Regional economic study committee initiative clears House

Legislation calls for study of economic cooperation between Ohio municipalities

I am happy to announce the Houses passage of mayors, city council members, members of statewide
House Bill (HB) 122, legislation to establish the and metropolitan organizations, and members of
Regional Economic Development Study Committee. I chambers of commerce.
am jointly sponsoring this legislation with my
colleague Rep. Steve Hambley (R-Brunswick).
The proposed committee would be bipartisan, consist
of members from the Ohio House and Senate, and
The intent of this legislation is to investigate the include a designee of the Governor, academic
features, benefits and challenges involved in representatives and a representative from the
establishing economic development alliances in a Regional Prosperity Initiative. The committee is to
metropolitan area. From this data, officials could submit a report of its findings within one year of the
better plan collaborative development efforts, effective date of the bill.
enhancing the success of economic development
projects among participating municipal corporations.
Similar approaches in other regions have shown that By consulting with community leaders, including
collaborative development initiatives benefit all county, city, and township governments as well as
participating entities. members of the chambers of commerce, the
committees ultimate goal will be to interpret how a
the development of alliances can incentivize
The committee would also consider the process and cooperation and enhance the overall success between
structure of such alliances and review legislative participating municipalities and corporations.
proposals that might arise as a result. Procedurally,
the committee is to consult with various groups,
including county commissioners, township trustees,

Ptl. Jason Gresko Memorial Highway Bill passes committee

Bill would name State Route 91 in Willoughby after fallen officer
On September 20th, House Bill 330 was
passed by the House Transportation and
Public Safety Committee. This
legislation, which designates State Route
91 in Willoughby as Patrolman Jason
Gresko Memorial Highway, was inspired
by Willoughby Police Chief Jack
Beckwith, who graciously traveled to
Columbus along with Lieutenant
Matthew Tartaglia to testify in favor of
the bill and share Jasons story with the
committee members.
On September 21st, 2012, Patrolman
Gresko was responding to assist another
officer, when a car appeared to stop
turned into his path. Swerving to avoid the collision,
Patrolman Greskos car struck a tree, causing fatal
injuries.
far for funeral services. Fundraising and
memorial events were organized by
public supporters to assist Patrolman
Greskos family.
During the days and weeks of Jasons
death, I met many members of Jasons
family and close friends, said Lt.
Tartaglia. They showed me that he was
a kind person who loved his family more
than anything. They showed me that he
loved law enforcement and that he loved
serving the residents of Willoughby.
Most importantly, they showed me their
love and support for him as a police
officer.
State Route 91, also known as SOM Center Road, is
one of the major gateways into Willoughby.

Locally this tragedy left a significant mark on our

history said Chief Beckwith. Local citizens turned
House Bill 330 now heads to the House floor to
out by thousands to join other officers from near and
receive a vote.