Dennis Spisak for Ohio Governor

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3/11/10

Ted Strickland Stops 1,500 Jobs From Entering Ohio

One only has to read Monday's Toledo Blade article on solar power in Ohio to see that Ted Strickland is not the "Green" Governor he positions himself to be.

According to the article:

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Norm Johnson,, chairman of the nonprofit group Ohio Advanced Energy, vice chairman of Germany's Calyxo GmbH, and chief executive of its North American subsidiary, said Mr. Strickland is to blame for Ohioans not having thousands more jobs in the solar industry right now.

He said the governor hasn't moved quickly enough to create a market for solar panels in Ohio and has left the door open for German and Chinese companies to sell their products here once more customers begin buying solar panels.

"While our industry has received excellent help from [U.S. Rep.] Marcy Kaptur, we've received mediocre help from Ted Strickland," Mr. Johnston said.

His primary complaint is the Strickland administration's rejection of his $750 million proposal to build 30 solar fields - each capable of producing at least 10 megawatts of electricity - on cleaned-up industrial sites throughout the state.

The plan, put forth by Ohio Advanced Energy, included an estimate of 1,500 jobs immediately and called for the project to be funded by federal stimulus dollars, state-issued bonds, and other methods

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While Ted Strickland won't help solar companies with funding, but Ted will bend over backwards to help Nuke and Dirty Coal Plants get funding in Ohio. That's why Ohio has only created 8,000 solar jobs in Ohio, while states like Michigan and New Jersey have created some 13, 000 and 16, 000 respectively!TEd Strickland is not a "Green Energy" Governor!

It's time we elect a Green Party Governor to get Solar Power untracked here in the Buckeye State!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor!

Upset the setup! Vote Green in the May 4th Ohio Primary!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

3/10/10

Why Not Ohio? Because Ted Strickland Has Dropped The Ball When It Comes To Solar Power

The first two paragraph's of Sunday's Toledo Blade Investigative reports on Ohio's lack of success in luring solar power to the Buckeye state says it all:

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Toledo and its northwest Ohio neighbors have missed out on coveted manufacturing jobs in the solar industry because of a failure by state officials to attract companies with tax incentives or create a viable market for solar panels in Ohio, a Blade investigation shows.

Since 2007, thousands of those jobs have gone to states where companies were enticed by a mixture of tax credits, grants, and additional incentives to make solar products there.

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The Blade also reported that:

A public utilities property tax is still on the books and is a hindrance in luring solar companies to Ohio.

Ohio continues to subsidize coal. Of the $150 million set aside to provide grants and loans that typically range between $50,000 and $2 million for advanced energy projects, $66 million was designated for "clean" coal technology. Per the Ohio Constitution, state funding for coal projects can be in the form of grants, but funding for other alternative energy projects, such as solar, must be in the form of loans.

California has 140 solar manufacturers, and Arizona (37), Florida (26), New York (23), New Jersey (21), Massachusetts (21), Colorado (20), Texas (19), New Mexico (18), Illinois (15), Michigan (15), Pennsylvania (14), and Oregon (11) all exceed Ohio's count.

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Why is Ohio lagging behind? The answer is simple, and it comes from Ted Strickland's own mouth:

"Ohio been a passive state for quite a while, and this is just one of them," Mr. Strickland said. "There was just no real[effort] pursuing alternative-energy companies."

Why no effort, Ted? As the leader of this state, should you not be beating the drum for for solar power plants to come into Ohio? Is it because you are a Dirty Coal Governor under the influence of coal lobbyists like the UMW, Duke Energy, and Dayton Power and Light?

Why not Ohio? In the state of Oregon, solar manufacturers get tax credits of up to 50 percent of construction costs. At least four solar companies have moved or placed manufacturing operations there since 2007 totaling about 2,000 permanent jobs.

Why Not Ohio? Michigan offers alternative energy companies credits from the state's business and payroll taxes and in 2008 enacted an incentive up to 25 percent - or $15 million - of the capital investment made specifically for companies that build photovoltaics facilities.

Why not Ohio? Because Ted Strickland is Governor. This has to change come November!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Governor

Upset the setup! Vote in the Green Party Primary on May 4th!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

For more information, contact 330-503-1407

 

3/9/10
Why not Ohio? Let's Stop New Nuke Plants in the Buckeye State

 In an article from Green Options:

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Vermont Senate Rejects Relicensure for Yankee Nuclear Plant

In what some view as a harbinger of the difficult political task of relicensing the aging stock of 1970s era nuclear reactors nationwide, Vermont’s state Senate exercised its uniquely-held state relicensing authority to reject a plan to keep the Vermont Yankee plant open beyond 2012.

The vote came at a time of controversy for the plant itself, after recent concerns about tritium leaks have gone public and as activists, protestors and lawmakers expressed concerns over the plant’s safety. By contrast, the vote came just one week after President Obama announced the first $8 billion in an expected $50 billion of government-guaranteed loans for new nuclear reactors, a plan the White House said was essential to help meet America’s growing energy needs from sources that do not emit carbon dioxide.

Others, however, continue to vehemently oppose the idea of expanding nulcear power (or even relicensing the existing stock) on several fronts: safety of plant operation, national security, proliferation risk, unsolved waste disposal issues, and now, the financial gamble of guaranteeing loans to an industry that has a history of cost overruns and project delays.

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Ted Strickland is on record saying he wants more Nuclear Plants for Ohio.

Can we and our children afford to have unsafe nuclear plants be the goal of any future governor? I oppose building any new Nuclear Plants in Ohio.

Ted Strickland doesn't. Who is looking out for your children and family?

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

Vote in the Ohio Green Party Primary on May 4th!

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

3/8/10
Ted Strickland and his Nuke Plants Must Go!

It's time for Ohio to just say no to Ted Strickland and his nuclear energy program. Ted Strickland and the nuclear lobby thinks that the public has forgotten about Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. And it doesn't want you to hear about the recent incident in Vermont, where radioactive tritium -- a cancer-causing carcinogen -- leaked from a reactor and polluted groundwater.

The nuclear danger is real for all Americans -- even those of us who don't live near a reactor. Dealing with nuclear waste means transporting it by train across the country. One derailment in a heavily populated area could have catastrophic consequences. It's our job to remind the public about these risks and why we've had a 30-year moratorium on new reactors.


Ted Strickland and the corporations angling to profit from new reactors are some of the wealthiest in the country. So why are they asking for our tax money? Because Wall Street banks won't risk investing in new reactors unless the government backs them up with a pre-emptive bailout. It's no wonder. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the risk of default on new nuclear loans is "well above 50 percent." If Wall Street doesn't want to take the risk, why should taxpayers?

It's time for Ted Strickland to stop selling Nuclear Power to the people of Ohio. It's time for Ohio to stop Ted Strickland from ever placing another Nuke Plant in Ohio. It's time for Ohio to Move Foward and Remove Ted Strickland from the Governor's office in November!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

Vote in the Green Party Primary in Ohio on May 4th!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

for more info: contact 330-503-1407.

3/7/10
Just Say No to Ted Strickland and His Nuclear Plants!

Ted Strickland want to build more Nuclear plants for Ohio. What does that mean? If the costly new nuclear plants aren't finished, then taxpayers cover the huge financial loss.

If they are built, then we're stuck with power plants that generate overpriced electricity and create deadly radioactive waste that will remain toxic for thousands of years.

Either way, the nuclear industry wins, and we lose.


Nuclear power creates deadly radioactive waste, from the mining process onwards.   It's got a scary history: think Chernobyl and Three Mile Island.

Just recently, a nuclear plant in Vermont was ordered shut down after radioactive tritium, which is linked to cancer, leaked from the plant into local water supplies.

Nuclear power is so financially risky that even Wall Street won't bet on it.  It's a public health and financial disaster waiting to happen.

Instead, our government should promote energy efficiency and a decentralized power system based on safe, clean, renewable energy.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor!

Vote in the Green Party Primary on May 4th!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

 

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

3/6/10
High Speed Rail More Attractive than Four Lane Highways

As Green Party Governor of Ohio, I would advocate smaller high speed rail plans for Ohio than Ted Strickland's monsterous 3-C project. By doing smaller projects such as a Cleveland-Youngstown-Pittsburgh and a Columbus-Pittsburgh model, we could test the benefits of high speed rail before committing to a huge cross-state project.

High Speed Rail would be more attractive than more highways because:

  1. Less use of land space.
  2. Cost of a mass rail transit system would cost ¼ of what it would be to build another 4-lane highway.
  3. Faster travel.
  4. Less maintenance costs (no orange barrels out every 6 months)
  5. Less cars on the road. Less pollution in the air.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor


Ask for a Green Party Primary Ballot and vote in the Green Primary on May 4th!

 

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

 

For more info, contact 330-503-1407

3/5/10

Ted Strickland and Jean Schmidt: Kissing Cousins when it comes to Nuclear Power Plants

Last June, WCPO-TV in Cincinnati reported on the story of state and federal officials gathering in Piketon, Ohio to support a nuclear plant site there. Ted Strickland was holding hands with GOP queen Jean Schmidt praising nuclear power:

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Officials made a step forward Thursday concerning the future of energy production in the Buckeye state.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Congresswoman Jean Schmidt were among the leaders who gathered in Piketon, Ohio to announce plans to explore the option of a nuclear power plant there.

Piketon is about 100 miles east of Cincinnati.
 
The announcement took place at 10 a.m. at the former uranium enrichment plant which is the site possibly intended for the new energy plant. It has the necessary infrastructure for a nuclear plant.
 
The plant would take 10 years to build. It would employ about 4,000 people during construction and about 800 people when the plant is complete.

Duke Energy would reportedly be a partner in the plant along with a French firm. As of now, officials have not decided to move forward with the nuclear plant.  They have only announced a group to explore the possibility of a plant in Piketon.

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Now we know why Duke Energy is a huge contributor in financial donations to the Strickland Campaign: They have a Nuke Plant puppet in Ted Strickland!

Is this the type of Governor you want running Ohio for your children's safety? Do you want a glowing Nuke plant in your backyard? You may get one if Ted Strickland is re-elected Governor of Ohio! How progressive is Ted Strickland if he cuddles up to Mean Jean Schmidt when it comes to Nuke Plants?

Dennis Spisak_Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

Ask for a Green Party Ballot and Vote in the Ohio Green Party Primary on May 4th!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

For more info: contact 330-503-1407

3/4/10
Ted Strickland: The Dirty Coal Supporting Governor

While Ted Strickland like to portray himself as the "Green Renewable Power" Governor, He is in reality the number one supporter of dirty coal and nuke power plants in Ohio.

His campaign contributions are heavy in pro dirty coal and nuke power backers, the UMW, Duke Energy, and Dayton Power and Light.

Plus, Ted Strickland comes right out and tell the press he supports dirty coal. When the AMP Plant fell through in Meigs County, TEd Strickland released the following press statement to the Pomeroy newspaper:

"Gov. Ted Strickland, a supporter of the project, released the following statement through spokesperson Allison Kolodziaj, “Creating jobs and producing homegrown energy was a hallmark of this project. While we’re very disappointed to learn of this news, we respect the decision of the member communities to look at other options for the site in Meigs County. The Strickland administration continues to work with AMP through these next steps.”

Ohio needs clean,renewable, and alternative energy in the 21st Century.

That's why Ohio needs Green Party Candidate Dennis Spisak as Governor in 2010!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Ask for and vote in the Ohio Green Party Primary on May 4th!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

3/3/10
What to Say to Those Who Think Single Payer Advocates Are Wacko

What to Say to Those Who Think Single Payer Advocates Are Wacko

Published on Monday, February 8, 2010 by CommonDreams.org

by Paul Hochfeld

What do we say to our more conservative friends, who genuinely think that the Single Payer solution to our health care crisis would be a disaster?  Try what follows. In the end, you may simply agree to disagree. That’s O.K., but what follows may give them pause to think.

Already, 60% of all our health care dollars come directly or indirectly (because employers insurance premiums are tax deductible) from the taxpayer.  The care of our oldest neighbors are financed by Medicare, i.e. the taxpayers.  The care of our disabled neighbors is financed by Medicaid.  Ditto the care of our poorest neighbors who, because health follows wealth, are also at greater risk of high expense.  Fourteen hundred insurance companies, at significant expense, stratify the rest of the population by “risk”.  Their top-secret formula results in them covering the employed people, small groups, and individuals who can prove that they are at low risk.   What about the others?  When those who can’t afford the premiums get sick, go bankrupt, and can’t pay their bills, “we” all pay for it in higher charges.   Furthermore, employer-paid premiums are tax deductible which means insurance company profits are subsidized by the taxpayer.

As near as I can tell, this is a big taxpayer rip-off.   Additionally, our non-system is fraught with numerous perverse incentives that result in more care, but not necessarily better care.  Physicians must share a significant part of the blame here, but that’s a different, though important, discussion.  Addressing these perversities is problematic because we don’t have a Health Care System we have For-Profit Sick Care Non-System that, to extent that it has any design at all, is designed to serve the for-profit insurance and the pharmaceutical industries.  Perverse incentives work for those who profit from them.  They don’t work for patients or those who pay the bills, i.e., taxpayers.

Single payer means one risk pool.  You’ve heard the slogan.  Everyone in.  Nobody out.  We gather all the money that employers and individuals are currently paying for health care.  It’s not more money.  It’s the same money, already being spent on health care, but by pooling it, we can save 20% right off the top.  Providers won’t have negotiate fee schedules with all the different payers.   Providers will only have to send  bills, electronically, to one place.  Furthermore, substantial savings accrue as the system matures.  When an ER Doctor in Oregon sees a patient passing through town, he will access her electronic medical record in Iowa, resulting in, not just less expensive care, but better care.  None of this is going to be accomplished until we have Public Health Authorities administering a health care system with the goal of health, financed publicly and delivered privately.

This isn’t pie in the sky.  Check out what the other developed countries are doing, but please don’t respond with anecdotes.   We have 45,000 new anecdotes every year that illuminate how real or perceived financial barriers to timely, appropriate care cause unnecessary death.

The real question is whose “system” produces the least number of unnecessary deaths and the least suffering for the dollars being spent?  Yes, other countries are struggling because of limited resources, but they are dealing with the problems maturely, they are making difficult decisions, and, by recognizing that health is a human right, they are getting a healthier population for less cost.

Is access to appropriate health care a human right?  If not, we can agree to disagree.  If so, it is a legitimate function of our government to make sure that nobody falls through the cracks.  Also, doesn’t the government have a fiduciary responsibility to make sure the taxpayer is getting value for its health care dollars?  Insurance company CEO’s have a fiduciary responsibility to maximize profits even if it means investing large sums of money in manipulating public policy… and that’s exactly what they’ve been doing.  It’s unfathomable to me that some people distrust “The United States” more than United Health Care.  That may be where we end up agreeing to disagree.

In any case, the taxpayer is being ripped off, big time.

3/2/10

How to Create Green Energy Jobs for Ohio

From the Apollo Alliance:

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Amid growing concerns about the U.S. losing clean energy manufacturing jobs to other countries, a new report released this week by Policy Matters Ohio, the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) and the Apollo Alliance documents how one clean energy investment proposal, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown’s Investments for Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology (IMPACT) Act, would help create and retain clean energy manufacturing jobs in Ohio.

The Impact of IMPACT: Creating Jobs in Ohio finds that the IMPACT Act, which is contained in the proposed Senate clean energy and climate bill, would create between 41,063 and 52,214 new jobs across Ohio.

The IMPACT Act would establish a two-year $30 billion revolving loan fund to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers retool to produce clean energy component parts and become more energy efficient. It would also increase long-term funding for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program to help manufacturers access clean energy markets and adopt innovative, energy-efficient manufacturing technologies. Provisions that are nearly identical to those in IMPACT were included in the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2009.

“PERI’s analysis finds that investing in the retooling and conversion of small and medium-sized manufacturing firms in Ohio would create a robust engine of job growth for the state,” said Heidi Garrett-Peltier, the economist who conducted the analysis. “We find that the investments from IMPACT would not only retain current jobs, but they would also create new jobs that utilize the skills of the workers of Ohio. These investments are a potentially powerful way to revitalize the manufacturing sector in the state.”

The findings of the report are relevant to other manufacturing states and to anyone who wants to ensure that comprehensive federal clean energy and climate measures create the economic benefits that American workers are expecting. To read the report, visit the Policy Matters Ohio website.

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I will work to see that Green Jobs are the number one priority in my administration, not coal and nuke plants like Ted Strickland supports!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

Pick up a ballot and vote in the Green Primary on May 4th!

for mroe info: contact 330-503-1407.

3/1/10
Ted Strickland, Nuclear subsidies put taxpayers at risk
     

An article last week in the Boston Globe reports:

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President Obama's plan to kick-start the construction of nuclear power plants in the United States comes with a big catch: Because private banks won't lend to an industry viewed as financially risky, taxpayers would be accountable for billions in government-guaranteed loans if plant developers default.

``There is a huge potential risk for taxpayers,'' said Autumn Hanna, who analyzes federal loan guarantees at Taxpayers for Common Sense, a nonparti san group. She said the risk could be in the tens of billions of dollars and said the public shouldn't be asked to assume responsibility banks are unwilling to take.

Banks have been reluctant to lend money for new nuclear projects due to a combination of concerns about cost overruns, past defaults, and the uncertain regulatory climate and political hostility that have shadowed the industry since the Three Mile Island accident in 1979.

But there are significant uncertainties. The Washington Public Power Supply System, which sought to build nuclear reactors financed with municipal bonds, defaulted on those bonds in 1983 in a case that still hangs over the financing of such projects. In addition, the problem of where to put spent fuel, which remains highly radioactive, has not been resolved.

The Nuclear Energy Institute estimates that there are 28 proposed nuclear projects around the country that might seek the guaranteed loans. None of the proposals is for New England, where opposition to nuclear power has been stronger than in other regions such as the South. Among companies that are interested in new nuclear power plants are Entergy Corp. (NYSE:ETR) , Exelon Corp. (NYSE:EXC) , and Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE:DUK PRA) (NYSE:DUK)

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Duke Energy has been very active contributing to Ted Strickland's re-election campaign for the last year. Ted Strickland wants to put more nuke plants in Ohio based on his energy plan for the future. It seems Strickland will do this despite what it may end up costing Ohio taxpayers.

As the Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor, I will see to it that no new nuke plants will go on-line here in the state of Ohio in the future.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Ask vote a Green Party Ballot and vote in the Green Party primary on May 4th!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

for more info contact 330-503-1407.

2/28/10
We Need a Green New Deal for Ohio

With unemployment so high, it's time for a Green New Deal to tackle economic and ecological problems at the same time.

We should put Americans back to work with living-wage green jobs: retrofitting homes for energy efficiency, building modern mass transit systems, installing renewable energy technology, and conserving our irreplaceable ecosystems.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

Ask for a Green ballot and Vote in the Green Party Primary on May 4th!

Http://www.votespisask.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

for more info contact 330-503-1407


2/27/10
A Green Party governor and Social Services

As the father of two sons with autism, and since my wife teaches pre-school multihandicapped children, I am well aware of the financial problems facing social services. Funding of social services would be for me a priority in funding, right up their with public education. Neither of these programs can stand anymore bud...get cutting. By returning Ohio to the Pre-Bob taft tax cuts, we could raise enough revenue to fund both social services and public education at the proper levels.


Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Ask for a Green Party primary ballot and vote on May 4, 2010!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

for more info: contact 330-503-1407.

2/26/10
A Green Party Governor would Fix Ohio's Problems

What would it mean to elect a Green Party Governor for Ohio? It would mean having a Governor who would work towards every Ohioan having a guaranteed job at a living wage; a single-payer, universal health insurance plan; restoration of workers' rights; an end to corporate abuse of trade; an end to corporate welfare and corporate domination of elections; universal access to quality public education; protection of the environment; "NO" to privatization; and other means designed to provide Ohioans with job security and a decent standard of living.

No longer will we have a government controlled by corporate lobbyists and PACS. It time to move Ohio forward!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Ask for a Green Party Primary Ballot on May 4, 2010!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Http://www.dennisspisak.com

For more information contact 330-503-1407.

2/25/10
How a Green Party Governor will Handle Ohio's Public School Funding Crisis

As a school board President and the Green Party Candidate for Governor, I am the only candidate that is wiling to address that Ohio -- along with all its local governments and school districts -- might have to make severe budget cuts or raise taxes or some combination of both to balance budgets beyond 2011.

Governor Strickland's plan to "Turnaround Ohio" has failed when it comes to public education-
school programs continue to be cuts because he has failed to offer leadership and address the serious school funding issue. John Kasich's plan to cut more taxes will "Turnback Ohio" and make problems for public schools even greater.

As a school board President, I am the only candidate who will make sure the funding of public schools a priority and will make sure public education is spared from anymore
budget cuts.

 

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

Vote Green in the Ohio Primary-May 4th!

