June 29 2023

The Becker Report – June 2023

Beckerisms

What is Issue 1 on the August 8, 2023 ballot?

Put simply, it requires 60 percent approval for future amendments to the Ohio Constitution.

Why is that important?

The Ohio Constitution is a mess. It’s filled with legislation that belongs in the Ohio Revised Code. Currently, big money groups from outside Ohio have the ability to finance large scale efforts to change the Ohio Constitution with a simple majority vote of the people. This 60 percent rule to protect our constitution should have been put in place decades ago. Regardless, if we don’t pass this, our constitution will undoubtedly get worse.

What groups are supporting this protection?

In addition to my personal endorsement, the Clermont County Republican Party, State Treasurer Robert Sprague, and many more.
Cincinnati Right to Life put out a memo with this paragraph:

A groundswell of organizations including the Ohio Republican Party, Center for Christian Virtue, the National Federation of Independent Business in Ohio, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Restaurant Association, and Ohio Right to Life are mobilizing Ohioans to vote yes on Issue 1. Many recognize that for too long, Ohio’s Constitution has been up for sale to the highest bidder. From casinos to drug-legalization pushers to abortionists, special interests with millions of dollars have targeted the Ohio Constitution because of the ease of amending our state’s founding document.
Cincinnati Right to Life 6/22/2023

Additionally, a good summary came from Buckeye Firearms:

A YES vote on Issue 1 protects our Second Amendment rights from deep-pocketed, out-of-state interests, like anti-gun Mike Bloomberg.
So, of course, gun grabbers and the media are spreading lies to get people to vote against it in the upcoming Aug. 8 special election.
One lie is that Issue 1 is radical and undemocratic because it makes it harder to change Ohio’s constitution.
But changing a constitution is supposed to be difficult — more difficult than changing ordinary laws.
For example, the founders made it hard to change the U.S. Constitution. To amend it requires a 2/3 vote of both chambers of Congress and a vote of 3/4 of state legislatures.
Most states make it hard to change their constitutions as well. For example, Colorado requires a 55% vote. Florida requires a 60% vote. New Hampshire requires a 66% vote.
And guess what? The Ohio Democratic Party itself requires a vote of 60% to amend its own bylaws, i.e., their party constitution! That’s exactly the same vote threshold Issue 1 calls for to change Ohio’s constitution!
Dean Rieck, Executive Director

Friends of Liberty United (FOLU) put out this statement:

Over 30 states already require 60% to amend their state constitution. Issue 1 just aligns Ohio with the majority of other states.
Since 1851, Ohio’s Constitution has been amended 172 times while the US Constitution has been amended only 27 times since 1789! Even a Presidential veto takes a 2/3 vote (@67%) in the House before a bill becomes a law. Ohio has 88 counties. When only 5% of voters signing initiative petition in 44 counties to be required for initiative petitions, this already leaves half (50%) of our counties not represented. If a proposed amendment is good, these new requirements should not be a problem.
Friends of Liberty United (FOLU)

Also consider “Why Ohio’s Constitution Should be Hard to Amend.”
And “Why Hunters and Sportsmen Should Vote Yes on Issue 1.”
And the “Ohio Farm Bureau supports Issue 1.”

Important Dates

July 10: Voter registration deadline for August 8 election.
July 11: Early in-person voting for August 8 election begins.
August 1: Deadline to request absentee ballot for August 8 election.
August 8: Election Day.

Covid

So, how did those lockdowns workout? New review of 600 studies finds COVID lockdowns ‘caused more harm than benefit’
From where did Covid originate? 10 reasons we KNOW that COVID-19 leaked from the Wuhan Lab
Remember what the so-called experts told us? 10 COVID-19 ‘Truths’ That Weren’t True
And tell me again what the Covid jab was for? CDC Director knew COVID vax did not prevent infection

Union Township Update

Clepper Park Improvements

On a 2 to 1 vote, the Board of Trustees approved the following:

New playground equipment costing approximately $510,000. The existing equipment will be moved to Mt. Carmel Park.
- Of that, $125,000 is a federal grant and $385,000 is ARPA (Covid) money.
New Pickleball courts costing approximately $415,000.
- Of that, $122,000 is a grant from the Ohio capital budget and $293,000 is ARPA (Covid) money.

Why I voted “NO” on spending $925,000 (510,000 + 415,000) of your money:
Regardless of the source of funds, all of it is taxpayer money. The two grants totaling $247,000 ($125,000 + $122,000) were “use it or lose it.” The remaining $678,000 ($925,000 – $247,000) is the ARPA (Covid) money that could have been used to offset other general fund expenses and reduce the upward pressure on ever increasing property taxes.
For example, that $678,000 of ARPA (Covid) money could have been spent on roads, police and fire equipment. We could have used that money to purchase a fire engine, repair and upgrade multiple roads, or replace a fleet of ageing police cars. So now, we will be spending a similar $678,000 out of our general fund instead.
Over time, our general fund will be dwindling and the Board of Trustees, at that time, will have discussions about raising property taxes and/or reducing services. And the voters will be saying: “Remember when…?”
Although recreational equipment is nice to have, it’s a matter of opportunity cost. In this case, I simply could not justify the expense relative to the other needs of the township.
Did I make the wrong decision? Reply back at BeckerGOP@Fuse.net and let me know your thoughts.

