Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost offered his remarks on a variety of topics, including an upcoming election issue and how the government could provide more stability for its citizens, during the Logan County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative breakfast Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Yost was introduced as a former newspaper reporter for the Columbus Citizen-Journal who entered law school at the age of 30. Also a talented musician, fellow presenters also joked with him that perhaps he could provide some entertainment on the piano at Green Hills Community’s Foundation Hall.
To conclude his talk, the state official surprised the breakfast attendees by fulfilling that special request with an impromptu musical performance.
Attorney General Yost sat down at the piano and provided a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.” Local elected officials, business representatives and other community members in attendance joining him in singing.
During his talk, the state’s chief legal officer and former Delaware County auditor addressed the issue of government uncertainty that he said is being felt by Ohioans and fellow Americans, with public policy and legislation trading back and forth when different political parties have the majority vote or when a new administration takes over.
“Every two years, we’re jumping back and forth between two extremes,” he said.
Instead, he said more common sense legislation would keep current regulations and permitting processes in place, so that investors actually have a leg to stand on, even when political administrations change hands.
“The government can be either a stabilizing force or a destabilizing force,” he said. “The government needs to keep its word; we ought to be able to count on public decisions.”
The attorney general also opened up the session to questions from the audience, and he was asked his stance on Issue 1, which he said he strongly opposes.
“It has real problems,” Yost said. “It started with a good goal of fairer lines being drawn for legislative districts, but we can do better. Issue 1 doesn’t advance or improve this goal.”
Yost detailed his various criticisms of the ballot issue, remarking that it creates an unaccountable commission and makes it impossible for Ohio voters to remove those officials from public office, even if they commit a felony.
“No judicial review; that’s not the way that America works. Every office holder should be accountable.”
He also noted that Issue 1 could draw legislative lines that would split up cities, school districts etc.
“It’s an absolutely horrible way to do it,” Yost said.
Other public officials also spoke during the chamber’s annual breakfast, including several individuals voicing their support of the upcoming Logan County Children’s Services renewal levy on the November ballot.
“It absolutely has to pass,” Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds said. “There is so much that this agency does. Our deputies see it on a daily basis.”
Logan County Children’s Services’ new Executive Director Erica James introduced herself to the crowd as well.
“I’m really excited to be back in my home town,” the Bellefontaine High School graduate said. “We need your support. The work out here is hard work. I’m always open to dialogue for anyone who has questions about what we do. Please be in touch.”
Logan County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ben Vollrath thanked all of the elected officials for attending and Attorney General Yost for his visit. He also encouraged community members to help support National Manufacturing Week, with area students visiting local manufacturing plants this week to learn more about the wide variety of job opportunities there.
