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When elections are fair, the PEOPLE win. - OCSEA

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AFSCME LOCAL 11/AFL-CIO<br />

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE QUARTERLY Volume 68, No. 4 • FALL 2012<br />

<strong>When</strong> <strong>elections</strong> <strong>are</strong> <strong>fair</strong>,<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>PEOPLE</strong> <strong>win</strong>.<br />

Obama/Romney<br />

Comparison<br />

pgs. 2-3


WHO'S got YOUR BACK?<br />

America is back on its feet thanks to President Barack<br />

Obama. Under <strong>the</strong> President, <strong>the</strong> country has started <strong>the</strong><br />

slow recovery to economic prosperity. And this after <strong>the</strong><br />

worst economic downfall since <strong>the</strong> Great Depression.<br />

He made <strong>the</strong> recovery possible while still supporting a strong<br />

middle class, instituting trade policies that support American<br />

workers and by understanding that problems don't get solved<br />

by scapegoating <strong>the</strong> working middle class – or public workers.<br />

OBAMA<br />

ROMNEY<br />

Collective<br />

Bargaining<br />

47%<br />

Medic<strong>are</strong><br />

taXES<br />

President Obama supports <strong>the</strong> rights of<br />

workers and collective bargaining.<br />

He also supported public workers with a<br />

federal stimulus package that saved thousands<br />

of state and local public-sector jobs.<br />

President Obama will be <strong>the</strong> president of<br />

all <strong>the</strong> people. He believes in a country<br />

where we watch out for one ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

and that we ARE our bro<strong>the</strong>rs’ and sisters’<br />

keepers.<br />

President Obama supports Medic<strong>are</strong>.<br />

His plan would cut unnecessary subsidies<br />

to insurance companies to provide more<br />

Medic<strong>are</strong> dollars directly to seniors.<br />

President Obama supports <strong>the</strong> middle<br />

class and supports a middle class tax<br />

break.<br />

Mitt Romney said he supported<br />

Senate BIll 5, Governor Kasich’s<br />

effort to gut collective bargaining,<br />

110 percent!!<br />

Mitt Romney believes that 47 percent<br />

of Americans <strong>are</strong> on <strong>the</strong>ir own.<br />

Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan will gut<br />

Medic<strong>are</strong> and put in place a voucher<br />

system that makes seniors get health<br />

c<strong>are</strong> on <strong>the</strong>ir own from a private<br />

insurance company.<br />

Mitt Romney believes that corporations<br />

<strong>are</strong> people and will give <strong>the</strong> wealthiest<br />

Americans huge tax breaks.<br />

WOMen’S<br />

HealtH<br />

President Obama believes <strong>the</strong> best<br />

person to make decisions about a<br />

woman’s health c<strong>are</strong> is <strong>the</strong> woman<br />

herself, not politicians and health<br />

insurance bureaucrats.<br />

Romney supports <strong>the</strong> government<br />

making decisions about a women’s<br />

health c<strong>are</strong> and would turn back <strong>the</strong><br />

clock on reproductive rights.<br />

VETERANS<br />

At <strong>the</strong>ir convention, President Obama<br />

highlighted again and again <strong>the</strong> service<br />

and sacrifice that our nation’s service<br />

men and women make every single day.<br />

At <strong>the</strong>ir convention, no mention was<br />

made of America’s war veterans<br />

currently serving in Afghanistan.<br />

2 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


Mitt Romney has a history of stretching <strong>the</strong> truth when<br />

it suits him, especially when it comes to middle class<br />

issues. Instead of sticking to his guns on his core values,<br />

Romney changes his stance depending on <strong>the</strong> audience.<br />

Here <strong>are</strong> some whoppers he’s told lately:<br />

“The ‘48, 49 percent’ that supports<br />

President Barack Obama <strong>are</strong><br />

‘people who pay no income tax.’”<br />

PolitiFact: FalSE<br />

We’ve seen <strong>the</strong> video – Mitt Romney says how he really<br />

feels about half of Americans when he thinks no one’s<br />

listening but high-paying fund raisers:<br />

“There <strong>are</strong> 47 percent of <strong>the</strong> people who will vote for<br />

<strong>the</strong> president no matter what … who <strong>are</strong> dependent<br />

on government, who believe that <strong>the</strong>y <strong>are</strong> victims, who<br />

believe <strong>the</strong> government has a responsibility to c<strong>are</strong> for<br />

<strong>the</strong>m, who believe that <strong>the</strong>y <strong>are</strong> entitled to health c<strong>are</strong>,<br />

to food, to housing, to you-name-it. … These <strong>are</strong> people<br />

who pay no income tax. … My job is not to worry about<br />

those people. I’ll never convince <strong>the</strong>m that <strong>the</strong>y should<br />

take personal responsibility and c<strong>are</strong> for <strong>the</strong>ir lives.”<br />

It’s true, 47% of Americans pay no federal income tax.<br />

But <strong>are</strong> <strong>the</strong>y all Obama supporters with no sense of personal<br />

responsibility? Absolutely not! Nearly half of that 47% <strong>are</strong><br />

senior citizens, veterans, students and o<strong>the</strong>r low-wage earners<br />

who pay <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>fair</strong> sh<strong>are</strong> of taxes and <strong>are</strong> vastly diverse when it<br />

comes to political affiliation.<br />

“I don’t have a $5 trillion tax cut.”<br />

PolitiFact: FliP FloP<br />

Mitt Romney has <strong>the</strong> nation confused about his stance on<br />

taxes. Does he have a $5 trillion tax cut plan or doesn’t he? At<br />

<strong>the</strong> first debate, President Obama confronted Romney several<br />

times on his tax plan that doesn’t add up. But instead of<br />

standing behind it, Romney did an old fashioned political<br />

flip-flop and denied <strong>the</strong> claim.<br />

According to PolitiFact, Romney promises to cut taxes but<br />

also to cut spending on vital programs like Medic<strong>are</strong>, and<br />

even PBS. He says he’s going to pay for it by closing loopholes<br />

and deductions. But instead of closing loopholes that benefit<br />

<strong>the</strong> wealthy, Romney is considering <strong>the</strong> elimination of deductions<br />

that help <strong>the</strong> middle class on things like mortgages,<br />

charitable contributions and employer-paid health insurance.<br />

“Pre-existing conditions <strong>are</strong> covered<br />

under my (health c<strong>are</strong>) plan.”<br />

PolitiFact: MOStlY FalSE<br />

Mitt Romney has been against <strong>the</strong> Patient<br />

Protection and Affordable C<strong>are</strong> Act since <strong>the</strong> beginning.<br />

However, kno<strong>win</strong>g that maintaining coverage<br />

for those with pre-existing conditions polls well<br />

with voters, Romney continues to stand by his statement<br />

regardless of plausibility.<br />

You can’t have your cake and eat it too, Mitt.<br />

According to PolitiFact, “Romney said his health<br />

c<strong>are</strong> proposals include protections for pre-existing<br />

conditions. What he didn’t say at <strong>the</strong> debate – but<br />

which his website states and advisers confirmed<br />

after <strong>the</strong> debate – is that people would be protected<br />

from denial only if <strong>the</strong>y have been continuously<br />

insured.”<br />

The Affordable C<strong>are</strong> Act, which Romney has<br />

promised to repeal on his first day in office, “offers<br />

protections whe<strong>the</strong>r people have current coverage<br />

or not,” but under Romney’s plan, <strong>the</strong>re would be<br />

no such protection.<br />

Did Mitt Romney really <strong>win</strong> <strong>the</strong> first debate?<br />

NOT IF YOU ADD UP HIS LIES.<br />

Fall 2012<br />

Public Employee Quarterly 3


Vote Yes on 2 –<br />

so SB 5 never happens again...…<br />

Who can forget that cold <strong>win</strong>ter<br />

day, locked out of <strong>the</strong> Ohio<br />

Statehouse simply for standing<br />

up for what was right? Senate Bill 5 was<br />

wrong, but conservative politicians didn’t<br />

c<strong>are</strong> what Ohioans had to say. They voted<br />

for <strong>the</strong> harmful bill despite <strong>the</strong> majority of<br />

Ohioans disagreeing with it.<br />

Voters stood up and defeated SB 5.<br />

But next time we might not be so lucky.<br />

“We need a <strong>fair</strong> redistricting process so<br />

legislation like SB 5 never happens again.<br />

A Yes on 2 this Nov. 6 is <strong>the</strong> best way to<br />

fight <strong>the</strong>se attacks before <strong>the</strong>y happen,” said<br />

