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Dec
22
[text] Inspector General report released in former AG Marc Dann case
Filed Under attorney general, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal | 6 Comments
Thank you to Capital Blog for the links:
By Jill Miller Zimon at 2:53 pm December 22nd, 2008 in attorney general, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal | 6 Comments
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Oct
14
[audio] AG candidate Rich Cordray on WCPN this morning
Filed Under attorney general, Democrats, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Voting, WCPN/SOI | Comments Off
I enjoyed listening to Ohio Treasurer Rich Cordray on WCPN’s Sound of Ideas (archive here) this morning because it reminded me of why I thought he was such a good candidate in 2006 (read here and here) for his current position. His appearance this morning had to do with his candidacy to complete the remaining two years of service left after former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann resigned late last spring. A few questions arose regarding voter registration and ACORN but his 25 minutes or so on air are worth listening for the whole discussion.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 4:19 pm October 14th, 2008 in attorney general, Democrats, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Voting, WCPN/SOI | Comments Off
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Jun
3
WCPN Sound of Ideas THIS MORNING: Ohio AG Nancy Hardin Rogers
Filed Under Announcements, Law, leadership, Marc Dann, Nancy Rogers, Ohio, WCPN/SOI | Comments Off
You can listen live here or later here.
Meet the New AG
Tuesday, June 3
The story of the scandal-plagued attorney general’s office has taken a decidedly different turn with the naming of a new Top Cop: Nancy Hardin Rogers. The former Dean of Ohio State’s law school is our guest Tuesday morning. We’ll talk about what it will take to restore integrity to the AG’s office and why she wants what has to be the toughest job in Columbus right now. Now, it’s a temporary post for Rogers, so we’ll also speak with legal and political analysts about who might occupy that post after November. Join us Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock.Guests:
Nancy Hardin Rogers, 48th Attorney General of Ohio
Geoffrey Mearns, Dean, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
Mark Naymik, politics reporter, The Plain Dealer
Looking forward to it.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 8:25 am June 3rd, 2008 in Announcements, Law, leadership, Marc Dann, Nancy Rogers, Ohio, WCPN/SOI | Comments Off
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May
28
[updatex2] Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland appoints Nancy Rogers as AG
Filed Under Announcements, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Ted Strickland | 5 Comments
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced this morning that Ohio State University Moritz Law School Dean Nancy Rogers will serve as the state’s attorney general. She will not run in November 2008 for the unfinished term of former Attorney General Marc Dann who resigned after being engulfed in scandal related to a hostile work environment and improprieties in the office.
University of Kansas, Social Work undergrad degree – YES!!
Worked at Legal Aid – YES!!
See?
Sigh of relief.
Update of coverage:
Sarah Cole of OSU Law School on the ADR Prof Blog:
Governor Strickland has made an inspired choice in tapping Nancy for
this post. As dean of Ohio State’s Moritz College of Law since 2001 and
faculty member since 1976, she has served the university and the law
school with great distinction. The people of Ohio are fortunate that the
state’s new top attorney has the highest degree of integrity, widely
respected legal skills and strong leadership qualities.
Progress Ohio – post and video of swearing in, and of the Governor’s announcement
A little analysis:
By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:07 am May 28th, 2008 in Announcements, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Ted Strickland | 5 Comments
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May
22
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland on AG Marc Dann replacement progress
Filed Under Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Ted Strickland | 2 Comments
Highlights:
-Ohio Governor Ted Strickland spoke about the progress yesterday
-There’s a pool of about 40 people
-There’s been no decision to include or exclude any particular individuals
-There’s been no decision whether to appoint someone who won’t run or who will be expected to run to fill out the remainder of the term (through 2010)
-As to Bill Mason, the clip reports that Strickland said that “it would be unreasonable to conclude” that Mason won’t be in the pool
-Lee Fisher will stay where he is unless he asks Strickland to be appointed in which case Strickland reportedly said that it would be difficult not to appoint Fisher
-the Ohio Republican Party has formed a 26 member screening committee, that includes Rob Frost and Betty Montgomery; it will select the individual who will run in November for the Attorney General position’s remaining term
By Jill Miller Zimon at 9:00 am May 22nd, 2008 in Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Ted Strickland | 2 Comments
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May
14
Last Edition: The Daily Dann, 5/14/08
Filed Under Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Ted Strickland, Women | 10 Comments
What a day.
It started with this excellent post by Jeff at Ohio Daily Blog and ends with a full slate of MSM and blogger stories on Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann’s resignation.
Even solidly conservative Ohioans recommend against the scorched-earth tactics Ohio Republican Party Kevin DeWine is gesticulating about.
Plunderbund has a post with info on the new Interim Attorney General, Tom Winters.