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/24/10
Why Not Ohio? A State-Owned Bank Like The Bank of North Dakota

The AP ran a story last week on the State Bank of North Dakota....

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(AP) The Bank of North Dakota - the nation's only state-owned bank - might seem to be a relic.

But now officials in other states are wondering if it is helping North Dakota sail through the national recession.

The Bank of North Dakota serves as an economic development agency and "banker's bank" that lessens the loan risks of private banks and helps them finance larger projects. It offers cheap loans to farmers, students and businesses.

The bank had almost $4 billion in assets and a $2.67 billion loan portfolio at the end of last year, according to its most recent quarterly financial report. It made $58.1 million in profits in 2009, setting a record for the sixth straight year. During the last decade, the bank funneled almost $300 million in profits to North Dakota's treasury.

The bank has the advantage of being the repository for most state funds, which can be used for loans and occasional relief for private banks that need a jolt of cash during sluggish credit markets.

The state earns roughly 0.25 percent less interest than state agencies would get from a commercial institution. The bank also pays no state or federal taxes and has no deposit insurance; North Dakota taxpayers are on the hook for any losses.

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Why not a state bank for Ohio? With a state bank like North Dakota's we could fund new businesses and restore our crumbling infrastructure.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

 

Vote in the May 4th Ohio Green Party Primary!

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

For more info, contact 330-503-1407

2/23/10
Why Not Ohio? Spanish Wind Power Company Creates 1,100 Jobs

The Blue-Green Alliance reported the following:

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When Troy Galloway, age 45, lost his job at a steel mill after 15 years of steady employment, he wasn’t sure how he was going to make ends meet.

The region had already lost over 25,000 local steelworker jobs in the past few decades. The forecast for work employing his skill-set looked bleak. He tried real estate, which blew hot and cold, and then tried to “beat the bushes” for construction jobs. “After no work for January and February three years ago, my wife said: ‘This is not working out.’”

Luckily for Galloway, the Spanish company Gamesa, the second-largest wind-turbine maker in the world, came to Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, to open up a new blade factory in response to the passage of a state RES. Galloway reasoned that the wind industry could provide him with stable and long-term employment, so he submitted his resume, and got a job. His previous experience operating machines was a nice fit for his present occupation, which makes the spars that serve as the backbone of wind turbine blades that span 150 feet.

“Now I not only have a good job, but a job that feels good,” said Galloway. “Working in the wind power sector is a great opportunity to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, help the environment, as well as future generations, our children, and our children’s children,” he said. To top if off, he’s making a little more money now. Since he was president of the local United Steelworkers union, he admires the pro-labor stance of Gamesa. “Even some of their management is unionized,” he acknowledged.

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Why Not Ohio? Why does not Ohio begin to employ thousands in the Blue-Green Energy field while Ted Strickland's love of dirty coal and nuke plants does not bring in jobs? Ted Strickland has hitched his wagon to those corporate lobbyists who do not create jobs. We need a Green Party Governor to bring more Blue-Green JOBS to the Buckeye state.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Governor for Ohio

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/22/10
Why Not Ohio? Maryland aims for 100,000 solar rooftops in 10 years

The Baltimore Sun newspaer reported the following earlier this month:

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Environment Maryland says a quarter of Maryland homes are ready for solar panels that could capture energy that is now going unused. The group cites information from the International Center for Sustainable Development that shows the state gets about 196,000 gigawatt-hours of solar energy on a sunny summer day. That's more than what's produced at the state's mostly coal-fired power plants here in a year.

The move could reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, as well as make energy distribution more efficient by creating it locally. It could also save consumers money and create local jobs, the group said.

Environment Maryland describes the three bills this way:

First, Gov. O’Malley has introduced legislation that would require a quicker ramp-up of the solar portion of the state’s renewable portfolio standard. This would mean that utilities would have to get a greater percentage of their energy portfolio from solar power sooner, which would jumpstart job creation and cut down on our emission of greenhouse gases.

Second, Del. Hecht and Sen. Middleton are leading an effort to introduce legislation that would give municipalities the means by which to loan people money for solar and other clean energy projects at very low interest rates, resulting in more homeowners taking advantage of the clean, reliable electricity that solar energy generation provides.

Finally, Dels. Pinsky and Hecht are working on "net-metering" legislation, which would require utilities to pay customers back for surplus energy they create with the solar panels on their roofs.

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Why not Ohio? Why does not Ted Strickland call for feed-in tariffs that would pay customers back for surplus solar energy created by solar panels? Is it because Ted Strickland is on the dirty coal and nuke power gravy train because of all the political campaign contributions from these corporate lobbyists over the years. With each passing day the answer becomes an obvious YES!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

For more info, contact 330-503-1407

2/21/10
Spisak for Governor: Fixing Problems Facing Everday Ohioans

 I am running for Governor because I believe we must send a representative to Columbus who will address the issues facing regular citizens, not Lobbyists or Corporation PACs. My campaign will focus on the issues that Ohioans care about: affordable health care, economic fairness, quality public education, and bringing renewable energy manufacturing jobs to the state. I am not afraid to call for Health Care for All Ohioans, economic justice, and nothing less than a renewal of Ohio's sense of community and promise of equal opportunity for all citizens.

 

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

 
 

2/20/10
Why We Need Single-Payer Health Care In Ohio: Top Five Health Insurers Posted 56 Percent Profit Gains in 2009

John Bryne wrote last week : According to a study by a pro-health reform group last published Thursday, the nation's largest five health insurance companies posted a 56 percent gain in 2009 profits over 2008. The insurers including Wellpoint, UnitedHealth, Cigna, Aetna and Humana, which cover the majority of Americans with insurance.

The insurers' hefty profit gains came even as 2.7 million more Americans lost their insurance coverage due to the declining economy.

Notably, the study also found that insurers spent less money on medical care as a percentage of their premiums from customers. Salaries, administrative expenses and profits made up more of the insurer's expenses in 2009.

Wellpoints Anthem Blue Cross California created a stir last week by announcing that they will raise premiums on individuals by 39 percent in 2010. The increase was so high it drew a rebuke from the Obama Administration.

This is why we need The Health Care for All Ohioans Act passed. As long as Ted Strickland accepts $10,000 in donations from Medical Mutual, insurance rates, premimums, and expenses will continue to skyrocket for the aveage Ohioan and their family.

This is why I support passage of the Health Care for All Ohioans Act.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/19/10
Dennis Spisak Files For Ohio Governor's Race

Yesterday we the pleasure of submitting over 1,100 petition signatures for the Ohio's Governor Race for 2010.

I would like to thank my army of volunteers who went across the state to gather our signatures. We had widespread support for our candidacy from Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Youngstown, Toledo, and throughout the Buckeye State.

The people of Ohio are tired of government controlled by just the Democrats and Republicans. They no longer want the corporate politics of the two major parties. They want straight talk and straight answers to the problems facing Ohio, more blue-green jobs and greater employment opportunities, better funding of public schools, a cleaner environment, and single payer health care for all Ohioans.

These are issues the Democrats and Republicans fail to address and fail to offer any meaningful solutions too. Our campaign for Governor will address these issues, and will work towards finding 21 century solutions to these 21st century problems.

We are in this race to stay and win in November.

We are ready to crash Ted's and John's party.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407.

2/18/10

Why Not Ohio? Florida's Feed-In Tariff is Lowering Energy Costs

Florida is another state which is pursuing feed-in tariffs based on European models. Why not Ohio?

 John Crider, PE, Gainesville Regional Utilities
Florida, United States [Renewable Energy World North America] writes that
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Gainesville, Fla., has recently found itself thrust into the media spotlight due to its adoption of an oddly-named, and somewhat foreign renewable energy policy known as the “feed-in tariff.”

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is a public municipal utility, owned by the citizens of Gainesville. Like many utilities, private and public alike, GRU has traditionally provided power with a combination of coal- and natural gas-fired generation. In 2002, a resource study indicated that substantial additional generation capacity would soon be needed to meet the city’s projected energy load. Gainesville, a university town, has a very green orientation. The Gainesville City Commission, being sensitive to climate change issues, chose to defer the need for additional generation by pursuing a path of energy load reduction through increased energy efficiency, coupled with adoption of renewable energy for additional capacity needs.

Solar photovoltaic rebates had traditionally been part of the energy efficiency program. In addition to rebates, retail net metering was offered to PV customers in 2008. These incentives were successful by comparison: Although making up 1 percent of the state’s population, Gainesville residents installed 12 percent of the distributed PV in Florida in 2008.

However, GRU felt the solar program was falling short on two key elements. First, rebates were issued to purchase equipment and not energy. Once the equipment was purchased, there was no further incentive for customers to maintain their systems. Second, net-metering provided little incentive for commercial customers to install PV. Since they were paid at the same rate they purchased energy, which is traditionally much lower than residential rates, they were less inclined to invest in PV, although they had the largest rooftops.

In the summer of 2008, the Solar Electric Power Association sponsored a trip to Germany for utility executives, so that they could see firsthand the effect that German renewable energy policies had had on that country. GRU’s representative on that trip returned with accounts of market transformation, innovative design and manufacturing and an explosion of green jobs, all due directly to a policy known as a “feed-in tariff” (FIT). In short, the feed-in tariff allows anyone to become a renewable energy generator, have access to the power grid and guarantees a flat rate-payment for every kilowatt hour of energy they produce.

Upon reflection, it was clear that applying such an approach to Gainesville would have two immediate benefits. Replacing rebates with a performance-based incentive would increase the actual delivery of energy. And there would be a much greater incentive for commercial customers to participate.

The potential of the FIT to spark economic growth, in addition to simply developing renewable energy sources, was not lost on the Gainesville City Commission. Implementing the FIT was seen as a chance to use energy policy to create jobs and establish a flourishing green marketplace. However, in order to meet these objectives, investors needed to be convinced that building PV installations would be a prudent business move. Therefore, an FIT rate was designed to provide a return high enough to be worthy of investment.

In March 2009 the Gainesville FIT program was officially launched with these primary objectives:

  • To transform the GRU capacity-based incentives to performance-based incentives
  • To provide much greater incentive for commercial participation in the solar program
  • To assure a ready supply of renewable energy for the near and far future
  • To create both jobs and a strong, renewable energy marketplace.

In the months since the program’s inception, the FIT has proven successful beyond expectations. Thirty megawatts of solar capacity has been successfully applied for and reserved through 2017. Already, in less than a year, GRU has doubled the amount of solar capacity that had ever been installed in the city. Two solar “farms” designed to produce nearly 2,400 MWh of energy each year are currently in construction and a 2 MW rooftop system will crown Gainesville’s largest shopping center by the end of the year.

As Ray Kroc, the innovative founder of McDonald’s once said: “The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it”. The time for renewable energy is now, and Gainesville is proud to have taken the steps towards its success.

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Why does Ted Strickland lack the foresite to begin investigating bringing

Feed-in tariffs to Ohio? Is it because Ted Strickland has no vision for Ohio?

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor

For more info: Contact 330-503-1407

 
 

2/17/10

Another reason Single_Payer Health Care Can't Wait-Rural Ohio
 On Wednesday, February 10, 2010, the Center for Rural Affairs released a policy report entitled - Why Health Care Reform Can't Wait: The Benefits of Health Reform for Rural America - which examines the  health care reform proposals and their potential impact on rural families, businesses and communities as well as the rural consequences of inaction.
Crucial Findings:

  • Rural Americans stand to obtain greater rates of health insurance coverage and reverse the long-time trend of being more likely to be uninsured than urban residents.
  • The benefits of health insurance coverage are enormous for all uninsured, but particularly for rural people who receive less preventive care and have higher rates of all chronic diseases.  Fewer rural people will die needlessly simply because they lack health insurance.  And rural communities and the already insured in them will benefit from more people being covered.
  • Many barriers that prevent rural residents from obtaining health insurance coverage will be removed.  The generally poorer health of rural people will no longer determine whether health insurance is a possibility.

This is just another report stating why the Health Care for All Ohioans Act must be passed in the Buckeye State. Universal health care must reach our rural citizens-they need it!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

For more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/16/10
Why Not Ohio? Washington State FIT Bill Heard in Committee
 

According to a story written by  Paul Gipe last month, Washington State is the latest in the nation to introuduce a feed-in tariff bill in the state house.

Why Not Ohio?

An Act Creating Standard Offer Contracts was introduced into the Washington State House of Representatives January 5, 2010 and was heard by the Committee on Technology, Energy, and Communication on January 11th.

HB 2536 was introduced by Representatives John McCoy (D-38th), Maralyn Chase (D-32nd), and Jeff Morris (D-40th). McCoy is Chair of the Committee on Technology, Energy, and Communication. Chase is Vice Chair of the Committee on Environmental Health. And Morris is Speaker Pro Tempore.

The bill contains provisions reported previously, see Washington State House Committee Chair Outlines FIT Bill.

HB 2536, like many similar bills introduced across the US in the past two years seems focused solely on solar PV by severely limiting project size. HB 2536 limits project size to no more than 2 MW. Though the bill includes all renewable technologies, it is likely that no wind, geothermal, or biomass plants will be built under its overly restrictive provisions. Such provisions primarily benefit solar PV at the expense of other technologies.

Ontario has no limit on project size except for solar PV, which is limited to 10 MW. There are no project size limits in Germany. Spain limits project size to 50 MW.

Among its provisions, HB 2536 directs the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to calculate the average cost of generation plus a 10% rate of return from

  • Installed capital costs;
  • Fixed and variable operation and management expenses;
  • Fuel costs;
  • Cost of financing;
  • Land costs or leases;
  • Insurance;
  • Transmission and interconnection costs;
  • Net capacity factors; and
  • Estimated project life and projected generation degradation.

The bill also directs the UTC to set tariffs that are "reasonable and fair" to the generator, the ratepayer, and the utilities.

In a significant improvement over California's AB 1106 and Vermont's feed-in tariff program, chairman McCoy's bill creates separate tariffs for each of three size classes or "tiers"

  • <10 kW,
  • >10 kW<300 kW, and
  • >300 kW<2,000 kW.

California's AB 1106 sets one tier for projects from 1 MW to 5 MW. All projects less than 1 MW receive the 1 MW tariff. Recently passed SB 32 directs California's PUC to set tariffs based on the "value" of the electricity to the system for projects up to 5 MW.

The bill includes both investor-owned utilities and "consumer-owned utilities". The latter are typically Public Utility Districts in rural areas of the state. Rural utilities complained at the hearing that they would be unfairly burdened by the presumed cost of the program. Though HB 2536 spreads costs of the program across all ratepayer classes within a utility, there is no equalization or balancing provision among utilities as in Germany.

A workshop is scheduled to discuss this and other issues.

Again, why not Ohio? Why does Ohio not begin investigation into Feed-In Tariffs? Is it because Ted Strickland still believes heavyly in using dirty coal and Nuke options? It's starting to seem that way.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for mroe info contact 330-503-1407

2/15/10
Ohio Needs 21 Century Clean Green Energy, Not Dirty Coal

As Green Party Candidate for Governor, I am calling on Ted Strickland to stop his support of coal burning as a continued major source of power for Ohio's future. Ohio must switch to clean energy instead of dirty coal or clean coal technology as soon as possible.

Burning coal-to-liquid fuel is arguably the dirtiest, most expensive energy gamble we could take. The truth is that liquid coal is plagued with economic and environmental downsides from the time the coal is mined until long after the liquid is removed from the coal.

Nearly twice the global warming emissions are emitted by liquid coal than by gasoline and huge inputs of energy are required to make coal into a synthetic fuel.Replacing just 10 percent of the nation's transportation fuels with liquid coal would require a 40 percent increase in coal mining, which would jeopardize long-term prospects for coal including its use as a major electricity source.

I believe in building an energy corridor based upon renewable energy companies and manufacturers who will build and produce green jobs such as solar and wind component plants. Blue-collar jobs - to put our people back to work.

The new Apollo program (put together by the Apollo Alliance, a group of business, labor, environmental and community groups) which calls for a $500 billion over 10 years with the potential to create more than 5 million green energy jobs.

It will accelerate the development of the nation's vast clean energy resources and move us toward energy security, climate stability and economic prosperity. And it will transform Ohio into the global leader of the new green economy.

 

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/14/10
Sunday, 14 February 2010
How to Strengthen Ohio's Economy
How can we strengthen Ohio's economy? We need a buildup. We need to get back to making stuff, based on real engineering not just financial engineering. We need to launch an E.T.,energy technology, revolution with the same urgency as this bailout. Otherwise, all we will have done is bought ourselves a respite, but not a future. The exciting thing about the energy technology revolution is that it spans the whole economy — from green-collar construction jobs to high-tech solar panel designing jobs. Our No. 1

resource is our people. Let’s put people back to work-

retrofitting and repowering Ohio!

 

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Governor of Ohio

 

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/13/10

Where John Kasich's Tax Cuts Will Take Ohio

Where will John Kasich's Tax Cuts Take Ohio? 

David Sirota's description of what's happening to that conservative stronghold should serve as a cautionary tale.

Thanks to the city’s rejection of tax increases—and, thus, depleted municipal revenues—The Denver Post reports that “more than a third of the streetlights in Colorado Springs will go dark; the city is dumping firefighting jobs, a vice team, burglary investigators, beat cops; water cutbacks mean most parks will be dead ... recreation centers, indoor and outdoor pools [and] museums will close for good; buses no longer run on evenings and weekends; [and] the city won’t pay for any street paving.”

Meanwhile, even with the Colorado Springs Gazette uncovering tent ghettos of newly homeless residents, the city’s social services are being reduced—all as fat cats aim to punish what remains of a middle class. As just one example, rather than initiating a tax discussion, the CEO of The Springs’ most lavish luxury hotel is pushing city leaders to cut public employee salaries to the $24,000-a-year level he pays his own workforce—a level approaching Colorado’s official poverty line for a family of four.

This is what Reaganites have always meant when they’ve talked of a “shining city on a hill.” They envision a dystopia whose anti-tax fires incinerate social fabric faster than James Dobson can say “family values”—a place like Colorado Springs that is starting to reek of economic death.
Well, maybe it isn't a function of government to provide streetlights, municipal water, parks, swimmingpools, fire department, police protection, and paved roads. Or it won't be, anymore. Someday, we'll have to pave our own roads. Scratch that. We'll be free to pave our own roads and hire our own police, etc.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Kasich's tax cuts will Turn Ohio Backwards!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

2/12/10Ohio's Wind Power Potential Far Greater Than Strickland's 25% Proposal

While Ted Strickland touts his 25% clean energy bill by year 2025 Green Party candidate Dennis Spisak says Ohio could do so much more. According to Ohio wind Working Group, Ohio has the potential to generate 60,000 megawatts of wind energy, TWICE what is needed to power the state. In addition, Ohio is also ranked second in the nation in its capacity to manufacture parts for wind turbines.

A planned wind farm in Hardin County would be one of the largest in the Midwest and would produce enough energy to power 75,000 homes.

But Ted Strickland only believes in 25% clean energy for Ohio because he is bought by the dirty coal and nuke lobbyists in Columbus.

As Green Party candidate for Governor, I would call for 100% potential in wind, solar,biomass, and hydro power as possible.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

 

 
 
 
 
 

2/11/10
Green Party Support for the Ohioans for Humane Farms

As Green Party candidate for Governor, I support the Ohioans for Humane Farms ballot proposal. The Ohioans for Humane Farms is spearheading a new, citizen-backed ballot initiative to prevent some of the cruelest factory farming practices in Ohio. The measure will require the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to adopt certain minimum standards that will prevent animal cruelty, improve health and food safety, support family farms and safeguard the environment throughout the state of Ohio.

The Green Party of Ohio endorses, supports and seeks to implement an
Agriculture Policy in the State of Ohio that follows basic Green
principles that will insure a healthy food supply in Ohio.
We remain concerned about the Constitutional Amendment approved in
November 2009 creating an Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, largely
appointed by the Governor,for establishing standards governing the care
and well-being of livestock and poultry in this state; the concern is
that this board could put the economic interests of factory farms ahead
of the welfare of farm animals and prevent certain animal care reform
proposed by national animal rights organizations.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

 
 
 
 

2/10/10
A Green Party Governor Would Support the OEC

As Governor of Ohio, I would work with the Ohio Environmental Council and put a stop to dumping of construction material into Ohio's groundwater.

From the OEC: 

Waste from construction and demolition sites are routinely dumped into Ohio's landfills. The construction and demolition debris (CDD) industry has long contended that this waste is inert and poses no risk to groundwater or the environment.

Yet last year, Ohio EPA released study results on Ohio's CDD landfills, concluding that liquid waste from CDD landfills "poses a threat to public health and the environment if released to groundwater or surface water." 

New reports released by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) have resulted in a combined effort across the state involving many environmental organizations and Ohio citizens to urge Governor Strickland to issue a moratorium regarding Construction & Demolition Debris (C&DD) landfill facilities.  The moratorium would halt additional construction and expansion of C&DD facilities until the Ohio Revised Code and Administrative Rules can be altered in order to provide protection from the reported dangers of C&DD landfill toxins to underground bodies of water.