Cl<strong>are</strong>nce Imhoff, Lake Geauga Chap. 4300<br />

President.<br />

Last year it was No on 2 against SB 5.<br />

This year it’s Yes on 2 for <strong>fair</strong> districts.<br />

A Yes on Issue 2 will ensure that those<br />

we elect represent <strong>the</strong> people – not <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

own personal interests.<br />

What does Issue 2<br />

mean for Ohio?<br />

Every ten years, Ohio goes through a “redistricting”<br />

process in which boundary lines for<br />

Statehouse and Congressional districts <strong>are</strong> redrawn.<br />

But here’s <strong>the</strong> problem: Ohio’s process has<br />

been rigged by corrupt politicians and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

greedy special interest friends. They’ve stolen<br />

our voice, our vote and our power, rewriting<br />

<strong>the</strong> rules to benefit <strong>the</strong>mselves at our expense.<br />

Government no longer represents “we <strong>the</strong><br />

people,” but “we <strong>the</strong> politicians.”<br />

How will Issue 2 solve<br />

<strong>the</strong>se problems?<br />

Issue 2 is a step toward common sense reform<br />

that ensures that nei<strong>the</strong>r party can un<strong>fair</strong>ly dominate<br />

state politics. It makes sure that decent people<br />

who want to actually fix problems can compete<br />

against <strong>the</strong> c<strong>are</strong>er politicians and <strong>win</strong>.<br />

Putting voters in charge of dra<strong>win</strong>g districts puts<br />

an end to <strong>the</strong> gridlock and <strong>the</strong> back-room deals<br />

that currently plague government.<br />

4 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


LOCAL<br />

AFL-CIO<br />

VotersFirstOhio.com<br />

SCRUB OFF<br />

Out with<br />

<strong>the</strong> OLD!<br />

Paid for by <strong>OCSEA</strong>. Christopher A. Mabe, President. 390 Worthington Rd. Westervi le, Oh 43082<br />

in with<br />

<strong>the</strong><br />

Ohio Civil Service<br />

Employees Association<br />

Get your Yes on 2 bumper sticker!<br />

Host or attend a Scrub Off<br />

Still got that No on 2 bumper sticker on your<br />

car? Trade it in for a new Yes on 2 bumper sticker<br />

and let your community know you want <strong>fair</strong><br />

districts.<br />

Ask your chapter leaders how you can attend a<br />

“Saturday Scrub Off” near you and get your Yes on<br />

2 bumper sticker. Or host an event for your chapter<br />

by becoming a Scrub Leader. Find out more at<br />

OCSeavotes.org or email Tim Roberts at<br />

troberts@ocsea.org.<br />

What Issue 2 ISN’T!<br />

…a liberal ploy to take away your voter rights.<br />

Wrong! Issue 2 is actually a bipartisan effort<br />

to fix a broken system and give a voice back to<br />

voters. It’s endorsed by Ohio’s largest newspapers<br />

and voter advocate groups, including <strong>the</strong> League<br />

of Women Voters.<br />

…an attack on our Constitution.<br />

Wrong! Issue 2 would actually streng<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />

Ohio Constitution by making sure elected officials<br />

represent <strong>the</strong> people as <strong>the</strong> Constitution<br />

intended. And if <strong>the</strong>y don’t, <strong>the</strong>y get voted out…<br />

period.<br />

…an expensive government program.<br />

Wrong! Issue 2 would bring back accountability,<br />

transp<strong>are</strong>ncy and balance by putting redistricting<br />

in <strong>the</strong> hands of Ohio voters, not government<br />

officials, with a Citizens Commission.<br />

Don’t listen to <strong>the</strong> lies. Vote YES to end<br />

politics as usual—because when <strong>elections</strong><br />

<strong>are</strong> <strong>fair</strong> and balanced, we <strong>the</strong> people <strong>win</strong>.<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 5


A Yes on Issue 2 is a vote for <strong>fair</strong>ness<br />

CHRISTOPHER MABE<br />

President<br />

L<br />

ast year we did<br />

everything we could<br />

to bring down<br />

Senate Bill 5. We showed<br />

<strong>the</strong> state, <strong>the</strong> nation and <strong>the</strong><br />

world that anti-worker politicians<br />

weren’t going to mess<br />

with Ohio’s public workers<br />

and <strong>the</strong>ir right to have a<br />

voice in <strong>the</strong> workplace.<br />

We stood in <strong>the</strong> cold,<br />

stayed up late at <strong>the</strong><br />

Statehouse, petitioned on<br />

street corners, walked our<br />

neighborhoods and wrote<br />

letters to our families and<br />

friends urging <strong>the</strong>m to bring<br />

down SB 5 at <strong>the</strong> polls. It was<br />

hard work, but <strong>OCSEA</strong> members<br />

and our union friends<br />

and supporters put up a hell<br />

of a fight, and we were victorious<br />

on Election Day by<br />

defeating <strong>the</strong> attack against<br />

collecting bargaining.<br />

I have to admit, this year’s<br />

fight at <strong>the</strong> polls is different<br />

than last year’s. But, I must<br />

emphasize…it is no less<br />

important!<br />

Yes on Issue 2 – <strong>the</strong> ballot<br />

initiative for <strong>fair</strong> districts –<br />

isn’t in our face like SB 5 was<br />

last year. We’re not being<br />

directly attacked (for now).<br />

But that doesn’t mean it’s not<br />

important! It’s just as important.<br />

If we <strong>are</strong>n’t proactive<br />

now and fix Ohio’s legislative<br />

redistricting process<br />

by voting Yes on 2, greedy<br />

politicians and <strong>the</strong>ir special<br />

interest friends will continue<br />

to railroad this state. Extreme<br />

legislation like SB 5 – which<br />

<strong>the</strong> majority of Ohioans<br />

opposed – will become a<br />

Statehouse standard. And<br />

next time <strong>the</strong>y put <strong>the</strong><br />

hammer down on working<br />

people, we may not be so<br />

lucky.<br />

I recently had <strong>the</strong><br />

privilege of attending<br />

<strong>the</strong> Democratic<br />

National Convention<br />

in Charlotte and was<br />

part of <strong>the</strong> Ohio delegation<br />

that put Pres.<br />

Barack Obama over<br />

<strong>the</strong> top.<br />

But even as I<br />

attended this important<br />

event, I was constantly<br />

reminded of those back<br />

home: The prison worker<br />

who just got off a 16-hour<br />

shift. The mom who pays<br />

almost as much as she makes<br />

for dayc<strong>are</strong>. The couple at<br />

<strong>the</strong> kitchen table trying to<br />

figure out how to pay this<br />

month’s mortgage. They<br />

<strong>are</strong>n’t thinking about politics.<br />

They’re thinking about getting<br />

by, paying <strong>the</strong> bills and<br />

working hard – hoping this<br />

year is better than <strong>the</strong> last.<br />

This is <strong>the</strong> working class –<br />

<strong>the</strong> middle-of-<strong>the</strong>-road voters.<br />

Statistically, Ohio voters<br />

<strong>are</strong> very moderate, which<br />

is why legislation like SB 5<br />

just didn’t fly. They want<br />

commonsense legislation<br />

that gives <strong>the</strong> middle class a<br />

chance. They want sensible<br />

politicians who c<strong>are</strong> about<br />

<strong>the</strong>m and <strong>the</strong>ir issues. Issue<br />

2 would put an end to <strong>the</strong><br />

political games that have<br />

divided this state of moderate<br />

voters into “liberals” and<br />

“conservatives,” “Democrats”<br />

and “Republicans.”<br />

Anti-worker politicians<br />

know exactly what “Yes”<br />

on Issue 2 means, and so<br />

should you! They know<br />

it means putting voters in<br />

charge of dra<strong>win</strong>g legislative<br />

and Congressional districts.<br />

C<strong>are</strong>er politicians know Issue<br />

2 will put an end to un<strong>fair</strong><br />

“We will Vote Yes on<br />

Issue 2 and return<br />

to a government of<br />

‘we <strong>the</strong> people’ not<br />

‘we <strong>the</strong> politicians!’”<br />

~ <strong>OCSEA</strong> Pres.<br />

Christopher Mabe<br />

redistricting, and deciding<br />

races before voters even<br />

go to <strong>the</strong> polls. They know<br />

it will give new candidates<br />

a chance and <strong>the</strong>y will no<br />

longer be able to just pass<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir agenda-driven legislation<br />

