SECRET vote???????? Do we have a violation of Ohio's Sunshine Law?????????
From John Curry, February 16, 2011
"New elections could cut Hovis' term short. The Millersburg Republican was elected president in January by a vote of 10-9, narrowly defeating Debe Terhar, a Republican from Cincinnati elected to the board in November. The votes were secret, so it's not known to the public for whom Harris voted."
CORE's John Bos brings up a good question about a recent secret vote at the ODE...SECRET VOTE???????????? I thought our new Governor wanted transparency in government???????
John
State school-board vote Kasich may increase influence on school board
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
February 16, 2011
February 16, 2011
Gov. John Kasich already has made six appointments to the Ohio Board of Education since taking office last month, and the Republican governor may have another chance to expand his influence over the 19-member panel.
The board yesterday decided to scrap last month's internal election for board president and vice president and hold a new election in March.
Board President Robin C. Hovis announced the decision after a 90-minute executive session at the board's monthly meeting in Columbus.
Hovis said he and other board members felt it wise to hold new elections because of concern about the legality of votes cast since the start of 2011 by Martha Harris, a Democratic appointee of former Gov. Ted Strickland. Harris was replaced last week after she got caught up in a paperwork snafu and change in administration.
The board is made up of 11 elected members and eight appointed by the governor.
With another Kasich appointee now on the board, questions were raised about the validity of last month's board elections as well as speculation about the future of state Superintendent Deborah Delisle, who serves at the pleasure of the board.
Kasich has not said he wants Delisle, a Democrat, removed. But past governors, including Strickland, have pressured boards to fire the superintendent or make a favorable hire to gain greater control over education policy.
Hovis said the board's legal counsel did not direct members to hold new elections but that it was suggested because of questions about Harris' participation. The board also postponed all scheduled votes on its agenda yesterday until the March meeting.
New elections could cut Hovis' term short. The Millersburg Republican was elected president in January by a vote of 10-9, narrowly defeating Debe Terhar, a Republican from Cincinnati elected to the board in November. The votes were secret, so it's not known to the public for whom Harris voted.
Hovis, appointed to the board in 2004 by former Gov. Bob Taft and since elected to his current slot, said he plans to run for president again. "I've waited seven years," he said.
Thomas W. Gunlock, a Kasich appointee who briefly sought the president's post before he was elected vice president, said yesterday that he does not plan to challenge Hovis next month. It was unclear if any other Kasich appointee would run.
Political jockeying on the board began last month when Harris' tenure was thrown into limbo after Strickland left office and it was learned his staff never submitted paperwork requesting her confirmation by the Senate.
The Kasich administration says Harris' term expired, and the governor Thursday named Angela Thi Bennett, of East Cleveland, to complete the last two years of the term. In response, Harris, of Cleveland Heights, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Cleveland to keep the seat.
Yesterday, a judge transferred the case to U.S. District Court in Columbus.
posted by Kathie Bracy at 12:50 PM
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