The Cleveland Free Times’ Free Blog has a sensationalistic story up about a woman who allegedly had an affair with Dann in the late 1980s.
I was privy to rumors galore today – frankly, it was pretty sickening – not the rumors themselves but the pace of the emails with them and the range of what they alleged. I didn’t research a single one, for a variety of reasons.
I actually didn’t sense Dann to be as contrite as I thought Eliot Spitzer was, but I do believe that he is relieved – he has got to be relieved in some way. I still believe that he is facing a much harder challenge, and more pain, by going home and doing what he must to salvage, repair and continue on with his family and home life. But we really do only have one life to live – seriously. No job, title or threat is worth screwing all that up.
I thought Ted Strickland spoke at a perfect pitch in general and in response to the questions. Again, people should enjoy underestimating him, because four out of five times, he’s still going to come out on the right side of it all.
As for what’s next, the impeachment articles most likely will be dropped very soon, but the inspector general investigation that began today with a raid and seizure of computers from the AG’s offices will continue. There was no deal related to dropping them (and Strickland said no other kind of deal related to anything else either).
Tom Winter, a deputy in the office, will become interim AG – I don’t know if that’s interim or acting. But Strickland can appoint someone to fill the role through to January 2009, though in November, there will be an election to fill the AG post through January 2011.
With Marc Dann’s departure, I am ceasing operations of The Daily Dann. There’s just way too much else going on and there’s an appointment and an election to consider. Never a dull day in the heart of it all.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:38 pm May 14th, 2008 in Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Ted Strickland, Women | 10 Comments
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May
14
Ohio GOP Deputy Chair Kevin DeWine continues to ignore deadly sins
Filed Under Campaigning, Democrats, Elections, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Republicans, Scandal, Statehouse, Voting | 8 Comments
Ben, I love you, man, but Ohio Republican Party Deputy Chair Kevin DeWine is making you look…something re: who is doing only what is politically expedient. God forgive DeWine because what goes around comes around. Especially within those seven deadly sins. You cannot expect and demand that others take the right road and the high road when you yourself are willing to have you party win by exuding such disgust. He’s got some serious temperament issues.
From the Port Clinton News Herald:
Ohio Republican Party Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine released the following statement on Attorney General Marc Dann’s resignation:
“This embarrassment is far from over. Marc Dann’s resignation is overdue, and the investigation into his mismanagement and corruption must continue.
“We’ve spent the past 15 months pointing out that Marc Dann was not suited to be Ohio’s attorney general, and now that it’s politically expedient the Democrats finally decided to join us.
“The first priority right now is restoring the integrity of the attorney general’s office. We will then begin the process of identifying a Republican candidate who will make Ohioans proud of their attorney general again.”
One of the reasons Governor Strickland’s ratings are as high as they are is because he projects a combination of compassion and conviction. He is cautious and does not rush to judgment, he is humble when necessary and speaks his mind without being terrified of what everyone else says. He may not always move far enough or quickly enough, but he recognizes people as being humans.
Once again, the ORP is in danger of appearing to lack all sense of humanity. DeWine is acting like a merciless bully who is only out for his own gain at the expense of others. I don’t glad dance, but he really should be thinking twice about his strategy and the risk of loss from it in a bigger way than the GOP is already poised to lose.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 7:21 pm May 14th, 2008 in Campaigning, Democrats, Elections, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Republicans, Scandal, Statehouse, Voting | 8 Comments
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May
14
Video: former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann resigns; Gov. Ted Strickland Q&A
Filed Under Announcements, Democrats, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Women | 3 Comments
From the Ohio Channel, video of the press conference earlier this afternoon with former Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.
I’ll see if I can find a transcript as well.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 6:18 pm May 14th, 2008 in Announcements, Democrats, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Women | 3 Comments
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May
14
Pho w/the blow-blow on The Ohio AG Marc Dann No Mo Show
Filed Under Blogging, Democrats, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Ted Strickland, Women | Comments Off
What can I say? It’s been a busy day.
Check out Scott’s transcription of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland press conference which followed Marc Dann announcing his resignation.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 5:58 pm May 14th, 2008 in Blogging, Democrats, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Ted Strickland, Women | Comments Off
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May
14
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann Resigns
Filed Under Announcements, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Ted Strickland, Women | Comments Off
You should be able to see the video here at least for a little while.
Watch live here. More soon.
You can read a bit here.