Many other states require the same safety regulations for C&DD facilities as for Solid Municipal Waste (SMW) facilities. 
Ohio's requirements for C&DD are vastly inferior to SMW requirements resulting in hazard to Ohio's environment and to the health of Ohio's citizens.  The OEPA reports document the need for more protection in Ohio
.

=================================================== 

I urge Ted Strickland  to issue a statewide moratorium on dumping construction and demolition waste in Ohio's CDD landfills.Our health, and the health of my community, depend on it!

Ted Strickland won't because he is not a "green Governor", but I will!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/9/10
Corporate Tax Reform and Eliminating Wasteful Economic Subsidies

In a Progressive States Network Report last week:

Corporations should also be paying their fair share in taxes.  They benefit from state investments in education, infrastructure, and public safety, but unfortunately, corporations have repeatedly and excessively exploited the tax system.

  • Corporate income tax revenue as a share of all taxes has fallen dramatically.  In 1979, the corporate income tax accounted for 10.2 percent of total state tax revenue. In 2005, the figure fell to 6.5 percent. 
  • The Iowa Fiscal Partnership reported that approximately half of Iowa corporations with at least $1 million of sales in state pay no corporate income tax. 
  • Similarly, the Oklahoma Tax Commission revealed that only 35 percent of corporations filing tax returns in 2000 reported positive taxable income- almost an anomaly considering the economy experienced substantial gains that year.
  • The problems are similar at the federal level. A Government Accountability Office report, Comparison of the Reported Tax Liabilities of Foreign- and U.S.-Controlled Corporations, 1998-2005, found almost two-thirds of all corporations reported no tax liability from 1998 to 2005.

Accordingly, there are a variety of corporate taxation policy options legislators can pursue to ensure businesses are contributing adequately to a state.

  • Close Tax Loopholes:  Ending some of the egregious corporate tax loopholes that businesses abuse should be a top priority for lawmakers.  States lose billions of dollars each year as a result of these loopholes.  For instance, states should opt out of the "domestic production deduction" tax break that was passed by the federal government in 2004 and subsequently incorporated into the tax code in several states.  Currently, 25 states allow the deduction, which by 2011, will cost states $500 million annually and favors large corporations over small businesses.  States can also eliminate Net Operating Loss "Carryback" Deductions, reform the "cancellation of debt income" (CODI) provision, and reform the tax treatment of S-Corporations and Limited Liability Companies.
  • Combined Reporting:  23 states have implemented combined reporting, which requires multi-state corporations to report profits from all entities, including subsidiaries, for tax purposes.  Combined reporting is a key policy to restrict tax avoidance.  The policy makes the tax system fairer, brings in greater revenue, and does not impede economic growth.  In fact, CBPP finds, "combined reporting states are well-represented among the most economically-successful states in the country."

The Film Tax Credit as Case Study of Corporate Giveaways:  Several states are dealing with ineffective expenditures, a notorious recent example being the proliferation of film tax credits.  In 2002, only three states offered incentives to the film industry.  Currently, of the 44 states that offer some type of movie production incentive, 28 provide tax credits.  The Tax Foundation provides a graphic that depicts states with incentives and the year in which they were approved.

Following an explosive scandal involving members of the Department of Economic Development and abuse of the film tax credit, Iowa Gov. Chet Culver ordered a review of credits the state provides.  In early January, Iowa released the Tax Credit Review Report that recommended the state:

  • Provide greater transparency of tax credits;
  • Develop an effective return on investment calculation for all tax credits;
  • Establish a five-year sunset for all tax credits;
  • Cap all currently uncapped tax credits;
  • And eliminate certain tax credits.

Reports by many other advocacy organizations and government bodies, including the Oregon Center for Public Policy, Connecticut Voices for Children, New Mexico Fiscal Policy Project, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, indicate that offering these tax credits are ineffective and provide little to no economic benefit to a state or its residents.  The Tax Foundation writes that states are greatly overestimating the impact of providing film tax credits and basing decisions "on fanciful estimates of economic activity and tax revenue (leading to) small returns and unnecessary risks with taxpayer dollars."

Other states have taken tangible steps to address these problems:

  • Connecticut:  Gov. M. Jodi Rell estimated that a $25 million cap for film tax credits would save the state $70 million in the next two years.
  • Massachusetts:  Rep. Steven D'Amico introduced legislation, HB 3854, to limit state spending on incentives for the film industry.
  • Michigan:  Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm proposed reducing the 42% refundable tax credit to approximately 37%.
  • Wisconsin:  Gov. Jim Doyle offered a plan to completely eliminate the state's 25% film tax credit and replace it with a two-year, $1 million grant program to create permanent film industry jobs
  • New Mexico:  Rep. Dennis Kintigh has sponsored HB52 to limit the state's spending on film tax credits.

Discontinue Excessive Corporate Subsidies:  Even as states confront massive gaps, many are still doling out huge subsidies to corporations.  Many times, these subsidies do not produce long-term growth and may even result in lost revenue.  In North Carolina, for instance, a Dell plant closed just a few years after it received a promise of up to $300 million in grants, an amount more than twice the cost of building the plant.  As Good Jobs First explains, states waste money competing for firms to locate within their borders by providing extremely costly and ineffective incentives, rather than on fostering entrepreneurship and new jobs.  The report details:

[T]ax reductions, exemptions or credits exert a very small marginal influence on corporate investment decisions... For the vast majority of companies, tax breaks are windfalls, not determinants, and are therefore wasted.

As government officials look to eliminate wasteful spending, they should also rethink allocating enormous and often inefficient business tax breaks as a better option than cutting programs for their most vulnerable residents.  The public money squandered through tax credits and corporate subsidies demonstrates that blind giveaways are not a sustainable model for economic growth and a more transparent budget process is needed in the future.

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As Governor of Ohio, Corporations will pay their fare share of taxes.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

 

2/8/10
New Revenue is Needed to Invest in Economic Recovery

In a Progressive States Network report last week:

 As 48 states confront monetary shortfalls this fiscal year, the budget will undoubtedly be the predominant focus of lawmakers.  In fact, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimates that states will face cumulative deficits of approximately $350 billion in 2010 and 2011.  The downturn has also taken an enormous toll on tax revenue.  Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody's Economy.com, reports that state and local tax revenues have dropped 9 percent from last year, "the largest decline on record going back to just after World War II."  

During an economic downturn, progressive revenue generation is far preferable to deep cuts, as it allows states to provide funding for essential programs, pump money into the economy, and protect working families in this time of hardship.  A budget that relies too heavily on cuts will not only force layoffs of state employees, but will also cut off funding in the state for crucial services, thereby reducing spending pumping dollars in the private sector. 

Peter Orszag, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Nobel prize winning economist, Joseph Stiglitz confirm:

[T]ax increases on higher-income families are the least damaging mechanism for closing state fiscal deficits in the short run.  Reductions in government spending on goods and services, or reductions in transfer payments to lower-income families, are likely to be more damaging to the economy in the short run than tax increases focused on higher-income families.

As a recent report by the Economic Opportunity Institute denotes, "every dollar of state spending generates $1.41 of economic activity.  Much of that spending - 62%, or 88 cents - boosts the private sector.  Cutting state spending means fewer purchases from suppliers, reduced contracts with service providers, less money from public and private employee paychecks circulating through local businesses - and of course, fewer public services."

Also, spending on programs that assist low and middle-income families is smart economic policy.  By assisting working families, who will more readily spend their funds on basic necessities, the government is boosting short-run demand and fostering market activity.  For instance, Zandi finds that increasing food stamps spending creates $1.73 in demand for each dollar spent by the federal government. 

Cuts Hurt the Economy:  Unfortunately, several states have responded to the fiscal crisis with deep service cuts:
  • 28 states instituted cuts that will limit low-income children's access to health care
  • 24 states have slashed services for the elderly and disabled
  • 36 states have reduced funding for higher education
  • 42 states implemented cuts that affect state employees, including 26 that have hiring freezes, 14 that have announced layoffs and 26 that have decreased wages

If new revenues are not generated, further cuts will continue a cycle of job layoffs by states, lower spending on crucial programs, diminished economic growth, and deep budget cuts.  The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) provides the following chart illustrating the danger of state budget cuts as they ripple through the economy; teachers, nurses and police are laid off, state funds supporting private sector activity are reduced, and individuals receiving state support stop spending in their local communities.

Working and Middle Class Families Have the Highest Tax Burdens On Average:  A common misconception about state and local taxes is the idea that the wealthy have incredibly high tax burdens.  The reality is the richest taxpayers have not been contributing their fair share for years.  When you factor in sales and excise, property, and income taxes, states tax working families far more heavily than richer individuals, according to Who Pays?, a report from ITEP.  As the graph below highlights, the lowest 20 percent of earners pay about 11 percent of their income in state and local taxes while the top 1 percent pay a little over 6 percent of their income to state and local governments.  

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We need to raise revenues in ohio to avoid loss of services. Somebody tell

Ted Strickland that. He cuts programs as bad as a Republican!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party candidate for Governor

2/7/10
Debunking Myths that Taxes Undermine Economic Growth
The Progressives States Network last week reported:

One reason states are readily raising revenue as an alternative to more cuts is that they can turn to a wealth of examples to debunk the rhetoric that raising taxes to fund services in a state is harmful to the economy. 

Taxes Do Not Undermine State Economic Growth:  As we've highlighted in previous Dispatches, research consistently show that, contrary to right-wing rhetoric, there is no link between tax increases and job loss.

  • States with higher personal income tax rates experienced significant job growth in the past decade, as the Fiscal Policy Institute and Center for Working Families point out in their report, Back on Track and as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found in a similar report.
  • Moreover, according to a 2008 Information Technology & Innovation Foundation analysis, states with some of the higher marginal income tax rates, including New York and Maryland, have more innovative new economy industries.  Likely as a result of larger investments in infrastructure, education, and technology, these states are better suited to foster economic growth that is sustainable and well-paying in an increasingly fierce global competition for jobs.
  • This builds on analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) detailing that states the collect the highest percentage of personal income in taxes actually sustain higher income growth.
  • Similarly, an older study by the California Budget Project (CBP) analyzed state economies and concludes, "[s]tates that enacted large tax cuts between 1994 and 2001 - reducing revenue by at least 7 percent - subsequently experienced weaker growth in jobs and personal income and larger increases in the unemployment rate, on average, than other states."

Progressive Taxes Don't Cause Out-Migration of Wealthy Residents:  Opponents of progressive income tax reform like to argue that tax increases cause wealthy residents to leave a state.  In fact, states that have increased the top rate in recent years have not experienced any significant out-migration of wealthy residents:

  • California:  The California Budget Project found that there was a significant growth in millionaire households after California passed higher PIT rates in the 1990s and again in 2004.  In fact, the number of California millionaires increased by 37.8 percent between 2004 and 2006.
  • New Jersey:  A Princeton University report discovered that the passage of a higher top rate in 2002 had "little effect on migration patterns among half-millionaire households."
  • New York:  After the state temporarily raised income taxes on the wealthy from 2003 to 2005, the number of high income tax returns grew 30 percent, from 250,000 to 325,000.

A New York Times article, entitled "Taxes Not Seen as Making the Rich Flee New York" succinctly articulates:

[T]here is surprisingly little evidence to support the proposition that rich New Yorkers would bolt if forced to pay higher income taxes.  Though tracking the movement of wealthy taxpayers from state to state is difficult, experts on public finance and migration say they have yet to document a substantial 'rich drain' in states that have raised income taxes in recent years.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't believe everything John Kasich tells you about tax cuts. They don't work!

Dennis Spisak -Green Party candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

2/6/10
Public Support for Progressive Taxation & The Failure of the Anti-Tax Movement
This week the Progressive States Network reported that by approving Measures 66 and 67 this week, Oregonians not only expressed their desire to protect services, but became the latest state to reject the hollow manipulations of right-wing anti-tax rhetoric. 
  • Just last November, voters in Maine and Washington rejected anti-tax initiatives , including so-called "Taxpayer Bill of Rights" (TABOR) initiatives meant to impose a rigid strait jacket on revenue options for state legislatures.
  • In 2008, similar measures were defeated overwhelmingly in Massachusetts, North Dakota and Oregon.  In all three states, proposed initiatives that would have slashed or, in the case of Massachusetts, completely eliminated the income tax, were rejected at the polls.
  • In 2006, voters in Maine, Nebraska and Oregon each rejected TABOR ballot initiatives.  This came on top of judges and other officials rejecting TABOR initiatives in Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma and Missouri due to fraud and manipulation by anti-tax campaigns.
  • In 2005, voters in Colorado--the only state ever to approve a TABOR initiative--decided by initiative to significantly weaken the TABOR rules.  This followed years of declining education and health standards due to the state's as a result of the implementation of the TABOR.

State Legislatures Reject Anti-Tax Rhetoric as Well:  The string of failures of the anti-tax movement at the ballot box is paralleled by state legislatures passing revenue increases across the country.  In 2009 alone, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin instituted either a permanent or temporary reform of personal income taxes.  Another 11 states considered or enacted business tax increases to help deal with budget deficits and even more states raised other taxes or fees to address the fiscal crisis in state across the country.

The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC) notes that out of the 28 attempts by the right-wing to introduce TABOR legislatively, Colorado is the only state that has adopted this disastrous policy.  State lawmakers have watched as Colorado's experience with TABOR has led to an increase in the number of adults and children without health insurance and a severe decline in education funding.

Empty Threats by the Anti-Tax Right:  While right-wing leaders like Grover Norquist and his Americans for Tax Reform like to make threats of punishing legislators who raise taxes, anti-tax forces have largely revealed themselves to be weak paper tigers.  After New Jersey increased taxes on the wealthy in 2004, the Democratic House majority increased to its largest size in three decades the following year, while progressives in Maryland and Minnesota continued to maintain and grow strong legislative majorities in the wake of approving increased taxes on high-income earners in 2008 and 2007.

In 2009, BISC found that "[t]he Grover Norquist, Club for Growth, Glenn Beck, Tea Party crowd tried to use the bleak budget picture as an opportunity to ratchet down even harder as states look to find the revenue necessary to protect priorities, create jobs, and get their economies going-- but voters rejected that failed approach."

Even many conservative politicians have rejected these type of policies.  For instance, Tom Slade, the former head of the Florida Republican party, dismisses Norquist's ideas and finds his anti-tax pledge to be illogical and dangerous.  Slade states, "[y]ou don't know how wide or deep the river's going to get.  Saying I'm never going to use a life boat seemed foolish to me."  After a Republican State Senator from Virginia, Robert Hurt, voted for a $1.4 billion tax increase, Norquist vowed to back a primary challenge against him.  Despite this, the Senator won re-election and is now favored to win the party's nomination for Congress.

Public Opinion Supports Funding Public Investments:  Polling shows that 79% of the public believes "[g]overnment investments in education, infrastructure, and science are necessary to ensure America's long-term economic growth."  Accordingly, during an economic downturn when so many working families are struggling, voters are likely to support policies to raise revenue, strengthen public programs, and provide safeguards to those who have been hurt by the recession.

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As the Green Party candidate for Governor, I say Ohio must return to a progressive tax structure to balance our state budget.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party of Ohio candidate for Governor

2/5/10
Why Green Power Jobs Are Important For Ohio
 

 

The green-collar jobs movement just got another major boost: a groundbreaking new report underscores how the growing green economy can provide high quality jobs for those who need them most. The author, Professor Raquel Rivera Pinderhughes of San Francisco State University, is a leading national expert on green-collar jobs.

This report deepens our understanding of how to harness green business growth to build pathways out of poverty. Prof. Pinderhughes' research provides us with critical guidance as we develop the Oakland Green Jobs Corps, the nation's first attempt to carry out the model that Professor Pinderhughes describes in her report.

Professor Pinderhughes is a key partner in our Green-Collar Jobs Campaign. She is on the steering committee of the Oakland Apollo Alliance, and is a senior advisor to the Ella Baker Center and Green For All.

Some highlights:

Green businesses need workers, offer training, and pay well.  Of the Berkeley green businesses surveyed by Professor Pinderhughes:

  • 86 percent hire workers without previous direct experience or training for green-collar jobs.
  • 94 percent provide on-the-job training for workers in entry level positions.
  • 90 percent pay the full cost of insuring their workers.
  • 73 percent of businesses stated that there was a shortage of qualified green-collar workers for their sector, with the greatest needs in energy, green building, mechanics and bike repair.
  • The average hourly wage for green-collar work in Berkeley is $15.80 plus benefits. This is $4.00 higher an hour than Berkeley's current minimum "living wage," which is the highest in the nation.

Workers with barriers to employment want green-collar jobs.  Analysis of men and women in Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco with barriers to employment revealed that:

  • 89 percent wanted to learn more about green-collar jobs.
  • 61 percent expressed interest in being contacted in the future so they could receive training to work in a green-collar job.

Prof. Pinderhughes summarizes the report:

Poverty, unemployment and racial inequality are significant problems in the United States, and there is an urgent need for a new source of living wage jobs for low income residents with barriers to employment. Where can these jobs come from? This research project shows that an important part of the answer is the deliberate cultivation of "green-collar" jobs.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/4/10
While Ohio Needs SPAN, Ted Strickland Needs $10,000 From Medical Mutual

Ohio Needs SPAN

There are now well over 45 million American citizens with no health insurance. The majority of these are employed adults—many at several part time jobs. With Ohio spending $70 billion a year on health care, which includes $11 billion on administrative costs, there is a way to cost-shift and cover everyone in Ohio with no co-pays and no-deductibles. This means that payment would be received for every person medically served. A single-payer plan that maintains our private doctors, hospitals, and health care providers is a solution to our current health care crisis.

This is a fundamental test of our democracy: government should be accountable on the leading issue of our time (right up there with the export of jobs). The Health Care For All Ohioans Act, which would bring universal/single-payer health care to Ohio would be funded in a way that would cost most people less what they’re paying now, would cost good companies with benefits less than what they pay now, make the Wal-Marts pay their fair share, and would protect displaced insurance and provider personnel. Find out more at: www.SPANOhio.org (SPAN – Single-Payer Action Network). Sign the petition, legislators, and help put Ohio on the cutting edge of health care reform. Help save America!

While Ohio Needs SPAN, Ted Strickland takes $10,000 in Corporate Donations from Medical Mutual, to make sure SPAN does never exists in Ohio.

It's time Ohio elects a Green Party candidate for Governor who SUPPORTS
SPAN!

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

2/3/10
Why Not Ohio? Other States Moving Forward on Health Care
The Progressive States Network last week reported other state leaders are moving forward, laying the groundwork for how national changes should be implemented, and creating the momentum for other meaningful health care reforms in their states.

Public Options and Universal Coverage:  In Iowa, SB 2092 would establish the Iowa Choice Exchange -- a form of the public option -- to serve as an information clearinghouse where businesses and consumers could compare health insurance policies.  This would be combined with IowaCare Plus, which would subsidize health care for working families fully up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) with help up to 400 percent of FPL for buying more restricted health insurance.  Sen. Jack Hatch (Des Moines) emphasized the reality that "We cannot do this without a fair and appropriate partnership with the federal government."

Connecticut, building on the enactment of their comprehensive health care reform plan SustiNet in July 2009, will be moving forward to phase it in by 2016.  By 2014, it is estimated that 98 percent of Connecticut residents will be insured with a comprehensive benefits package.  Sustinet will give every patient a medical home, ratings will not be based on age, gender or health status, and coverage will be guaranteed for chronic or pre-existing conditions.  Other new coverage and insurance reforms include:

  • Vermont's HB 510 would establish "Green Mountain Care," creating a public health coverage option with sliding scale premiums and cost sharing.
  • Missouri's Universal Health Assurance Program (HB 1641), which would provide for a publicly financed, statewide insurance program, was introduced on January 13th.  If passed, the program would provide timely access to health services for all residents, adequate funding for health care, and lower health care spending through streamlined administration and uniform payments.
  • California's Universal Health Care Act (S.810) -- approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week - would enact a single-payer health care system for the state and create a commission to decide how to pay for the plan and then submit the funding plan to voters through a ballot initiative.
  • Maine's LD 1620 would eliminate annual and lifetime benefit caps from private insurance policies.

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Why not Ohio? Why does Ted Strickland not push the Health Care for all Ohioans Act? Is it because he took a $10,000 campaign Contribution from Medical Mutual? I think so.

Dennis Spisak for Governor-Ohio Green Party

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact 330-503-1407.

2/2/10
Public Transportation Can Create More Jobs

According to a report released last week by Green Options:

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A study by Smart Growth America found that every billion dollars spent on public transportation projects created over 16,000 months of employment, almost twice as much work as those created by simple highway expansion and renewal projects.

