December 29 2024

The Becker Report – December 2024

Beckerisms

Happy New Year!

I hope everybody had a great Christmas and I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025.

President Biden pardons Hunter Biden

President Biden repeatedly and unequivocally went on record multiple times stating that nobody is above the law and he would never pardon his son.

“I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”
President Biden 12/1/2024

Well, of course we understand. This is just one in a series of multiple lies perpetrated upon the American people.
John Becker 12/1/2024

Congressional Report Finds (Nearly) Every COVID-19 ‘Conspiracy Theory’ Was True

This falls under the topic of “See, I told you so.” The nation and Ohioans are awaiting multiple apologies:

The most thorough report ever released on America’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic has concluded that virtually everything that would have gotten you banned from social media for spreading “misinformation” was true.

Union Township Update

Need anything?

If you are a resident or stake holder in Union Township, Clermont County and need anything from your local government, call me at 513-753-6440. That’s my home landline. Feel free to call 24/7 or email me at John@BeckerGOP.com. Video is here: youtu.be/wcxZMgxeNbo

Double Dipper Alert!

Click here to read the official government spin and send a comment: utclermont.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=65

The Union Township Board of Trustees will soon be considering a controversial policy to allow employees to “retire” with their full pensions and continue their employment with Union Township. This is an inappropriate indulgence unique to government employees and is known as Double Dipping.

To be fair, the proposed policy is optional for employees and has some built-in limitations. Although participating employees will be back on a State of Ohio pension program and receive full benefits, their Double Dipper salary will be limited to 90 percent for up to five years. Any and all limitations could always be modified or eliminated at any time by the Board of Trustees.

One of my major concerns is the creation of a “glass ceiling.” The proposed policy may have a chilling impact on employee retention of our best and brightest. Current employees who have earned promotions, and are waiting on retirements, may have to wait an additional five years or leave Union Township. That’s not fair to them and the taxpayers will incur additional costs to replace them. Another problem is the additional administrative time and legal fees to utilize the policy.

This practice is virtually unheard of across corporate America. Nobody gets to retire with their full pension and then stay on the company payroll with full benefits. That said, it is not uncommon for companies to rehire “retired” employees as 1099 independent contractors (consultants) with no or limited benefits.

Double Dipping is an abuse of the taxpayer subsidized state pension system. That is why I sponsored a bill in the Ohio General Assembly during the 2018 session named Double Dippers Inappropriately Privileged (DDIP). It was House Bill 708. It failed because the members of the General Assembly like to Double Dip also. It’s a great deal for government workers and the excess cost is simply billed to you; the taxpayer.

To be clear, I have no animosity toward any government employee making rational financial decisions within the law. My problem is with the law and local governments enabling Double Dipping.

Furthermore, I have no problem with state and local governments hiring retirees from any private or federal retirement system. An out of state retiree is okay too. None of them would be Double Dipping on a State of Ohio government pension plan.

In case you’re wondering, I am eligible to be a Double Dipper. As you would expect, I’m leading by example and continuing to refuse the privilege.

Although not confirmed, my expectation is that the new Double Dipper policy will be considered and voted on at the Trustees meeting on January 14 at 6 PM.

Upcoming UT sponsored events and schedule

December 26 – January 31, 2025 – Christmas Tree Recycling at the Services Department Garage at 4312 Glen Este-Withamsville Road.
December 31– UT Trustees special meeting at 8:30 AM
January 1, 2025 – Happy New Year! As you would expect, Union Township Offices will be closed.
January 2, 2025 – UT Trustees annual reorganization meeting at 9:00 AM.
January 14, 2025 – Potential UT Trustees meeting at 6:00 PM. (This is not yet determined.)

John Becker Talks Trash in Union Township

Keep our community clean. Please don’t litter.
Every Day is Earth Day in Union Township.
Let’s Make Union Township Clean Again.
Union Township messaging will hopefully bring awareness to the litter problem and make our community a cleaner place to live, work, and play.

