COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) and State Sen. Mark Wagoner (R-Ottawa Hills) met with local officials in their districts to promote open conversation about issues important to the area and state. The lawmakers also used the time to listen to and answer questions from local officials regarding legislative issues such as the state budget.
“[It] is tremendously helpful to get direct feedback in a group setting about the impact of state laws and the state budget,” said Murray. “Columbus often thinks that it understands the impact of its actions, but local office holders can shed light on the effects of legislation at their level. At the same time, legislators need to explain the reasoning behind various laws, see if the need is still there, and figure out whether there might be a better way to achieve shared objectives.”

John Kasich, candidate for governor of Ohio, will be the speaker at the Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties Lincoln Day Dinner Thursday, Feb. 18, at Crystal Arbors, 2270 W. Hayes Ave., Fremont. Kasich is an Ohio State University graduate and former Ohio Congressman who was chairman of the Budget Committee. John believes in lower taxes, more efficient and effective government, transforming the education system and ending the influence of special interests. Tickets are $35 and can be obtained from Terry Lowe, Chairman of the Ottawa County Republican Party, at 419-898-6874 or 419-360-6874.

The Ottawa County Republican Central Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Mon Ami Restaurant in Catawba. An optional dinner is planned for 6 p.m.

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) will hold a district-wide town hall meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19, for residents of the 80th District to meet with him and offer their thoughts, concerns and questions. The meeting will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Huron Public Library, Meeting Room A, 333 Williams St.