On Monday, January 3rd, the State of Ohio had its Senate Confirmation of new and existing senators in the Ohio Capital Building. Ten Democrat and 22 Republican Senators were present, with one senator seat currently unfilled. (There are 33 Senate Seats and 99 Representatives for Ohio).
Family and friends gathered in Senator Bill’s office. Later that morning, Bill was officially sworn-in by Judge Robert R. Cupp during a private session held in the Finan Hearing Room. Later that afternoon, Bill was ceremoniously and unanimously confirmed in a full senate session.
At lunch we had a Cincinnati fare including Montgomery Inn Pulled Pork and Skyline Chili. Governor John Kasich and Senator Rob Portman (on slide show below) were on hand to shake hands and to speak to anyone and everyone. I spoke briefly with Governor Kasich about his budget cutting plans and the de-railing of the High-Speed Rail program. The governor assured me that he was serious about budget cuts and that his administration would not make the same mistakes as previous administrations.
The Senate Chambers, fully restored in the early 1990′s, gave the ceremony an historic air. The capital building was started in 1839, and was restored 1989- 1993. Within those historic walls, Senator Bill Beagle, from the 5th district of Ohio, was unanimously confirmed as the next senator of his district.
Afterwards we took a tour of the Capital Building. Tours are available every day the building is open, and are provided at no cost. Tours for casual visitors, tourists or small groups are given on the hour seven days a week, and groups larger than ten persons can schedule through out the day between the hours of 9:30 am and 3:15 pm weekdays.
As a conservative, I am glad to see the 129th General Assembly on a mission to cut government waste and assist Ohio businesses. My brother and Senator Bill Beagle, will be another voice for the small business person in an important elected position. As Senate President Niehaus has said, this senate is dedicated to representing the best interests of ALL Ohioians, including those Ohioans owning businesses. As a small business owner for over 24 years, I feel that finally we have a voice at the statehouse.
Best of luck to my Senator Brother, all those elected to the Ohio General Assembly and Governor Kasich in dealing with the $8 Billion budget shortfall by March 15th.