Tom Winters, the first assistant AG will takeover for now.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 4:59 pm May 14th, 2008 in Announcements, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Ted Strickland, Women | Comments Off
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May
14
Scurrying signals & Canton Rep’s thoughtful editorial on embattled Ohio AG Marc Dann
Filed Under Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Voting, Wide Open, Women | 12 Comments
I don’t use the word “embattled” lightly. I wrote about it a great deal last fall in Wide Open and on WLST in relation to a religious argument that Christians in the United States are an “embattled minority” (someone else’s description, not mine).
You want to see embattled? Marc Dann is embattled. What happened all day yesterday? That’s embattled.
Few Ohio papers have avoided monolithic characterizations of the happenings at the Ohio Attorney General’s office over the last two weeks. Few if any have drawn attention to the blatant sexism and the issue of sexual harassment and employment discrimination that has led first, to many of the actions upon which we first focused, and second to the ensuing creation and maintenance of the hostile work environment. Rumors about which I know nothing other than what I read on the screen imply that there’s a wealth of other damning behavior beyond what’s already been presented and even accepted as true by Marc Dann.
Although this morning’s Canton Repository editorial doesn’t say anything about the sexism, its tenor captures the scurrying of signals that Marc Dann’s neural pathways must be trying to manage right now. With great emphasis on how the desperation is a result of his own actions.
Many sincerely sad things happen in this world, things we can’t explain. Marc Dann’s behavior really isn’t one of them. Not even his refusal to step down, say he’ll step down if he gets a concession that would stop his anxiety over already done deeds, and then, again, not step down.
I differ with some bloggers about the glad dance because there’s nothing glad about this. Dann did what he did (and we don’t really even know what that is yet). As voters, as Ohioan residents, we do what we do. The Internet has made it easier to voice our reactions and collect them, so that the touchstone for the court of public opinion is a little bigger than just the people in charge in Columbus.
But do not for a minute believe that this isn’t and hasn’t been a lose-lose situation. What’s compounding that feeling is the failure of Marc Dann to let Ohio move on, specifically, to let Democrats move on. It feels as though he wants to exact retribution for his misdeeds on the voters who supported him in the first place – as if to punish us for having believed in him and therefore leading him to this point. I imagine he also feels a lot of anger, and fear. And I imagine that there are some in Columbus who aren’t treating this situation with the detachment necessary so as not to infect it with all kinds of other emotions that aren’t in the best interests of Ohioans.
In the end, thought, it comes back to Marc, not the voters who supported him and who have lost trust in him. How could we not want to see him succeed? I know I have.
The scurrying signals evidence an immaturity on Marc’s part about decision-making, the consequences of his decisions and the impact they have on those beyond himself and his family. And Marc has admitted as much in regard to perhaps not being as prepared as he needed to be to take over the role as Ohio’s lead lawyer.
What to do, what to do.
Marc has to resign. If we think it’s all about him right now, just wait until he is finally no longer in office and really must make it all about him and getting healthy. This is all a distraction from the excruciating and painful work that faces him in his personal life. But the choices he’s made since Friday, April 25 when the Espy report was released have compounded the difficulty of that personal work with the intractable, but reasonable and understandable desire of many Ohio voters and the Ohio legislature to continue to investigate what the hell was going on in the AG’s office.
Marc has described himself as rolling up his sleeves and getting to work. But he needs to go to a different kind of office to get the work done that he needs to do. As soon as possible, for everyone’s sake.
Please.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 6:34 am May 14th, 2008 in Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Voting, Wide Open, Women | 12 Comments
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May
13
The Daily Dann, 5/13/08
Filed Under Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Statehouse, Ted Strickland, Women | 17 Comments
When the Wall Street Journal has an entry titled, “What’s Going on With Marc Dann? Here’s What We Know,” you know it can’t be good. The most disturbing line: “Another staffer at the AG’s office says concern is building in the office that lawyers working for Mr. Dann could defect if he stays much longer.”
I just know my bloggy buddy John Michael Spinelli is having too much fun with his headlines at ePluribus Media: “Dann Death Delayed.” His piece is also an excellent round-up of all the gyrations of today (figurative, figurative, sillies).
The Associated Press has its take, and it’s got most of the bits that were in this afternoon’s local stories.
How are the locals feeling?
The morning started out with new e-mails being revealed by the media.
But by this evening, the Dayton Daily News is reporting on Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signing into law the bill that allows the Inspector General to conduct an investigation into the AG’s office and report back to the Ohio legislature.
Buckeye State Blog wants unconditional surrender.
Glass City Jungle on the bipolar nature of the day (my word, not Lisa Renee’s).
I’m afraid to listen to what Annie of the Chief Source and the Vindy.com call, “Marc Dann’s Party Pad Song.”