without being accountable<br />

to <strong>the</strong>ir constituents.<br />

It wasn’t a coincidence<br />

that <strong>the</strong> politicians in charge<br />

gave this initiative <strong>the</strong> same<br />

Issue number (#2) as last<br />

year’s No on SB 5! They<br />

wanted to confuse Ohio<br />

voters…but we’re not dumb.<br />

We will Vote Yes on Issue 2<br />

and return to a government<br />

of “we <strong>the</strong> people” not “we<br />

<strong>the</strong> politicians!”<br />

LOCAL<br />

AFL-CIO<br />

Ohio Civil Service<br />

Employees Association<br />

><br />

President<br />

Christopher Mabe<br />

Vice President Kelvin Jones<br />

Secretary-Treasurer Kathleen M. Stewart<br />

Board of Directors:<br />

District 1: Kate Callahan (odot),<br />

Shawn Gruber (dr&C), Jerry Lugo (odJfs)<br />

District 2: Carrie Johnson (MH),<br />

Michelle Hunter (MR)<br />

District 3: Doug Mosier (dr&C),<br />

Bob Valentine (odot)<br />

District 4: Bruce Thompson (dys),<br />

Vacancy<br />

District 5: Cindy Bobbitt (odJfs),<br />

Jeana Campolo (MR)<br />

District 6: Laura Morris (Health), Debra King-<br />

Hutchinson (odJfs), Gerard "Rocky" Jolly<br />

(School for Blind), Shirley Hubbert (BWC),<br />

James Adkins (dr&C), K<strong>are</strong>n Ry<strong>the</strong>r (rsc),<br />

John Anthony (Taxation), Louella Jeter (odPS),<br />

Annie Person (dys), Amy Turner (odot)<br />

District 7: James LaRocca (Lottery),<br />

Lawrence McKissic (BWC)<br />

District 8: A.J. Frame (dr&C),<br />

Beth Sheets (odMR/dd)<br />

District 9: Mal Corey (dr&C), Jeff Condo (OVH)<br />

Retiree Representative: Ron Alexander<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> Headquarters:<br />

390 Worthington Road, Ste. A,<br />

Westerville, Oh 43082<br />

Live oPerator: 614-865-4700 or 800-969-4702<br />

Automated Dial: 614-865-2678 or<br />

800-266-5615<br />

Fax: 614-865-4777<br />

Web site: www.ocsea.org<br />

Customer Service: 888-ocsea-11<br />

(888-627-3211)<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> Public Employee Quarterly (usPS<br />

010-112) is published quarterly for $6 by <strong>the</strong><br />

Ohio Civil Service Employees Association,<br />

390 Worthington Road, Suite A, Westerville,<br />

OH 43082. Periodicals postage paid at<br />

Westerville, OH and additional mailing offices.<br />

PostMaster: Send address changes to <strong>the</strong><br />

Ohio Civil Service Employees Association, 390<br />

Worthington Road, Suite A, Westerville, OH<br />

43082.<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> Public Employee Quarterly is produced<br />

by <strong>the</strong> ocsea Communications Department:<br />

Sally Meckling, Director; Deirdre O’Neill-Wedig,<br />

Pattie Boy, Ana Goodlet, Associates.<br />

To update email and o<strong>the</strong>r contact information<br />

go to:<br />

www.ocsea.org/update or call 800-969-4702.<br />

LAKE<br />

WILLIAMS FULTON LUCAS<br />

ASHTABULA<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

OTTAWA<br />

DISTRICT 7<br />

GEAUGA<br />

WOOD<br />

CUYAHOGA<br />

DEFIANCE HENRY<br />

SANDUSKY ERIE<br />

TRUMBULL<br />

LORAIN<br />

PORTAGE<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

PAULDING<br />

MEDINA<br />

DISTRICT 1<br />

HURON<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

SENECA<br />

SUMMIT DISTRICT 4<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

PUTNAM<br />

HANCOCK<br />

DISTRICT 3<br />

MAHONING<br />

ASH-<br />

VAN WERT<br />

WYANDOT CRAWFORD<br />

LAND<br />

WAYNE<br />

STARK<br />

ALLEN<br />

RICHLAND<br />

COLUMBIANA<br />

HARDIN<br />

MERCER AUGLAIZE<br />

MARION<br />

HOLMES<br />

CARROLL<br />

MORROW<br />

JEFFER-<br />

LOGAN<br />

KNOX<br />

TUSCARAWAS<br />

SON<br />

SHELBY<br />

UNION<br />

HARRISON<br />

DELAWARE<br />

COSHOCTON<br />

DARKE<br />

CHAMPAIGN <strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

DISTRICT 6<br />

DISTRICT 5<br />

LICKING<br />

MIAMI<br />

GUERNSEY BELMONT<br />

MUSKINGUM<br />

FRANKLIN<br />

CLARK<br />

MADISON<br />

MONT-<br />

PREBLE GOMERY<br />

FAIRFIELD<br />

NOBLE<br />

PERRY<br />

MONROE<br />

GREENE<br />

MORGAN<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

FAYETTE<br />

DISTRICT 2<br />

HOCKING<br />

WASHINGTON<br />

BUTLER<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

WARREN CLINTON<br />

DISTRICT 8<br />

ROSS<br />

VINTON ATHENS<br />

HAMILTON<br />

HIGHLAND<br />

MEIGS<br />

PIKE<br />

JACKSON<br />

CLERMONT<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

DISTRICT 9<br />

BROWN<br />

GALLIA<br />

ADAMS<br />

SCIOTO<br />

LAWRENCE<br />

6 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


Sherrod Brown<br />

Ohio Senate<br />

Got questions<br />

about OPERS?<br />

RSVP for November<br />

Pre-Retirement training<br />

The Union Education Trust<br />

will host a Pre-retirement training<br />

on Friday Nov. 9, and<br />

Saturday Nov. 10 at <strong>the</strong> Quest<br />

Building in Westerville, Ohio.<br />

This day-and-a-half long<br />

program will allow <strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

members and <strong>the</strong>ir families to<br />

get <strong>the</strong> knowledge needed for a<br />

secure retirement and develop a<br />

personalized retirement plan.<br />

Members will also get<br />

<strong>the</strong> latest information on<br />

legislative changes to <strong>the</strong><br />

Ohio Public Employee<br />

Retirement System (OPERS)<br />

and how those changes<br />

will impact <strong>the</strong>ir retirement<br />

plans.<br />

Friday’s session will run from<br />

6-9 p.m. and Saturday’s session<br />

will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.<br />

Registration starts 30 minutes<br />

before each session.<br />

The event is free and open to<br />

all State of Ohio bargaining unit<br />

members and <strong>the</strong>ir spouses and<br />

significant o<strong>the</strong>rs. A light dinner<br />

will be served Friday evening. A<br />

continental breakfast and lunch<br />

will be served on Saturday.<br />

The Quest Building is<br />

located at 8405 Pulsar Place,<br />

Columbus, Ohio 43240.<br />

To register, contact UET<br />

Customer Service at 800-969-<br />

4702, ext. 2645, or email<br />

blowe@ocsea.org.<br />

Activists on last year’s Senate Bill 5 campaign know<br />

that Senator Sherrod Brown is a fierce fighter for<br />

collective bargaining rights.<br />

In fact, since his election to <strong>the</strong> U.S. Senate in 2006,<br />

Senator Brown has made standing up for Ohio’s workers<br />

one of his signature issues. “You’d be hard-pressed to find<br />

a better advocate for working people in <strong>the</strong> Senate,” said<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> President Christopher Mabe.<br />

Where Sen. Brown stands on <strong>the</strong> issues:<br />

Collective Bargaining /<br />

Senate Bill 5<br />

Sherrod Brown was one of <strong>the</strong><br />

most vocal and eloquent supporters<br />

of collective bargaining<br />

rights during <strong>the</strong> SB 5 fight. In<br />

a speech before <strong>the</strong> Fraternal<br />

Order of Police last year, Sen.<br />

Brown said that collective bargaining<br />

was about more than<br />

just wages and benefits. “You’re<br />

bargaining for a better community,”<br />

he proclaimed.<br />

Jobs<br />

The Washington Post named Sen.<br />

Brown “Congress’ leading proponent<br />

of American manufacturing.”<br />

Instead of supporting a race to <strong>the</strong><br />

bottom, Sen. Brown fights for <strong>fair</strong><br />

trade – ensuring that industry isn’t<br />

undermined by un<strong>fair</strong> labor practices<br />

across <strong>the</strong> globe.<br />

Taxes<br />

Sherrod Brown has consistently<br />

voted for a <strong>fair</strong> tax policy. Sen.<br />

Brown supports a middle class tax<br />

cut and voted to make millionaires<br />

pay <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>fair</strong> sh<strong>are</strong>.<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 7


Tearing down <strong>the</strong> House<br />

that built SB 5<br />

Two years ago in this<br />

magazine, we warned<br />

what would happen if<br />

anti-union, anti-public employee<br />

conservatives gained control of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Ohio House. But little did<br />

we know <strong>the</strong> extremes <strong>the</strong>y<br />

would go to in such a short<br />

time to dismantle <strong>the</strong> rights<br />

and lives of hard-working public<br />

employees.<br />

It’s plain and simple. If<br />

we don’t support and elect<br />

members of <strong>the</strong> General<br />

Assembly who support<br />

public employees, legislation<br />

like Senate Bill 5 will happen<br />

over and over again.<br />

“The choice is clear! We<br />

have to tear down <strong>the</strong> legislative<br />

house that created SB 5 and<br />

rebuild a General Assembly that<br />

stands up for us and <strong>the</strong> services<br />

we provide,” said Rocky Jolly,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> Governmental Af<strong>fair</strong>s<br />

