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Representative out-of touch with Community on HB 138
Only one legislator in the entire state of Ohio voted against a recent law to help communities cope with the foreclosure crisis. Only the current 55th District Representative, Bill Coley, voted against HB 138. Voting against HB 138 showed loyalty to the banking industry, but did not represent the best interests of Butler County taxpayers. The vote shows that our current representative is out-of-touch with the community.
The subprime mortgage crisis is impacting communities across Ohio. To address these impacts, the Ohio House and Senate passed HB 138. It had broad bi-partisan support. It passed the Ohio Senate 33-0 and the Ohio House 95-1. It was signed into law by Governor Strickland on June 11, 2008. Only Mr. Coley voted against this law.
HB 138 addressed the legal limbo that allowed banks to foreclose on property without taking formal ownership and responsibly for maintenance in timely manner. During the legal limbo period, the taxpayers or former homeowner had to maintain the property until a new buyer purchased the property. Voting against HB 138 supported the banking industry and lobbyists that helped create the crisis. It is time to tell the big banks, special interests groups, and corporate lobbyists that Butler County citizens should have a voice in state government. We need someone that will represent the families and values of the Butler County. As an active member of the community, I will better represent the District.
Representatives should care about their communities and understand how the laws passed in Columbus affect families and taxpayers in their districts. West Chester, Liberty, Monroe, and Middletown are seeing increased numbers of properties being foreclosed. Unscrupulous lenders and banks that profited from the mortgage crisis are not helping address the problem. Banks, and financial institutions that foreclose on loans and have the most to gain financially from a resale, should take responsibility to maintain the property. It is a common sense policy that will benefit Ohio communities and taxpayers; municipal leaders from the 55th District and across the state support this law.
Representatives need to listen to the citizens and community leaders. Being elected to government office does not impart infinite wisdom and the right to ignore constituents. Representatives should vote in the best interests of their community, not big bank lobbyist organizations. We need leaders that will represent their communities and will work with the Governor and members of both parties to improve Ohio.
I am running to represent the people of the District. I understand the impact that laws made in Columbus can have on families, businesses, and organizations in the community. I will not put the needs of special interest groups before the needs of the taxpayers and citizens in the community. I respectfully request your input and support.
The above column appeared in the Pulse Journal on July 3, 2008.
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