Mansfield News Journal this evening
WKYC offers specifics on the impeachment moves today
Ohio Daily Blog wrote about recall prospects but that was before all the impeachment and resign/not resigning news
And the Plain Dealer had this God-awful editorial. I swear, most of the papers’ editorial boards sound so out of touch with Ohioans, I just do not get it. I know they talk to us. Where is their sense?
And, in case you missed my earlier post about the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and sexual harassment, here’s a quick overview of employment law in Ohio.
More good primers:
The FBI may investigate, and we learn that Dann withheld information from his closest aides about recusing himself from a situation related to that possible inquiry.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:24 pm May 13th, 2008 in Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Statehouse, Ted Strickland, Women | 17 Comments
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May
13
[updatex2] BREAKING: Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann to resign today
Filed Under Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Statehouse, Ted Strickland, Women | 7 Comments
Here’s the news from OPENERS at the Plain Dealer:
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is expected to announce his resignation later today, The Plain Dealer has learned. He planned to break the news to his senior staff this afternoon.
The decision came as Dann faced intense pressure from fellow Democrats and Republican critics who said he was not fit to continue as the state’s top lawyer.
It also followed action targeting Dann in the Ohio General Assembly today by lawmakers from both parties. House Democrats this morning filed articles of impeachment against Dann, accusing him of misconduct and malfeasance in office. And House Republicans began plans to fast-track a bill that would allow the state Inspector General’s office to conduct an independent investigation into Dann’s office.
…
Democrats have said Dann knew or should have known that Gutierrez and others were making a mockery of the office and done something about it.
But while Gutierrez, Jennings, former Chief of Staff Edgar Simpson and former scheduler Jessica Utovich, the 28-year-old woman Dann was linked to, all lost their jobs in the wake of the investigation, Dann had vowed to stay on. He admitted to running his office poorly but said things had been improving under his leadership. Dann also had said admitting his affair to his wife, Alyssa Lenhoff, was punishment enough for him.
Hattip to Plunderbund.
More thoughts later.
UPDATE: Columbus Dispatch says Dann is trying to strike a deal that would prohibit an external investigation but quotes House leader Jon Husted (R):
House Speaker Jon A. Husted said he talked with Dann today but he did not want to detail what he said was a private conversation. Regardless whether Dann resigns, Husted said he intends to move forward with the bill authorizing Charles to investigate.
“There are more issues at stake than just the attorney general’s resignation,” Husted said.
I can only imagine.
UPDATEx2: Retracting resignation plan? From the Tribune-Chronicle:
State Rep. Bob Hagan, D-Youngstown, said Marc Dann will not resign today despite published reports to the contrary.
Hagan told the Tribune Chronicle this afternoon that he served as emissary between House and Senate leaders to broker a deal for Dann’s resignation. However, Hagan said when the House refused to take an emergency clause out of a bill to allow the inspector general to investigate, a deal for Dann’s resignation fell through.
The emergency clause allows the inspector general to investigate immediately. Hagan said Dann wanted more time.
Meanwhile, many media outlets around Ohio are reporting that Dannás resignation is expected between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. today.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 2:53 pm May 13th, 2008 in Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Statehouse, Ted Strickland, Women | 7 Comments
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May
13
[text] Articles of impeachment w/9 counts filed against Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann
Filed Under Crime, Gender, Government, Law, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Social Issues, Women | 9 Comments
The Columbus Dispatch has the details. Here are the nine articles:
Obstructed the internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment in his office.
Willfully and intentionally issued misleading statements under oath.
Neglected to perform the duties of his office and by his own admission was not competent or qualified for the job.
Knew or should have known that his own admitted sexual affair with an employee contributed to and allowed a hostile work environment.
Failed to ensure the safety and security of state property.
Failed to investigate and prohibit improper use of state property.
Knew or should have known of the misuse of state property for personal business.
Committed acts of gross neglect of duty by undermining the integrity of his office; bringing disrepute upon the office; betraying the public trust as Ohio’s chief law enforcement officer; and undermining the effectiveness and efficiency of the office.
Committed acts of gross immorality and knew or should have known that his personal conduct undermined the effectiveness and efficiency of the office.
Hattip to Plunderbund which included a link to the pdf of the filing.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 11:23 am May 13th, 2008 in Crime, Gender, Government, Law, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Social Issues, Women | 9 Comments
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May
13
Ohio Civil Rights Commission & Sexual Harassment in Ohio
Filed Under Gender, Government, Law, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Social Issues, Women | 2 Comments
I’ve been reviewing the Ohio Civil Rights Commission’s website to try to understand its role in enforcing allegations of state law sexual harassment violations. From the OCRC 2007 annual report:
In a motivating speech [at an OCRC reception in 4/07], Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann spoke of partnership. He spoke to working with the OCRC to “increase consequences for those who trample on the rights of people,” and to “expand the list of people who are protected by our laws to be more reflective of our community.” On the appointment of Chair Donaldson as the first female Chairperson of the OCRC, Mr. Dann said, “This is just the beginning. We are going to make history in Ohio.” [emphasis mine]
I guess Dann wasn’t kidding.
