron, Ohio voters approved Charter Amendment Issue 4, amending the city charter to increase the amount of a city project or purchase requiring the mayor to obtain City Council approval from $15,000 to $50,000. The amendment also increases the amount […]
Akron, Ohio voters approved Charter Amendment Issue 4, amending the city charter to increase the amount of a city project or purchase requiring the mayor to obtain City Council approval from $15,000 to $50,000.
The amendment also increases the amount requiring approval from the Board of Control from $5,000 to $15,000.
The amendment also provides for greater access to bidding opportunities and reduces administrative costs by allowing for publication online.
The intent is to provide the city with greater flexibility to obtain goods and services from local vendors at competitive prices.
November 4, 2020 •
Ohio Republicans Maintain Supermajority and Reelect Householder
Ohio Republicans maintained a supermajority in the state Senate and House of Representatives in yesterday’s election. Most notably, Rep. Larry Householder was reelected after being removed from his leadership post as House speaker. This came following his arrest and indictment […]
Ohio Republicans maintained a supermajority in the state Senate and House of Representatives in yesterday’s election.
Most notably, Rep. Larry Householder was reelected after being removed from his leadership post as House speaker.
This came following his arrest and indictment earlier this year in connection with a $60 million federal racketeering case related to House Bill 6.
Householder was the only name on the ballot and was endorsed by the local Republican party.
Republican colleagues in the House considered removing him from the chamber earlier this fall.
However, if they had done so before his reelection they would not be able to remove him again, as a lawmaker cannot be expelled twice.
The only option now is to wait until the legislative session begins in January to consider expulsion or impeachment.
Householder would be automatically removed from office if he is convicted of conspiracy to commit racketeering.
Ohio law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony or bribery charges from holding public office.
October 26, 2020 •
Ohio Lobbyists Must Pay 2021 Registration Fees Electronically
The Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee published a reminder they will not accept cash, money orders, or physical checks for payment of 2021 lobbying registration fees. The online payment portal, accessible via the lobbyist’s OLAC account was established in 2019. […]
The Ohio Joint Legislative Ethics Committee published a reminder they will not accept cash, money orders, or physical checks for payment of 2021 lobbying registration fees.
The online payment portal, accessible via the lobbyist’s OLAC account was established in 2019.
Registrations fees for 2021 must be paid electronically by VISA, MasterCard, or ACH.
Lobbyists may begin renewing registrations for legislative, executive, and retirement system engagements in OLAC on December 1.
The renewal option closes January 15, 2021.
Any lobbyist who does not complete the renewal process by January 15 must file a new initial registration statement.
The registration statement requires a signature page.
August 24, 2020 •
Ohio Lawmakers Draft Articles of Impeachment against Gov DeWine
Three Republican lawmakers have introduced articles of impeachment against Gov. Mike DeWine over his COVID-19 response. A resolution introduced by Representatives John Becker (Clermont County) and co-sponsors Nino Vitale (Champaign County) and Paul Zeltwanger (Warren County) includes 10 articles of […]
Three Republican lawmakers have introduced articles of impeachment against Gov. Mike DeWine over his COVID-19 response.
A resolution introduced by Representatives John Becker (Clermont County) and co-sponsors Nino Vitale (Champaign County) and Paul Zeltwanger (Warren County) includes 10 articles of impeachment against DeWine.
The trio allege his handling of the pandemic violated the Ohio and United States Constitution, in addition to several sections of the Ohio Revised Code.
The articles claim DeWine interfered in the primary election and violated the separation of powers by having the Department of Health issue orders outside the scope of its authority.
In order for DeWine to be removed from office, a majority of the House would need to approve the resolution, and then two-thirds of the Senate would have to vote to convict him.
August 6, 2020 •
Lawmakers Introduce The Ohio Anti-Corruption Act Bill to Amend Campaign Finance Law
Ohio Lawmakers have introduced identical House and Senate bills to increase transparency in corporate campaign contributions. House Bill 0739 and Senate Bill 0349, named the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act, require 501(c)(4)s and limited liability companies to disclose contributions and expenditures made […]
Ohio Lawmakers have introduced identical House and Senate bills to increase transparency in corporate campaign contributions.
House Bill 0739 and Senate Bill 0349, named the Ohio Anti-Corruption Act, require 501(c)(4)s and limited liability companies to disclose contributions and expenditures made to influence elections.
The bills eliminate the category of continuing association and expand the definition of “political contributing entity” to include partnerships and unincorporated business organizations or associations.
The bills also require political contributing entities to disclose the name of each officer, director, principal shareholder, partner, owner, or member of the corporation or unincorporated business.
In an effort to strengthen restrictions against foreign interests influencing Ohio elections, the bills also expand the definition of “foreign national.”
The definition will now include a corporation that is owned twenty percent or more by persons or entities from outside of the United States and a corporation that is owned five percent or more by any one person or entity from outside of the United States.
July 21, 2020 •
Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder Arrested in $60M Bribery Case
House Speaker Larry Householder was arrested in connection with a $60 million federal racketeering case related to House Bill 6, Ohio’s new nuclear bailout law. FBI Agents assisted by the Perry County Sheriff’s Department made the arrest Tuesday morning at […]
House Speaker Larry Householder was arrested in connection with a $60 million federal racketeering case related to House Bill 6, Ohio’s new nuclear bailout law.
FBI Agents assisted by the Perry County Sheriff’s Department made the arrest Tuesday morning at Householder’s farm in Glenford.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Chris Hoffman and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio David DeVillers are expected to hold a press conference on the federal racketeering case Tuesday at 2:30 pm.
Householder, a farmer and businessman, has led the GOP-controlled Ohio House since January 2019.
He was previously House Speaker from 2001 to 2004.
However, he left due to term limits and returned to the House in 2017.
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