The state legislature took a “right” turn November 2nd with Republicans taking control of all state offices, both houses of the Ohio General Assembly, the Ohio Supreme Court and the United States Senate seat being vacated by Sen. George Voinovich.  As a result, Republicans could be in control for some time and will replace many Democrats currently leading a variety of state agencies.

 

Redistricting & Reapportionment:

When members of the newly elected General Assembly take office in January, majority Republicans will re-draw district boundaries for Congressional offices as well as the districts for both Ohio House and Senate. The Republican dominated Ohio Supreme Court will settle any boundary disagreements.

Architectural Issues:

  • Inasmuch as the architect’s “Statute of Repose” has hinged historically upon a Republican dominated Ohio Supreme Court, AIA-Ohio members can rest a little easier with the election of Chief Justice-elect, Maureen O’Connor and Justice Judith Lanzinger, both Republicans.
  • Architects lobbying for additional construction reform will be encouraged by the fact that Republicans soon will control both the legislative and executive branches of government.  During this year’s Budget negotiations, at the insistence of unions and the Legislative Black Caucus, House Democrats rebuffed Senate Republican efforts to pass construction reform beyond three Pilot Projects. Republicans might have the votes to push further next year.
  • Architects opposed to creating an Ohio Interior Design Licensing Board may have noticed that Governor-elect John Kasich’s platform called for the elimination/consolidation of some Boards and Commissions … rather than the creation of new ones!
  • Though lawmakers had planned to act on the Capital Bill after the election, rumors are that they may delay final action until after the newly elected Republicans take office.

 

 

Know a New State Office Holder?

 

If you know one or more of the newly elected state officials or state legislators and would like to help AIA-Ohio communicate with them please let our state office know by completing and returning our Legislative Contact Form.

State Offices:
John Kasich will be Ohio’s 69th governor and Mary Taylor will be the lieutenant governor.  State Senator Jon Husted was elected Secretary of State, former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine was elected Attorney General, Rep. Josh Mandel was elected Treasurer and David Yost was elected Auditor of State.

U.S. Senator:
Rob Portman was elected to the United States Senate replacing retiring Sen. George Voinovich. 

State Supreme Court:
In January Justice Maureen O’Connor will ascend to Chief Justice and Justice Judith Lanzinger will be sworn-in for her second term on the state’s high court. Justice Paul Pfeiffer was also re-elected with ease; he was unopposed.

State House and Senate:
Two races are headed for recounts, but partisan control of the Ohio House of Representatives isn’t in doubt. Rep. Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) will be House Speaker.  The Ohio House Republican Caucus grew from a minority of 46 to a majority of 58 or more seats, with the margin likely to be 59 to 40.

On the Senate side, the Republican majority will grow to 23-10.

A list of all newly elected state legislators can be found by clicking here.  If you know any of them, please let us know by completing the Legislative Contact Form.

Congress:
On the night when the Republican wave rolled over Ohio, five incumbent Democratic members of Congress lost their seat to Republican challengers. Steve Stivers (CD15-Kilroy), Steve Chabot (CD1-Driehaus), Jim Renacci (CD16-Boccieri), Bob Gibbs (CD18-Space) and Bill Johnson (CD6-Wilson) will join a GOP majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Ohioan John Boehner is the presumptive speaker of the house when the new Congress convenes in January.

If you know any of our Ohio Congressmen, please let us know by completing the Legislative Contact Form.

Bureaucracy:
When the Governor’s office changes party affiliation, Directors and Deputy Directors of most state agencies are replaced as well as some Assistant Directors and many leaders of state agencies including the Ohio School Facilities Commission, State Architect’s office, Fire Marshal, etc.

If you have an interest in any of these positions and would like AIA-Ohio to consider an endorsement, please contact the AIA-Ohio office.