Speaker Batchelder addresses area GOP; Sullivan named Republican of the Year

Ohio House Speaker Bill Batchelder discussed staying true to the taxpayers, while New Market resident Lowell Sullivan was named Republican of the Year Thursday during the Highland County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner. 

The event, held at the First United Methodist Church in Hillsboro, also allowed the three Republican candidates for the Hillsboro Mayor's race to address voters. 

Batchelder, who was introduced by 86th House District Representative Cliff Rosenberger, said that Ohio had to give "the power back to the taxpayers" in order to make Ohio a great state once again.

"Part of this is amazing to me, because we're $8 billion in the hole (in the state budget)," Batchelder said. "And we didn't get there because we underpaid public employees. That's not how that happened. It happened because in 1983, legislation was passed which, very frankly, gave all kinds of power in negotiations to people who work for state and local governments. And we're trying to put that back in balance. That's all there is to it."

Batchelder said he was disappointed in the misinformation that is being spread regarding Senate Bill 5, legislation that is currently receiving hearings. Sen. Shannon Jones  (R-Springboro) introduced Senate Bill 5, which has the support of Gov. John Kasich, and would eliminate collective bargaining for certain state employees - including police officers, firefighters and teachers, among others - and base future pay rates and increases on merit.

"I am really disappointed in the Ohio Education Association because they're sending out bulletins that say we're going to cut teacher pay across the board to $36,000 a year," Batchelder said. "First of all, they have contracts, so we're not cutting their contracts in any way, shape or form. But that shows how desperate some of these people are who are involved in this struggle."

The group gave Batchelder a round of applause when he spoke about giving back to the taxpayers.

"We have to give power back to the taxpayers to control government, and if we don't do it now, it isn't going to get done," Batchelder said. "This state has so much potential. I know what your county has gone through in the way of unemployment, closed businesses, that kind of thing. This is an area of the state where if there is a job to do, people will take that job and do it. This isn't urban Cleveland or someplace like that. People want to work. And it's so sad to see what has happened to the economy of this state that we live in."

Batchelder said Ohio once had a global presence in the economy, but now with high taxes, unsupportive laws toward businesses, "problems in three of five pensions systems," and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency administering mandates that make it difficult on businesses and government.  

"Sometimes the most uncommon thing in government is common sense," he said. "We've got regulations coming out our ears, and we have to cut back on them. We an EPA who thinks it's their number one job to keep business from growing and expanding. There are a bunch of agencies that need our attention."

He said Gov. Kasich's Jobs Ohio legislation will help turn the state around. 

"We have to work to get jobs," Batchelder said. "We have to work to see to it that the people of Ohio get a $1 worth of services for a $1 worth of taxes."

Following Batchelder's speech, central committee member Highland County Sheriff Ron Ward introduced the Republican candidates for mayor of the city of Hillsboro. Ward said that the race was important for all county residents, not just the city voters. 

"There's no more important time for the city of Hillsboro than this upcoming election," Ward said. "The city of Hillsboro, being the county seat, quite honestly, has been run in the ground. I think we have an administration that doesn't listen to the people. Doesn't listen to businesses. Doesn't listen to council. Doesn't listen to other elected officeholders that they work with. I think it's a very important election, that we elect a good, strong mayor. And I think we have three great candidates."

Candidates Rod Daniels, Terry Mikkelsen and Drew Hastings each spoke for a few minutes regarding their platforms and campaigns. 

County Republican Party Chairperson Kay Ayres announced the Republican of the Year. Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley was scheduled to do the honors, but was ill and unable to attend, so Ayres read Fawley's prepared statement. 

Sullivan has served on the Highland County Republican Central Committee for several years, according to Ayres. "He is what many people have referred to as the model committee member."

He has worked to organize functions, made sure his neighbors were registered to vote, and rarely misses meetings. 

"He does all of this quietly and effectively, and he does all of this for the right reasons," Ayres said. "The 2011 winner of the Republican of the Year award ... Is not here."

Ayres said that the Sullivans were scheduled to leave this week on a vacation in Florida, and he was not in attendance to receive the surprise award. He will be given the honor during an upcoming committee meeting. 

"He is so deserving," Ayres said. "If we had all Lowell Sullivans, we'd never lose."

The evening concluded with Highland County Recorder Ike Hodson leading the group in singing "God Bless America."