I am not clear on how the EEOC and OCRC relate to one another, the former being federal and the latter being state. With the AG’s office’s EEOC complaints related to the most recent situation, I don’t recall hearing a word from the OCRC. I don’t recall reading about why the women who filed EEOC complaints didn’t also file with the OCRC. Anyone?
Here’s the OCRC’s description of sexual harassment:
Sexual harassment is any unwanted attention of a sexual nature from someone in the workplace that creates discomfort and/or interferes with the job. It can take the form of verbal abuse, such as insults, suggestive comments and demands. Sexual harassment can also consist of leering and subtle forms of pressure for sexual activity, physical aggressiveness such as touching, pinching and patting, and can end up as attempted rape and rape. “Quid Pro Quo” is the term used to describe harassment when submission to or rejection or sexual demands becomes the basis for employment decisions directly affecting an employee. “Hostile Work Environment” is the term used to describe a work environment that is created when continued sexual harassment produces an intimidating and offensive work atmosphere, which negatively impacts an employee’s work performance. Victims face harassment from fellow employees, supervisors, co-workers, clients or customers. Sexual harassment can be committed by a woman against a man, or by members or one sex against others of the same gender. However, the majority of offenses are men against women.
Here’s a description of how the OCRC functions, its jurisdiction and what it can do. Oh, and that description ends with this:
The Attorney General’s Office, Civil Rights Section, represents the Commission in all matters of litigation.
Maybe that’s why the Espy effort should have been foregone in the first place, and why the OCRC didn’t handle it, except that the folks on the OCRC are appointed by the Governor and the OCRC isn’t connected to Dann’s office – at least on the organizational chart.
I haven’t been able to find information on the AG’s Civil Rights Section – mentioned above. I did find this section about what people are supposed to do if they think that they’ve experienced discrimination (go to OCRC).
[Interesting aside: A quick look at the AG's organizational chart shows that some folks who've been fired are still on it (it's dated February 2008, but I'm assuming for now that it's accurate; feel free to provide updates). Susan Choe appears to be in charge of Civil Rights and Election Law (but I don't think that's necessarily the same as a Civil Rights Section) and Mike McPhillips is in charge of Employment. Here's a bit more about McPhillips, who used to be a Franklin County Common Pleas magistrate.]
Under the OCRC site’s section, Enforcement, we learn that only a preponderance of evidence is required to find probable cause that discrimination has occurred. I never knew that. Then again, I can’t learn everything there is to know about this area of law in a few minutes or Google searches, but here’s some info from the OCRC’s 2007 annual report.
On Page 15, you can see that there are 34 categories of “Alleged Issues of Charges Filed” for FY 2006 (that might be a typo, because the dates are 7/06 to 7/07 – I would think that’s FY 2007?).
There is a category for “sexual harassment” but there are also categories for “harassment,” “intimidation” and other allegations that might be related. Oddly, retaliation, gender and pregnancy are lumped together on a chart on Page 14, but these categories don’t correspond directly to the categories listed on Page 15. Notice on Page 13, the number of cases taken in has increased by 1100 since 1998, but only half of that additional number adds up to more cases “produced.” I imagine this has to do with newly recognized categories, among other things.
We’ll stick with sexual harassment for now. There’s no grand total for all charges filed by issue, but when I add them up, I get a total of 8948. That’s much higher than the intake number of 6144 stated in the opening letter of the annual report, but it’s reasonable to expect that some cases had multiple allegations.
Of those 8948, according to the 2007 annual report, 333 had to do with sexual harassment (discharge – 2502 and harassment – 1374 – were the largest categories). In previous years, according to the annual reports for those years:
2006: 292
2005: 479
2004: 348 out of 8461
2003: 348 out of 9055
Interesting, but I don’t really know what it means, yet. I’m looking forward to finding out.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:16 am May 13th, 2008 in Gender, Government, Law, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Social Issues, Women | 2 Comments
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May
12
The Daily Dann, 5/12/08
Filed Under Democrats, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Statehouse, Women | 2 Comments
Still no stories about the prevalence (or rarity) of hostile work environments, EEOC sexual harassment track record, history of the sex discrimination protection or comparing and contrasting how Ohio government offices run re: discrimination complaints.
I can’t be the only one who wants to know: What is the track record? How often are EEOC cases filed and substantiated? Against whom? At what levels?
So we’ll continue to make it all about the Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann.
