Why is Governor Mike DeWine sending Ohio National Guard troops to the District of Columbia to bolster a military occupation for an emergency that does not exist?
Yes, the District of Columbia has a serious crime problem. However, D.C.’s crime rate is at a 30-year low, and below that of many other cities. The underlying crime issues are chronic, not acute, and will not be resolved by a temporary military occupation.
During the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, when thousands invaded the capital and killed police officers in order to overturn the 2024 election results, the same president refused to call in the National Guard, saying he did not have authority. So why now?
The true crisis is the president’s use of the military as a police force against its citizens on a clearly flimsy pretext so that he can intimidate those he sees as his enemies.
It is sad, especially since Dewine will likely not be running for public office again, that he would lack the political courage to confront this outrage. He should stop this madness and bring our Ohio National Guard troops home where they belong.
Laura Joseph, Granville
People lied, City Council denied, and state agencies say their hands are tied.Ohio Constitution Article 18, Section 7, known as “Home Rule” and enacted in 1913, gave cities the ability to self-govern. In general, state agencies’ can’t be involved in city issues unless they are criminal or conflict with state or federal law.Newark City Council and Mayor Jeff Hall have been asked to investigate Director Dave Rhodes’ 11-19-18 bogus presentation to Council that resulted in a $340,000 purchase of an electronic scoreboard at Don Edwards Park. Council and the mayor have failed to even acknowledge the request. Consequently, I have contacted various state agencies to intervene. Their responses:● Ohio Inspector General — Called their office and a recorded message states that they do not have jurisdiction over city and county employees, including police and sheriff personnel.● Ohio Ethics Commission — Responded with a letter stating that they can only investigate issues considered criminal.● Ohio Auditor’s Office — “….. Unable to address the issues because they are not within the Office’s statutory authority or will initiate a special audit.”● Licking County Prosecutor — Recused herself and asked the Ohio Attorney General to assist. (They declined)Council members Doug Marmie, Jeff Harris and Spencer Barker claim that these investigations vindicated Rhodes. The investigations never happened because of home rule. Section 3.07 (D) of the Newark City Charter gives the council the power to “conduct inquiries and investigations of City affairs and conduct of any department, office or agency and for this purpose subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and require the production of evidence”Will City Council continue to kiss Rhodes’ ring or choose the people?Dave Froelich, Newark
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Ohio National Guard doesn’t belong in D.C.; Newark Council needs to investigate| Letters
Reporting by Newark Advocate / Newark Advocate
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