Sen. Jones, former trooper have heated exchange!
From Ryan Holderman, April 12, 2011
Sen. Jones, former trooper have heated exchange about S.B. 5
By Ed Richter, Staff Writer
The Western Star, April 12, 2011
The Western Star, April 12, 2011
LEBANON — Meetings of the Lebanon Tea Party usually inspire spirited debate about current issues, but Monday’s meeting featured a shouting match between a state senator and a retired state trooper.
State Sen. Shannon Jones, R-Springboro, was speaking to about 75 people at the Warren County Fairgrounds about what’s next for Senate Bill 5, the new law that would weaken public workers’ collective bargaining rights. It was the second time Jones has spoken about the legislation she sponsored since Gov. John Kasich signed it into law.
Jones said if a referendum is placed on the ballot, the new law set to become effective July 1 would not take effect until voters decide its fate in November.
“I think it’s incredibly important that our councils and school boards have the flexibility to operate when there are declining revenues,” she said, noting that the state cannot continue a system where seniority is the main factor that allows annual salary increases.
As Jones took questions, Dennis Gorski, a retired state trooper and a past president of the Ohio State Troopers Association, said, “there’s so much misinformation out there. You’ve never worked with unions.”
Jones said Gorski didn’t know who she has met or consulted with.
“I think Senate Bill 5 stinks,” he said.
“When did police officers, firemen and teachers become the bad guys?” Gorski asked as some in the audience began shouting him down.
Jones said, “We’re out of money. We have to give management the flexibility... This system protects the worst teachers in the system.”
Gorski, a Lebanon resident who said he has three children who are teachers and a son-in-law who is a principal, left after making his comments.
Gorski said he spent 30 years in law enforcement and served eight years on the OSP’s retirement system board. He retired from the OSP four years ago.
posted by Kathie Bracy at 6:57 PM
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