The following is where I’ve been picking up trash:
December 21, 2024 – Eastgate Boulevard from SR 32 to Aicholtz Road. Top of the exit ramp from eastbound SR 32 to Eastgate Blvd. Top of the entrance ramp from northbound Eastgate Boulevard to eastbound SR 32. Old SR 74 from Eastgate Boulevard to the creek east of Rumpke Rd. Rumpke Road from Tall Trees Drive to Old SR 74.
December 14, 2024 – Bach Buxton Road between SR 32 and Clepper Lane. (I’ve now done all of Bach Buxton from SR 32 to Clough Pike.) Also, the area around Rumpke Road and Old SR 74.
December 7, 2024 – Bach Buxton Road from Mt. Carmel Christian Church to Clough Pike. Also stopped to pick up “large litter” along a different section of Bach Buxton Road as well as the Eastgate Boulevard overpass. Additionally, I did an expanded area around Rumpke Road and Old SR 74. It included the lower portion of Rumpke Road and Old SR 74 from the creek to the Public Storage building.
November 16, 2024 – Bach Buxton Road between Valley Wood Drive and Redleaf Drive in front of the main entrance to West Clermont High School. Additionally, I did the area around Park Bank and Rumpke Road.
November 9, 2024 – Bach Buxton Road from Shayler Road to Valley Woods Drive. Also, Old SR 74 from Park Bank to the creek.
November 2, 2024 – Bach Buxton Road from Clepper Lane to Shayler Road. Also Old SR 74 from Pet Suites to the creek.
October 26, 2024 – Eastgate Blvd from Big Lots to Old SR 74 and the area around the intersection of Eastgate Blvd and Old SR 74.
October 19, 2024 – Old SR 74 from Eastgate Blvd to the creek and the Rumpke Road intersection.
October 12, 2024 – Rumpke Road from Tall Trees to Old SR 74 and Old SR 74 to the creek.
October 5, 2024 – Clepper Park.

Need a job?

Police and Fire/EMS, jobs are available. Send resume to Cory Wright CWright@UTClermont.gov
More information is here: UTClermont.gov/Jobs.aspx

What can you find at the Union Township Civic Center?

US Post Office
US Congressman David Taylor’s office
Union Township Zoning office
Meeting rooms available for UT residents to reserve
Gymnasium available for UT residents to reserve
Amphitheater for concerts, plays, and available for UT residents to reserve
Farmers Market (seasonal)
West Clermont School’s administrative office
Senior Services office
Friendly people who serve the public with a smile

Call 513-752-1741 or visit UTClermont.gov for more information.

Union Township welcomes new and growing businesses

Some of the below may be pending trustee approval:

