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2015
Talbott Tower Suite 1208 131 N. Ludlow Street Dayton, OH 45402-1703 937-228-4041 league@lwvdayton.org
www.lwvdayton.org Facebook: Lwv Dayton OH
May LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE GREATER DAYTON AREA
VOLUME 92, ISSUE 5
Environmental Issues & Awards Our April 16th program was a noteworthy contribution to the League of Women Voters' long-
standing position on preserving the environment. Mike Ekberg (Water Resources Manager at
the Miami Conservancy District) and Michelle Simmons (City of Dayton Manager of
Environmental Management) joined Ellis Jacobs (a local attorney and a member of the City of
Dayton’s Environmental Advisory Board) to discuss proposed changes to the City of Dayton’s
wellfield protection policies. Mr. Adam Rissien (Director of Agricultural & Water Policy at the Ohio Environmental Council) explained the causes of the growth of toxic blue-green algae in
Grand Lake St. Marys and current regulations governing the prevention of farm run-off into
waterways. Mr. Lane Oswald (a Montgomery County farmer and a spokesman for the Ohio
Farm Bureau) shared farmers’ perspectives on current and proposed state laws.
At the end of the program, the very first Jo Columbro Environmental Awards were presented
in honor of our past president and benefactor Johanna Columbro. This annual award will be
given to an individual or organization in recognition of outstanding contributions to
environmental preservation in three possible categories: public education, community action/
advocacy and philanthropy. Two awards were given this year: to Jo Columbro (posthumously)
for her enduring contributions to Environmental Advocacy and Community Education, and to
The Beaver Creek Wetlands Association, for its work in preserving and re-restoring critical area wetlands and for its public environmental education and nature activities. The award was
accepted by BCWA President Rob Evans.
Dona C. Fletcher, President
L-R: Ellis Jacobs, attorney and member of the
Dayton Environ. Advisory Bd.; Michele
Simmons, Dayton's Mgr. of Environ. Mgmt.; Mike Eckberg, Water Resources Mgr. at the
Miami Conservancy District discussing proposed changes to the City of Dayton
Source Water Protection Program.
Rob Evans, president of the
Beaver Creek Wetlands
Association accepting the Jo Columbro Environmental
Award.
L-R: Lane Osswold, Mont. Co. farmer and
spokesman for the Ohio Farm Bureau; Adam
Rissien, Dir. of Agriculture and Water Policy at the Ohio Environmental Council discussing
toxic algae growth in Grand Lake St. Marys.
Page 2 Funding & Development The Voter
*In-kind contribution **In-kind + monetary contribution
The League of Women Voters recognizes that
diverse perspectives are important and
necessary for responsible and representative
decision making. The LWV affirms its
commitment to reflecting the diversity of
America in its membership, leadership and programs.
Follow us on Facebook!
General Fund
Major Leadership Circle Members
Vice President ($5,000+) Jo Columbro Talbott Tower Management*
Cabinet ($2,500 - $4,999) Bob and Mary Winfree*
Governor ($1,000 - $2,499) Chuck Fisher* Roger B. Himmell, CPA* Premier Health Miami Valley Hospital Good Samaritan Hospital Atrium Medical Center Upper Valley Medical Center Time Warner Cable
Senate ($500 - $999) Anonymous Dayton Metro Library Dr. and Ms. Ronald L. Fletcher Kendall Printing* University of Dayton President’s Office Fitz Center for Leadership in the Community
House ($250 - $499) Crossman & Maciorowski Sharon Harmer* Vivienne and Roger Himmell Herbert Lee Ellen T. McCloskey Judge Frances E. McGee McGohan Brabender, Inc. Michael and Margot Merz David and Sharen Neuhardt Phil Plummer, Montgomery County Sheriff Jenell Ross Patty and Ralph Skilken** Fred Strahorn, State Rep, 39th Dist. Martha Taylor Judy and Tom Thompson
We thank these Major Leadership Circle members. We invite everyone to contribute to the LWV, including all elected officials, political entities and candidates. The LWV is nonpartisan; the LWV does not endorse anyone on this Leadership Circle list.
Education Fund
Current Major Contributors
Charles D. Berry Jo Columbro DATV* Dayton Bar Association Foundation Dayton Power & Light Foundation Dan Gallivan Kendall Printing* Earl McDaniel Marian Simmons Estate Bequest McGohan Brabender Montgomery County Board of Elections MVCC* Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP Rieck Services Tom and Judy Thompson The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation Bob and Mary Winfree
All donations as of date of publication.
Recent Contributions Appreciated
Thank you to the following who have made a
contribution to the League since our last
Voter.