First up, personal blogs that represent regular Ohioans:
Blogging Ryan writes a very heartfelt post of frustration. I’m sure he isn’t alone.
Since the media is doing a pretty crappy job writing about sexual harassment in Ohio government workplaces over time or even currently, here’s where you can download a free one-sheet primer on the law and sexual harassment and here’s a piece from something called Sexual Harassment: Should you take it lying down? (because, you know, wouldn’t it be nice if the media helped us learn from what is going on in the AG’s office? grrrrr)
Jason Rowsey gives Ann Fisher a boost, rightly so, when she says,
Dann is not stupid. He’s arrogant, rude and unrepentant. I’ve previously characterized him as a petulant little troll and a blustering bully. He’s a dangerous man because he has no respect for anybody or anything other than himself. He believes that he is above the law. Stupidity is often forgiveable because stupid people often mean well but they screw up anyway. Dann doesn’t mean well. Stupid is what Marc Dann made of the people who voted for him.
And finally, an Ohio University junior English major writes, “Marc Dann needs to go, post-haste. He is an embarrassment to Ohioans everywhere, and the corruption, disregard for the law and just plain piggish behavior that has marked his reign needs to end.”
Around Ohio:
The Columbus Dispatch’s commentary from Benjamin Marrison has been cited by others for this curious inclusion, “Dann even went so far as to threaten to fabricate allegations that newspaper editors who would report the story were also having illicit affairs.”
WFMJ outlines the Ohio legislature’s timeline and indicates that later tomorrow morning the House will act and the Senate will follow on Wednesday:
21 News has learned that at nine o’clock Tuesday morning, the House Speaker is expected to introduce legislation that would turn the Dann Investigation over to the State Inspector General. The House is expected to meet at 11:30 Tuesday morning to approve the bill. The senate could approve it on Wednesday, and have it on the Governor’s desk by Thursday.
This commentary by Peter Bronson of the Cincinnati Enquirer is inappropriately mean-spirited, not to mention completely missing the point of why anything related to the Dann situation matters. He needs to read Ellen Bravo, as should every single individual who wants to say that the Dann situation is about sex. It is not about sex. Here’s what it’s about:
From Taking on The Big Boys, by Ellen Bravo
Following the well-known creed that the best defense is hardball offense, they [the Big Boys] rely on a variety of tactics to try to discredit us, shifting from one to the other with ease. One minute they dismiss us, the next they warn that the sky will fall if we get what we want. I came up with this shorthand to describe how the Big Boys operate.
Checkout these classic raps by talk-show hosts, commentators, and writers of high-minded editorials:
- Minimize — What problem (”Women have it made.”)
- Trivialize — That’s a problem? (”Feminism means ugly women will sue to get a man.”)
- Patronize — You don’t understand the needs of business (”You think you can socially engineer behavior”)
- Demonize — You’re the problem. (”Women shouldn’t have kids if they can’t afford to raise them.”)
- Catastrophize — Your solution will cause greater problems for the very ones you want to help. (”These laws you want to pass will lead to discrimination against women. You’ll drive business out and cause people to lose their jobs.”)
- Compartmentalize — If you get what you want it will hurt some other group. (”Why should non-parents bear the burden of mothers taking time off from work to deal with their kids?”).
More on that tomorrow from an exclusive and fascinating interview I did with Bravo today. A teaser from the former director of 9to5, a person well-known to Ohio and particularly the Cleveland area, who practically wrote the manual on sexual harassment and hostile work environments:
This is not too low a threshold [for defining an impeachable offense]: If you are the person in charge, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring a workplace free from discrimination of any kind. If you know and don’t intercede, you are derelict in your duty.
[Remember, according to several sources, including the Columbus Dispatch, "A state official may be removed for "any misconduct involving moral turpitude or for other cause provided by law," including "gross neglect of duty, gross immorality, drunkenness, misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance."]
Case law school gets an ordinary lawyer to replace Dann for commencement. Ho-hum. (I don’t know the guy, I’m sure he’s very nice.)
According to Channel 3, WKYC, an outside investigator was to be named today but I find no record of that happening.
Speaking of investigations, here’s the summary from the Espy report. In case people still can’t figure it out, there’s someone missing from being reprimanded or otherwise taken to task on behalf of the public interest. Who could it be? Could it be…Satan? I love how there’s a list called, “Employee Disciplinary Actions.” Looks like it excludes the top public employee at the AG’s office.
And last, the national scene is noticing too:
The nationally known The Carpetbagger Report says, “Ohio Dems want to pretend Marc Dann no longer exists. I don’t blame them.”