Rumpke will begin construction of a $12 million indoor waste and recycling transfer facility. The facility will also have public recycling stations available for residents and businesses to utilize throughout the year. It will be located off of Round Bottom Road within the northern-most portion of the Champion’s Way development. It won’t be “trashy.”
Cincinnati Sands Volleyball is also planning to build off of Round Bottom Road just north of Hamilton Safe. Township permits have been issued and they are waiting on county permitting. Cincinnati Sands Volleyball will be “serving” the public.
Primrose School is planning to build in Ivy Pointe north of Sharefax Credit Union. The Township has issued the zoning permit and they are in process at Clermont County Permit Central. It will be a “smart” looking building. It represents another $8 million – $10 million in investment within the Ivy Pointe Commerce Park.
A VA Clinic is under construction in Ivy Pointe north of the Children’s Hospital site. “Salute.” They expect to complete construction in the Fall of 2025.
Construction of the 242 dwelling unit Westmont Apartment project and the 268 dwelling unit first phase of the Vision Development is ongoing at the old Glen Este High School site. “Dwell” on that.
A new development is approved for the area north of the Echelon apartments on Glen Este – Withamsville Road. Although not finalized, the new businesses appear to include The Works Pizza, By Golly’s Bar & Grill, and more. Well, I guess that is “the works.” This project is being “reset” and will change moving forward—as Bad Tom Smith Brewing is out (and may change further).
Starbucks has razed the old Taco Bell “Tom Yum” on Ohio Pike near Bach Buxton, and they are gearing up for construction activity on the site.
New construction continues at the Wyler Empire on SR32. They have “shifted into high gear” and are building a used car superstore. The structure is coming along well.
The Winding Creek recycling operation continues to take shape.
Panda Express has razed the car wash next to the Union Township library and will build a new location there. It’s an “appetizing” venture. The overpass construction is delaying their start date.
Mercy Health urgent care center is under construction in the Jungle Jim’s parking lot in front of LaRosa’s. They’ll soon be repairing “broken” bones, skin, and more. We are waiting for the tenant to complete interior buildout on this, and are waiting for an updated timeline.
Children’s Hospital is under construction in the Ivy Pointe area near TQL. Our concerns have been “healed.”
Wawa will be taking over the old Mt. Carmel Kroger location. Rah-rah to Wawa for taking over a shuttered business. Demolition is complete and ground preparation has begun. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2025.
McDonald’s has submitted plans for a new restaurant next to WaWa. We have completed an initial zoning permit review, and are waiting on the site survey to achieve the lot split prior to issuance. Will Donald Trump be serving fries there?
Alfaa purchased and submitted plans to build on an empty lot on the corner of Aicholtz Road and Eastgate Blvd. We have received a zoning permit application and they are working on addressing the first round of zoning permit comments. I’m wondering if they sell alfalfa sprouts?
A small strip mall is coming to the corner of SR 32 and Mt. Carmel Tobasco Road on Yates Lane. I expect them to be rolling in dough soon. A zoning permit has been issued. No start date has been announced. It appears that some site mobilization activities have begun.
The old Valero on the corner of Ohio Pike and Bennett Road is under new ownership. The plan is to remodel and expand a convenience and wine store. The previous condition of the property was certainly something to whine about.
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? We received plans for a zoning permit, with the expectation that they will be addressing comments early in 2025.
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. All plans are currently on hold pending litigation with the owner of the Eastgate Mall.

2024 Union Township Trustees Meeting Video

December 10, 2024 Business meeting (1h 10m) Executive session (3h 35m)
November 12, 2024 Business meeting (1h 26m) Executive session (1h 58m)
October 8, 2024 Business meeting (1h 13m)
September 26, 2024 UT Community Improvement Corporation (7 minutes)
September 10, 2024 Business meeting (1h 38m) Executive session (1h 23m)
August 20, 2024 UT Community Improvement Corporation (7 minutes)
August 20, 2024 Business meeting (1h 35m)
July 9, 2024 Business meeting (1h 18m)
June 11, 2024 Business meeting (2h 28m) Executive session (1h 50m)
May 7, 2024 Business meeting (3h 1m)
April 23, 2024 Work session: Discussed DORAs and Vietnam a Traveling Wall Event (52m)
April 9, 2024 Business meeting (1h 29m) Executive session (46m)
March 12, 2024 Business meeting (3h 39m) Executive session (41m) This was the Terrace Ridge case.
February 27, 2024 Business meeting (2h 17m) Executive session (1h 24m)
February 23, 2024 Special meeting (2m) Executive session to interview Fire Chief candidates (4h 8m)
February 5, 2024 Special meeting (1m)
January 9, 2024 Business meeting (2h 16m)
January 2, 2024 Reorganization meeting (53m)

Event Calendar

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

December 31, 2024
UT Trustees special meeting at 8:30 AM

January 1, 2025
Happy New Year!

January 2, 2025
UT Trustees annual reorganization meeting at 9:00 AM.

January 6, 2025
UT GOP meeting at the Civic Center at 7 PM.

January 13, 2025
AMT meeting at the UT Library at 6 PM.

January 14, 2025
Union Township Trustees meeting at the Civic Center at 6 PM. (Not confirmed.)

January 15, 2025
CCRCC at HQ in Batavia at 7PM.

Video Central

PragerU: How to Fix Social Security (5 minutes)
PragerU: Pearl Harbor: A Day That Lives in Infamy (5 minutes)
Don’t Walk, RUN! “I Know; You’re Shocked” – Joe Biden Lied About Pardoning Hunter (13 minutes)
Don’t Walk, RUN! New Trump Hoax Just Dropped: GROCERY-GATE!! (10 minutes)
PragerU: Can We Tax Our Way to Equality? (5 minutes)
Tom Z

BeckerGOP YouTube Channel Archives

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 Videos

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?

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