On March 6, 2012, the residents of the village will be asked to vote on a police levy. This levy will help in hiring possibly two full-time officers and getting the police department back on track.

We are not talking about funding unimportant activities, but needed community services that keep people out of jails and out of hospitals that cost us much more than treatment and intervention programs.

Their so-called “negotiation” is the same as always. We get a lousy, poorly explained “my-way-or-the-highway” contract with hocus-pocus numbers – again. And then the so-called “discussion,” with the city ignoring us and telling us (falsely) that we have no choice – again.

This unprecedented and crippling rate hike is proving detrimental to small businesses and families alike. I, as well as my staff, have been well-engaged in monitoring this situation and urging the PUCO to take action as soon as possible.

I phoned Highland’s Ohio Sen. Dave Daniels’ office to learn what he was doing to help Highland Countians through this P.U.C.O./AEP mess and, unfortunately, was not surprised by what I learned.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer has been traveling Ohio campaigning for the repeal of Ohio's death penalty. This is somewhat disconcerting since one of his jobs as Ohio Supreme Court justice is to rule on cases before that court involving the death penalty.

Back in the "old days," the utility was regulated and made enough money to maintain its infrastructure and pay a dividend to its shareholders, but no one ever got rich on the stock of that company. Its service was excellent and its price was reasonable.

I must say that I was impressed by all of the candidates at county commissioner forum hosted by the Highland County TEA Party this past Monday evening, though some shined brighter than others. But it certainly isn’t my place to critique the candidates for their public speaking; besides, one’s public speaking ability has more to do with getting elected than actually fulfilling the requirements of the office.

The 19th Annual New Directions Telethon that took place on Jan. 24 was a huge success. So far the donations and pledges total $14,944.

There is nothing more satisfying than being a public servant with the ability to help others and the opportunity to build relationships with the other public officials. I look forward to continue being your Highland County Recorder.

Highland County Help Me Grow had another successful "Adopt-A-Family" project for the eighth consecutive year. It was a difficult year for many, due to the economy. We were concerned that we could not provide Christmas for as many as we have in the past. However, thanks to the generosity of the below named sponsors, we were able to assist 81 children this past year in having Christmas presents under their trees.

It was revealed that commissioners have been going into recess upon the completion of agenda items, allowing the public attendees to leave, and then returning to session hours and even a day later with no public notice of when they will reconvene or what business is to be conducted.

I did not know what to expect being the executive director here at the Homeless Shelter. I am proud of the fact that we have helped close to 350 individuals and families this past year. We are also very proud of and so appreciate our many donors who help us to keep our doors open.

It is time that the people of this county begin asking tough questions of their elected servants and demanding real answers. We have grown accustomed to our “leaders” blaming the economy or low tax revenues for their inability to comply with the requirements. What is being missed is that these rules have been put in place to protect the taxpayer from having their tax dollars mismanaged.