Catch and Release : Daily Press Release Wrap-Up
Submitted by Anthony Fossaceca on Wed, 02/24/2010 - 7:52am.
Kucinich Challenges Sec. Gates on Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan
From Congressman Kucinich
Washington D.C. (February 23, 2010) – Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), a vocal critic of the war in Afghanistan, yesterday wrote to Defense Secretary Robert Gates demanding information on the decision-making process and the underlying intelligence that led to a NATO attack on a civilian convoy. Media reports indicate that 27 civilians were killed, including women and children and many more were injured.
“The U.S. government has an obligation to protect civilians under international law. As Secretary of Defense, you have an obligation to ensure that all military operations conducted in Afghanistan are conducted in accordance to such laws...
“Please provide information about the events leading up to the air strike … a detailed description of how it was determined that the civilians traveling by minibus were Taliban insurgents, and the protocol for ordering this airstrike and all other airstrikes,” wrote Kucinich in the letter.
Kucinich demanded a response within two weeks, citing “the gravity of the situation and the tragic loss of life.” Kucinich added, “The United States must demonstrate a clear commitment to protecting civilian lives in Afghanistan, and the results of this investigation are vital to ensure that an adequate system of oversight and accountability is in place.”
Kucinich warned, “If necessary, I will direct the request for information via a Resolution of Inquiry in the House of Representatives.” A Resolution of Inquiry is a procedure to force a House vote to force the release of documents from the Executive Branch. Under House Rules, a Resolution of Inquiry must be referred to committee and acted upon within 14 legislative days.
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OHIO STATE SENATE CANDIDATE OYANGO SNELL KICKS OFF COMMUNITY DIALOGUE SERIES WITH THE “OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SPEAKS TOUR”
From: Oyango Snell for State Senate
(Columbus, Ohio) –Oyango Snell, Ohio State Senate Candidate for the 15th District, launches the “Our Neighborhood Speaks Tour,” a series of town hall discussions held in the 15th District. Snell kicks off the tour on March 11, 2010, from 6p-8p at Sawyer Community Recreation Center located at 1056 Atcheson Street.
The tour consists of four town hall meetings where the senate candidate addresses and organizes local residents around critical issues in the 15th District such as education, jobs, crime, healthcare and other issues. The March 11th town hall meeting focuses on “Education and Our Youth: Envisioning 21st Century Learning, Labor, and Leadership.”
“In today’s competitive global economy, we must be prepared with professional based training through higher education, high technical skills training or vocational career based curriculum that puts talented workers into good paying jobs,” says Senate Candidate Oyango Snell.
The neighborhood tour dialogues are also intended to give residents the opportunity to create their own platform for the candidate to implement as he seeks to serve in an elected office.
“Albeit, our district is quite diverse in every notable index, over the past decade many of our district neighbors in Linden, the Hilltop or Southside have witnessed continued decline in quality of life. This tour is about the people of the 15th District caucusing to bring their voices and collective solutions to the table,” comments Snell.
The “Our Neighborhood Speaks Tour” kicks off on March 11th and ends April 24th. For more information, visit www.oyangosnell.com
###We Have Our Answer: Portman Does Not Support Ohio Jobs
From : The Ohio Democratic Party
Still No Word from Congressman Kasich
COLUMBUS – Ohio middle class families struggling during this global recession today got their answer on the potential for new job creation from Architect of the Bush Economy Rob Portman---a resounding No. This afternoon, Portman responded to the Ohio Democratic Party’s request for his position on legislation in the U.S. Senate that will bring relief to Ohio workers and small businesses. Despite the bill’s support from the U.S. Senator Portman hopes to replace, Sen. George Voinovich, Portman told the Columbus Dispatch that he would have voted against the measure to create new jobs in Ohio.
“As the mastermind behind the economic policies that killed Ohio jobs, it should come as no surprise that the Architect of the Bush Economy Rob Portman would not support initiatives designed to get Ohioans back to work,” Ohio Democratic Party Communications Director Seth Bringman said. “I applaud Sen. Voinovich for putting our state before partisan politics. For the middle class families and small businesses stretched so thin right now, it’s heartbreaking that Rob Portman opposes this bill, and it’s shameful that Congressman Kasich has yet to say where he stands.”
