The Kasich administration doesn't want you to know too much about what they're doing in the state. The entire exotic animal disaster in Zanesville could have been averted, but Kasich allowed former Gov. Strickland's executive order to expire. Now the meetings with ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) to set up regulations will be behind closed doors. Even the right-leaning Dispatch is upset with the secrecy.
Dispatch:
...In the wake of the escape and deaths of dozens of exotic animals near Zanesville, the public and press are understandably interested in the workings of a "task force" appointed by state officials to recommend how to best keep both creatures and Ohioans from harm.
But, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources says the meetings of the group are closed because it is not a public body and therefore not subject to open-meetings laws.....
....a ruling by the 10th District Court of Appeals in Columbus states that while an advisory committee was established without formal action, the Open Meetings Act is not intended to allow a public body to informally establish committees that are not subject to the law....
If this involves public safety, citizens need to know what is going on with these meetings. I'd like to see people representing citizens and the animals. From what I've heard, some of these meetings involve just those people who own exotic animals. What is up with that? I'm hoping that someone, maybe even PETA, the ASPCA, or some group will get these meetings opened to the public. I hope that law enforcement is also heavily involved.
* We saw a great movie that really ties in with all the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations -----Margin Call. The movie is set in the year 2008 and shows methods that some people in financial institutions will employ to get rid of toxic, worthless investments. (Does this sound familiar?) It is a finely crafted movie that leaves you wondering what you would have done if you were a trader told to sell off junk to anyone, even your mother. The greed and disdain that is displayed by the CEO will make you mad. Catch it while you can!