Committee Chair.<br />

This includes electing<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>-endorsed House or<br />

Senate incumbent candidates<br />

who voted NO on SB 5 and<br />

new candidates who support<br />

collective bargaining 100<br />

percent. All <strong>the</strong> endorsed candidates<br />

oppose privatization.<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>-endorsed candidates<br />

include long-time friends<br />

of labor like Senator Lou<br />

Gentile, a legislator running in<br />

Sou<strong>the</strong>astern Ohio in Senate<br />

District 30, and Rep. Connie<br />

Pillich, a third-term candidate<br />

from Montgomery. This also<br />

includes new friends like<br />

Charlie Daniels, SE Ohio, and<br />

Hea<strong>the</strong>r Bishoff, Central Ohio,<br />

who were invigorated by last<br />

year’s battles at <strong>the</strong> Statehouse<br />

and want to make sure collective<br />

bargaining is safe in Ohio.<br />

All have stood side-by-side<br />

with public employees through<br />

<strong>the</strong>se fights and will continue to<br />

fight for <strong>the</strong>m once elected.<br />

Will you stand with <strong>the</strong>m<br />

on Nov. 6?<br />

Sen. Lou Gentile<br />

30th Senate District<br />

Rep. Connie Pillich<br />

28th House District<br />

Hea<strong>the</strong>r Bishoff<br />

20th House District<br />

Charlie Daniels<br />

95th House District<br />

Voted AGAINST SB 5 and<br />

OPPOSES Privatization<br />

“I led <strong>the</strong> fight against<br />

SB 5 in Sou<strong>the</strong>astern Ohio<br />

and was very vocal about<br />

my opposition. I will stand<br />

alongside public employees<br />

in <strong>the</strong>ir fight against extremist<br />

politicians.”<br />

Voted AGAINST SB 5 and<br />

OPPOSES Privatization<br />

“I strongly support <strong>the</strong> right<br />

to collectively bargain…I was<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Statehouse when Gov.<br />

Kasich locked <strong>the</strong> people out.<br />

I worked for hours to open<br />

<strong>the</strong> doors…I stood with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

democrats for an injunction<br />

that would allow protesters<br />

into <strong>the</strong> Statehouse.”<br />

SUPPORTS Collective<br />

Bargaining and<br />

OPPOSES Privatization<br />

“I did not support SB 5.<br />

I also did not support <strong>the</strong><br />

lack of prioritization placed<br />

on education in <strong>the</strong> state<br />

budget.”<br />

SUPPORTS Collective<br />

Bargaining and<br />

OPPOSES Privatization<br />

“I strongly oppose privatization<br />

initiatives as we have<br />

seen in Ohio’s prisons and<br />

<strong>the</strong> current push to privatize<br />

our Turnpike. They drain<br />

funds out of Ohio’s economy<br />

and cut wages and benefits<br />

for working families.”<br />

8 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


Ohio Supreme Court Races:<br />

Don't leave <strong>the</strong> ballot blank<br />

A<br />

balanced court is in <strong>the</strong> best interests of all Ohioans. So<br />

often issues that <strong>are</strong> important to workers – like privatization,<br />

voter suppression and <strong>fair</strong> districts – end up in<br />

front of <strong>the</strong> Ohio Supreme Court.<br />

Despite this, six out of seven members on Ohio’s Supreme<br />

Court <strong>are</strong> conservatives who have voted with big business, not<br />

<strong>the</strong> middle class. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> three judges <strong>OCSEA</strong> has<br />

endorsed <strong>are</strong> all champions for working people. <strong>When</strong> you go to<br />

<strong>the</strong> polls, support judges that support you and don’t leave that<br />

ballot blank.<br />

The importance of <strong>the</strong> Supreme Court:<br />

• In September, <strong>the</strong> Ohio Supreme Court rejected partisan<br />

ballot language that was designed to manipulate<br />

voters into rejecting Issue 2 regarding <strong>fair</strong> districts.<br />

• <strong>When</strong> Gov. Kasich decided to take public money and<br />

funnel it into a private organization, JobsOhio, legal<br />

questions surrounding its funding have gone all <strong>the</strong><br />

way to <strong>the</strong> Ohio Supreme Court.<br />

• The Ohio Supreme Court is <strong>the</strong> ultimate arbitrator of<br />

cases in Ohio. OCSea’s lawsuit against private prison<br />

contractors is currently being heard by <strong>the</strong> Franklin<br />

County Court of Common Pleas. If appealed, it could<br />

be heard by <strong>the</strong> Ohio Supreme Court.<br />

Yvette McGee Brown (D)<br />

Yvette McGee Brown is <strong>the</strong> first African-American<br />

female on <strong>the</strong> Ohio Supreme Court and a consistent<br />

voice for working people on an unbalanced court.<br />

No case illustrates that better than Sutton vs.<br />

Tomco Machining, Inc. in 2011. Brown cast <strong>the</strong><br />

deciding vote in favor of an employee who was<br />

wrongfully terminated after being injured on <strong>the</strong> job.<br />

Yvette McGee Brown (D)<br />

for Ohio Supreme Court<br />

Yvette McGee Brown (D)<br />

for Ohio Supreme Court<br />

Mike Skindell (D)<br />

for Ohio Supreme Court<br />

William O'Neill (D)<br />

Not only is William O’Neill a former <strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

staffer, he has committed to running for <strong>the</strong><br />

Supreme Court of Ohio without taking any financial<br />

contributions. You can be sure O’Neill will never<br />

prioritize rich campaign contributors over working<br />

class people.<br />

Mike Skindell (D)<br />

Currently serving as a State Senator from Lakewood<br />

and member of <strong>the</strong> Senate Finance Committee, Mike<br />

Skindell has fought to protect funding for vital government<br />

services and opposes privatization. As a judge,<br />

he would no doubt bring much needed balance to <strong>the</strong><br />

court as an impartial, <strong>fair</strong> and vital voice for Ohio’s<br />

working class.<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 9


Getting Out <strong>the</strong> Vote in 2012<br />

Year after year and election after election, <strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

members <strong>are</strong> constantly reminded of <strong>the</strong> importance<br />

of electing labor-friendly candidates.<br />

This year, in addition to national races and electing candidates<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Ohio General Assembly, activists <strong>are</strong> needed to<br />

Get Out <strong>the</strong> Vote for <strong>the</strong> “YES on Issue 2” effort. Issue 2 is a<br />

ballot initiative to change how Congressional and legislative<br />

districts <strong>are</strong> drawn by giving it back to <strong>the</strong> people of Ohio<br />

once and for all.<br />

With improved canvassing and phone banking, including a<br />

new mobile phone bank, GOTV is easier than ever. Volunteer<br />

at <strong>OCSEA</strong>Votes.org today!<br />

Matt Arnold, Washington Chap. 8400, traveled to Columbus to<br />

attend <strong>the</strong> Ohio Labor 2012 Workers’ Voice campaign kickoff and<br />

get GOTV information to take back to Sou<strong>the</strong>astern Ohio.<br />

Volunteer at ocseavotes.org today!<br />

Phone Bank and<br />

Canvassing at <strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

Headquarters<br />

Now through Nov. 6 Election Day, <strong>OCSEA</strong> is<br />

hosting daily GOTV phone banks at its headquarters.<br />

Calls <strong>are</strong> member-to-member and Hatch Act<br />

compliant.<br />

Recently, activists from <strong>OCSEA</strong>’s District 6<br />

made calls to members in support of <strong>the</strong> proworker<br />

Issue 2 and candidates who champion<br />

public workers. Will you join <strong>the</strong>m?<br />

Stop by to volunteer!<br />

OCSea Headquarters<br />

390 Worthington Road<br />

Westerville, OH 43082<br />

Mondays – Fridays – 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.<br />

Saturdays – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.<br />

Sundays – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.<br />

Phone Bank in<br />

a Box<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> leaders interested<br />

in setting up a phone bank for<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir chapters now have <strong>the</strong><br />

“Phone Bank in a Box” option.<br />

A mobile phone bank kit for<br />

chapters gives activists <strong>the</strong><br />

chance to participate in GOTV<br />

efforts without leaving home.<br />

Scrub Off: Out with <strong>the</strong> old and<br />

in with <strong>the</strong> new!<br />

Last year it was “No on 2” against SB 5. This year it’s “Yes<br />

on 2” for <strong>fair</strong> districts. If you still have that old bumper<br />

sticker on your car, it's time to trade it in for a brand new<br />

“Yes on Issue 2” bumper sticker.<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> is looking for Scrub Leaders to host “Scrub Off Saturdays”<br />

all over <strong>the</strong> state through Election Day.<br />

To volunteer, email troberts@ocsea.org or visit <strong>OCSEA</strong>Votes.org<br />

