Stop calling. OK, keep calling.

The Governor signed HB70 into law today. You can stop calling him, unless you're calling to rail against him for other reasons (like Ohio being 49th in the nation in job creation), or you're calling in order to take part in scream therapy. Far be it from me to dictate actions associated with your psychological well-being.

On second thought, let's keep calling him (whatever name you like) because the manner in which the Youngstown Amendment passed is an affront to democracy, and the ridiculous array of powers it doles out to a single individual are frightening.

If you've forgotten the gyst of the Youngstown Amendment, Patrick O'Donnell does a fine job paring it down in this article...

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/07/a_quick_look_at_the_new_state_takeover_plan_for_failing_school_districts.html#incart_related_stories

Check it out. I'll wait.

Good, you're back and pissed off again. You're welcome. Now call the Governor and tell him about himself. After all, is this any way for the future President of the United States to act? No, it is not, which is why I'm rallying for the Democratic Socialist from Vermont.

I have also contacted my Senator and Representative, Gayle and Nathan Manning respectively, and they have graciously extended an invitation to my wife and I to meet next week to discuss this legislation. I hope to get a better grasp on the ramifications for Youngstown, and also for Lorain, which is currently in Academic Distress and could fall under the same rules in 2017-2018. 

For what it's worth, if my math is right, any given school district is 3-5 years from complete takeover by a state appointed CEO (depending on safe harbor and the maintenance of successful scores on state assessments that we haven't seen yet). So, if you're someone who has trouble with empathy and doesn't do shit unless it effects you, then act now so it doesn't effect you.

Here's Kasich's number...

(614)466-3555

Here's where to find your State Representative...

http://www.ohiohouse.gov/members/member-directory

Here's where to find your State Senator...

http://www.ohiosenate.gov/members/senate-directory