 

But the study found that public transportation projects employ almost twice as many people for the common sense reasoning that public transportation requires employees to operate buses, trains, subways, and other infrastructure. The stimulus invested just $8.4 billion in public transit projects, (and another $9.3 billion in high-speed train projects and expanding passenger train capacities, which wasn’t counted in the study.) Public transportation definitely got the shaft. The SGA study figures that of the $4.4 billion spent on those public transportation projects, 72,328 full time job-months have been created or sustained.

If the study is accurate, the government created 368,935 months of employment. If the numbers were reversed, and $27 billion was spent on public transit, and just $8 billion spent on highways, the government could have created 515,235 months of employment, or 40% more jobs spending the same amount of money.

What’s more, other studies have suggested you can save over $9,000 a year by using public transportation as opposed to driving a car. The House of Representatives also recently passed a $154 billion “mini-stimulus” for Main Street that includes another $27 billion for highways and just $8.4 for public transportation. If you’re keeping tally at home, that is $17 billion for public transportation ($26 billion if you count money towards trains) and over $52 billion for highway projects.

Again, common sense dictates that, while our highways definitely need fixing and improving, the best way to knock down unemployment is to permanently employ people, save them money on transportation, and reduce our dependency on cars. Public transportation also requires less land to acquire, more vehicles to purchase, more people to run and maintain those vehicles, and reduces congestion on roads.

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It's time Ohio has a Governor who will put public transportation at the top of his agenda for all cities in Ohio to help put people back to work.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact 330-503-1407


2/1/10
Why Not Ohio? Samsung Signs $6.6 Billion Solar and Wind Power Deal with Ontario, Canada

Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor Dennis Spisak cites a recent Green Options report which states the Ontario will be giving the green light to receive 16,000 jobs thanks to their energy legistlation which is allowing a 6.6 billion dollar wind and solar power deal to fall their way:

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 In one of the biggest renewable energy deals in the history of the world, a Korean consortium led by Samsung has agreed to build 2,500 megawatts of wind and solar power capacity in the Canadian province of Ontario.

Samsung C&T and the Ontario government signed the deal on Thursday, January 21st. The agreement will bring thousands of jobs and clean energy for more than half a million homes to Ontario.

Building off of this new deal, Korean trade officials plan to make Ontario their base of operations for all of North American.

Samsung first proposed the deal about a year ago, but Ontario’s Green Energy Act is what seems to have actually moved the proposal to a reality — another reason for clean energy activists in the US to look with puppy dog eyes at the rest of the world as they speed ahead with clean energy (and clean energy jobs) and Americans remain tied to the old bone of dirty technology.

As The New York Times reports, “Under the terms of the agreement, officials said, Samsung must build four manufacturing plants in Ontario, promising 16,000 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years. The energy generated will be enough for 580,000 homes.”

The first phase of the project is scheduled to be built near an old coal plant that is supposed to be decommissioned by 2014 (near Windsor). Out with the old, in with the new.

Samsungs new manufacturing facilities under this deal (4 manufacturing plants in Ontario) will be producing wind turbine towers, wind blades, solar inverters and solar assembly by 2015.

Now, as Ontario’s premier, Dalton McGuinty, says, “This means Ontario is officially the place to be for green energy manufacturing in North America.” With generous subsidies for clean energy production under its new Green Energy Act, many more clean energy developers probably have their eye on Ontario as well.

With a project so big and so close to home, the US may start to take the clean energy and climate change legislation that is currently in the Senate a little more seriously. We will see.

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Why not Ohio? Is it because we have a fossil fuel Governor in the likes of Ted Strickland? A Governor who never met a nuke or coal plant he didn't like?

Blue-green jobs are out there, except their going to Canada, while Ohio gets no jobs and only more and more dirty pollution from Ted Strickland's dirty coal plants.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407.

1/31/10
Why Not Ohio? Clean Energy Industry Support

According to a report from the Progeressive States Network:

Building a green economy is one of the largest areas of entrepreneurial energy these days and states are designing a wide range of programs to encourage firms in their states to become leaders.  Since energy savings are an inherent source of potential revenue, the opportunities are large, but the need for technical, regulatory and financial assistance are also clear.  The following are a few of the programs states are promoting in this area, although the Apollo Alliance extensively tracks clean energy programs in the manufacturing sector:

  • New York:  Green Jobs/Green Homes NY:  The passage of Green Jobs/Green Homes NY produced a job creation program that will foster energy savings and revitalization of distressed areas. The program will create an estimated 14,000 jobs and reduce energy costs for about 1 million homes and businesses across the state.  Using an innovative revolving loan fund, the program will "provide up to $13,000 for residential homes and $26,000 for businesses to retrofit for increased energy efficiency."
  • Pennsylvania:  Building on the state's industry partnerships discussed above, this program will concentrate on upgrading workforce skills by developing industry-recognized credentials, participating in curriculum development at all levels, and helping workers respond to changing industry needs.  This will involve multiple partnerships, including a 3 Rivers Clean Energy Partnership, which helps train workers for jobs in the clean energy industry and the Electronics Manufacturing Partnership, which helps firms become more environmentally conscious.
  • Washington:  Lean and Green Assistance Program:  Last year, the Washington Department of Ecology proposed a Lean and Green Assistance Program aimed at improving the environmental performance and provide technical assistance to companies across the state.  From 2007 to 2008, three Lean and Environmental pilot project were undertaken, effectively saving businesses over $1.5 million and reducing pollution by more than 800,000 pounds according to the EPA.
  • Kansas SB 108 provides for $150 million in bonds to be issued by the state's development finance authority to fund manufacturing projects through long-term loans to eligible wind and solar energy businesses in amounts not exceeding $5 million per project.  Companies' tax withholdings will be placed in a specially-created state economic revitalization fund during the period of the loan to pay off the principal and interest of the loans.
  • Michigan Manufacturing Diversification Program is a loan program backed by the state to help parts of the auto supply chain retool to join the clean energy supply chain, from helping companies eliminate chemicals from processes that clean steel for manufacturing to funding re-purposed factory conveyor belts for solar panel manufacturers.
  • Wisconsin:  The Clean Energy Business Loan Program uses $55 million in ARRA State Energy Program to fund low-interest loans to businesses that promote major renewable energy production projects, the manufacture of clean energy products, advanced manufacturing of clean energy components, retooled supply chains, and energy efficiency programs at firms.
  • --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  • Why not Ohio? Why do we continue to support Ted Strickland and his administration of no leadership in the area of supporting clean industrial energy? Ted Stricklasnd is a nuke and coal governor, and that fact will never change.
  • Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

           Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

           for more info: contact 330-503-1407

 REPORT:  JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GREEN ECONOMY IN OHIO

Job Opportunities for the Green Economy: A State-by-State Picture of Occupations that Gain from Green Investments is a new report from the Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The report examines 12 states and the people employed in occupations affected by six green economic strategies: building retrofitting, mass transit, energy-efficient automobiles, wind power, solar power and cellulosic biofuels. It also looks at what the average wages are in each state for these jobs.  Job Opportunities for the Green Economy makes clear that millions of U.S. workers—across a wide range of occupations, states, and income and skill levels—will benefit from a movement to defeat global warming and transform the United States into a green economy.

Job Opportunities in a Green Economy: Ohio Can Gain from Fighting Global Warming:

Curbing global warming is the work of a generation; specifically, the work of
millions of people, performing the jobs needed to build the green economy.
Clean energy investments will create opportunities for welders, sheet metal
workers, machinists, truck drivers, and others. In Ohio, there are more
than 551,000 jobs in a representative group of job areas that could see job
growth or wage increases by putting global warming solutions to work. And
the benefits of those new jobs would spread to a much wider swath of the
economy.

Clean-Energy Strategies Can Generate Job Growth

A new study by economists at the Political Economy Research Institute of the University
of Massachusetts at Amherst examines the types of jobs that are needed to create a clean-energy economy and pinpoints six specific energy strategies that reduce pollution and can lead to job growth:
Building retrofitting
Mass transit
Energy-efficient automobiles
Wind power
Solar power
Cellulosic biofuels

New jobs will certainly be needed for building a green economy, but the vast majority of jobs associated with these six green strategies are in the same areas of employment that people already work in today, in every region and state of the country. For example, constructing wind farms creates jobs for sheet metal workers, machinists, and truck drivers, among many others. Increasing the energy efficiency of buildings through retrofitting relies, among others, on roofers, insulators, and building inspectors. Expanding mass transit systems employs civil engineers, electricians, and dispatchers. What makes these entirely familiar occupations “green jobs” is that the people working in them are contributing their everyday labors toward building a green economy.

As the  Green Party Candidate for Goveernor of Ohio, I will work to bring these types of jobs back to the state to help our poor, working, and middle class.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact 330-503-1407

Ohio Now Lags Behind Pennsylvania in Wind Energy Use

 

 More and more states are working towards bringing renewable energy and manufacturing jobs to their people. Pennsylvania is the latest example.


While Ted Strickland is out campaigning with Bill Clinton ,The Rendell administration has made alternative energy sources a priority, including industrial wind turbines. Pennsylvania has made the following tangible progress toward wind energy.

Some examples:

--In 2006, Gov. Ed Rendell's Energy Development Authority awarded a $193,000 grant to Arizona-based Southwest Windpower to place 15 small wind turbines in highly visible locations across the state to get people thinking about alternative energy sources for their homes and businesses.

--By 2007, school districts in Monroe and Pike counties were using 35-foot wind turbines and generating 1.8 kilowatts of electricity. Estimates are that the school buildings' energy bills were cut by 5 percent to 10 percent.

--Also that year, Prince Gallitzin State Park near Patton in Cambria County received a 120-foot tall turbine, funded through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The system has been generating electricity for the park office, and has been used for educational programs to spur interest in wind energy.

--Under a state grant, St. Francis University's Renewable Energy Center in Loretto is using an anemometer to take wind measurements, factoring in that wind blows stronger the higher the tower and other considerations.

--Small wind turbine systems also were built at Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, and at Promised Land, Pymatuning, Presque Isle and Tuscarora state parks.

In that sense Pennsylvania is in the forefront of alternative energy with wind farms and solar farms.

 As the  Green Party Candidate for Governor, I pledge to work day and night in helping bring renewable energy manufacturing jobs and companies to the poor, working, and middle class of Ohio.

Dennis Spisak- Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

1/28/10
A green party Governor and a A Renewable Energy Initiative for Ohio

 

As the  Green Party Candidate for Governor, I believe it’s time to call for a Renewable Energy initiative for our state.  Over the past century we have created a world dependent on oil.

 

There are many ways to create energy. True, at this time there is nothing to date that equals the power of oil but there are new advancements in solar, wind, and geothermal technologies that are pushing the envelope on the potential or renewable energy. There will be a solution to the decline of oil only when state legislative leaders like myself and the general public make the decision to be part of the solution.

 

I am proposing that Ohio organize a renewable energy initiative to encourage energy conservation, energy efficiency practices, and to promote the use of renewable energy in homes businesses, and industry.

 

My initiative would have four goals:

 
  1. Reduce barriers to the use of renewable energy by providing education and assistance to help citizens plan their energy futures.
  2. Reduce the costs of renewable energy and energy efficiency products by negotiating with manufacturers, retailers, and trades people.
  3. Reduce the installation costs of renewable energy by using a neighbor helping neighbor approach and by participating with local trades people.
  4. Help citizens practice energy conservation by forming an energy assessment and action planning process.
 

As an Green Party Candidate, I can work to help to bring renewable energy to the valley because I will not accept lobbyists or corporate PACS from the oil,coal, and nuclear industries like current Governor Ted Strickland does.

 

Dennis Spisak-Green party candidate for Governor

 

http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

 

for more info contact 330-503-1407

1/27/10

Investing to Re-Energize Ohio

  

According to a report from the groups Policy Matters Ohio and the Apollo Alliance,

 

Ohio uses a large amount of energy, most of it from fuel produced elsewhere. We rank fourth among states for industrial energy use and sixth for total energy consumption. We import two-thirds of our coal, 89 percent of our natural gas, and 98 percent of our oil and petroleum products. At current energy prices, Ohioans send $20 billion a year out of our state economy. To make our economy more energy independent—by becoming more efficient, self-sustaining, and renewable—Ohio should expand its clean energy fund. Instead of sending so much of Ohio’s money out of the state and out of the country, we should create more of our own energy, use more renewable energy sources, become more energy efficient, and employ Ohio workers in the process.

 

Eighteen states use clean energy funds to encourage consumers and suppliers to invest in clean energy products and services: by reducing equipment costs through use of consumer rebates, grants, and low-interest loans; by conducting statewide public-awareness campaigns; by providing incentives for industrial recruitment, retention, and production; and, by training workers for the green economy. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) reported that for every public dollar spent, public benefits funds for clean energy leverage an additional $3 in related business and consumer investment.  RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN EXPANDED ADVANCED ENERGY FUND • Implement a statewide outreach campaign to educate the public on energy efficiency and renewable energy (both consumers and suppliers). Use Advanced Energy Funds to offer free energy audits to Ohioans. • Market consumer incentives such as simple customer rebates for green products. • Collect Advanced Energy Funds from all utility customers, not just investor-owned. • Provide low-income residents with solar thermal water-heating systems. • Provide more financial incentives for suppliers and potential suppliers of green energy products and service to expand Ohio’s green supply chain. • Promote economic development by providing “green incentives” with Advanced Energy Funds. Instead of offering dollars to lure companies, offer wind turbines or rooftop solar panels to reduce their energy costs and consumption. Create a Green Jobs Corps program that provides green employment services and also weaves together vocational skills training programs, union apprenticeship programs, and recognized pre-apprenticeship programs for job seekers.  Instead of sending so much of Ohio’s money out of the state and out of the country, we should create more of our own energy, use more renewable energy sources, become more energy efficient, and employ Ohio workers in the process.  Ohio’s economy is struggling due to rising energy costs. We are sending billions of dollars out of state and out of the country each year to support our energy use. Ohio should diversify its energy portfolio, reduce our energy use, create renewable energy here in Ohio, and put Ohioans to work in the process. If we reduced the amount we spend on imported energy, more money could be kept local, supporting Ohio’s economy. To stimulate the green economy, and get it off the ground, we should expand Ohio’s Advanced Energy Fund and use it to provide incentives to both suppliers and consumers of green energy products and services, educate Ohioans on their green energy options, and train Ohio’s future “greenforce.”  

As theGreen Party Candidate for Governor, I will support the recommendations for an expanded advanced energy fund. Since I will not accept lobbyists or PACS contributions who represent out of state energy resources such as coal, oil and gas companies, I will not allow big money to influence my votes in Columbus like the current Democrats and Republicans have.

 

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact: 330-503-1407

1/26/10
Why Not Ohio? Comprehensive rail plan for Minnesota unveiled

Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak cites another news report where now Minnesota is planning to begin work on a comprehensive rail plan:

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 A statewide plan calls for investing anywhere from $6 billion to $9 billion in the next 20 years to upgrade and enhance Minnesota's ability to move freight and passengers by rail.

The proposal, the first comprehensive rail plan Minnesota has ever tackled, was presented at a public hearing last Wednesday that was aired via videoconference to Minnesota Department of Transportation district offices across the state. It will be submitted next month to the Federal Railroad Administration for approval, a move that will put Minnesota in line to receive stimulus money for its rail transportation system.

The plan calls for two phases: a first tier of priorities to be accomplished between 2010 and 2030, and a second tier in the more distant future, after 2030.

An enhanced railroad system in the southwestern part of the state also will open the door to improved rail transportation northward to important hubs in Dilworth and Fargo, N.D., he said.

Steve Ahmann of the Willmar City Council called the comprehensive rail plan "very forward-thinking."

But he too asked for a higher priority for the Willmar rail corridor. Not only is the city a regional hub with the potential for business and industrial growth, but it also serves a surrounding region rich in agricultural production and ethanol manufacturing, Ahmann said.

"Throughout the process we've had extensive public input," said Dan Krom, co-project manager and passenger rail director with MnDOT's Office of Passenger Rail.

Among the priorities set forth in the final plan: development of high-speed passenger rail service to Chicago, Duluth and Rochester, and enhancement of conventional passenger rail service to St. Cloud/Moorhead, Mankato and Eau Claire, Wis.

Freight corridors also would be maintained and upgraded to increase safety and reduce bottlenecks.

"A coordinated regional/national system would be the goal," Krom said.

The estimated cost for the first phase: $6.2 billion to $9.5 billion, with the passenger system accounting for more than half of these costs. The annual operating cost is estimated at $143 million to $182 million.

The tradeoff would be a reduction in highway and traffic congestion and a more environmentally friendly form of transportation. According to MnDOT's study, fuel efficiency on rail systems is three times better than highway vehicles.

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Ohio must do more than just build the 3 C's corridor. We need mass transit rail service from Cleveland-Youngstown-Pittsburgh, Cincinnati-Dayton-Toledo, as well as other corridors in the state. We need to improve fuel efficiency in Ohio as well. We can not let Ohio sit back and watch the rest of the midwest pass us by.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

For more info: call 330-503-1407.

1/25/10
Pay Attention Ohio:Appalachian states should look beyond coal

Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak cites an AP story last week that reports Appalachian states would be wise to look to more renewable green energies in the future instead of looking for coal to continue to be the answer for an energy source.

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 -- Coal production in Central Appalachia is likely to continue its 12-year decline, and an environmental consulting firm said Tuesday it's time policy makers and legislators in four states work to diversify the region's economy.

A report issued by Downstream Strategies of Morgantown predicts production in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee will fall nearly 50 percent within a decade and urges those states to adopt laws, low-interest loan programs and other measures to support the development of renewable energy sources.

The report blames the decline in part on increased competition from other coal-producing regions and other sources of energy, such as natural gas. It also points to the depletion of the most accessible, lowest-cost coal reserves and increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

The coal industry has long been concerned about Central Appalachia's decline and faces even more challenges as legislators and the public grow interested in global climate change, renewable energy options, and cap-and-trade legislation, said Chris Hamilton, vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association.

At the same time, the industry is struggling with a low supply of qualified workers and record levels of imported coal from Colombia, Venezuela and Indonesia.

"There's general acceptance that we're going to need every form of power available to accommodate future growth in our energy demands in our country, and it makes sense to have a balanced energy portfolio," Hamilton said. "But coal is a finite resource and it should be managed within the context of an overall energy portfolio based on volume and reserves."

The new report was authored by Downstream Strategies President Evan Hansen and energy and climate change researcher Rory McIlmoil.

McIlmoil is a former community activist with Whitesville-based Coal River Mountain Watch, which has been advocating construction of a wind farm on a mountaintop destined for strip mining, but Downstream Strategies says its work was not funded by any group.

The report contends new jobs and tax revenues could be created by focusing on renewable energy like wind, solar and hydropower, and it says states should require that 25 percent of their energy portfolios come from renewable sources by 2025.

On Monday, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell called on lawmakers in that state to approve a tax credit of $500 per position for employers who create green jobs over the next five years. McDonnell also said he wanted to turn Virginia into an energy leader by leasing off-shore drilling rights and increasing coal, natural gas and biofuel production.

Annual coal production in Central Appalachia last peaked in 1997 at 290 million tons, but fell to 235 million tons by 2008 even as national production climbed, the report said. It also says new projections suggest the region's production may drop another 46 percent by 2020, and 58 percent by 2035, to just 99 million tons.

Data on the federal Energy Information Administration's Web site shows variations among the Appalachian states in recent years.

While 2008 production levels in Kentucky and West Virginia were up 4.4 percent and 2.8 percent respectively from the previous year, production fell 2.5 percent in Virginia and 12.1 percent in Tennessee. Statistics for 2009 were not yet posted, but the EIA estimates production fell more than 7 percent nationwide as consumption declined.

Power plants, in particular, cut coal consumption by 10 percent last year, the agency said.

The agency predicts coal production in 2010 will still be down by about 4.6 percent.

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It's time for Ohio to wake up and also realize that coal is not the answer for fixing Ohio's energy problems in the future. Blue -Green renewable energies are the answer, and that we must do better than the 12 1/2 mandate the current leadership in Columbus is calling for by 2025. The answer is more blue-green energy faster. Wake up Ted Strickland.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact 330-503-1407

1/23/10

Why Not Ohio? Michigan to Repower Detroit with Solar Roofs for as Low as $6,000

Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak cites another Green Options Report that shows another midwestern state beating Ohio in advancing green renewable energies for the area.

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Michigan Gov to Repower Detroit With Solar Roofs for as Low as $6,000

In 2007, Michigan’s Governor Granholm had instigated one of the most progressive climate targets of any state in the US, to achieve an EU Kyoto Accord level of greenhouse gas reduction of 20% below 1990 by 2020.

To get there, she set out a combination of renewable energy incentives that make solar roofs in the nearly abandoned city a slam dunk, and which could bring out-of-pocket costs down to as little as $6,000.

In 2007, she signed the ambitious target. And to get there, she invited some serious thinkers to analyze the cost-effectiveness of various policy options. After a more than a year of intensive stakeholder collaboration and cost-benefit analysis, they recommended 54 climate mitigation policy actions to lower greenhouse gases and achieve a $25 billion net gain in the gross state product.