New Website

Check out our new website at https://www.union-township.oh.us/.
I’d like to change our URL to something simpler and more intuitive than www.union-township.oh.us. I have a few ideas that end in .gov. Give me your ideas. Reply back at BeckerGOP@Fuse.net.

Union Township welcomes new and growing businesses

Gyro Express has opened a new location at the Eastgate Mall. They are “sandwiched” inside the food court.
Biggby Coffee is now open for and “brewing up” business at their new location in Meijer’s parking lot near the current Chase Bank location.
Beauty Artistry Academy is now open for business at 792 Eastgate South Drive around the corner from Cici’s Pizza. Expect a “hair raising” experience.
Blinds Plus recently opened a new store in the old Walmart location near Chuck-e-Cheese’s. Customers have been going in to “see” them.
Cincy Beauty Parlour is open for business at 500 Ohio Pike. No need to “pull your hair out” to get an appointment.
Popshelf is planning a new location in the Cherry Grove Shopping Plaza. I’m looking forward to “popping” in.
Mercy Health Urgent Care will be caring for patients when their new location opens in the Cherry Grove Shopping Plaza. I’ll be “patient” while I await their grand opening.
Libby’s Country Candles is “lighting up” sales at their new location inside the Eastgate Mall.
Mike’s Car Wash is “washing” out the competition at their new location at SR 125 and McMann Road.
Grocery Outlet is planning a new store in the old Bed, Bath, and Beyond location in the Eastgate Pavilion near Best Buy. They are expecting to “produce” profits.
A Hilton Hotel has been perpetually under construction near the Hampton Inn and Meijer’s. They have made certain “accommodations” and residents can “sleep well” knowing that construction has recommenced.
Construction is on-going at the Glen Este Chick-fil-A to improve and expand their restaurant and drive through lanes. Now that’s something to “cluck” about.
Vandalia Rental is “gearing up” to move into the old Ohio Mulch location on Mt. Carmel Tobasco Road near the Days Inn.
Bubbakoo’s is “cooking up” plans to open in the previous Zoup’s location. Construction is in progress.
Kay Jewelers is looking at a “golden” opportunity to locate a store near Sportsman’s Warehouse.
Dirty Dough Cookies is “baking” plans to open near the Cherry Grove Skyline Chili.
Panda Express is looking to raze the car wash next to the Union Township library and build a new location there. It’s an “appetizing” venture.
Honda East will be “shifting gears” to “rev up” sales by expanding their operations in Cherry Grove. They might “tire,” “brake,” and “shock” you, but they are “on a roll.” Wouldn’t it be nice if they offered free samples?
Inter Parish Ministry has a food pantry under construction across from Gold Star Chili in Mt. Carmel. It’s expected to be a “full-filling” experience.
PetSuites is “grooming” a new location on Old SR 74 next to Office Max. The lot has been cleared.
TQL will be adding an additional 1,000 jobs at its sprawling UT campus. The new southern wing will look similar to their recently added northern wing. The project is “trucking” along. “Total Quality” will be a “Logistic” requirement.
Kroger has “crushing” plans to demolish Sears and build a new 123,722 square foot Kroger Marketplace store detached from the mall. The store will include a Starbucks, drive through pharmacy, expanded deli, expanded bakery, a Murray Cheese section, sushi, expanded adult beverage section, apparel, home goods, expanded grocery section, and a Kroger fuel center with 18 fuel pumps. The fuel will be on the recently shuttered Wendy’s side of the parking lot. The northeast side of the store will have a parking area for on-line pickup. The current Kroger store on Eastgate Boulevard will likely close in coordination with opening the new Kroger Marketplace store.
Outback Steakhouse will be “firing up” a new restaurant near Meijer’s where the old Starbucks and a video store used to be. Construction has begun. The “stakes” could be high and profits are expected to “sizzle.”
Take 5 Oil Change is currently building on the site of an old shuttered Wendy’s near the corner of Ohio Pike and Nine Mile Road. It’s a “slick” move.
Chase Bank will be relocating their Eastgate location to Eastgate Blvd near Big Lots. They are hoping to “cash-in” on the move.
Taco John’s is planning to build a new restaurant near the Sam’s Club fuel pumps near Steak n Shake. We didn’t “grill” them at the Trustee’s meeting.