General Fund [a 501(c)(4) entity] P. Clark; P. Ewers; V. Himmell in memory of M. Gogle, F. Erskine and J. Elam; S. Neargarder; K. Turner; C. Winslow
Page 3
May 2015 95 Years of Volunteers
Recently I gave a speech on the suffragist movement to students at Edison College. Every
time I give that speech I am surprised how overwhelmed I feel by the story of the women
who came before us–-women who, with no constitutional rights, challenged and changed the
Constitution of the United States.
For decades women passed the torch and the passion from generation to generation to secure
changes that would eventually provide them with equality under the law, educational
opportunities and the right to vote. With the approval of the 19th Amendment, suffragist
Carrie Chapman Catt carried the torch one step farther with the idea of an organization of
women who would challenge the new voters to become engaged in their government. Carrie
opened the doors of the League of Women Voters and presented that torch to the women who founded our local League. We have proudly passed it on to every generation since 1920.
Ninety-five years later, the League’s mission remains vitally important for women, children
and minorities, and for the health of our planet and the enduring strength of our democracy.
The League of Women Voters was a good idea in 1920 and today it has grown into a nationally-respected and highly-regarded proponent of non-partisan information and a
champion for voters’ rights - every voter’s rights.
Our members are part of a proud tradition of voter service that grows with every voter
registration, every educational program, candidate forum, cable interview, Voters Guide, and Facebook post. We carry on through thousands of volunteer hours, bright ideas, and
boisterous discussions, on a shoe-string budget of which I am personally proud. Every
volunteer minute, donor dollar, bit of quick wit, patience, perseverance and spirit is needed
and appreciated.
From satin pumps and gloved hands to running shoes and yoga pants, volunteers have kept
the passion and the mission of the League alive and serving the Greater Dayton Area for nine-
and-a-half decades. I could not be more proud of our organization and the work we do
together. Thank you for being part of it for 95 years and counting!
Susan Hesselgesser Executive Director
The annual updates to the Directory of Public Officials have been completed, and the 2015
edition is now available. Co-editors Michael Lewis and Lucy Anne McKosky spearheaded the
process, and Pat Clark and Pat Stidham helped with updating information and proofreading.
Susan Hesselgesser, Vivienne Himmell, Sandie Mants, Patsy Thurin and Lucy Anne McKosky
delivered over 400 copies of the directories to our bulk customers.
If you don't already have your copy of the new Directory of Public Officials, you can get one
by calling or emailing the League office at 228-4041 or league@lwvdayton.org. League
members get a special price of $3.00 for the first copy, including postage, with additional
copies available at the non-member price of $6.00 per copy. Please make checks payable to
the Dayton Area League of Women Voters Education Fund and send to the League office, 131 N. Ludlow St., Suite 1208, Dayton, OH 45402-1703.
Besides helping League members keep in touch with government representatives, the
directory is a valuable resource for local officials. Each year, many of our biggest orders come
from government entities. The directory provides an important public service and, as an added bonus, it brings in revenue for the League Education Fund.
Lucy Anne McKosky, Co-Editor of DPO
Thanks to DPO Volunteers
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization, which encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in
government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The Voter is published monthly by the League of Women Voters of the Greater Dayton Area (LWVGDA); Talbott Tower, Suite 1208, 131 N. Ludlow
Street, Dayton, OH 45402; Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Phone (937) 228-4041 and FAX (937) 228-4104
Email: league@lwvdayton.org Web address: www.lwvdayton.org President: Dona Fletcher
Editorial Board: Vivienne Himmell, Sharon Harmer, Penny Wolff Co-Editors: Kathleen Farmer, Sue Shay
Page 4
Factory Man Book Forum The Voter
One of the issues of concern that was chosen for discussion at our Program Planning Meeting
last year was globalization and its impact on our economy both nationally and locally. The
challenge was to find a presenter who could discuss globalization in an informative way that
could be easily understood. The solution came in the form of a book whose author is a native
Ohioan from Urbana, though she now resides in Roanoke, VA.
Several League members had attended a book
signing of the best seller Factory Man, written by
Beth Macy. We were so intrigued by the story of
one man's struggle to save
his family's furniture business that we asked
Beth if she would do a
presentation for the
League. She offered to
Skype with us during a
discussion of the book.
Thus our first Book Forum w a s o r g a n i z e d i n
collaboration with the Washington-Centerville Public Library as part of
their monthly Book Ends meeting.
On March 19th, 30 participants discussed the effects of out-sourcing
manufacturing through the experience of John D. Bassett III whose
story, as told by Ms. Macy, personifies the demise of an industry and
its impact on the lives of its employees and the company town. Many
similarities with our own community's experiences of loss were noted.