One of the policy options recommended was “Incentives to Promote Renewable Energy Systems Implementation”.

She took their advice and budgeted $25 million for solar rebates. Now the local utility, DTE Energy, as part of the its compliance plan under the state Renewable Portfolio Standard - which requires that it buy more renewable energy each year - will pay residents to install solar power that feeds the grid. They can stop the offer only once their customers have collectively installed 5 MW of solar power.

Because the rebate pays $2,400 for every KW installed, a 5 KW system would be $12,000 off.

Like all Americans, Detroit homeowners would get the new 30% tax credit, which would reduce cost another $6,900, leaving an out-of-pocket cost of just $6,000, according to calculations by Solar Fred at Solar Power Rocks.

In addition, the utility will continue to pay a Feed-in Tariff of 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. This would bring in income year after year, which Solar Fred estimates, assuming average Detroit rain, snow and a good roof orientation, could amount to a tidy $610 or so a year.

To those people who live in the Rogue States that have not passed climate and renewable energy legislation, it must seem inconceivable that an electric utility would actually pay you to put solar on your roof to compete with their rates. But once built, renewable energy will be much cheaper than fossil energy, because the fuel is free and non-polluting. And climate legislation makes that initial switch happen.

And what more fitting way to re-energize the city that suffered the most from fossil fuels - than with a 25 to 40 year supply of fossil-free energy.

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Once again, we see Ohio Governor Ted Strickland lagging behind in bringing more and better green renewable energy resources to the Buckeye State. It's time we elect a truely Progressive Green Party Governor in Ohio to reverse these current trends.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact: 330-503-1407

1/22/10
How A Green Party Governor Would Confront Economic Inequality

By electing Green Party candidate Dennis Spisak as Ohio Governor we would see Ohio move forward in reducing economic inequality by first reversing the Taft tax cuts of the early 2000's. High income Ohioans are much less taxed today then they used to be. Raising taxes on the top 1% back to historical levels can pay for part of a stronger safety net that limits economic inequality.

By eliminating this tax inequality, we could provide health care for all Ohioans. We also need to close tax loopholes that lets corporations, drug companies, shift profits to low-tax jurisdictions overseas which cost billions more in lost taxes.

Http://votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

1/21/10
Ted Strickland: The Governor Big Money Can Buy
Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak says Ted Strickland should be happy over today's U.S. Supreme Court decision which allows corporations unlimted campaign funding of candidates, since Ted Strickland loves raking in big money from health care, drug companies, insurance companies, and power companies.

Ted Strickland has never met a major donor he didn't accept from. From the Secretary of State's office, Ted Strickland's Donor list looks like a Who's Who's list from a Republican candidate's donor list:

Medical Mutual: $10,000
Liberty Mutual: $6,000
Western Southern and Life: $6,000
Grange Mutual: $5,000
National City Bank: $5,000
Americal Mutual: $2,000
Ohio Bankers PAC: $1,000
Pfizer: $1,000
Eli Lilly: $1,000
United Mine Workers: $5,000
Duke Energy: $3,395
Dayton Power and Light PAC: $1,000

Green Party Candidates do not accept donations from Lobbyists or Political Action Committees! Ted Strickland and the Democrats are no different than the Republicans. Big Business speaks louder than the people.

It's time to put people first! Time to put people ahead of corporations. Something Ted Strickland or John Kasich will never do.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407

1/21/10
What A Green Party Governor would mean for Ohio's Healthcare Reform

By electing Green Party candidate Dennis Spisak as Governor Ohio would see a proactive push for the Health Care for All Ohioans Act. This Single-payer healthcare plan would be a major focus of being adopted in Ohio.

The number one reason to reform Ohio health care is because to simply improve the life of all Ohioans. Under the current system Ohioans must bear the financial burden of medical costs and many have no health care or have been bankrupted by health costs. It doesn't have to be this way as every wealthy country has univesal coverage. Universal health care would be cheaper and better than our current system.

The second reason is to have a society that helps its less fortunate members. The Health Care for All Ohioans Act would be a cornerstone for a new New Deal. This is key to our domestic rebirth in Ohio.

Governor Strickland does not support the Act. He supports keeping the status quo and big insurance companies and HMO's that suck high premiums from Ohioans. Ted Strickland has spent too much time being courted by health insurance lobbyists. It's time to move Ohio foward into the 21st century with Single-Payer Health Care.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info: contact 330-503-1407.

1/20/10
Fixing the Imbalance Between Ohio's Business and Individual Taxes

Ohio Green Party candidate Dennis Spisak calls for raising the Commercial Activity Tax. the tax is currently too low to reimburse schools and local governments. By Raising the CAT, revenues would allow for paying schedule reimbursements as well as add money to the General Revenue Fund. The Cat could raise at least $50 million for the state.

Ohio should also retain some of the income tax portion of the corporate franchise tax. Retaining at least 1/5 of it's former rate would give the state at least $200 million per year.

Ohio should also scale back the Homestead Property Tax Credit from it's 2008-2009 modifications. Returning to it's former level would save the state $257 million per year.

 

Http://votespisak.org/governor/

For more info contact 330-503-1407

 

1/19/10
How a Green Party Governor Would Fix Ohio's Budget Problems.

How would a Green Party Ohio Governor fix Ohio's budget problems?

Green Party Candidate Dennis Spisak would restructure the 2005 tax changes that lowered income taxes for wealthy taxpapers. The Office of Budget and Manaagement says reversing just one year of the income tax cuts would bring in $422 million dollars. To help low-income households,raise the amount households can make before owing an income tax. Implement an Ohio Earned Income Tax Credit system like the Federal EITC. Currently, 24 states and the District of Columbia have this credit in place which would bring low-income familes out of poverty.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info, contact 330-503-1407

1/18/10
Why Not Ohio? Rooftops Rentals Sour With Generous Canadian Feed-In Tariff
Since September, when the Ontario Power Authority began its generous payment for rooftop solar power, Toronto’s commercial roof acreage has become the site of a new renewable energy gold rush by solar developers now able to earn a steady income farming solar power to local utilities for 20 years.

Solar developers are willing to rent a part of a building that previously had no value, that is now prime solar real estate. How much is this new income for the building owner? It could be as much as $12,000 a year.

 

Ontario Power  Authority will now pay between 53 cents and 71 cents per kilowatt-hour for solar electricity. The utility guarantees a speedy, expedited connection to the grid so solar developers can be assured of a quick start to their earnings. And they are not the only beneficiary. The building owner and the solar developer both stand to gain.

Under the arrangement the utility pays the Feed-in Tariff amount monthly for 20 years. Once built, the solar farms can be expected to generate a steady income for 20 years to the solar developer.

Once they sign the lease, the solar companies design, build, and perform the maintenance on the system at no cost to the building owner. Both the solar developer and the building owner can earn money on the deal. Either a percent of the monthly payments from the utility can go directly to the building owner, or the solar developer can simply pay rent, averaging about 30 cents per square foot.

For example, a 250-kilowatt system that would take up 40,000 square feet on the roof would mean the building owner would earn about $1,000 a month in rent.  At the end of the 20 year contract with the utility, the solar developer transfers the system to the building owner who then can benefit from the electricity for what could potentially be at least another 20 years, at slightly less efficiency.

Alternatively, compensation might be a guarantee to supply solar-sourced electricity over two decades for less than what a building owner currently pays, as CarbonFree Technology of Toronto has done. Of course the building has to undergo inspection to ensure that it can take the weight of such large solar arrays, because it may not have been engineered to handle that kind of load.  (at least to put onto buildings) solar arrays.

Since September 1st, when the offer was announced, business has taken off. GTE, Ozz Solar, Helios Energy, Rumble Energy and SunOne Energy Canada are among a growing list of solar rooftop space aggregators knocking on doors.

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When will Governor Ted STrickland push for feed-in tariffs here in Ohio?

If he is the "Progreesive Green" Governor that he claims to be, he would be pushing for feed-in tariffs to be built into the Ohio Legislature. instead, Ted Strickland still continues to push for Nuclear and Dirty Coal Plants to make up two-thirds of Ohio's Energy needs.

It's time to move Ohio foward with feed-in tariffs.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor

for more info: contact 330-503-1407


 
 

1/17/10
Why Not Ohio? Indiana now has Feed-In Tariff Bill Introduced

Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak cites a report last week written by Paul Gipe that now Indiana has joined Wisconsin in having a feed-in tariff bill introduced in their legislative body. Why not Ohio?

 Why is Ohio not pushing for the same action? Is it because Ted Strickland is not the Green Power Alternative Renewable Energy leader that he claims to be? Why is every other Midwest state now looking at Feed-In tariff bills while Ted Strickland looks a $1,000 a plate rubber chicken fund raising dinners with Bill Clinton?

According to the report, Representative Matt Pierce (D-61st, Bloomington) introduced AB 1190 into the Indiana General Assembly January 7, 2010. The bill is the first comprehensive proposal for a system of feed-in tariffs in the current legislative sessions that have begun in states across the US.

The bill to create a system of what Representative Pierce calls Advanced Renewable Energy Contracts was referred to the Assembly Committee on Commerce, Energy, Technology and Utilities. Representative Pierce is vice chair of the committee.

Representative Pierce had introduced a previous bill on feed-in tariffs in the 2009 session. AB 1190 has been extensively rewritten and has incorporated the feed-in tariffs, or renewable energy rates as they will be called in Indiana, recently introduced in the Canadian province of Ontario.

The proposed rates in AB 1190 have been adapted to the Indiana context by incorporating two tracks: one track with US federal subsidies, one track without. Unlike Ontario, where there are no federal subsidies for renewable energy, some Indiana projects could qualify for US federal subsidies. However, not all potential renewable energy generators in Indiana may be able to use the federal subsidies. For those who may not be able to use the federal subsidies, Representative Pierce has proposed the second track where the feed-in rates are proportionally higher.

Republican Governor Mitch Daniels and the legislature have liked to characterize Indiana as a potential renewable energy hub of the Midwest.

AB 1190 tries to go Ontario one better as competition for renewable energy heats up in North America's heartland. Representative Pierce has proposed a sophisticated system of rates for wind energy that is based on the intensity of the wind resource. Both Germany and France successfully use a similar policy and the concept has been raised frequently in Ontario. However, the Canadian province has yet to adopt such a program.

Differentiating the rates for wind energy based on the wind resource is used by Germany and France both to spread development opportunity to more farmers and rural landowners than one, single rate for wind energy, but also to avoid the concentration of wind turbines in only the windiest regions. Such a proposal in Indiana would give farmers in central Indiana as much opportunity to develop their wind resource as farmers in northern Indiana where it is windier.

And in another departure from Ontario, Representative Pierce has proposed specific tariffs for small wind turbines like those that would be used by individual households. While AB 1190's proposed rates for small wind turbines are less than those that will likely go into effect this April in Great Britain, they are the first of their kind in North America.

In other provisions, the bill requires the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to review the renewable energy rates paid to new generators beginning in 2012. AB 1190 directs the IURC's review to ensure the rates are sufficient for the rapid development of renewable energy without resulting in excessive profits for generators or excessive costs to ratepayers.

The bill establishes an equalization program to spread the costs of the policy across all ratepayers so that no one utility or its ratepayers absorb more than their fair share of the costs of the program.

AB 1190 creates a statewide registry of generators and requires the IURC to issue annual reports on the robustness of the program in meeting the bill's objective of encouraging the rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy in Indiana.

 

A Republican Governor wants to make Indiana the Region's Renewable Energy Hub?

Why not Ohio? Why Ted, WHY?

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

1/16/10
Why Not Ohio? Renewable Energy and Economic Potential

Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor Dennis Spisak asks why Ohio is not doing more to bring wind energy to rural parts of the Buckeye State. The Center for Rural Affairs released an analysis on the economic potential of wind energy development entitled, Renewable Energy and Economic Potential in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota. The report examines economic impact, job creation and wind resources in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota.


Expanding production of renewable electricity to 20% of the nation's electrical generation has the potential to create a large number of new jobs in the rural Midwest and Great Plains, according to unpublished analyses from the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The analysis projects that Kansas would gain nearly 3,100 long-term jobs in operations and maintenance of wind farms, Nebraska over 3,500 jobs, South Dakota over 3,900 jobs and Iowa over 9,000 jobs. An even higher number of medium-term jobs, averaging one year in duration, would be created - jobs related to manufacturing, site preparation and turbine construction.

Nationally, the analysis projects that reaching 20% of electrical generation from wind would result in 1.75 million full-time jobs during wind turbine construction and 1.6 million new, permanent operational (post-construction) jobs created.

Why isn't wind power on the forefront of Ted Strickland's re-election platform? Is it because he still wants Ohio to supply 75% of it's power from dirty coal and nuke plants? Is it because he is the puppet to dirty coal and nuke lobbyists? Only The Governor can answer these questions, and his actions, supporting the nuclear site in Piketon, supporting the Coal plant in Meigs County,  speak louder than his words.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

For more info contact 330-503-1407

1/15/10
Why Not Ohio? Wisconsin First in Midwest to Introduce Feed-in Tariff Bill in 2010

Ohio Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak says while Ted Strickland was entertaining Bill Clinton at $1,000 a plate fundraisers last week, Wisconsin was the first state in the Midwest to introduce a feed-in tariff bill in 2010.

Once again we see other states passing Ohio in producing 21st century legistlation that would aid development of green alternative energy resources and jobs.

According to the story bu Paul Gipe,

Powerful Wisconsin legislators were first out of the gate in a brewing race to be the first to pass feed-in tariff legislation in the Midwest.

Representatives Spencer Black (D-77th, Madison) and James Soletski (D-88th, Green Bay), along with cosponsors Senator Mark Miller (D-16th, Monona) and Senator Jeffrey Plale (D-7th, Milwaukee) introduced AB 649 on January 6th, 2010.

The bill, a comprehensive revision of laws governing energy and electric utilities in Wisconsin, was referred to the Special Committee on Clean Energy Jobs.

AB 649 includes a section creating a system of feed-in tariffs for renewable energy.

Assemblymember Black is chair of the Assembly's Committee on Natural Resources and Assemblymember Soletski is chair of the Committee on Energy and Utilities.

Senator Miller is the chair of both the Senate's Committee on the Environment and the Committee on Finance. Senator Plale is chair of the Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail.

The bill's section on feed-in tariffs directs the state's Public Service Commission to determine the specifics of the program. After a lengthy docket in 2009, Wisconsin's PSC had deferred implementing its own feed-in tariff program without a clear mandate from the legislature. AB 649 is in part a result of the PSC's earlier inaction and a desire by Governor Doyle and the legislature to lead off the new year with action on climate change.

The bill must pass both the assembly and the senate and be signed by Governor Doyle before it becomes law.

Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota legislators are also expected to introduce feed-in tariff bills this legislative session.

AB 649 includes provisions for wind, solar PV, biogas, and "other" renewable technologies. Only utilities with sales greater than 2.5 TWh per year will be required to offer the feed-in tariffs.

The bill's objective is "to maximize the development and deployment of distributed renewable energy generation technologies . . . without unreasonable impacts on electric utility rates."

Importantly, AB 649 stipulates that the price paid per kilowatt-hour must include the cost of generation for that type of generator, a reasonable rate of return, and any federal or state incentives, such as the federal renewable energy tax credit. Thus, the tariffs offered will not be based on "avoided cost" as in California, or the value of the electricity to the utility.

The PSC is to set limits on the amount of generation permitted under the program for each technology. As a consequence, there will be a rush by commercial developers to seize as many contracts as possible, potentially squeezing out homeowners, farmers, and small businesses from developing their own resources.

In a nod to a key provision in successful European policies and that in Ontario as well, the bill says tariffs "may" be based on different size classes within each technology. Creation of different size tranches within technologies, especially for solar PV, is regarded as a critical measure to prevent hoarding of contracts by large, multi-national developers.

Ontario, with five tranches of feed-in tariffs for solar PV alone, went even farther than that proposed in Wisconsin and set aside a special micro-FIT program for systems less 10 kW. Ontario also guaranteed expedited connection for systems less than 500 kW. Both measures were intended to insure that local residents and businesses could profit from the program despite the pressure from out of province and out of country developers.

Wisconsin's AB 649 assigns any renewable energy credits produced to the purchasing utility.

The bill also specifies that 6 percent of all electricity generated by 2020 must be produced from in-state renewable resources, and 10 percent by 2025.

In 2007, Wisconsin generated 60 TWh. The in-state 2020 target of 6 percent would require approximately 3.6 TWh per year. The 2025 target would require about 6 TWh per year from in-state renewables.

Under Wisconsin conditions, such a requirement could result in the installation of thousands of megawatts of wind or solar PV. Typical wind farms in the Midwest generate about 2,000 kWh/kW/year of installed capacity. Typical solar PV systems generate about 1,000 kWh/kW/year of installed DC capacity.

Why Not Ohio? Why does Ted Strickland not lead the charge for Feed-in tariffs? Is it because the dirty coal and power lobbyists have him in their back pocket?

Is it because Ted Strickland is not the progressive Governor he makes himself out to be?

Green party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak will push for Feed-in tariffs in Ohio. Ted Strickland, sadly, won't. And the's the bottom line.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact: 330-503-1407

1/14/10
Why not Ohio? Australians Earn $10,000 from Rooftop Solar Power

Ohio Green Party Governor Dennis Spisak cites a Green Options report where the government there allows residents to earn money from solar panels.

Why Not Ohio? Why no feed-in tariffs for Ohio Citizens? Is it because Ted Strickland is in the pockets of coal-fired electric plants and fails to allow citizens to feed-in to the grid, thus zapping coal profits for his dirty coal lobbyists?

According to the report in Green Options,
The New South Wales government has just introduced a Solar Bonus Scheme that could have residents earning as much as $10,000 a year to send clean electricity to the grid from solar panels on their own roofs.

The incentive is a Feed-in Tariff like the one that was so popular in Germany that they ran out of solar panels last year, and that shook up the global solar market when Spain introduced theirs a few years ago, because they paid enough so that average homeowners could earn money from adding solar panels on their roofs.

The NSW government expects that most homeowner&#8217;s earnings would tend to be more in the range of $1,500 a year, just based on extra roof space estimates. But they could be in for a surprise. German homeowners were very resourceful in finding space somewhere for solar arrays, even over fences, churches, barns and pastures, once offered a way to pay for a renewable energy power plant without going into debt.

A Feed-in Tariff is a cash payment for renewable electricity produced, by anybody. You don&#8217;t have to be a utility to make electricity and supply it to the grid. If you have enough space (and sun) on your roof to supply both your own electricity needs and some extra for the grid, that extra going to the grid is paid for by your utility.

Two essentials are needed to make a Feed-in Tariff succeed:

1. The payment must be cash. A &#8220;credit&#8221; on your bill that expires at the end of each year, like California offers, tends to discourage homeowners from installing over-sized systems that send free energy to the utility.
2. At least two to one payment ratio. The relationship between the retail cost that you pay for your utility electricity, and the amount that your utility must pay you if you supply it. Germany initially paid three times the retail rate.

NSW electricity costs 19 cents per kwh, and they will pay 60 cents per kwh. That is why this is poised for the same kind of rocketing success that Germany saw with three times retail, and perhaps even more, as Australia is blessed with great insolation.

Both the German and the Spanish programs have contributed to the drop in solar prices that benefit everybody worldwide, by increasing solar adoption so fast. The three to one rates don&#8217;t have to remain that high. Germany has now tapered down its incentive to two times the retail rate.

Feed-in Tariffs are a way to push renewable energy onto the grid fast and affordably, both for homeowners, and for utility ratepayers who no longer have to subsidize either the new utility-scale power plants that would otherwise have to be built, or the new transmission costs to bring the power from them.

Ted Strickland could do much more for solar power, except he doesn't have too, he has to make sure his dirty coal lobbyists make the money instead of homeowners.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact: 330-503-1407

1/12/10
Ted Strickland: A Lefty before the Election, a Righty Afterwards

Ever seen the Green Party announced their candidate for Governor, Dennis Spisak, who immediately went after Ted Strickland's  record of never seeing a nuke or dirty coal plant he didn't like, some of Teddy's Blogger Boys have been quick ever since to roll out every new Green Idea the Governor has.

This will be the same all throughout this 2010 campaign. Ted Strickland will try to portray himself as the liberal populist Governor before the election, and then revert back to his right-leaning way of governing IF he is re-elected.

That's why Progressives need to stay strong and vote Green this November. Ted Strickland will lie to you to get your vote. When Ted Strickland speaks out against Nukes and dirty coal plants then he can call himself a progressive. Until then, He is a conservative in liberal clothing.

Dennis Spisak-Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

For more info: contact 330-503-1407

1/12/10
Why Not Ohio? Indiana gets Electric Car Plant

Ohio Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak cites an AP report last week that Indiana is receiving an electric car plant. Why not Ohio?