Julie Carr Smith of the AP wants to project an image of Democrat on Democrat fighting over how to handle Dann’s imbroligio but it doesn’t ring real at all to me.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 11:03 pm May 12th, 2008 in Democrats, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Statehouse, Women | 2 Comments
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May
12
[updated] Ohio AG Marc Dann’s Two Days In May Victim Assistance Conference in Akron
Filed Under Announcements, Civil Rights, Courts, Crime, Gender, Government, Law, Marc Dann, Politics, Scandal, Social Issues, Women, Youth | 1 Comment
This so doesn’t need any editorializing from me. I’ll just let you check it out for yourself and let you know that I cannot find a single mention in the media or the blogs for that matter about this event except for this tiny blurb.
Here’s the truly beautiful and elaborate 24 page pdf of the Two Days in May: The Attorney General’s 2008 Conference on Victim Assistance, today and tomorrow in Akron. It’s on the AG’s calendar here.
And here’s the listing from the National Calendar of Crime Victim Assistance-Related Events. If anyone attends, I hope you’ll share with us what exactly the Ohio AG can add to this topic right now.
Update: There are many excellent sessions being offered which absolute advance victim assistance knowledge and efforts. But here are two in particular that caught my eye:
15. Lobbying 101 and Legislative Forecast
Marc Dann, Ohio Attorney General, Greg Beswick, Legislative Director, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Bret Vinocur, Finding Missing Kids, Inc., Mike Weinman, Columbus Division of Police
For advocates who are interested in changing society through legislation, this workshop will assist in preparing participants to relate to public officials and get their message heard. In addition, the workshop will offer an overview of future and current legislation as it relates to victims of crime and their advocates.
47. An overview of sex offenders and their offenses
David Berenson, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and CorrectionThis workshop will, initially explore the phenomenon of sexual assault within the broad context of the global and societal subjugation of women and children. There will be a discussion of multiple manifestations of sexual assault leading to a more focused presentation on issues regarding sex offenders as defined by criminal law. Issues regarding sex offenders’ risk to re-offend and different types of sex offenders will be addressed, providing descriptive information on the mindsets and thinking processes of higher risk sex offenders.
Oh, and one last thing. On page 8 of the pdf, the brochure suggests that you register online by visiting the AG’s website, with the tagline, “Fast, easy and so convenient you can do it from your couch” printed underneath a large photo of a woman, smiling and in comfy clothes sitting, well, you know, on her couch with her laptop open.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 4:40 pm May 12th, 2008 in Announcements, Civil Rights, Courts, Crime, Gender, Government, Law, Marc Dann, Politics, Scandal, Social Issues, Women, Youth | 1 Comment
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May
11
The Daily Dann, 5/11/08
Filed Under Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Science, Statehouse, Women | 5 Comments
The Cincinnati Blog: I really do not want to think of Garanimals when thinking about Marc Dann, okay?
WSYX: you know, stop pushing this garbage about how people are turning this into a moral thing; this isn’t about whether the infidelity was “right or wrong;” this is about how an elected official abused the power gained from the voters’ trust on a scale that any human human would recognize as impermissibly violative of that trust and requiring resignation.
Columbus Dispatch delves into the “why do they do it” thing which I’ve linked to before from other sources; here’s a tease (check out how the URL includes the smirk-worthy fragment “polisex”):
Sensational sex scandals involving politicians over the years have prompted experts in psychology and politics to study whether there are common traits among those who engage in risky behavior. Turns out, there are.
“Politicians tend to be higher in the need for power or dominance, are more prone to social desirability pressures, for example to present positive images of themselves, and are more self-confident,” said Kathleen McGray, an expert in political psychology at Ohio State University.
“The higher self-confidence may account for engaging in stupid behavior when they have so much to lose, because they are confident they will get away with it. Dann still seems confident he will survive all of this.”
I adore John Michael Spinelli, but I do disagree with his approach as outlined in this very good Opeditude on ePluribus Media.
The Dispatch’s Mike Hardin says that Dann will be delivering pizza within a month.
Lisa Renee has a worthwhile thread going here debating what can be done to craft the impeachment resolution.
Modern Esquire suggests that the onion layers around the AG’s office are continuing to peel and reveal.
Marion County weights in for resignation.
The Plain Dealer’s Tom Suddes shows over the top cynicism with little support beyond a 20 year old example.
Vindy.com on Crime Town, USA – has anyone spoken with Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams or city council or some of the other hard-working folks there who’ve tried like the devil to improve the image of Youngstown and how they feel about AG situation?