10 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


Workers Voice<br />

Not able to come to Columbus to volunteer with <strong>OCSEA</strong>?<br />

Want to get involved in your community? The AFL-CIO<br />

Workers Voice program is hosting phone banks and walks<br />

across <strong>the</strong> state. Workers Voice is an independent group<br />

of <strong>the</strong> AFL-CIO and is looking for individuals and groups<br />

to volunteer. Worried about being Hatched? AFL-CIO has<br />

safeguards in place to make sure our activists follow <strong>the</strong> law<br />

regarding public servants engaging in political activity. Just<br />

let <strong>the</strong>m know you’re a public employee.<br />

Visit <strong>OCSEA</strong>Votes.org. for <strong>the</strong> Workers Voice schedule<br />

and locations.<br />

Volunteer for GOTV and<br />

bring home <strong>the</strong> swag!<br />

Vote YES on Nov. 6<br />

Members<br />

of Chap.<br />

800 kick off<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir GOTV<br />

efforts at a<br />

parade in<br />

Georgetown.<br />

(Above) District 7 holds a Get Out <strong>the</strong> Vote<br />

event.<br />

Ask your chapter<br />

leaders how to<br />

volunteer and get free<br />

Yes on 2 stuff!<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 11


Voter Suppression:<br />

Alive and Well in OhiO<br />

If you’re confused about<br />

early voting, you’re not<br />

alone. The same politicians<br />

who wanted to eliminate your<br />

voice on <strong>the</strong> job last year with<br />

Senate Bill 5, now want to eliminate<br />

your voice at <strong>the</strong> ballot<br />

box.<br />

An unprecedented attempt<br />

to try to suppress Ohioans’<br />

vote has left <strong>the</strong> decision about<br />

when you can vote early tangled<br />

up in <strong>the</strong> court system. This<br />

has left many voters wondering<br />

when – or if – <strong>the</strong>y’ll be able to<br />

get to <strong>the</strong> polls this year.<br />

Ohio Secretary of State (SOS)<br />

Jon Husted, who ruled to limit<br />

early voting hours and completely<br />

eliminate <strong>the</strong>m on <strong>the</strong><br />

weekends, has been behind<br />

much of <strong>the</strong> shenanigans.<br />

He’s <strong>the</strong> one behind:<br />

• The firing of two<br />

Montgomery County<br />

Board of Elections members<br />

for voting to allow<br />

weekend early voting in<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir county.<br />

• Trying to deny Ohioans<br />

<strong>the</strong> right to vote <strong>the</strong> last<br />

three days before <strong>the</strong><br />

election – even after a<br />

judge ruled o<strong>the</strong>rwise.<br />

What we know as of this<br />

writing is that Ohioans likely<br />

will be able to vote <strong>the</strong> last<br />

three days before <strong>the</strong> election,<br />

thanks to a federal judge who<br />

intervened in Ohio. County<br />

boards of <strong>elections</strong> <strong>are</strong> right<br />

now figuring out <strong>the</strong>ir early<br />

voting hours for those three<br />

days. However, that still makes<br />

<strong>the</strong> rest of weekend in-person<br />

early voting through October<br />

off limits. And guess who that<br />

affects <strong>the</strong> most? Working<br />

people!<br />

“Not only <strong>are</strong> <strong>the</strong>y trying to<br />

put <strong>the</strong> genie back in <strong>the</strong> bottle<br />

by limiting early voting, <strong>the</strong>y<br />

<strong>are</strong> specifically targeting working<br />

people who <strong>are</strong> on <strong>the</strong> job<br />

during regular business hours<br />

and depend on weekend and<br />

Voter Suppression Timeline<br />

in-person voting became widely-used in 2008 and immediately alleviated <strong>the</strong><br />

problem of long poll lines in Ohio’s urban precincts. To make sense of how we got<br />

here and who’s responsible, we’ve created <strong>the</strong> Voter Suppression Timeline.<br />

E<br />

arly,<br />

evening voting hours,” said<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> President Christopher<br />

Mabe.<br />

“This is <strong>the</strong> sign of desperation.<br />

If you can’t <strong>win</strong> an election<br />

with your good policies,<br />

you’ll try to steal it with dirty<br />

politics,” said Mabe.<br />

To combat voter suppression,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> is supporting a<br />

“Souls to <strong>the</strong> Polls” program,<br />

Sleep Out <strong>the</strong> Vote events and<br />

Movement Building Trainings.<br />

Call Lori Elmore at 800-266-<br />

5615, ext. 4722.<br />

TIMELINE:<br />

How <strong>the</strong>y <strong>are</strong> trying to<br />

take away your vote<br />

2000-2004<br />

In 2004, lines <strong>are</strong> so long at some<br />

precincts in Ohio (think Cleveland,<br />

East side Columbus), polls have to stay<br />

open for hours after official closing time.<br />

Some voters get frustrated and leave<br />

before casting <strong>the</strong>ir vote.<br />

2007<br />

Ohio Secy. of State Jennifer<br />

Brunner allows Ohioans to<br />

register and cast an early vote<br />

during “golden week.”<br />

2008<br />

Early in-person voting used<br />

by large numbers of Ohioans<br />

and seen as huge success.<br />

African Americans, in particular,<br />

use weekend, in-person voting,<br />

and pastors organize “souls to<br />

<strong>the</strong> polls” <strong>the</strong> Sunday before<br />

Election Day.<br />

12 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


2011<br />

Republicans in <strong>the</strong> Ohio General Assembly<br />

limit early voting by passing House Bill 194,<br />

which eliminates early voting on <strong>the</strong> weekends.<br />

Later, after a successful signature drive<br />

is held to put a referendum against HB 194<br />

on <strong>the</strong> ballot, <strong>the</strong> Republicans pass ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />

bill to try to repeal it <strong>the</strong>mselves, for fear <strong>the</strong><br />

ballot initiative would energize Democrats.<br />

AuG. 15, 2012<br />

SOS John Husted sends out a directive<br />

ordering Ohio Boards of Elections to limit<br />

voting hours, excluding evening hours<br />

and eliminating weekend early voting.<br />

AUG. 28, 2012<br />

SOS Husted fires two<br />

Montgomery County <strong>elections</strong><br />

officials, Tom Ritchie, Sr. and<br />

Dennis Lieberman, for voting to<br />

extend early voting on weekends<br />

in <strong>the</strong>ir county.<br />

SEPT. 12, 2012<br />

A federal judge denies SOS Husted’s<br />

request to keep counties from setting<br />

voting times <strong>the</strong> final three days<br />

before election.<br />

AUG. 31, 2012<br />

A federal judge orders SOS Husted to open<br />

<strong>the</strong> polls for early voting <strong>the</strong> last three days<br />

before <strong>the</strong> election. In 2008, 93,000 Ohioans<br />

cast <strong>the</strong>ir ballots during this period.<br />

NOW!<br />

Ohio County Boards of Elections<br />

<strong>are</strong> working on determining early<br />

voting hours for <strong>the</strong> last three days<br />

before Election Day. SOS Husted<br />

has appealed twice to restrict<br />

<strong>the</strong>se voting hours.<br />

Vote now while you<br />

still have <strong>the</strong> chance!<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 13


Despite pronouncements<br />

by lawmakers<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Kasich<br />

administration that sentencing<br />

reform would help alleviate<br />

Ohio’s understaffed and overcrowded<br />

prisons, <strong>the</strong> union<br />

recently released figures sho<strong>win</strong>g<br />

that <strong>the</strong> staffing levels in<br />

Ohio’s prisons have, in fact,<br />

gotten worse.<br />

At a press conference outside<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Toledo Correctional<br />

Institution, <strong>the</strong> union unveiled<br />

a new billboard regarding <strong>the</strong><br />

connection between staffing<br />

and prison violence.<br />

Two billboards, one<br />

in Toledo and one in <strong>the</strong><br />

Mansfield <strong>are</strong>a ask Ohioans to<br />

call Governor Kasich and ask<br />

him to take action regarding<br />

understaffing.<br />

While <strong>the</strong> number of inmates<br />

in <strong>the</strong> state prisons reduced by<br />

just over 2 percent, <strong>the</strong> number<br />

of Correction Officers over <strong>the</strong><br />

same period was reduced at a<br />

much higher rate – a staggering<br />

5 percent – something <strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

warned lawmakers last year not<br />

to do.<br />

“We hate to say, ‘I told you<br />

so,’ but we told you so,” said<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> President Christopher<br />