Every midwestern state is beating Ohio and bringing new jobs to help curb their high unemployment numbers, except Ohio.  These are the new blue-green jobs Ohio needs for the 21st century.

According to the AP,  An electric car maker plans to open a factory in a northern Indiana plant that once made parts for recreational vehicles.

State and local officials planned to join executives from Think North America for an official announcement last Tuesday. The plant in Elkhart will be Think North America's first in the U.S. and provide much-needed jobs in a city that has been struggling since the RV industry collapsed during the recession.

Think North America, a subsidiary of Norwegian-based Think Global, projects its new factory could have 415 full-time jobs by 2013. Think Global currently makes its compact, two-door electric passenger cars at a plant in Finland.

The company began looking in Elkhart after negotiations broke down last week with the owner of a property in the nearby town of Middlebury, said Tom Kemeny, Think North America's chief financial officer.

The Elkhart City Council gave initial approval Monday night to a 10-year tax abatement plan for the company.

Gov. Mitch Daniels was to take part in the formal announcement Tuesday afternoon at the former facility for Philips Products, which made doors and windows for the RV industry. That plant, which had about 250 workers, closed last summer.

Barkley Garrett, the city's economic development director, said city officials worked through the weekend to complete the deal with the company after it ended talks for the Middlebury site.

"We're not poaching other communities' projects," Garrett said. "We knew our site was a backup site. We were not involved in negotiations until they contacted us."

Two other companies are working on plans to make electric vehicles in nearby Wakarusa.

Navistar International Corp. plans to build all-electric delivery trucks this year with a $39 million federal grant. Startup Electric Motors Corp. (OOTC:EMCO) intends to make electric-hybrid drive trains to be installed in various vehicles, starting with a joint venture with Gulf Stream that would make light-duty electric trucks.

Elkhart County's unemployment rate peaked in March at 18.9 percent but has fallen steadily since, hitting 14.5 percent in November.

"I don't think it makes any difference who gets this company or where they go as long as they go in Elkhart County," County Council President John Leatherman said. "What we're trying to build here is an electric car cluster, which is really a new diversification for this economy."

 Why not Ohio?

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

for more info contact 330-503-1407

 
 
 

1/11/10
Economic Benefits of Public Programs: Why Federal Dollars Should Be Invested in the States

Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor Dennis Spisak would seek more federal aid to help put people back to work in Ohio.

As federal aid to states has a very high economic multiplier effect or "bang for the buck," states are some of the most effective vehicles for job creation.  Moody's Analytics finds that every federal dollar spent on extending unemployment insurance benefits fosters $1.61 in economic activity.  Similarly, a federal dollar spent on:

  • Temporarily increasing food stamps creates $1.74 in economic activity
  • Aiding state governments creates $1.41 in economic activity
  • Investing in infrastructure creates $1.57 in economic activity

On the other hand, tax cuts and credits generally do not produce similar economic benefits as assisting families or state governments.  For instance, a dollar spent on cutting the corporate income tax only results in $0.32 of economic activity.  As a result, direct relief to states and a concerted effort to create and sustain jobs for Americans on Main Street is the most prudent course of action.On the flip side, The Economic Policy Institute states the unique danger of state budget cuts, which can ripple through the economy as teachers, nurses and police are laid off, state funds supporting private sector activity are reduced, and individuals receiving state support stop spending in their local communities.

for more info contact: 330-503-1407

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

1/10/10

Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor Dennis Spisak is calling for Ohio to adopt the SEIA Solar Bill of Rights to help get solar energy quicker and faster to Ohio families and to boost Ohio employment through the growth of solar power jobs, manufacturing companies, and research and development facilities.

By "adopting" this Solar Bill of Rights, we can more Ohio to the forefront of solar usage and job creation, a lot faster than Ted Strickland's proposed 25% plan by year 2025.

Solar Bill of Rights©


We declare these rights not on behalf of our companies, but on behalf of our customers and our country.  We seek no more than the freedom to compete on equal terms and no more than the liberty for consumers to choose the energy source they think best. 


1.      Americans have the right to put solar on their homes or businesses.

Millions of Americans want to put solar on the roof of their home or business, but many are prevented from doing so by local restrictions. Some homeowners associations have prevented residents from going solar through neighborhood covenants, which allow for the association to veto any changes to a property’s aesthetics. Some utilities and municipalities have also made it prohibitively time-consuming and/or expensive to have a system permitted or inspected.

 

2.      Americans have the right to connect their solar energy system to the grid with uniform national standards.

Currently, each state (in some cases, each utility) has a unique process for connecting solar systems to the local electricity grid. National interconnection standards will create a uniform process and paperwork, creating a simple process for the homeowner and a standardized physical connection for manufacturers. Connecting a home solar system shouldn’t be any more complicated for the homeowner than setting up an Internet connection.

 

3.      Americans have the right to Net Meter and be compensated at the very least with full retail electricity rates.

Residential solar systems generate excess electricity in the middle of the day, when the owners aren’t usually at home. Net metering requires the utility company to credit any excess generation to the customer at full retail rates at a minimum – effectively running the electricity meter backwards when the system is generating more electricity than the occupants of the house are using. Allowing customers to net meter is critical to making solar an economically viable option for most homeowners.  


4.      The solar industry has the right to a fair competitive environment.

The highly profitable fossil fuel industries have received tens of billions of dollars in subsidies from the federal government for decades. In addition, fossil fuel industries are protected from bearing the full social costs of the pollution they produce. The solar energy industry and the public expect a fair playing field, with all energy sources evaluated based on their full, life-cycle costs and benefits to society.  Therefore it is critical that solar energy receive the same level of support, for the same duration, as the fossil fuel industry.


5.      The solar industry has the right to equal access to public lands.

America has some of the best solar resources in the world, which are often on public lands overseen by the federal government.  But even though oil and gas industries have been granted access to 45 million acres of public lands, the federal government has yet to approve a single solar project application for development.  Solar is a clean, renewable American resource and access to public lands is a critical component of any national strategy to expand our use of renewable energy.


6.      The solar industry has the right to sell its power across a new, 21st century transmission grid.

Over the last 100 years, the transmission grid in the United States has been built as a patchwork of local systems, designed and planned to meet local needs.  As the needs of customers have changed, so has the way the electric industry does business.  What haven’t changed are the rules crafted in an era of coal-fired power plants. What is needed now is an investment in infrastructure to connect areas rich in solar resources with major population centers. 

 

7.      Americans have the right to buy solar electricity from their utility

Many utility companies have never considered offering their customers the option to purchase clean solar energy, rather than dirty energy from coal or other fossil fuels. Nation-wide over 90% of people support increased use of solar energy, and over three-quarters believe it should be a major priority of the federal government. Despite this, only around 25% of utility customers in the US have the ability to actually purchase clean, renewable power from their utility, and only a fraction of those programs offer solar energy.  Utilities should be required to offer the electricity source that their customers want.


8.      Americans have the right to – and should expect – the highest ethical treatment from the solar industry.

Solar energy systems are an investment as much as a physical product. Consumers deserve top-quality information and treatment from solar energy providers and installers. Consumers should expect the solar industry to minimize its environmental impact through panel recycling and other programs, and communicate information about available incentives in a clear, accurate and accessible manner. Finally, consumers should expect that solar systems will work better than advertised, and that companies will make every good faith effort to support solar owners over the life of their systems.

 

This Solar Bill of Rights is why we need a Green Party Governor to lead Ohio past 2010!

 

For more info contact (330) 503-1407

 

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

1/9/10
What Progressive Changes A Green Party Governor would bring to Ohio

By electing Dennis Spisak, the Ohio Green Party candidate for Governor this year, Ohio would begin moving in a progressive manner providing progressive changes to help the poor and working class bring themselves out of the 21st Century Great Recession.

What kind of progressive changes could Ohio accomplish?, fellow Green Party Member Howdie Hawkins wrote the following this past week:

It could have been different. When the Democrats swept into power, they had a mandate for bold progressive change. They could have enacted, with broad Center-to-Left popular support, a Green New Deal to address the interrelated crises of energy, climate, and economic depression. Instead of bailing out the big banks and automakers, they could have nationalized them on the cheap when they were insolvent. Public banks could have then restructured millions of mortgages on affordable, long-term, fixed-rate terms for homeowners facing foreclosure. The automakers could have been retrofitted to produce electric cars, mass transit, wind turbines, and solar panels just as the federal government had them make tanks, trucks, and airplanes for World War II. With investments from public banks and federal infrastructure spending guaranteeing a market for a green reconstruction of the nation's energy and transportation systems, US manufacturing, jobs, and the whole economy could have been renewed on a sustainable basis.

It could have been different. But what to do now?

The Democratic Party has been the graveyard for every broad progressive movement since the Populists more than a century ago. 2010 should be the year when progressive movements finally break their dependence on the corporate-sponsored Democrats and present their programs directly to the voters through their own independent candidates and party.

Let's make the choice in 2010 between a Green New Deal and the corporatism of the two old parties.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

For more info: contact (330) 503-1407


1/8/10
Why is Ted Strickland Stoppping New Jobs From Entering Ohio?

Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor Dennis Spisak wants more blue-green jobs to enter Ohio. Current Governor Ted Strickland is stopping such jobs at our state borders because he is a slave to nuke and dirty coal lobbyists, who continue to push for moer and more nuke and coal plants to be built in Ohio.

Blue Green jobs can save Ohio's economy and put people back to work.

From the organization Repower America, Studies show that comprehensive clean energy and climate policies can generate a net increase of 1.7 million new American jobs — jobs that can’t be outsourced and that use the skills of today’s workers. Repowering America with clean energy would also revitalize our manufacturing sector, providing a needed boost to the U.S. automotive industry and to states that are struggling from the loss of factories and mills during the recent economic downturn.

Repowering America with a clean energy economy will also put more of our hard-earned money back into the pockets of working families. With new comprehensive clean energy policies, American households could start seeing savings within just a few years, and these savings could reach an average of $900 per household per year by 2030. Shifting to clean renewable energy sources available here in the U.S. — like the sun and the wind — will also help release us from the grip of volatile energy prices. Coupled with energy efficiency measures, Americans could start to see immediate savings.

Right now, the world’s leading economies and companies are engaged in a race to develop new 21st century technologies to support a global clean energy future. If we want to remain competitive in the global economy, the United States needs to lead this effort — but we are currently lagging behind. Other countries are sharpening their competitive edge already: General Motors uses a Korean company to supply the battery cells for the new electric Chevrolet Volt vehicle – because the most advanced technology of this kind comes from Korean manufacturers — not American manufacturers. With an eye towards the future, China has adopted the most aggressive energy efficiency program in the world, providing incentives and support to rapidly grow their own domestic clean energy economy. America is founded on a spirit of ingenuity, innovation, and hard work. Americans should be leading the transition to a global clean energy future. It’s time to Repower America.

It's time to repower Ohio with more and new Blue-Green jobs, not dirty coal or nuke plants. Is Ted Strickland listening to us? No. Is he listening to Nuke and Dirty Coal Lobbyists? The Answer is a Definite YES!

for more info: contact (330) 503-1407

1/7/10
Why Not Ohio? North Dakota builds Wind Farm in 4 Months
According to a report from Green Options, A North Dakota rural electric cooperative made history on New Year’s Eve, in completing the nation’s largest wind project to be entirely owned by a consumer cooperative.

The $240 million, 115.5 MW wind farm was begun in August and completed a mere four months later; three and a half hours before midnight on the last night of 2009. GE supplied the 77 1.5 MW turbines.

North Dakota’s Basin Electric is a rural electricity cooperative that generates and transmits electricity to 136 member rural electric systems in nine states: indirectly serving about 2.8 million consumers in nine states.

By the end of 2010 the cooperative hopes that it will produce 20% of its electricity from wind power for its 2.8 million rural consumers in parts of rural Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Achieving that lofty goal will be quite a leap. In 2005 Basin Electric got 94% of its electricity from coal and less than 1% from wind.

But if any organization can do it, it would be one that can build a 115 MW wind farm in four months. One that got the preliminary environmental reviews and permitting done in just one Spring during which they:

  • Completed an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act
  • Communicated with the county and townships, seeking input/approval on project development, construction and operation
  • Conducted landowner meetings seeking input to identify farming needs in relation to site layout
  • Coordinated and received input from multiple state and federal agencies
  • Developed a site layout that avoids wetlands, cultural resources, residences, roads and transmission lines
  • Received a Certificate of Site Compatibility from the North Dakota Public Service Commission

Though the Prairie Winds 1 farm is spread out across 30,000 acres (the larger a wind farm is; the more it helps in evening out wind intermittency, as its always blowing somewhere), each turbine actually requires less than one acre of land, and farming can take place around the turbines.

Cooperatives have no taxes, as they make no profits. Margins must be used to improve or maintain operations, set aside in reserves, or distributed to the membership. As a result, they are not eligible for the 30% production tax credits that can make financing new renewable energy projects easier.

But, to make up for that, of about $2 billion in Clean Renewable Energy Bonds that have been made available by the Department of Energy for non-profits like schools and churches to build renewable energy, about $460 million went to rural electricity cooperatives.

But maybe that proportion should be looked at again, for three reasons.

1. Rural empty states are where the wind is.
2. Rural empty states are where electricity cooperatives are.
3. Rural empty state’s cooperatives are beating national averages in bringing the most renewable energy online the fastest.

Renewable capacity among rural electricity cooperatives grew 65% in 2008. The rest of us: 25%.

Why can't Ohio develop this type of leadership to bring such wind power to Ohio? Is it because Governor Ted Strickland is a fan of dirty coal and refuses to work fast and hard enough to bring Wind power to Ohio before 2025? Is it because Ted Strickland is a pawn to dirty coal lobbyists in Ohio?

Actions speak louder than words, Ted. And your actions or in-actions, speak volumes.

Dennis Spisak-Ohio Green Party Candidate for Governor

(330) 503-1407

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

1/6/10
While Ted Strickland Entertained Bill Clinton, Thousands of Ohioans Went to Bed With No Health Care
Ohio Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak commented today that while Governor Ted Strickland entertained Bill Clinton yesterday at $1,000 a plate fund raisers in Toledo and Youngstown, thousands of Ohioans went to bed last night still with no health care coverage.

Instead of trying to push the Health Care for All Ohioans Act through the Ohio House and Senate, Ted Strickland wined and dined with folks who could afford their own health care plans.

The single-payer health care system that Dennis Spisak advocates for Ohio under the Health Care For All Ohioans Act is one in which every resident would have comprehensive medical coverage with the bills paid by a government-administered fund – a sort of Medicare for all. There would be no co-payments, no deductibles and no premiums. There would be no exclusions because of income, job status, pre-existing conditions or any other reason. Delivery of medical services would remain in private hands. Patients would have the right to select their own physicians.

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

For more info contact 330-503-1407

1/6/10How a Green Party Governor would handle foreclosures in Ohio
Foreclosures and their impacts on homeowners and communities can be reduced by requiring that lenders and borrowers go through mandatory mediation, by creating a disincentive to foreclosure by requiring banks to pay to properly maintain homes they foreclose on, and by giving foreclosed homeowners the right to rent their homes for some years after foreclosure. Strengthening state enforcement against fraud and other abuses, while giving whistleblower protections to employees at lending institutions, will further help deter predatory and fraudulent practices.
Although record foreclosures are currently wreaking havoc in communities across the nation, the federal response has been weak and has so far failed to stem the rising tide of foreclosures. Many borrowers have little or no contact with their creditor prior to foreclosure, not to mention attempts to modify the mortgage. Mandating foreclosure mediation brings the parties together, which will lower the number of foreclosures without allocating scarce resources. Requiring lenders foreclosing on homes to maintain those properties and giving foreclosed homeowners the right to remain in their homes as renters for a specific amount of time (5-10 years) will keep vacant homes from contributing to blight, and help prevent homeowners from having their families' lives disrupted. By cracking down on illegal practices by predatory lenders, states can stop the exploitation of moderate- and low-income communities.
Average Americans are absolutely incensed about what appears to be a rigged financial system where businesses destroy jobs and wealth, only to be rewarded with government bailouts. Additionally, homeowners who thought themselves financially secure are now vulnerable in a way most never even contemplated. State leaders have a political opening to take strong action to address these concerns. Indeed much of the voter discontent that has recently been recorded is the result of anxiety from economic problems, and voters should respond favorably to actions that are low cost, but effective in reducing foreclosures and bankruptcies. The current economic turmoil has also sparked a significant increase in populist sentiment, which continues to grow as major bad actors in the financial industry swing quickly to profitability and reinstate obscene pay structures. A direct push against these institutions by empowering their workers through whistleblower protections will bring predatory practices to light, reinforcing sentiment in favor of reform.
 
 
 
 
 
 

1/5/10
To Fix Ohio, Government Must Do More

Today's economic disconent is much less likely to be replaced by other concerns in 2010. That's why Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak is calling on government to do more for working Ohioans, not less.

"People are worries about their finances and the state of the economy, possible loss of health insurance and homes, as well as unemployment figures near historic highs. Ohioans want a government to be more intense in helping people in this time of what Ted Strickland calls the Great Recession," said Spisak.

"We must have government provide answers to inequality and eonomic insecurity. We must flatten the Ohio income distribution without adverse effects to economic growth. We must guarentee citizens of Ohio a chance at receiving new blue-green jobs as well as universal health care throught the Health Care for All Ohioans Act," Spisak added.

"Ohio must have progressive leadership after 2010, and the Green Party is the only party willing to advocate policies that actually help people: Single-Payer healthcare, blue-green jobs creation, and better funding of education for all," Spisak concluded.

For more information contact: 330-503-1407

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

1/4/10

Secretary of State recognizes Ohio Green Party as an official minor party.

In 2008, a federal court ruling declared Ohio's election system unconstitutional on the grounds of unfair discrimination towards minor party candidates. In order to remedy these constitutional

concerns the Ohio Secretary of State will be issuing a directive recognizing the rights of Green Party candidates to fairly participate in Ohio's elections and grant us temporary recognition as a political party for the May primary election. Pending ratification of our party's organizational plan at the upcoming Green Party State Convention and approval by the Secretary of State the Green Party will achieve legal status as a minor party in the electoral process.

For the first time ever Ohio Greens will be able to go to their polling place and vote for Green Party candidates in the upcoming May 4, 2010 primary election. At the primary election the Green Party Primary ballot will offer Ohioans a slate of candidates running for public office and for positions as state and county party committee members.

What this means in short is that you can now walk into your polling place on Primary Election Day, ask for a Green Party Primary Ballot, and vote for Green candidates for state and local office as well as Green candidates for the state and county party central committees. Voting in the Green Primary will make you a member of the Green Party.

Moreover, the requirements to get your own name on the ballot as a candidate for public and party office have been drastically altered making it much easier to participate as a candidate for a newly formed minor party. The Green Party needs members, leaders, organizers, and candidates throughout the state. We strongly urge those of you who want Green values represented in our government to run for an office either as a public servant or a local party leader. If you are interested in becoming a member, running for office or establishing a local Green Party in your area contact us now.

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What does it take to make real political change?

It takes people who have Green priorities and are willing to build the progressive alternative America wants.

The Green Party of Ohio invites you to find out more. Vote in the Green Party Primary Election at you polling place on May 4, 2010 or become a Green Party candidate for public or party office. The Green Party State Committee is currently contacting Greens throughout the state to discuss this exciting news. Expect to hear from one of the committee members soon. If you would like to become involved respond to OGP Secretary or OGP Candidate Committee or call 740-502-6453 with the following information:

Your name

Your address

Your local school district

Your phone number

For a Greener Future, Vote Green!

Tim Kettler, Secretary, Green Party of Ohio

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Campaigns

Petitioners needed

The Ohio Green Party currently has candidates in two races: Dennis Spisak is running for Governor and shares the ticket with Anita Rios running as Lt. Governor. Vaughn Stull of Urichsville will be a candidate for Ohio Representative in House District 61

In order to get on the ballot candidates must demonstrate support from the voting public by gathering signatures on petitions which must be submitted to the Ohio Secretary of State by 4pm, February 18, 2010. The Governor's race requires 500 valid signatures while the position of Ohio Representative requires 25.

We are actively recruiting more candidates for all state and local races and foresee the need to establish a statewide network of volunteer petitioners.

You may circulate petitions for the Green Party if you meet the following qualifications:

1. You are a registered voter who has not voted in a primary for another party in 2008

2. You are a newly registered voter.

3. You are not registered to vote.

4. You are an out of state resident.

If you meet these qualifications and are interested in getting Greens on the ballot for the governor's race contact spikespisak@aol.com or call (330)-503-1407. For other races or for questions about petitioning contact OGP Secretary or call (740)-502-6453.

 

1/3/10
Let's Bring More Blue-Green Jobs to Ohio

Dennis Spisak, the Green Party Candidate For Ohio Governor believes more should be done to bring blue-green jobs to Ohio.