By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:39 pm May 11th, 2008 in Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Media, Ohio, Politics, Science, Statehouse, Women | 5 Comments
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May
11
Confronting big boys & giving women what they want/need
Filed Under Civil Rights, Gender, Government, Law, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Social Issues, Women | 3 Comments
This piece was written by Ellen Bravo, who spoke in NE Ohio last month about her latest book, Taking on the Big Boys. Sounds like a common theme in Ohio for some of us lately. I love this quote from the Amazon page, “Enough about “breaking the glass ceiling.” Here are blueprints for a redesign of the entire building, ground up, to benefit women and men-and even the bottom line.”
Here’s an interview with her earlier this year, also about her work and the book. An excerpt that Ohio needs to read right now in relation to what’s happening in our Attorney General’s office [bold emphasis is mine]:
Casey: In your title, Taking on the Big Boys, who are the “big boys”? How do they operate?
Bravo: The “big boys” are the powers that be. They are the people who control how and when we do our work, influence public policy, and often have a stake in maintaining the status quo, as they benefit from it. Some of the “big boys” are women, but the majority of men are not “big boys.” “Big boys” often maintain the status quo in place by using approaches that trivialize, patronize, “catastrophize,” demonize, and compartmentalize. When talking about the problems people face in managing work and family, they say things like “Well, women can do whatever they want! If they’re not represented in the best jobs, it’s because they have chosen not to pursue those jobs!” or “Men want to take leaves because they want to go hunting and fishing! They don’t care about their babies.” Another common response is “You don’t understand how business works, so you suggest these pie-in-the-sky ideas.” Finally, rather than addressing problems with the way work is structured, they suggest that if, mothers are unhappy with their lives, they should fight each other in the so-called “mommy wars,” as opposed to fighting for changes within the workplace and the home. My purpose in writing this book was to expose these tactics, explain how they work, and show that with the right analysis and organization, it is possible to take them on. The “big boys” try to imply that there is no need to take them on, that if workers are upset they need to change themselves, and even if you did attempt to take the big boys on, you can’t win. Giving concrete examples of how people have made changes in the workplace can inspire others to take action.
The good news is that some of the “big boys” get it and will be won over by an analysis of adjustments to today’s work arrangements and environments. The more we can expand that group, the better it is for us all. I want people to understand the consequences that come from leaving the world the way it is now and stake we all have in changing it.
Casey: Why do you think so few have so much power?
Bravo: I think it has to do with the way profit has developed as a driver. I make the case again and again that changing the way that businesses are run is not a favor to women; the changes are a better way to do business. However, this is only true if you care about the business itself. If individuals only care only about their own profit and don’t even consider the short term interests of the company, let alone the long term interests, they will fail. Unfortunately, lots of people with that mindset have lots of power. They are not only controlling businesses, they also play a role in who runs for office and how politicians conduct themselves. This affects public policy as well as the private sector. Therefore, the more we can make business about the entity itself rather than the personal needs of the higher-ups within companies, the better we all will be.
Casey: What are some of the negative consequences of the “big boys’” behavior?
Bravo: For women, it obviously costs jobs, income, and opportunities. However, it isn’t just women that are hurt by this behavior; many men are hurt by it, and there are many men who want to integrate their work and family lives, just as women do. Studies show that men are favored when they’re fathers—that’s what “normal” is—but if they start to act like mothers and are invested in their families and want to organize their work to take this into account, they, too, suffer penalties. So, the behavior certainly harms families.
I think the behavior also harms businesses by hurting workers’ productivity and, causing more money to go into areas like turnover costs. It also harms the quality of work, workers’ health and well-being as well as income. If we judged workplace policy, and public policy, for that matter, on outcomes such as child well-being, family well-being, and social well-being, we’d have very different policies. Many countries do this—they say “If we do x, what will the impact be on y?” “Y” can be children, families, fiscal solvency, the environment, et cetera. Of course, we don’t do this—those who do just look at profits, and that is a problem. We talk a lot about family values, but in the United States, family values often end at the workplace door.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 12:19 pm May 11th, 2008 in Civil Rights, Gender, Government, Law, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Social Issues, Women | 3 Comments
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May
10
The Daily Dann, 5/10/08
Filed Under Democrats, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Women | Comments Off
Joe Ritchey and Fundamental Truths: no crime committed, leaving the Dems
The AP on the ODP rescinding its support of Marc Dann (The Southern Ledger with a picture of Redfern and the resolution)
The resolution to rescind the support can be read here.
WKYC video from yesterday of Dann in Cleveland
Newark Advocate labels Dann a “minus”
Wheeling, W.Va. paper says Ohioans deserve better
Lorain Morning Journal says Dann needs to go
By Jill Miller Zimon at 6:38 pm May 10th, 2008 in Democrats, Gender, Government, Marc Dann, Ohio, Politics, Scandal, Women | Comments Off
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