The last 45 minutes of the forum were spent conversing live with
Beth Macy via Skype (a video conference), as she told how she found
J. B. and his business and used them to make the effects of globalization come to life. It was
easy to see how Beth was able to build rapport with the "locals" and to put them at ease to
tell of the pain, frustration, fear and disappointment they felt as they watched their world
change.
The forum was well received and we hope it will become another League tradition as we
explore issues of government, social justice and international relations (all of which were
dealt with in Macy’s book).
Barbara Buddendeck
Debe Dockins of Centerville
Library moderated the Skype
forum.
Author Beth Macy, appearing on a projected screen,
shared insights and great anecdotes about her book
Factory Man.
Page 5 May 2015 Dayton LWV on the Road
We are saddened to announce the passing of former League member
Gloria Wolff who died March 20 at the age of 88. Gloria served as president of
LWV of Greene County before that League merged with LWV of Greater Dayton in
1993. She also worked with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), FISH food pantry,
Greene County Family and Children First, P.E.O. International, Miami Valley Women’s
Center, Meals on Wheels and Xenia Board of Education, as well as numerous other organizations. We wish to extend our sincere condolences to her family at this difficult time. LWVGDA also will deeply miss League supporter and friend Dan Gallivan who passed away
on March 16 at the age of 69. Dan volunteered as a financial advisor for the LWV Education
Fund and was a huge fan and supporter of the Voters Guide. His wisdom, enthusiasm and encouragement will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Julia
and their family.
In Memoriam
LWVGDA was asked to provide a speaker for a Women’s History Month celebration at Edison
Community College in Piqua. The program was sponsored by the diversity committee and was
attended by both students and faculty. Sue Hesselgesser, our Executive Director, was
delighted to have an opportunity to keep the legacy of Suffragists in the public consciousness.
Few can narrate that history better than Sue.
We took this opportunity to introduce a project which is still in its planning stages: Searching
for answers as to why eligible voters do not vote. Alarms have been triggered by low
voter turnout, particularly in local and off-year elections. We need to ask eligible voters who
do not vote why they are making the personal choice not to participate in the democratic
process. While we were at Edison Community College, we did present the question to the audience and one brave student gave her opinion. She said a lack of knowledge about ballot
issues led her to choose not to vote. She didn’t want to make bad choices. When we asked if
she was familiar with the Voters Guide, she said she had never seen it.
In the near future, we plan to reach out to diverse populations to explore their voting habits. With this data we will attempt to form a panel of experts to discuss the pattern of
decline in voter participation and formulate possible solutions. Community forums with the
panel will be held covering both Greene & Montgomery counties. Media outlets will be utilized
to engage as many people as possible with our investigation of this very important public
issue. Stay tuned to hear more about this project.
Valerie Lee, Action Chair
Upcoming Event Dine & Dish with Amanda Wright
Tuesday May 19 11:30 AM
Engineer’s Club, 110 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
Open to the Public, Tickets $35
Join us for a fascinating time with Amanda Wright, great niece of hometown favorites Orville
and Wilber Wright, who will soon be the subject of the new David McCullough book and a Tom
Hanks movie. Reserve via Paypal at lwvdayton.org or send your check to the LWV office, 131
N. Ludlow, #1208 Dayton, OH 45402. Call the office with any questions at 228-4041.
Page 6 The Voter Early Voting Lawsuit is Settled!
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Associated Press, Fox News & LWVOhio) -- Civil-rights groups settled their
legal dispute with Ohio's elections chief on Friday, April 17, over actions that trimmed early
voting opportunities in the political battleground state of Ohio.
The agreement, between Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, the Ohio Chapter of the NAACP,
the League of Women Voters of Ohio, Bethel AME Church and the ACLU of Ohio, maintains
elimination of the so-called "golden week" in which individuals could both register AND vote
(emphasis added), but adds voting opportunities on multiple Sundays and during evenings.
The lawsuit had challenged two early-voting provisions. One was a directive by Husted that established uniform early-voting times and restricted weekend and evening hours. Another
was a GOP-backed law that eliminated golden week.
Plaintiffs argued voting-law changes hurt low-income, black voters disproportionately. The
state argued the organizations couldn't prove an illegal undue burden was placed on black voters. The settlement retains a uniform statewide voting schedule, as Husted wanted, but
expanded the hours and days he had laid out. Husted, a Republican, called the agreement a
victory for Ohio voters. "One of my primary goals is to ensure uniformity in Ohio elections so
that every voter in this state is treated equally and fairly," he said in a statement. "Today we
are preserving that uniformity for all Ohio voters while maintaining ample opportunity to cast
a ballot and participate in the democratic process."