Union Township Trustees Meeting Video

June 22, 2023
June 13, 2023
May 9, 2023
April 25, 2023
April 11 2023
March 14, 2023
February 28, 2023
February 14, 2023
January 10, 2023
January 3, 2023

Event Calendar

Disclaimer: All events, locations, and times are subject to change.

July 4
Happy Independence Day!

July 7
Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center from 4 – 7 PM.

July 8
Movie Night: Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at Veterans Park beginning at dusk.

July 10
Voter registration deadline for August 8 election.

July 10
AMT meeting tentatively scheduled at Eastgate Panera at 6:30 PM.

July 11
Early in-person voting for August 8 election begins.

July 11
Union Township Trustees meeting at the Civic Center at 6 PM.

July 14
Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center from 4 – 7 PM.

July 15
Concert: 2nd Wind Band behind the UT Civic Center at 7:30 PM.

July 21
Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center from 4 – 7 PM.

July 22
Pickleball tournament at Veterans Park at 9:00 AM.

July 23 – July 29
Clermont County Fair.

July 25
Union Township Trustees work session at 6 PM.

July 28
Farmers Market at the UT Civic Center from 4 – 7 PM.

July 29
Movie Night: Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets in Clepper Park at dusk.

July 31
Friends of Liberty United (FOLU) at the House of Restoration at 7 PM.

August 1
Deadline to request absentee ballot for August 8 election.

Video Central

BeckerGOP YouTube Channel

Presentations and discussions at the Union Township Trustee meetings

Concealed Carry Part 1 – January 11, 2022 (9 minutes)
Concealed Carry Part 2 – February 8, 2022 (12 minutes)
Union Township Debt Presentation – March 8, 2022 (10 minutes) Slides
Union Township Property Tax Distributions – April 12, 2022 (7 minutes) Slides
Union Township 2021 Financials – May 10, 2022 (14 minutes) Slides
Union Township 2021 Expenses Deep Dive – June 14, 2022 (14 minutes) Slides
Union Township First Half 2022 Financials – July 12, 2022 (13 minutes) Slides
Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) – July 12, 2022 (10 minutes)
UT Concert Series – August 9, 2022 (5 minutes)
Natural Gas Aggregation Discussion – September 13, 2022 (9 minutes)
Cost of 2022 Concert Series and Fireworks – September 13, 2022 (14 minutes)
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Board of Trustees Discussion (38 minutes)
Medical Marijuana Dispensary Public and Board of Trustees Discussion (100 minutes)
Medical Marijuana Six Month Moratorium (12 minutes)
Board Discussion: Meeting Rules (36 minutes)

The Becker Report Video Archives

Becker – Vetted, Tested, and Proven!

“…John Becker, an ‘archconservative’ former state lawmaker from the Cincinnati area…” as described by Cleveland.com (February 2021).
“[State Rep. John Becker,] one of Ohio’s most conservative lawmakers…” proclaimed Cleveland.com (October 2020).
“Clermont County State Rep. John Becker, one of the most conservative members of the Ohio House…” according to Cleveland.com (August 2019).
Becker wins “Sponsor of Liberty” award by the Republican Liberty Caucus of Ohio (October 2018).
“Becker has a legitimate claim as the state’s most conservative legislator,” according to The [Cleveland] Plain Dealer (September 2017).
“Rep. John Becker, suburban Cincinnati Republican… [holds] the unofficial title as the General Assembly’s most conservative lawmaker,” proclaimed the Columbus Dispatch (September 2015).
Becker wins prestigious William Wilberforce Leadership Award (April 2015).
“GOP Ohio House freshman Becker is no shrinking violet,” headlined the Columbus Dispatch (December 2014).
“Becker…is arguably the most conservative member of the Ohio House,” said The Cincinnati Enquirer (January 2014).
Ranked as a top tier “most archconservative” by the Columbus Dispatch (September 2013).

If you prefer to donate online, please click this link or one of my donate buttons at www.BeckerGOP.com.

Introduction (38 seconds)	Second Amendment (36 seconds)
Taxes (49 seconds)	Energy (55 seconds)
Pro-Life (42 seconds)	Creation Science and Evolution (42 sec.)
State Government Spending (45 sec.)	State Government (37 seconds)

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Disclaimer
Nothing in this newsletter constitutes legal advice. I am not an attorney and do not play one on TV. This newsletter is not sanctioned by the GOP, ORP, or any organization, or affiliation. Much of it is simply my opinion. I am fully and solely responsible for my opinion. Although I strive for accuracy, this is not “The Gospel according to John.” Additionally, I don’t necessarily try to be “fair and balanced.” After all, I didn’t get into politics to be a news reporter. My agenda is to influence public policy consistent with Southern Ohio conservative values. For more information on my motivations or how to get involved, see: What is a Central Committee?