From the Statehouse 2008 No. 02
by Jennifer Garrison
Jan. 26, 2008
From the Statehouse
The Ohio House passed two pieces of legislation this week that can directly affect the lives of the citizens of the 93rd House District.
The first piece of legislation, House Bill 244, allows townships to bury overhead cables, wires and equipment underground. This is vitally important because townships would now have authority that cities and municipalities already enjoy. Under the bill, township citizens will be able to petition their township to bury the utility lines in their neighborhood.
The township has been given the option to assess the situation prior to burial, in order to find out which property owners will benefit and who will be affected by the project. Before a petition for burial can be submitted, a minimum of 75 percent of affected landowners must sign the petition. If the petition is approved, the township would then work with the utility company that owns the overhead wires to place the wires underground in a safe and timely manner.
This bill simply allows a neighborhood to take action, but does not mandate any townships or neighborhoods to bury their overhead wires. The costs associated with the relocation would be paid by the township. However, if the residents wish to step forward and pay for the burial of the wires themselves, they also have this option.
Allowing property owners to unite and decide on the appearance of their neighborhood is an essential right of all Ohioans. This is especially true if they are willing to step up and pay the costs incurred for implementing the project.
H.B. 244 passed unanimously, including my “yes” vote. It will now head to the Senate for its consideration. I will keep you updated on any progress.
Substitute Senate Bill 157 is also a very important piece of legislation because it allows parents of an adult incompetent child to nominate a guardian for their adult child. Current Ohio law only gives a parent the ability to designate a guardian for a minor child. However, it does not grant authority for the parents to designate a guardian for an adult child who is incompetent.
The bill requires the court to give preference to the person who is nominated by the parents over someone else who has applied for guardianship. This is on the condition that the incompetent adult child does not have a spouse or an adult child of his/her own, or has not designated a guardian for himself/herself prior to becoming incompetent.
Parents are far better suited, in most cases, to determine who would best serve as a guardian for their mentally disabled child. Their opinion is valued and should be respected. It is my belief that Ohio law must back the parents on this issue.
This bill passed unanimously, including my “yes” vote. It is my hope that the Senate will approve some minor changes quickly and send the bill to the Governor for his consideration.
You can reach Jennifer Garrison at her Columbus office at (614) 644-8728 or in the district at 373-2414 or by e-mail at jennifer@jennifergarrison.com. Her Web site is Riffe Center | 77 South High Street | Columbus Ohio 43215-6111 | (800) 282-0253 | District93@ohr.state.oh.us
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