Mabe, a 20-year DR&C<br />

employee. “This union supported<br />

sentencing reform last<br />

year because we wanted relief<br />

for our Correction Officers<br />

and we wanted safer prisons.<br />

But we said it <strong>the</strong>n, and we <strong>are</strong><br />

saying today, not at <strong>the</strong> expense<br />

of cutting security staff,” said<br />

Mabe.<br />

“We've seen over <strong>the</strong><br />

past year that when<br />

staff <strong>are</strong> cut, security<br />

is weakened.”<br />

~ <strong>OCSEA</strong> Pres.<br />

Christopher Mabe<br />

“Today, Ohio’s prisons <strong>are</strong><br />

worse off than <strong>the</strong>y were before<br />

sentencing reform,” said Mabe.<br />

“Cutting staff undermined<br />

one of <strong>the</strong> goals of sentencing<br />

reform: to deal with our understaffing.”<br />

More than 325 Correction<br />

Officers have been cut statewide<br />

this year.<br />

At <strong>the</strong> ToCI, staffing levels<br />

on some shifts <strong>are</strong> much worse<br />

than <strong>the</strong> statewide average. In<br />

fact, on second shift, <strong>the</strong> facility<br />

runs 25 percent short most<br />

nights, causing employees to<br />

work mandatory overtime,<br />

according to Randy Deeble, a<br />

Toledo Correction Officer and<br />

union president of that facility.<br />

“Excessive overtime is as<br />

dangerous as short staffing,”<br />

said Deeble, “Even though it’s<br />

against policy, we have some<br />

officers who <strong>are</strong> mandated to<br />

work 3 to 4 days of<br />

back-to-back overtime,<br />

16 hours a day.”<br />

Injured CO Dennis<br />

Cowell spoke to injuries<br />

he sustained while<br />

working <strong>the</strong> “chow line”<br />

in <strong>the</strong> Toledo prison<br />

cafeteria. Cowell lost<br />

several teeth and is<br />

plagued by health issues<br />

due to a head injury caused by<br />

an inmate.<br />

“Sentencing reform is not a<br />

magic bullet. We’ve seen over<br />

<strong>the</strong> past year that when staff<br />

<strong>are</strong> cut, security is weakened.<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> is calling on lawmakers<br />

and this administration to proactively<br />

address our staffing levels<br />

now, before it’s too late,” said<br />

Mabe.<br />

(Above) TV stations in Toledo<br />

covered <strong>the</strong> launch of <strong>OCSEA</strong>'s<br />

billboard on prison staffing and<br />

violence.<br />

(Left) <strong>OCSEA</strong> leaders hold a<br />

press conference and rally<br />

near <strong>the</strong> prison to talk about<br />

increased violence at ToCI.<br />

14 Public Employee Quarterly<br />

Fall 2012


<strong>OCSEA</strong> leader speaks out against<br />

rising violence in DYS<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> member supporters from <strong>the</strong> Toledo<br />

<strong>are</strong>a come out for a press event to launch a<br />

new billboard on prison violence.<br />

A major staff assault at Scioto Juvenile Correctional<br />

Facility in September 2012 is just <strong>the</strong> latest in a series of<br />

assaults at <strong>the</strong> increasingly violent youth prison in Delaw<strong>are</strong><br />

County. This one was followed by <strong>the</strong> very public announcement<br />

that <strong>the</strong> superintendent of <strong>the</strong> facility would be<br />

stepping down.<br />

Juvenile Correction Officer Jody Dawson was assaulted<br />

by three youth, resulting in a broken nose, several stitches<br />

in <strong>the</strong> face as well as bruising.<br />

After <strong>the</strong> attack, <strong>OCSEA</strong> Chap. Pres. Karl Wilkins told <strong>the</strong><br />

Columbus Dispatch, “At this moment, we would say that it<br />

appears pretty violent.”<br />

Wilkins is right, of course. According to <strong>the</strong> Dispatch, violence<br />

at <strong>the</strong> prison has increased more than 23 percent from<br />

2010 to 2011, with 166 youth-on-youth assaults and 188<br />

youth-on-staff assaults being documented in 2011 alone.<br />

The number of Department of Youth Service facilities has<br />

been reduced by more than half, leaving <strong>the</strong> youth that<br />

remain in state juvenile facilities among <strong>the</strong> most violent in<br />

<strong>the</strong> system.<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 15


Giving back…<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> members continue to show<br />

what big hearts <strong>the</strong>y have by giving<br />

back <strong>the</strong>ir time and money to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

communities.<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> members<br />

support CCC efforts<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> members have a history of giving<br />

back. In fact, every year, through <strong>the</strong><br />

Combined Charitable Campaign, state<br />

employees make payroll donations to charitable<br />

organizations all over <strong>the</strong> state. Even in <strong>the</strong> toughest<br />

of economic times, state employees continue<br />

to show <strong>the</strong>ir generosity to organizations like<br />

Community Sh<strong>are</strong>s, <strong>the</strong> United Way and hundreds<br />

of o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

During this year’s fall CCC drive, Kelvin Jones,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> Vice President and CCC co-chair representing<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, has pushed chapters to show <strong>the</strong>ir support<br />

for <strong>the</strong> cause and to encourage members to<br />

give back in a big way.<br />

Subordinate bodies like Franklin Chap. 2500, in<br />

partnership with management team members, held<br />

an informational <strong>fair</strong> and organized a cook-out to<br />

raise money for <strong>the</strong> work site campaign.<br />

(Top) Franklin<br />

Chap. 2500 Pres.<br />

Eldrid Davis (left)<br />

and CCC management<br />

co-chair<br />

Sharon Martin host<br />

a lunch at <strong>the</strong> Ohio<br />

State Fairgrounds.<br />

All contributions<br />

went to <strong>the</strong> campaign.<br />

(Above) Dallas Smith has served as Chap.<br />

2500’s CCC cook-out grill master for <strong>the</strong> past<br />

six years.<br />

Angela Wallace (far right), Franklin Chap. 2500, works with retiree<br />

Yvonne Foster-Smith (far left) to get CCC contributions at a recent<br />

information <strong>fair</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Adjutant General Armory in Columbus.<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> retirees like Foster-Smith <strong>are</strong> working closely with <strong>the</strong> CCC<br />

this year to collect contributions. Also pictured <strong>are</strong> <strong>OCSEA</strong> Vice Pres.<br />

Kelvin Jones and representatives of <strong>the</strong> United Way.<br />

Did your chapter raise<br />

money for CCC? Tell us at<br />

communications@ocsea.org<br />

16 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


again and again<br />

Labor helping labor<br />

Members of Allen County Chapter<br />

200 let United Steel Workers<br />

Local 624 know that <strong>the</strong>y were<br />

not alone during <strong>the</strong>ir four-month long strike<br />

against Husky Lima Refining Company. In<br />

solidarity, <strong>the</strong>y donated $1,000 to help <strong>the</strong><br />

striking workers with <strong>the</strong> ongoing costs of<br />

being off <strong>the</strong> job.<br />

(Right) Allen Chap. 200 leaders present<br />

USW Local 624 with a check for $1,000.<br />

(From left to right: USW’s Mike Edelbrock,<br />

Chap. 200’s Traci Carter, Peggy Erhart, Stacy<br />

Wolfe, and LaShonda Thompson-Napier.)<br />

2012 Horizon Award<br />

In an effort to recognize <strong>the</strong> numerous contributions<br />

to Ohio’s communities made by union members,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>’s Board of Directors established an annual<br />

award program. The Horizon Award honors and publicizes<br />

<strong>the</strong> often-overlooked acts of service, volunteerism, donation,<br />

and heroism made by <strong>OCSEA</strong> members.<br />

Two Horizon Award recipients were honored at <strong>the</strong><br />

August Board of Director’s meeting with a special ceremony<br />

and presented with a plaque. Andrew Hartsel,<br />

London Correctional, and Doug Mosier, Mansfield<br />

Correctional Institution, were <strong>the</strong> recipients of those<br />

awards for <strong>the</strong>ir continued service to <strong>the</strong>ir communities.<br />

“Their charitable efforts enrich and raise <strong>the</strong> quality of our<br />

neighborhoods and society,” said <strong>OCSEA</strong> Sec.-Treas Kathy<br />

Stewart. <strong>OCSEA</strong> made a donation of $250 each to <strong>the</strong><br />

charity of <strong>the</strong>ir choice.<br />

Recognizing <strong>the</strong> charitable work<br />

that OCSea members do in <strong>the</strong><br />

community is a high priority and<br />

is a major component of <strong>the</strong> OCSea<br />

Board of Directors’ 2013 Strategic<br />

Plan.<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 17


SUBORDINATE BODY MEETINGS & ELECTION NOTICES - Fall 2012<br />

Assemblies<br />

ODOT Assembly<br />

Nov. 17<br />

Chapters<br />

2320<br />

Dec. 10<br />

2500<br />

Jan. 17<br />

2538<br />

Nov. 28 &<br />

Dec. 14<br />

3700<br />

Nov. 14<br />

Meeting: 10am-12:30pm<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville<br />