While Ted Strickland still believes in Nukes and Dirty Coal plants for fuel, Dennis believes we need to commit to blue-green jobs at a faster clip.

The Apollo Alliance and the clean energy, good jobs economy we are working so hard to help build represents hope made real and visible. As Apollo Chairman Phil Angelides wrote this week on our blog and in an op-ed we are circulating across the nation: "Clean energy isn't a mirage. It's the fastest growing industrial sector in the United States. It is already generating $25 billion a year in sales and revenue, is growing at 30 percent a year."

He added: "Imagine the growth in jobs, technology, equipment, suppliers, and productivity if the United States actually treated the development of clean energy as a national economic priority. And consider just as seriously the remarkable benefits to America's security, environment, economic stability, and communities that would be realized by keeping at home the nearly $400 billion that we send each year to foreign nations, many hostile to our interests, to import their oil. It's time for America to quit bailing and to start building."

As the Apollo Alliance has noted on its Web site, in our public events, in reports, and in the just completed six-state roll out of The New Apollo Program, there is no time to spare. The old economy is sinking. A new one, gradually emerging, needs to dramatically gain speed and influence.

1/2/09
What a Green Party Governor would mean for Ohio's Agriculture

By electing Dennis Spisak, Green Party candidate for Governor, the following Green Party principles would be applied to Ohio's Agricultural system:

The Green Party of Ohio endorses, supports and seeks to implement an Agriculture Policy in the State of Ohio that follows basic Green principles that will insure a healthy food supply in Ohio:
A. Factory farms ("industrial farming") threatens to further erode the family farms and the general quality of life in our rural areas. Family farms are the basis of community-based economics and essential to rural development and a healthy, diverse economy.
B. The Green Party stands in opposition to a genetically engineered foods future as delivered by unaccountable transnational corporations. Ralph Nader has called for consumer revolts. The time has come! We are united in our opposition to foods that are presented unlabeled when genetically changed. U.S. biotech firms needs to be shown for what they do, food production for profit, not health.
C. Genetically modified "Terminator" seeds that are more about "intellectual property rights" and corporate profit than they are about sustainable agricultural practices, Third-world economic independence, and health, should be banned. Labeling should fully disclose where genetically engineered (and/or irradiated) food is being supplied. Consumer choice needs to be based on full and complete disclosure. Whether it is Bt corn, genetically modified maize, or GM oilseed that finds its way into a menu of other products, the consumer needs to know and choose.
In addition to these general policy directions, we promote for Ohio:

  1. We support the development of incentives for the conversion to organic farming methods and increased enforcement of the State's existing organic certification program and direct Ohio's extension services to enhance their support for organic food production methods.
  2. Programs to encourage development of a processing industry that is based in Ohio and supports Ohio's small farmers. That lack of local processing plants limits the markets to which farmers can sell their produce and is inconsistent with a bioregional approach to agriculture.
  3. Encourage homeowners to produce their own food through organic practices.
  4. Support community gardens in local communities.
  5. Develop and implement legislation that will make growers and patent holders of genetically modified organisms liable for cross contamination with other farmers' crops. Penalties should be severe enough to discourage this from happening.
  6. Provide support for direct marketing efforts of Ohio's farmers to Ohio's consumers.
  7. Target government food procurement (such as school lunch money or university cafeteria purchases) towards small, local farms. Make the preservation of Ohio family farms a priority especially among low income farmers.
  8. Develop a system for US DA food stamps to be used at Ohio farmer's markets easily, just as WIC (Women, Infants and Children) vouchers are used currently.
  9. Restore large farms' oversight to the Ohio EPA, reversing the law that transferred this authority to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
  10. Protect productive farmland from sprawl.
  11. The Green Party of Ohio calls for the immediate legalization of industrial Grade hemp for agricultural and industrial purposes. The Plant's versatility cannot go unnoticed for its environmental and economical potential to the people of Ohio. It is a perfect revenue crop for farmers and workers of Ohio. Hemp is non psychoactive and can yield numerous products including organic food, Clothing, Paper, Building materials, fuels, and biomass energy without cutting down more trees and using pesticides. It will further help end the reliance on "dirty" and foreign energy sources.

for more information: contact (330) 503-1407

Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

1/1/10What a Green Party Governor would mean for Ohio's Economy and Taxation

By electing Denis Spisak, Green Party candidate for governor, Ohio's Economy and taxation would see the following improvements:

  • Ohio corporations are chartered by the State, "for the public good", and the State has the power to control corporations through their charter. Ohio has in the past even revoked charters that are abused. We need to implement legislation, specifically the state corporate code, that will enable Ohio citizens to control corporations for our service. We also need to ensure that state officeholders, specifically the Attorney General, fulfill their obligations to challenge corporations that exceed their chartered authority or seek to govern.

     

  • Ohio taxation needs to be fair and equitable. We need to eliminate tax loopholes and other forms of corporate and personal welfare for those with large assets. This will help provide resources for the investments in education, infrastructure and innovations needed to grow a healthy Ohio through the twenty first century. 
  •  
     
     

    12/31/09
    What a Green Party Governor would mean for Ohio's Labor and Employment

    By electing Dennis Spisak, the Green Party candidate for Governor in Ohio in 2010, Ohio would see the following improvements in labor and employment:

     

    Labor is the activity of sustaining our future and ourselves. We recognize the individual responsibility of work and support freedom of association in the work place.

    1. The Green Party of Ohio endorses legal right to organize and join unions with democratically elected leadership. In Ohio's Public sector, Greens are concerned with an employee's right to join a union, and with associated collective bargaining rights.
    2. We encourage the use of mediation as a tool for resolving disputes in the workplace. If the state of Ohio strengthened this tool our productivity and desirability as a work site would be greatly enhanced.
    3. The Green Party of Ohio recognizes that all Ohioans who work need to make a living wage. Corporations receiving public subsidies and contracting for public work must provide livable wage jobs, and observe basic workers rights.
    4. Forcing welfare recipients to accept jobs that pay wages below a livable income ("a living wage") drives wages down and exploits workers for private profit at public expense. We reject "workfare" as a form of slave labor for the private or public enterprise.

    For more information contact: (330) 503-1407

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     
     

    12/30/09
    Why Not Ohio? Solar Power Plants get Utility Contracts

    For More Information contact (330) 503-1407 

    Green Party Candidate for Ohio governor Dennis Spisak is calling for the building of Solar power plants so they can compete for Public Utility Contracts, thus lessening Ohio's dependence on coal plants.

    According to a report last week from Green Options, Major power companies in Florida and New Mexico announced this week that they would start buying large amounts of energy from certain solar power producers soon.

    In New Mexico, Southwestern Public Service Company (SPSC), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, said that it would buy 50 MW of solar power from SunEdison. From the solar panels being installed on five 10-MW sites, the electricity generated will be able to power 10,000 homes.

    In Florida, at practically the same time, Tampa Electric Company received approval from the Florida Public Service Commission to purchase solar power from Energy 5.0’s planned 25-MW plant in Polk County.

    These solar power plants will be two of the biggest in the nation when completed. They are expected to offset carbon emissions by millions of tons.

    "Ohio needs to begin the same process." said Spisak. "We have more sunshine per year then Germany, and they are the most solar active country in the world, using the same solar power plant utility contracts set up here in the states. Ohio can become a major solar player in the world once we put a Green Governor in office who won't bow to the pressures of big dirty coal lobbyists. Ted Strickland already bows to big dirty coal and that is hampering Ohio's progress in the Solar industry." Spisak concluded.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     

    12/29/09
     
    Is Strickland the Lesser of 2 Evils?
    In Today's Youngstown Vindicator interview story, when asked why he should be re-elected, Ted Strickland say basically if you elect his opponent(Kasich) you will have to deal with 40% less revenue coming into the state coffers.

    So is Ted Strickland really the lesse of 2 evils? Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak said today neither Strickland or Kasich are good for Ohio after 2010.

    "Ted Strickland's platform in 2006, "Turnaround Ohio" has failed. He has cut early child care for children, he has failed to increase access to higher education, but has allowed higher education to increase tuitions thus denying access. He has failed to retain and attract better jobs for Ohioans and has failed in supporting the Health Care for All Ohioans Act." said Spisak.

    "John Kasich is no better. His platform will "Turnback Ohio" with his tax cuts. John Kasich sat in his Lehman Bros. office and watched the banks and Wall Street Fail. We don't need him sitting in the Governor's Mansion watching Ohio fail." Spisak added.

    Spisak concluded "the Green Party of Ohio is the only party stressing that we Turn Ohio Foward to the 21st Century with Single-payer Health care for all, blue-green jobs for all, and better funding of education for all."

    For more informaation: contact (330) 503-1407

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

    12/29/09
    Get A State Tax Credit before 2009 Comes To A Close!

    For more information contact (330) 503-1407 

    Green Party Candidates do not accept donations from Lobbyists or Political Action Committees!

    Now is the time to show your support for public funding of political campaigns and help Dennis Spisak win the 2010 election for Ohio Governor! 

    A key component of Dennis' s strategy to win is the grassroots funding available to statewide candidates in Ohio. By taking advantage of the Ohio Income Tax Credit for Campaign Contributions, we can prove the viability of publicly funded campaigns and help bring an end to corporate and special interest control of our elections.

    This is not a check-off contribution to a common fund but a full tax credit for campaign contributions to a specific candidate of up to $50 per individual or $100 for couples filing jointly. This is not a deduction. It is a full tax credit. You will be reimbursed with a credit towards the taxes you are assessed by the State of Ohio when you file your 2009 return. This is a great way to promote the new priorities that need to be enacted if we are to move beyond the failed policies of our present corporate funded leadership.

    By donating now, you will help Dennis raise funds to run a winning campaign and direct our government to spend your tax dollars in support of the issues that are important to you and your family.

    Please make your check payable to:

    Spisak for Governor

    548 Poland Ave.

    Struthers,Ohio 44471

    Donate the full amount and receive the full tax credit. Remember to file this donation with your 2009 Ohio Income Tax to receive the 2009 credit. Act now. Don’t let these funds go unused!

    Ohio law mandates that your check must have your full name and address on it - PO boxes are not allowed. Contributions over $100 must include your employer’s name.

     

    12/28/09
    Spisak for Governor Supports Prosperity America Agenda on Health Care

    Green Party Candidate Dennis Spisak said today he supports the findings from the Prosperity America Annual Report on health care in America.

    "I support the Health Care for All Ohioans Act to improve and better health care for all Ohioans." said Spisak. Ted Strickland supports the President's plan which does nothing more than support the current health insurance companies and their lobbyists" Spisak added.

    Spisak supports the following Prosperity Agenda Findings on a single payer health plan for Ohio:

    A single payer system would remove the private insurance industry which puts profits before the needs of patients. This would accomplish a number of objectives. First, such a system would give people the greatest security and control over their lives. People would have greater security because health care would no longer be tied to employment. People would have access to health care as a birthright. People would have more control over their lives because they would no longer be limited to the approved insurance list of doctors, health providers, hospitals, and treatments but could choose whomever they preferred. The real death panels, insurance industry reviewers who deny health care recommended by doctors, would be put out of business.

    Second, an improved single payer system would be good for the American economy. Unlike the bills being considered in Congress, such a system would control costs, allow group negotiation of prices, and provide more predictable health care expenses for consumers, business, and government. A single-payer national health care plan would be a job creator rather than a drag on the economy. A study published this year found that such a system would create 2.8 million jobs, netting 2.2 million new jobs when insurance industry job losses were subtracted. This means hundreds of billions in new economic activity and tax revenues. And, a unified single-payer system would allow for the opportunity to capture hundreds of billions of dollars formerly lost to waste, fraud, and abuse.

    When we looked at what Congress and the White House were doing we saw single-payer, the most cost-effective and popular reform among American voters, off the table and not being considered. When President Obama held a White House summit on health care he did not invite any single-payer advocates to attend. After emails, phone calls and faxes the Obama administration invited one single-payer advocate, Dr. Oliver Fein, along with Rep. John Conyers to attend. Neither was allowed to talk at the event, but the insurance industry was the first and last speaker at the summit. From the White House summit the writing was on the wall - this "reform" was going to protect the profits of the private insurance industry. This is what Ted Strickland supports!

    For more information: Contact (330) 503-1407

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor

     

    12/27/09
     
    Strickland's Weekend Major Newspaper Press Tour: Weak Performances
    For more information: Call (330) 503-1407

    This past weekend Ted Strickland gave major newspapers interviews on his first term in office and his re-election bid.

    Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak today called the articles "A weak performace by a sitting Governor who wants to be re-elected."

    "In the Toledo Blade article Strickland says the reason he should be re-elected is because he can change his mind on things," referring to his policy stance on using gambling and video slots to fund education. "I would hope all candidates for Governor would know how to change their stance on issues." said Spisak.

    In today's Youngstown Vindicator article, when asked what his message to poor people standing in food pantry lines would be, Strickland said quote "I would like to give them a meassage of hope."

    Spisak added "Is that all this Governor can offer Ohioans in 2010? I can change my mind and hope? We need a governor who is willing to use government action to do something about it. We need a Governor like myself who sees that government has a responsibility to help those in need, that everyone should be guarenteed a place to live and enough to eat. We need government action to address economic inequality and economic insecurity in 2010."

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

    12/27/09
    How A Green Party Governor Would Reform Ohio Education

    Information Contact: (330) 503-1407 

    Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak and the Green Party would look to reform Ohio education beginning in 2011 in the following ways:

     

    The State of Ohio must ensure that its citizens receive appropriate education opportunities in order to eradicate poverty, reduce crime, and assure proper medical care. We call for a comprehensive and holistic approach to insuring the equitable, quality education programs in Ohio. Ohio needs to the educate all of Ohio's children to sustain the well being of the entire state. The Ohio state constitution article 6 says we " will secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the state" The Ohio Green Party stands behind this article of the Ohio Constitution.

    1. The Ohio Green Party supports equitable funding of all Ohio school districts, and we support the following three goals of the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding:
      Goal 1: Develop a comprehensive needs assessment of current facilities.
      Goal 2: Develop standards that clearly define high quality education for Ohioans; establish a "per-pupil funding level" required to meet these standards; create a new system of funding which will assure each district adequate funds to meet these "per-pupil" standards and which will diverge from "excessive reliance on property tax as a funding source."
      Goal 3: Provide immediate relief to districts operating without the funds necessary to meet the new standards, based on need as opposed to the budget-based emergency assistance of the "School Solvency Assistance Program" or further reliance on property taxes.
    2. Meaningful civic education should be mandatory for Ohio's secondary school curriculum. Students should be involved in programs that teach them the power of democracy and the responsibility of citizenship at an early age. Programs such as student government, peer mediation and peer counseling should be used to address the ever-growing trend of emotional and psychological abuse among students that has shown in recent years to lead to violence. In this way, students should be encouraged to be part of the solution.
    3. The GPO recognizes that 20% of the adults in Ohio function at the lowest levels of literacy and that only 85% of the adults over 25 have a high school or equivalency diploma and calls for the end of the marginalization of adult literacy programs. We support funding of programs that offer adult literacy education, vocational training, and family literacy as a means to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty.

    Current Governor Ted Strickland and the Democrats and Republicans have put education funding reform on the backburner. It's time to make funding education a number one priority in Ohio. Dennis Spisak, with his 25 years experience in public education and currently a sitting school board member, will make sure education is held in high esteem in future state budgets.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     
     
     

    12/26/09
    What a Green Party Governor Would Mean For Ohio's Environment
    Information contact: (330) 503-1407
    Ohio Green Party's candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak would clean up Ohio's water and air! Lessen our dependence on dirty coal plants, unlike current Governor Ted "Dirty Coal" Strickland.
    Dennis Spisak would also bring in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
    Dennis Spisak and the Ohio Green Party would also look into:
  • Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy is key to sustainability. Just as ecological materials management is governed by the concept of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" (in priority order), ecological energy management must be governed by the principle of Conservation, Efficiency, and clean renewables. Of highest importance is to use less, then to use wisely, and to have clean production of what is used.
  • We call for the development of state energy policies that include taxes and/or fines on energy "waste," and the funding of energy research, including credits for alternative and sustainable energy use such as solar, wind, hydrogen and biomass or energy derived from industrial grade hemp or organic waste.
  • The Green Party calls for the retirement of the aging nuclear power reactors in Ohio, as soon as possible, since they are currently deteriorating, unsafe and not economical as a source of power for Ohio.
  • The Green Party recognizes that there is no such thing as nuclear waste "disposal." All six of the "low-level" nuclear waste dumps in the United States have leaked. There are no technological quick fixes which can effectively isolate nuclear waste from the biosphere for the duration of its hazardous life. Therefore, it is essential that generation of additional nuclear wastes be stopped. Current methods of underground storage are a danger to present and future generations. Any nuclear waste management strategies must be above ground, continuously monitored, retrievable and repackageable.
  • The Green Party strongly opposes any shipment of high-level nuclear waste across Ohio to the proposed Nevada waste "repository" at Yucca Mountain or any other centralized facility. The Green Party believes that this proposal is part of a move to re-fire on a fast-track, the commercial nuclear industry, if they can get their unsafe waste product ``safely disposed of.''
  • We call for independent, public-access radiation, safety and maintenance monitoring at all nuclear facilities in Ohio. We will require a neutral team of scientists and engineers to appraise the Davis-Besse and Perry plants.
  • In addition to aggressive energy conservation and efficiency measures, The Green Party of Ohio advocates the rapid and mandatory conversion to the best available clean technology in all existing and new power plants located in Ohio.
  • The Green Party of Ohio advocates the reduction of solid waste creation in the state. A "bottle bill" and "litter tax" are both elements of public policy, which are supported by the Green Party. A Green Party endorsed "bottle bill" would require a small deposit on all containers, including jars, cans, jugs, glass and plastic bottles to be paid at the time of purchase and to be refunded through source-based refund centers. Packaging, including wrappers, bags, boxes, etc., would be required to bear the name of the producer or marketer of the product, and remain the property of the producer or marketer.Waste in general needs to be reduced. Wastes, which are hazardous or toxic, need to be eliminated or minimized. The producers of waste must bear the responsibility for the ultimate conversion, recycling or ultimate disposal of these wastes.
  • The Green Party of Ohio opposes the disposal within the state of Ohio, wastes which are generated outside the state of Ohio. The challenge to any interpretation of US constitutional law, which would require Ohio to take possession of out-of-state-generated wastes is supported by the Green Party of Ohio and should be in the program of the Secretary of State, Governor and Attorney General. Aggressive measures need to be taken to end the use of Ohio as a dumping ground for solid and liquid wastes.
  • The time is now to clean up Ohio's water and air. The time is now to elect Dennis Spisak for Governor.  Don't give Ted Strickland anymore time to dirty Ohio's air, streams, and rivers with dirty coal emissions.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     

     

    12/25/09  Merry Christmas!
     
    Ted Strickland Didn't Get His Dirty Coal Plant For Christmas

    Information contact: (330) 503-1407 

    Governor Ted Strickland did not get his lumps of coal liked he wanted this Christmas morning. Thanks to the The Ohio Environmental Council, American Municipal Power-Ohio (AMP-Ohio)cancelled plans to construct a proposed 1,000-megawatt coal-fired power plant on the Ohio River in Meigs County. Ever-growing costs doomed the plant, as cost projections grew from $2.5 billion just two years ago to close to $4 billion, today.

    "Green Governor" Ted wanted this coal plant badly. He opening proposed and sought to build this plant. A coal plant that would have been the one of the most dirty air pollutioning plants in the state.

    "Ted Strickland is not a green governor," said Dennis Spisak, Ohio Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor in 2010. "Ted Strickland talks a good green game plan, but his actions speak louder than words. Ted Strickland wants to continue to poison the air and water Ohioans use by building bigger and bigger dirty coal plants." Spisak added. "There is no such thing as clean coal, but the almighty coal lobbyists tell Ted a different and wrong story. We need to clean up Ohio's air and water by next Christmas, and we can only do that by electing myself as governor and sending Ted Strickland and his dirty coal plants to the sidelines." Spisak concluded.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

    12/24/09
    Ohio needs to seek more green energy tax credits

    Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak said today Ohio must seek more green energy tax credits from the federal government in order to be a leader in the renewable energy growth in the years to come.

    According to a report from Green Options,

    In the midst of the Copenhagen negotiations last week, the White House announced a proposal to give a huge increase in tax breaks to manufacturers who produce wind, solar, geothermal, or other clean energy technologies. The goal of the tax breaks is to stimulate more job growth and promote clean energy technology more in the US.

    With clean energy technology poised to become the third largest sales sector in the world, Obama and Biden realize that they must stimulate this field in the US a bit more to get the jobs that go with that growth.

    In the proposal set forth by the White House on Thursday, new or expanded factories making clean energy technology (i.e. electric vehicles, solar panels, high-speed trains, and wind turbines) can get a 30% tax credit. This raises the current cap on these tax credits from $2.3 billion to $7.3 billion.