The Ohio Democratic Party continues to wait for a response from John Kasich on whether or not he supports the Jobs Bill. In addition, Kasich should join the call of 47 governors, including Republicans, who sent a letter to congressional leaders asking them to extend increased federal spending on Medicaid, as originally contained in the stimulus bill.
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McNamara Urges Senate Action On Foreclosure Crisis
Toledo City Councilman offers resolution in support of land bank legislation
Toledo, OH – City Councilman Joe McNamara believes that legislation currently before the Ohio State Senate would create a powerful new tool for communities to confront the foreclosure and abandoned property crises. And today he’s asking his colleagues on City Council to join him in urging its passage.
McNamara will introduce a resolution at today’s Council meeting in support of Senate Bill No. 188, which would allow counties across Ohio to establish Land Reutilization Corporations that could demolish, rehabilitate, and/or sell tax-foreclosed properties.
“This bill would give Lucas County the ability to combat the devastating effects of the foreclosure crisis in our neighborhoods and promote safer, more livable communities,” said McNamara.
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Governor, GM Announce Creation of 1,200 Jobs at Lordstown Plant
New third shift will support production of 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
Lordstown, OH – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland joined General Motors North America President Mark Reuss and other state and regional leaders today to announce the creation of 1,200 jobs through the addition of a third shift at GM’s Lordstown plant to support the production of the new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
“I’m proud to celebrate the creation of 1,200 new Ohio jobs and the resilience of the working men and women of the Mahoning Valley. The chips were down but we never gave up,” Strickland said. “That grit and steely determination is why I love this valley and why I believe in Ohio.
“The economic impact of GM’s investment will benefit the people of this region and communities throughout Ohio: GM’s Defiance Foundry will build engine blocks for the Cruze. GM’s Parma Metal Center will stamp dozens of components for the Cruze. GM’s Toledo Powertrain Center will produce transmissions and numerous suppliers in the Mahoning Valley and across the state will contribute parts for the Cruze,” Strickland said.
“Born in Ohio, built by Ohioans, the Cruze will become synonymous with Ohio. And that’s fitting because it reflects the innovation and resilience of the people of Ohio.
“It’s a great day in Ohio. Because GM is making a little automotive history in Ohio today. And Ohioans are going to be making a new kind of car for years and years to come,” Strickland said. “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with GM and the Lordstown community to keep auto manufacturing strong in Ohio.”
U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan also released the following statement:
"President Obama and Congress made the unpopular but necessary decision to take partial ownership of General Motors and guide it through bankruptcy. This bold step may have saved manufacturing in the United States from being wiped out,” Ryan said. “As a result of that leadership, not only were the Mahoning Valley and Northeast Ohio community spared an economic catastrophe, we now stand to reap the benefits of those tough decisions. I commend the workers at the GM Lordstown plant for their leadership and maturity. Without their skills, talents and positive attitude, this day would have never come.
“I would like to thank Governor Strickland for his constant attention to the Mahoning Valley and the 17th Congressional District. His input and guidance have been instrumental in not only this project, but in every one of our economic successes over the past few weeks.
“I would also like to commend Senator Sherrod Brown for his powerful voice on behalf of our domestic manufacturing base. The American auto-industry has no better friend in the Senate.
“It's clear that our local economic development strategy is working: another 1,100 high-paying jobs in Lordstown, corporate investment of $650 million and 350 permanent jobs at V&M Star, 500 more jobs expected at VXI in downtown Youngstown, a San Francisco technology company bringing up to 100 jobs to the Youngstown Business Incubator in the next two years, and Severstal Steel returning to work in Warren. I believe that this is the beginning of the Miracle on the Mahoning,” Ryan said.
Ohio and GM are continuing to move forward on important investments for our state. Last week Governor Strickland joined GM officials at the Powertrain Plant in Defiance to announce a $59 million investment that will support the production of the next generation fuel efficient Ecotec engine while creating about 80 new jobs.
And, on Feb. 8, the governor announced that the Defiance plant was awarded a $518,232 industry efficiency grant through Ohio's State Energy Program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The award will help fund new equipment that will save energy, reduce raw material consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and allow the facility to be more competitive by reducing its overall annual costs by $515,013.
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