Meeting: 6:30-8:30pm<br />

Top Hat Restaurant<br />

202 West Main St., Junction City<br />

Meeting: 6-8pm<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville<br />

Meetings: 11:30am-12:30pm<br />

RSC - 400 E. Campus View Blvd.,<br />

Columbus<br />

Meeting: 5-6:30 pm<br />

Ohio EPA-SEDO Bld- Rooms 104A&B<br />

2195 Front St., Logan<br />

Chapters<br />

7500<br />

Nov. 27<br />

7600<br />

Dec. 7<br />

7700<br />

Dec. 5<br />

Nov. 14 &<br />

Dec. 12<br />

8320<br />

Nov.13 &<br />

Dec. 11<br />

Winter 2013 Education Calendar<br />

WED 19<br />

Meeting: 5:30-6pm<br />

Quality Inn, 400 Folkerth Ave., Sidney<br />

Christmas Party: 6-9 pm<br />

Executive Catering<br />

5211 W. Tuscarawas, Canton<br />

E-Board: 5:30-8 p.m.<br />

Habachi Japan Steak House,<br />

2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls<br />

Meetings: 5:30-8 p.m.<br />

VFW Firestone Post 3383,<br />

690 West Waterloo Rd., Akron<br />

Meetings: 6-6:30p.m.<br />

The Family Village Inn,<br />

144 South Main St., Waynesville<br />

Submitting A Meeting Notice<br />

Next Issue: Winter 2013<br />

Last Day to Submit Notice: Jan. 12, 2013<br />

Earliest 15-day Meeting Date: March 5, 2013<br />

To schedule online, go to<br />

ocsea.org/meetingnotices<br />

CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY: Per <strong>the</strong><br />

subordinate body Constitution Article VI,<br />

Section 8: “Circumstances such as receipt<br />

of workers’ compensation benefits, disability<br />

benefits, assignment to project staff, etc.<br />

may affect your eligibility to run for office in<br />

this election. If you <strong>are</strong> considering running<br />

for any office, executive board, or a delegate<br />

position, please contact <strong>OCSEA</strong> central office<br />

prior to <strong>the</strong> nomination date.”<br />

SUBMISSION: Meeting and election<br />

notices should be mailed to: IT Secretary<br />

Sha Cone, <strong>OCSEA</strong> 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Suite A, Westerville, OH 43082,<br />

OR faxed to 614-865-4032.<br />

Designed for<br />

Stewards<br />

To register for any of <strong>the</strong> follo<strong>win</strong>g classes, call <strong>the</strong> education registration hotline at 800-266-5615, ext. 4772 and<br />

follow <strong>the</strong> recorded instructions, or sign up online at www.ocsea.org/education beginning mid-November.<br />

If you’d like a class for your <strong>are</strong>a and don’t see one currently scheduled on <strong>the</strong> calendar, contact Pat Hammel at<br />

800-266-5615, ext. 2654 or phammel@ocsea.org to find out what types of classes <strong>are</strong> available or to schedule one for<br />

your <strong>are</strong>a on a just-in-time basis. Once you’ve recruited 10 people to attend a class, <strong>the</strong> class will be scheduled.<br />

THR 6<br />

MON 10<br />

WED 12<br />

DECEMBER<br />

Union Member Rights &<br />

Responsilities, 6pm-8pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville – Rm. 195<br />

Basic Steward Pt. 1, 6pm-9pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville – Rm. 195<br />

Basic Steward Pt. 2, 6pm-9pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm. 195<br />

Advanced Steward, 6pm-9pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm. 195<br />

TUES 8<br />

SAT 12<br />

WED 16<br />

WED 23<br />

THR 24<br />

SAT 26<br />

JANUARY<br />

Privatization Basics, 6pm-9pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm.195<br />

Basic Steward Pt. 1&2, 9am-<br />

4pm, <strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington<br />

Rd., Westerville - Rm. 195<br />

FMLA Basics, 6pm-9 pm, Holiday<br />

Inn, 4073 Medina Rd., Akron<br />

(Fairlawn)<br />

New Employee Orientation Facilitator<br />

Training for Formal Contractual<br />

Presentations, 6pm-9pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm.195<br />

Advanced Steward, 6pm-9pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm.195<br />

New Employee Orientation<br />

Facilitator Training for One-on-<br />

One Presentations, 10am-2pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm.195<br />

MON 4<br />

WED 6<br />

TUES 12<br />

THR 14<br />

WED 20<br />

SAT 23<br />

FEBRUARY<br />

Designed for<br />

all Members<br />

Basic Steward Pt. 1, 6pm-9pm,<br />

Holiday Inn, I-77 & I 480, 6001<br />

Rockside Rd., Independence<br />

Basic Steward Pt. 2, 6pm-9pm,<br />

Holiday Inn, I-77 & I-480, 6001<br />

Rockside Rd., Independence<br />

Basic Steward Pt. 1, 6pm-9pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm.195<br />

Basic Steward Pt. 2, 6pm-9pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm.195<br />

Advanced Steward, 6pm-9pm,<br />

Holiday Inn, I-77 & I-480, 6001<br />

Rockside Rd., Independence<br />

Advanced Steward, 10am-1pm,<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>, 390 Worthington Rd.,<br />

Westerville - Rm.195<br />

18 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


New Website – it’s here<br />

The new <strong>OCSEA</strong> website is here, and we want to<br />

know what you think! Head over to <strong>OCSEA</strong>.org<br />

to check it out! Email <strong>the</strong> webmaster at<br />

webmaster@ocsea.org. with your comments.<br />

If you spent any time on our old site, you'll probably notice<br />

right away that <strong>the</strong> new site is a lot smaller. We’ve taken over<br />

2,000 pages and condensed <strong>the</strong>m down to just <strong>the</strong> essentials.<br />

There <strong>are</strong> plenty of photos, videos and news stories about<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> members across Ohio.<br />

Your My<strong>OCSEA</strong> username and password is <strong>the</strong> same, and if<br />

you ever forget your login, recovering your password or creating<br />

a new account is easy on <strong>the</strong> new site.<br />

Benefits<br />

All member<br />

benefits <strong>are</strong> in<br />

one place. This<br />

includes discounts,<br />

coupons,<br />

scholarships,<br />

Union Benefits<br />

Trust, Union<br />

Education Trust<br />

and more.<br />

Events/Trainings<br />

The events calendar allows you to sort<br />

by month, type and location. For example,<br />

if you only want to see subordinate<br />

body events in Mansfield in October, you<br />

can do that now. You can also register for<br />

trainings with <strong>the</strong> click of a button.<br />

The Latest News<br />

Members-only<br />

content<br />

Steward<br />

Toolbox<br />

The toolbox<br />

<strong>are</strong>a has been<br />

revamped so you<br />

can more easily<br />

find <strong>the</strong> forms,<br />

documents, and<br />

contact information<br />

that you need.<br />

Videos<br />

Photos<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 19


Kicking off <strong>the</strong> GOTV<br />

2012 Presidents Conference a success<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> kicked off its Get Out <strong>the</strong> Vote efforts with a bang at<br />

<strong>the</strong> Presidents Conference held in Columbus. Workshops<br />

on legislative activity, phone banking, canvassing and GOTV<br />

strategy were packed with members. Keynote speakers included candidates<br />

for <strong>the</strong> Ohio Supreme Court: William O'Neill, Yvette McGee<br />

Brown and Michael Skindell. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown also appe<strong>are</strong>d<br />

via video and encouraged conference participants to continue <strong>the</strong> fight<br />

this election year. A rousing game of “What’s in Jeopardy?” during lunch<br />

showed <strong>OCSEA</strong> members what <strong>the</strong>y could have lost if Senate Bill 5 had<br />

passed, and why GOTV efforts <strong>are</strong> just as important this election.<br />

(Right) Members play <strong>the</strong><br />

“What’s in Jeopardy” game<br />

during lunch.<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> Pres.<br />

Christopher<br />

Mabe sh<strong>are</strong>s<br />

<strong>the</strong> stage with<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>-endorsed<br />