    In addition to the tax credit, Obama’s proposed ‘jobs plan’ includes “increased investment in public works, small business tax cuts and incentives for homeowners who retrofit their houses to be more energy efficient.”

    "Ohio needs to jump on these tax credits as soon as possible", said Spisak. "If we want to creat jobs and stimulate the economy for the poor, working class of Ohio citizens who are currently laid off, these grants will help Ohio grow jobs in the renewable energy market", Spisak concluded.

     

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     

    12/23/09

    Get a Tax Credit for Christmas!

    Green Party Candidates do not accept donations from Lobbyists or Political Action Committees!

    Now is the time to show your support for public funding of political campaigns and help Dennis Spisak win the 2010 election for Ohio Governor! 

    A key component of Dennis' s strategy to win is the grassroots funding available to statewide candidates in Ohio. By taking advantage of the Ohio Income Tax Credit for Campaign Contributions, we can prove the viability of publicly funded campaigns and help bring an end to corporate and special interest control of our elections.

    This is not a check-off contribution to a common fund but a full tax credit for campaign contributions to a specific candidate of up to $50 per individual or $100 for couples filing jointly. This is not a deduction. It is a full tax credit. You will be reimbursed with a credit towards the taxes you are assessed by the State of Ohio when you file your 2009 return. This is a great way to promote the new priorities that need to be enacted if we are to move beyond the failed policies of our present corporate funded leadership.

    By donating now, you will help Dennis raise funds to run a winning campaign and direct our government to spend your tax dollars in support of the issues that are important to you and your family.

    Please make your check payable to:

    Spisak for Governor

    548 Poland Ave.

    Struthers,Ohio 44471

    Donate the full amount and receive the full tax credit. Remember to file this donation with your 2009 Ohio Income Tax to receive the 2009 credit. Act now. Don’t let these funds go unused!

    Ohio law mandates that your check must have your full name and address on it - PO boxes are not allowed. Contributions over $100 must include your employer’s name.

     
     

    12/22/09

    Why Not Ohio? Huge Response to Ontario's Feed-in Tariff Launch

    Huge Response to Ontario's Feed-in Tariff Launch


    Green Party candidate for Ohio Governor cites a report by Paul Gipe last week about Ontario's Feed-in tariff program becoming a huge success.

    "This is the type of government invlivement that is needed to make a successful committment to renewable energy programs and to get them off the ground."said Spisak. "This type of program in Ohio would help people save money and begin the drive to a cleaner and greener Ohio in terms of renewable energies" he concluded.

    According to the report, Ontario's new feed-in tariff program got off to an attention-grabbing start December 16, 2009 when the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) announced that it had awarded 700 contracts for renewable energy to homeowners under its expedited microFIT program.

    Altogether, OPA received 8,000 MW of applications for wind and solar energy contracts under the province's precedent-setting, feed-in tariff policy.

    OPA's remarkable press release was well timed to send a signal, if any was intended, to the Canadian delegation in Copenhagen where Canada was singled out as "Fossil of the Year" by climate change activists for its refusal to limit greenhouse gases.

    Ontario is acting independently of Canada's federal government and plans to close all its coal-fired power plants by 2014. The province, Canada's most populous, is also aggressively developing its renewable energy industry. OPA's announcement was the first concrete indication of how fast the Ontario market may grow.

    OPA estimates that the feed-in tariff program will stimulate more than $5 billion (Canadian) in new manufacturing, design, construction, and engineering investment in the province.

    But the news that generated the most media buzz in Canada and elsewhere was the microFIT contracts. Saying the program "literally brings power to the people," Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Gerry Phillips sounded like a 1960s radical. He went on to add that the MicroFIT program "allows homeowners, farmers, schools and mom and pop businesses" to generate their own power "and get paid for it".

    Under Ontario's microFIT program, homeowners generating their own electricity from solar PV will be paid $0.80 CAD/kWh ($0.76 USD/kWh) for a period of 20 years.

    Indeed, it does sound radical, a program enabling citizens to profit from the renewable energy that falls on their rooftops. And Phillips wasn't alone in embracing the province's accomplishment-or sounding revolutionary.

    Colin Anderson, OPA's chief executive, proudly noted that "We've cut the red tape and made it simpler for ordinary Ontarians to become electricity producers."

    For Anderson and the OPA this wasn't idle boasting. They delivered North America's most aggressive renewable energy program in record-breaking time.

    OPA said it was continuing to process another 500 micoFIT applications. When awarded, OPA will have issued a total 8.6 MW of contracts--nearly all for rooftop solar PV--to generators with projects less than 10 kW. These residential solar systems will generate nearly nine million kilowatt-hours per year under Ontario conditions.

    Ontario's microFIT contracts alone will put Ontario close to one of the top ten markets for solar PV in North America. Yet the microFIT contracts represent just the tip of the iceberg.

    Of the 8,000 MW of applications for feed-in tariffs, nearly 1,300 MW were for solar PV, and 6,300 MW were for wind energy.

    Unfortunately, there is only 2,500 MW of grid capacity available in the first phase of OPA's feed-in tariff program. Another 1,500 MW of grid expansion is currently under construction.

    In the meantime, OPA is giving preference to projects that are "shovel-ready" to get as much renewable energy in the ground as quickly as possible.

    Within three to five years there could be as much as 4,000 MW of new renewable capacity in Ontario. Under Ontario conditions this would be roughly 3% to 5% of the province's electricity consumption. If achieved, this would be the most rapid growth of renewable energy in North America outside Texas.

    For comparison, California--the one-time renewable energy leader in North America--currently generates only slightly more than 2% of its electricity consumption from new renewables.

    Ontario has clearly put itself on the renewable energy map. This time next year we can judge the province by what really counts: not by the contracts awarded, but by the hardware installed.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     
     
     

    12/21/09
     
    Dear Santa, Save Health Insurance Companies, Signed Ted

    Don't look for Governor Ted Strickland to anytime soon endorse the Health Care for All Ohioans Act anytime during his administration says Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak.

    "Ted Strickland, controlled by coal and nuke lobbyists, also is a puppet when it comes to health care insurance lobbyists" said Spisak.

    Spisak cites a Cleveland.com story which cites the following report: A Strickland spokeswoman said that the governor, a Democrat, thinks a government-run plan "should be affordable so it creates true competition without risking running health insurance companies out of business."

    "As long as Ted Strickland supports health care insurance companies, Low-income and working Ohioans will continue to see higher insurance rates." said Spisak. "The Governor does not care about healthcare for all, just healthcare that allows his health care insurance lobbyists to continue to gouge the public with higher premiums and costs in the future."

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     
     

    12/20/09
     
    Ohio Green Party: We Support the Health Care For All Ohioans Act

    The Ohio Green Party and the candidate for Governor, Dennis Spisak, supports the Health Care for all Ohioans Act that would provide coverage for the full range of inpatient and outpatient hospital care, preventive care, mental health,vision,hearing, prescription drugs,dental,emergency services,rehabilitation services, hospice care, home care, healthy maitenance care, medical devices, and all other necessary medical services as determined by any state licensed, certified, or registered health care provider. It provides timely emergency health care services in each county, including hospital care and trage, and necessary transportation in each county to access covered health care services.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

    12/19/09
    Ted Strickland is still a Friend of KING COAL

    While some "progressive" blogs are hailing Governor Ted Strickland as the Green Power Governor because of his commiyment to 25% of renewable energy sources powering Ohio by 2025, Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak announced today that Ted is still a friend and lover of DIRTY COAL.

    "Ted Strickland's energy policy thus calls for the remaining 75% of energy needs to come form nuke plants or building bigger and dirtier coal plants" said Spisak. "Environment Ohio executive director Erin Bower notes that 87 percent of the state’s electricity comes from burning coal, compared with a national average of 53 percent. Ohio is ranked fourth nationally in its contributions to the country’s carbon dioxide emissions problem, Ohio ranks second nationally in the amount of those emissions coming from coal-fired power plants." said Spisak. "Bower has also commented that “The important thing is that the Legislature and our governor really listen to Ohioans across the state who are clamoring for alternatives to being so dependent on fossil fuels, which are putting Ohio at the top of the list for mercury pollution and smog and soot pollution,” she said.

     "The facts are Ted Strickland will never move fast enough or massive enough on clean renewable energies" said Spisak. "He is powered and manipulated by nuke and coal lobbyists and will continue to be if elected to a second term as Governor." Spisak concluded.

    12/18/09

    Ohio needs more Geothermal Systems on Ohio Campuses

    Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak is calling for more geothermal power systems to heat and cool Ohio college campuses. Spisak cites an AP story this week that states "While solar and wind power get most of the headlines, geothermal power is quietly being placed on college campuses where energy costs can take millions of dolalrs each year from the school budgets."

    The article points out that 46 colleges and universities across the country are divvying up millions in federal stimulus dollars to advance technology that uses the temperature of the Earth, rather than coal-fired power plants, to heat and cool buildings. So far this year, the Department of Energy has announced $400 million in grants to advance these geothermal projects.

    By going to geothermal power, colleges rely less on coal fired plants to heat their campuses. This cuts down on dirty emissions as well as costs to the schools" said Spisak. "Thus, colleges switching to geothermal heating can eventually keep tuition costs down as well as clean up their enivronments at the same time. Ohio should become a leader in this type of program and require all college campuses to follow this lead and make Ohio college campuses air friendly while passing the savings on to students through lower tuition rates." Spisak concluded.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

    12/17/09 Strickland and the Democrats throw Minorities and Unions Under the Budget Bus !
     
    Today Green Canidate for Governor Dennis Spisak commented on how Governor Ted Strickland once again hurt minorities and unions in his quest to save ther state budget.
     
    "Today Ted Strickland and the Democrats proved once again they are no friend of labor or minorities. By making changes to the State Construction Bidding Process they were willing to turn back 132 years of progress for minorities and unions to get a balanced budget." said Spisak.
     
    "Ted Strickland knew he had budget problems facing him this year since he took office back in 2006. To wait until LATE 2009 to try and fix the budget hole and then to make it harder for minorities and unions to get state construction contracts shows you the Democrats care for these two groups as much as the Republicans do. Neither party cares. That's why minorities and unions should come to a new home and support the Ohio Green Party in the 2010 elections." Spisak concluded.

    12/17/09
    Nine Basic Principles to Reforming Ohio Education

    Nine Basic Principles to

    Guide School Finance Reform

     Each student has a fundamental right to a high quality public education.

     There must be a process established to define thecomponents of a high quality education. The components must be updated on a regular basis.

     Phantom revenue must be eliminated.

     An objective process to determine cost must be established.

     School funding is a state responsibility.

     Educational opportunities must extend from Pre-K through grade 12.

     Enforceability of the right of students high quality educational opportunities must be included in the package.

     The over-reliance on property tax must be reduced. Property tax relief must be achieved.

     The quality of education must not be a function of school district property valuation or district income.

    Dennis Spisak for Ohio Governor

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

    12/16/09

    Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak cites an AP Story last week that reports  Indiana regulators have ordered the state's largest electric companies to offer uniform low-income weatherization and other energy-efficiency programs aimed at conserving 2 percent of the utilities' power output within 10 years.

    "Once again we see another state moving ahead of Ohio in helping it's citizens lower there utility costs and conserve power output." said Spisak. 

    According to the AP story, The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, which issued the order last week, said the steps ordered by the panel would push Indiana past Ohio and Michigan for energy savings and allow it to challenge Illinois as a regional leader.

    The Utility Regulatory Commission's order also will extend the low-income weatherization expansion that will upgrade about 30,000 Indiana homes over three years under federal stimulus spending, Menzer said.

    "Once again we see another state moving ahead of Ohio in helping their citizens." said Spisak. "When will the current administration put people ahead of utility lobbyists?" He concluded.

    12/15/09
    The Real Cost of Renewable Energy

    The costs of generating solar power will be on par with the costs of power made from fossil fuels like natural gas and coal within a decade, according to clean-tech research and publishing firm Clean Edge and green-economy nonprofit Co-op America. The two groups collaborated on a report, the Utility Solar Assessment (USA) Study, to provide a roadmap for utilities, solar companies, and regulators to work together so the nation can derive 10 percent or more of its power from the sun by 2025.

    In related news, the Financial Times reported that the U.S. is set to overtake Germany as the world’s largest wind market in 2009. American wind energy is riding the wave of an investment boom accounting for a 45 percent jump in capacity last year alone.

    As the Green Party Candidate for Governor, I will work in Columbus to help continue to cut renewable energy costs so it can be made more affordable to the poor, working, and middle class. Now is a pivotal moment for renewable energy in the United States. There is a real opportunity here for companies to stake a major claim in the market because there has been a pent-up demand.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     

     

    12/14/09Green Ted Strickland: Coal and Nuke Cheerleader

    Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak said today that while Ted Strickland talks a nice Green Energy game, he is really a coal and nuke supporter.

    "Actions, or inactions speak louder than words." said Spisak. "Ted Strickland can go to all the energy conferences and talk about how he wants to bring wind energy to Ohio, but in reality, his actions as Governor show he is in the pockets of Nuke and Coal Lobbyists here in the Buckeye State."

    Spisak points out the following scorecard on Strickland as Governor:

    "1. He did not oppose the proposed nuke reactor at Piketon.

     2. He did not oppose the AMP Coal Plant in Meigs County,but promoted it.

     3. His energy plan for Ohio calls for more Nukes and Clean Coal. Ohio does not need more troublesome nuke plants like Davis-Bessie in the state and is there no such thing as "clean coal." The Governor is blowing smoke when he says he is a Green Energy Governor" Spisak concluded.

     Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/

     

     
     

    12/11/09
     
    Why Not Ohio? Solar Power Cheaper than Electricity in New Jersey

    Ohio Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak announced today that in New Jersey, solar power is cheaper for home owners than electricity. "According to reports from Green Options, residents of New Jersey can now get solar power installed in their homes which is cheaper than buying electricty from the power company." Spisak said. "Once again, we see another progressive state other than Ohio trying to find ways to lower costs to consumers through new renewable energies like solar power."

    "As a candidate for Governor, I would see such comapnies and programs to locate here in Ohio to provide the same type of advantages for all Ohioans." said Spisak.

    According to the report, you don’t have to get a credit check to buy electricity from a utility.  You don’t need one to buy your very own solar power supply either. A company in New Jersey is offering a solar PPA to homeowners to buy cheap power off their roof with no credit check.

    Not only does this put paying a solar bill on an even playing field with paying an electric bill, but Sunergy is offering this arrangement for 25% of utility rates in the state. After a small down payment, their residential solar power purchase agreement enables homeowners to buy their electricity for $0.05 per kilowatt-hour in a state where utility electricity costs $0.20 per kilowatt-hour.

    How can they do that? Isn’t solar more expensive than utility electricity? Well, no, actually, solar is cheaper.

    One of the little known facts is that solar is already far, far cheaper than utility energy. If you compare apples to apples: twenty five years to twenty five years.

    It already truly does only cost 25% or less of what utility electricity costs… If you were to pay for all 25 years at once for utility electricity. Of course, you don’t. You pay monthly, and so you simply have no idea that you are paying more money over that time.

    In New Jersey utility electricity rates have been going up about 6.5% annually. Say last year’s monthly bills averaged $100, this years will average to $106.50.  But, with the seasonal ups and downs of electric bills you really never notice this sort of creeping inflation - yet it can really add up. 

    Someone who will spend about $100,000 on utility electricity for 25 years, typically needs about a $20,000 solar roof to replace their utility kilowatt-hours a month. Sunergy has leveraged this fact to be able to offer homeowners a PPA that reflects that saving. A PPA is a power purchase agreement - like you have with your utility.  The difference is: the power plant is on your roof. Just big enough for you. Like your utility, Sunergy owns the solar power plant, and sells you the power.

     This company is the first to really demonstrate that solar is already cheaper.

    “We all want to save the environment,” said US Solargy CEO David Wei, “and our company provides a way for everyone to participate in that important goal.”

    Solar electricity is not just clean, sensible, climate-friendly electricity, but it is cheaper too.

    12/10/09

    Dear Ted, Ohio Cointinues To Fall Behind Other States In Wind Turbines

    Ohio Green Party Candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak announced today that in just one week another two states are passing Ohio in moving towards more Wind Turbines to produce renewable energies and jobs.

    "California and even Wyoming announced plans to build wind turbine farms to make gains in renewable energy while Ted Strickland and Ohio stands still." said Spisak. "We have the land, work force, and facilities to build such farms, but Governor Strickland continues to work with dirty coal plants to fuel Ohio's Future. This is the wrong direction for the 21st Century." he added.

     Utilities got a boost last year, when the new investment tax credits from the federal government were extended to allow public utilities to qualify for the full credit, to help utilities invest in renewable power. Since utilities must get more renewable power onto the grid (in all of the states with Renewable Portfolio Standards), extending the ITC to them, too, is the right means to help them do just that.

    The 246 MW Manzana project has transmission in place on about 7,000 acres favorable wind resources in the Tehachapi region. If approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, the project could begin producing power by December 2011.

    The project would be the third renewable energy project announced in a month for Kern County, a site with abundant resources and transmission lines.

    Last month PG&E was awarded R&D funding from the Department of Energy to start on a groundbreaking Smart Grid project; the nation’s second ever compressed-air energy storage (CAES) facility. The first post-carbon fossil-fueled plant in the world to provide hydrogen power to run a gas plant, with carbon capture and storage, is also being built in Kern County: Scientific American: Kyoto Accord to Hydrogen-Power California.

    The total capital cost of the Manzana project will be just over $900 million, which includes payments to Iberdrola Renewables; the US division of the Spanish wind giant, to develop and build the facility, along with other costs that PG&E will incur. PG&E will make progress payments as significant milestones are met.

    The site would produce up to 670 gigawatt-hours per year, and beginning in 2012; PG&E’s 15 million customers will pay an average $0.25 more per month to start paying back the investment in clean renewable zero carbon wind power.

    In Wyoming,Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK PRA) (NYSE:DUK) says it has brought a 99-megawatt wind farm on line in Converse County.

    The Campbell Hill project's 66 turbines produce enough electricity to power about 30,000 homes each year.

    Duke says the project will supply wind energy to PacifiCorp (AMEX:PPW.PR) (OTCBB:PPWRL) (OTCBB:PPWLO) (OTCBB:PPWLM) (OTCBB:PPWLL) under a 20-year purchase agreement.

    Duke Energy also has announced plans to build a 200-megawatt wind power project near Casper next year.

     
     

    12/09/09
     
    Ohio Public Radio Interviews Dennis Spisak on his run for Governor...
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    12/09/09Why Not Ohio? Massachetts Governor looking for more wind turbine power for state.

    In a press release last week, Massachetts Governor Deval Patrick announced that National Grid and Cape Wind have agreed to enter into negotiations for a long-term contract under which the utility would purchase the electricity generated by Cape Wind. Such a Power Purchase Agreement will be a critical requirement for financing the proposed wind farm in Nantucket Sound, and getting it into construction and operation in time to qualify for federal incentives under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that would reduce the cost of the project by 30%. 'For both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and launching the offshore wind industry that will achieve those reductions, it is essential for Cape Wind, like offshore wind in general, to move from wishful thinking to reality,' said Governor Patrick. 'A contract with an electric distribution utility like National Grid will move Cape Wind one step closer to reality.' Governor Patrick noted that this is a major milestone for what is expected to be the first offshore wind project in the United States."

    "Here you have a Governor who believes in Wind Turbine power to help energize his state, unlike our own Governor Strickland." said Dennis Spisak, Green Party Candidate for Ohio Governor. "Ohio needs a governor like Patrick who believes in Green power. I am that candidate. Governor Strickland and John Kasich only give lip service to becoming a renewable enery state. They still believe in dirty coal to bring Ohio out of this energy recession, a move that will not work." Spisak concluded.

    Http://www.votespisak.org/governor/
     

    12/8/09
    EPA Endangerment Finding and Green Party Candidate Dennis Spisak for Governor : Progress for a Better Ohio

    In a major climate development, the EPA yesterday formally determined that greenhouse gas pollution imperils the health and well-being of present and future generations. This finding sets the stage for U.S. and Ohio action.

    EDF President Fred Krupp issued the following statement:

    "The danger of global warming pollution is clear and present, the solutions are at hand, and the time for action is now. It's time for Congress to finish its work on U.S. legislation to cap and reduce the 19 million tons of heat-trapping pollution we emit every day. American leadership on climate change will strengthen our security, wean us off of foreign oil, and ensure that America wins the race to clean energy innovation in the global market place."



    Green Party candidate for Governor Dennis Spisak announced "This is a great moment for the state of Ohio to move forward in creating renewable energy jobs, companies, and industry. Spisak added, "No longer will Ohioans have to live with mercury in our air and water from dirty coal plants. We can move forward in building solar, wind turbines, and geothermal plants while showing dirty coal lobbyists the exit doors at the statehouse."



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    Spisak for Governor *548 Poland Ave* Struthers * Ohio * 44471