Freda Levenson, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, agreed the
settlement will benefit Ohio voters. "Thousands rely on early voting opportunities to cast a
ballot in an election," she said in a statement. "This settlement restores Sunday and evening
hours in all 88 counties, meaning more voters will have a better chance to actually vote."
Specifically, the settlement allows the following early voting opportunities:
For the 2016 presidential general election, provides an additional Sunday during the third
week of voting, with election boards open 1 to 5 p.m.;
For the 2016 presidential primary election and general elections, expands weekday evening hours to 7 p.m. during the fourth week of voting;
For regular municipal elections, primary elections and special elections, expands hours
during the fourth week of voting for weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on the Saturday
before the election, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The settlement dismisses a federal lawsuit in which the U.S. Justice Department had sided
with the plaintiffs, saying in a court filing that the voting measures unfairly affect minority
voters. Its provisions will go into effect after the May primary.
Image: ACLU.org
Page 7 May 2015
Annual Meeting Scheduled
………………………………………………………... ………………………………………………………...
June 6, 9A--Noon, Bergamo Center, 4400 Shakertown Road, Beavercreek, OH
Cost: $25.00 Includes breakfast and meeting costs
Name:___________________________________
Phone:______________________
Check enclosed: $__________ (payable to the LWVGDA) ($10 if not eating breakfast)
Mail To: LWVGDA, 131 N. Ludlow St., Suite 1208, Dayton, OH 45402 or use PayPal at
www.lwvdayton.org.
Registration for Annual Meeting
………………………………………………………... ………………………………………………………...
ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, June 6, 9A—Noon
Bergamo Center
4400 Shakertown Road, Beavercreek, OH 45430
Just a reminder that our annual meeting will take place in June this year. Please plan to
participate in this important opportunity to set the framework and direction of the LWVGDA
for fiscal year 2015 – 2016. We will be electing officers, directors and nominating committee
members for next year, approving the budget for the General Fund, recommending the budget for the education fund and approving the topics and the calendar for the educational
programs recommended by the members who participated in the program planning meeting
this past January. See the insert in this issue for details on all of the above.
Our guest speaker will be Judy Hennessey, former superintendent with Oakwood City Schools and current superintendent of Dayton Early College Academy (DECA) who will make a
presentation on Charter Schools. This is a timely topic, as revisions to the legal parameters of
charter schools operating in Ohio are currently being debated in Columbus. DECA is
considered one of the area’s highest-ranking charter schools with 100% of its 2014 graduates
either in college or in the military.
A full breakfast will be served from 8:30—9:15 and the meeting will begin promptly at 9:30.
The cost for the meeting and the meal is $25 but those who do not wish to eat may attend for
$10 to cover facility costs. Please complete the registration form below and return it to the
League office as soon as possible.
Dianne Herman, VP Program
Our last quarterly dinner on April 13th at the Spaghetti Warehouse was enjoyed by the brave
guests who ignored the monsoon rain that evening and came to eat pasta and talk about LWV
issues and events. Vivienne Himmell explained the LWVO Statehouse Day and Dona Fletcher
told us about local upcoming LWV events. Before the evening ended, every single person
present spoke up and contributed to the conversation! Watch for info about our next dinner so
you don’t miss out on the fun. Patty Skilken, President Elect
And a Good Time Was Had By All
Advocating Voter Education and Action on Issues
We are on the Web. www.lwvdayton.org
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE GREATER DAYTON AREA Talbott Tower, Suite 1208 131 N. Ludlow Street Dayton, OHIO 45402-1703
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID DAYTON, OHIO
PERMIT NO. 105
Current Resident or:
Soon (very soon!) we will begin preparing the 2015-2016 Membership Directory. PLEASE
check your listing in the current directory, make sure your contact information is
accurate and provide us with additional information if necessary. We strongly encourage you
to provide not only your name, but also your full address, email address, and phone numbers
(you may include your home number, work number, and cell number or any combination of
these). Professional information related to your business may also be included to provide members with possible networking opportunities. The more information we have, the easier it
is for us to keep you informed of issues and events!
If for any reason you do not want any of this information to be in our Membership Directory
or in any issue of our newsletter, please let us know and your wishes will be respected with no questions asked.
Call (228-4041) or email the office (league@lwvdayton) with any changes, updates and
additions ASAP. Put "Membership Directory" in the subject line of your email. Thank you very
much! Patty Skilken, President-Elect
Important Notice!
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