Ohio Supreme<br />

Court Candidates<br />

William O'Neill,<br />

Yvette McGee-<br />

Brown and Mike<br />

Skindell.<br />

Jewelyn Crockett, Trumbull Chap. 7810, Pat Burdock, BWC<br />

Chap. 1810, and Cheryl Brown, Trumbull Chap. 7810, enjoy<br />

<strong>the</strong> conference.<br />

(Left and below)<br />

Members enjoy<br />

speaking with<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>-endorsed<br />

candidates during<br />

<strong>the</strong> candidate<br />

meet-and-greet.<br />

(Below)<strong>OCSEA</strong> Secy.-Treas.<br />

Kathy Stewart quizzes<br />

contestants during <strong>the</strong> game.<br />

(Left) <strong>OCSEA</strong> Pres.<br />

Christopher Mabe speaks<br />

with members of Summit Co.<br />

Chap. 7700 during <strong>the</strong><br />

conference.<br />

(Below) Members get a sneak<br />

peak at <strong>OCSEA</strong>’s new website.<br />

( Left and above left)<br />

Members ready to<br />

help Get Out <strong>the</strong> Vote<br />

pack workshops<br />

on canvassing and<br />

legislative activity.<br />

20 Public Employee Quarterly Fall 2012


Stewards got down to business at <strong>the</strong> 2012 Steward<br />

Conference on Sept. 29. Highlights included keynote<br />

speaker Robert M. Schwartz, an expert on stewards’ rights<br />

and author of ‘Just Cause,’ and a presentation on fighting privatization.<br />

Participants attended workshops on managing grievance processes,<br />

using social media, communicating with management and<br />

understanding <strong>the</strong> viewpoint of an arbitrator. GOTV efforts were in<br />

full s<strong>win</strong>g, with members volunteering for phone banks, Scrub Off<br />

events and canvassing in support of Issue 2.<br />

2012<br />

Conference<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> Pres. Christopher Mabe, Vice Pres. Kelvin Jones and<br />

Secy.-Treas. Kathy Stewart with Norma Goode (center), Chap. 2599,<br />

a lucky raffle <strong>win</strong>ner.<br />

Participants sign up for GOTV opportunities and a chance to <strong>win</strong><br />

some great Yes on Issue 2 swag.<br />

ave<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> Education Representative Pat Hammel, <strong>OCSEA</strong> Education<br />

Dept., explains how to safely use social media for personal and<br />

union network-building.<br />

RE CUSED<br />

Next Wave: Refocused<br />

Members of all ages came for <strong>the</strong> Next Wave<br />

Happy Hour to learn about <strong>OCSEA</strong>'s revamped program,<br />

Next Wave: Refocused. Mentors and new<br />

activists came toge<strong>the</strong>r Sept. 28 to show it will take<br />

everyone in <strong>the</strong> union to build <strong>the</strong> next generation<br />

of union activists.<br />

It’s no longer about how old you <strong>are</strong>, but, ra<strong>the</strong>r,<br />

about gro<strong>win</strong>g and educating <strong>the</strong> next wave of<br />

union activists, regardless of age, to lead in both <strong>the</strong><br />

workplace and in <strong>the</strong> union.<br />

“With more union activists approaching retirement,<br />

we have to do everything we can to continue<br />

building <strong>the</strong> union’s strength among new activist<br />

members. For <strong>the</strong> Next Wave: Refocused program to<br />

succeed, we need <strong>the</strong> help of committed new activists<br />

AND <strong>the</strong> current leaders to mentor up-and-coming<br />

activists,” said Next Wave activist and Mansfield<br />

Corrections Officer Ron Burgess. Get involved at<br />

Facebook.com/OhioNextWave.<br />

Keynote speaker Robert M. Schwartz signs copies of his book<br />

‘Just Cause’ for members.<br />

Fall 2012 Public Employee Quarterly 21<br />

FO<br />

A NEW APPROACH TO GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF UNION ACTIVISTS


“Veterans<br />

Appreciation Day ”<br />

365<br />

Seeking out <strong>OCSEA</strong> veterans and encouraging <strong>the</strong>m to apply for <strong>the</strong><br />

benefits <strong>the</strong>y <strong>are</strong> due was <strong>the</strong> main <strong>the</strong>me at <strong>the</strong> 2012 <strong>OCSEA</strong> Veterans<br />

Committee Conference, held in Columbus at <strong>OCSEA</strong> Headquarters.<br />

Speakers Chuck Studebaker, a volunteer with <strong>the</strong> Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans<br />

Hospital, and Bill Hartnett, <strong>the</strong> first Director of Veterans Services in Ohio,<br />

revealed that only one in 10 veterans have signed up for benefits. They encouraged<br />

veterans to take advantage of what <strong>the</strong>y <strong>are</strong> entitled to by registering with<br />

<strong>the</strong> Ohio Veterans Administration.<br />

Are you a veteran or know someone<br />

who is? Call 877-OHio-vet and register<br />

for your Veterans Benefits today.<br />

Chuck Studebaker, a representative from<br />

Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Hospital, shows<br />

his Veterans Benefits card.<br />

(Above) Workshops covered<br />

veterans benefits and<br />

USERRA rights.<br />

(Right) Payton Ivy from<br />

Lucas Chap. 4800<br />

asks questions about<br />

veterans benefits.<br />

Bill Hartnett, a member of <strong>the</strong> Ohio Veterans<br />

Hall of Fame, urges all veterans to take<br />

advantage of <strong>the</strong> benefits due to <strong>the</strong>m for<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir service.<br />

Murals in honor of veterans unveiled at <strong>the</strong> conference were<br />

created by an inmate at Noble County Correctional Institution.<br />

(Left) Leaders from <strong>OCSEA</strong> Dist. 2 pose for <strong>the</strong> camera.<br />

22 Public Employee Quarterly<br />

Fall 2012


AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic 2012<br />

Even <strong>the</strong> rain couldn’t keep union activists from<br />

celebrating American workers during <strong>the</strong> 26 th AFL-CIO<br />

Labor Day Picnic at Coney Island in Cincinnati. <strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

District 2 and Hamilton-Clermont Chapter 310 leaders reached out<br />

about Get Out <strong>the</strong> Vote activities and registered community members<br />

to vote. The picnic featured music, games and face-painting for<br />

union families, along with plenty of political and labor activities.<br />

Dist. 2 Pres. Michelle Hunter helps<br />

out <strong>the</strong> catering team at <strong>the</strong> event.<br />

These future union members didn’t<br />

let <strong>the</strong> rain stop <strong>the</strong>m from having a<br />

good time.<br />

of Workers<br />

(Below) Politicians were on hand to introduce <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />

to voters. Pictured: Hamilton County Treasurer<br />

candidate Jeff Cramerding talks to an <strong>OCSEA</strong> member.<br />

Members have a ball at<br />

Union Night at <strong>the</strong> Crew!<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> members and<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir families ended<br />

<strong>the</strong> summer with a<br />

bang at Union Night with <strong>the</strong><br />

Columbus Crew on Sept. 29.<br />

The Columbus Major League<br />

soccer team took advantage<br />

of its game against <strong>the</strong> MLS<br />

Philadelphia Union to honor<br />

Ohio union workers, including<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong> members and o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Ohio AFL-CIO.<br />

Nicknamed “America’s<br />

Hardest Working Team,” <strong>the</strong><br />

Crew said <strong>the</strong>y held <strong>the</strong> event<br />

to “make sure that we <strong>are</strong> taking<br />

c<strong>are</strong> of America’s hardest working<br />

people.” The event included<br />

special ticket prices, reserved<br />

seating and events for union<br />

families.<br />

The first 100 <strong>OCSEA</strong><br />

ticket holders received<br />

a green Solidarity foam<br />

finger with <strong>the</strong> slogan<br />

“Unions: <strong>the</strong> folks who<br />

brought you <strong>the</strong> weekend.”<br />

Fall 2012<br />

Public<br />

Employee Quarterly 23


LOCAL<br />

AFL-CIO<br />

Ohio Civil Service<br />

Employees Association<br />

390 WORTHINgTON ROAd, STE. A<br />

WESTERVILLE, OH 43082-8331<br />

COVER STORY<br />

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE QUARTERLY<br />

feature stories<br />

2<br />

F A L L 2 0 1 2<br />

WHO'S got YOUR BACK?<br />

Comparing <strong>the</strong> presidential candidates<br />

3 Mitt Romney has a history of stretching <strong>the</strong> truth...<br />

departments<br />

6<br />

18<br />

18<br />

<strong>When</strong> <strong>elections</strong> <strong>are</strong> <strong>fair</strong>,<br />

<strong>the</strong> <strong>PEOPLE</strong> <strong>win</strong>.<br />

FroM THE PreSident<br />

Meeting notiCES<br />

EDUCation Calendar<br />

Vote Yes on 2<br />

4-5 Stop SB 5 from ever happening again.<br />

7-9<br />

Support candidates who support YOU!<br />

<strong>OCSEA</strong>-endorsed, labor-friendly candidates<br />

10-11<br />

Getting Out <strong>the</strong> Vote in 2012<br />

What <strong>OCSEA</strong> members can do for GOTV<br />

12-13<br />

Voter Suppression:<br />

Alive and Well in OhiO

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