ODNR uses insurance money from burned-out lodge to balance budget

Funny how we are rebuilding highways that don’t need it, installing sidewalks, parks, etc. with the claim they are creating job. However in this scenario the State has decided to divert intended money for the construction of a new lodge to plug holes in the budget... Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn’t the current administration (Federal and State) claim they are all about jobs, wouldn't rebuilding the lodge CREATE or SAVE jobs? Not to mention the lack of revenue that is going to be brought to the area since the lodge cant host weddings and the like?

Never mind the fact that the money being used to plug holes in the budget is based in large part to one time money, this is no different than using stimulus money, meaning that if things continue we are going to be that much short for the next budget.

VOTE these clowns out of office!!!

Needs to be rebuilt - NOW!

Which is more important to people, the rebuild of lodge now or possibly saving jobs and delaying the lodge to later? No brainer to me

I don't believe for a minute that one can't tell how much insurance money was diverted. They keep records and they should be accurate and open for the public. Someone needs to look at ODNR accounting practices a little more closely. Sure we need jobs and a new lodge would be nice, while at the same time keep the budget balanced. But every penny needs accounted for, its part of the state government and that means we should know where it all goes.

Another Strickland blunder.It will not stop until this guy is out of office.

as usual the county of vinton will always be at the botom of the list.we went to lake hope st park many times as we grew up and even spent our honeymoon there. the stste sends good messages to the people of the state of Ohio!!!!!

"Shocking" hit the nail on the head with the statement that this is just like the stimulus money being a one-time shot and not creating anything lasting. Re-building the lodge would have created lasting jobs and sustain tourism which is important to the area's workforce and economy. It's just one more act of an indifferent government.

With the exception of the three Ohio responders here, why are you out of state writters concerned about Ohio? In light of your combined central theme, are you all paid by what ever political party is not in office in Ohio?

Just seems strange, and questions your credibility when you log in as being from: Memphis, TN, Winston Salem, NC, Tavares, Florida, Rheems, PA. Perhaps there is some point that is being missed.

The state legislature torched the building as a way to raise funds.

Ohio Citizen wrote:

With the exception of the three Ohio responders here, why are you out of state writters concerned about Ohio? In light of your combined central theme, are you all paid by what ever political party is not in office in Ohio?
Just seems strange, and questions your credibility when you log in as being from: Memphis, TN, Winston Salem, NC, Tavares, Florida, Rheems, PA. Perhaps there is some point that is being missed.

I don't know about all the other people you are referring to but the site says I am from Eaton, Ohio but I am actually from Athens.

Maybe those other people moved out of state and keep up on the state's news.

Ohio Citizen wrote:

With the exception of the three Ohio responders here, why are you out of state writters concerned about Ohio? In light of your combined central theme, are you all paid by what ever political party is not in office in Ohio?
Just seems strange, and questions your credibility when you log in as being from: Memphis, TN, Winston Salem, NC, Tavares, Florida, Rheems, PA. Perhaps there is some point that is being missed.

The city listed is probably automatically generated by some indicator from your Internet Service Provider and that could be coming from anywhere. The people who post don't enter their city.

Shocking wrote:

Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn’t the current administration (Federal and State) claim they are all about jobs, wouldn't rebuilding the lodge CREATE or SAVE jobs? Not to mention the lack of revenue that is going to be brought to the area since the lodge cant host weddings and the like?
Never mind the fact that the money being used to plug holes in the budget is based in large part to one time money, this is no different than using stimulus money, meaning that if things continue we are going to be that much short for the next budget.
VOTE these clowns out of office!!!

The state is broke. The feds are paying for the roads because Obama doesn't have to run on a balanced budget like the state does. The alternative would be to build the lodge and lay off more state workers. These are the people trying to process the unemployment checks and food stamps for all of the out of work people. Which do you think is more important?

TravelZim wrote:

"Shocking" hit the nail on the head with the statement that this is just like the stimulus money being a one-time shot and not creating anything lasting. Re-building the lodge would have created lasting jobs and sustain tourism which is important to the area's workforce and economy. It's just one more act of an indifferent government.

You are the same type of person that wants health care for everyone. The state has to live within a budget. Taxes are way down, the slot machines were ruled illegal, raising taxes is out of the question. What part of the state is broke is so hard to understand? If the feds would pay for a new lodge I'm sure the state would be happy to build one. When you have 10% unemployment you don't build 4 million dollar facilities that might employ 50 people.

Ohio Citizen wrote:

With the exception of the three Ohio responders here, why are you out of state writters concerned about Ohio? In light of your combined central theme, are you all paid by what ever political party is not in office in Ohio?
Just seems strange, and questions your credibility when you log in as being from: Memphis, TN, Winston Salem, NC, Tavares, Florida, Rheems, PA. Perhaps there is some point that is being missed.

Could be these are Ohioans who are on vacation out of state, or who now live in another state, or maybe actually out of state folks who enjoy visiting Ohio to spend their vacation money. Whatever the case, they have a right to sound off if they are interested. Don't be so paranoid.

Yea, screw Vinton county to balance the budget (ODNR). Criminal if you ask me. I buy a turkey, deer tag and hunting license every year although I don't need to as a land owner in Vinton county just as a gift to the ODNR. Lake Hope needs this lodge and to use these funds to plug holes is ridiculous. I will not do it this year if this is how the ODNR is going to operate.

Another thing. Isn't it illegal to claim insurance and use the money for something else? I mean, if I wreck my car and the insurance company gives me a check for the repair estimate and then I go buy something else, couldn't I get arrested for insurance fraud? Or maybe it's not criminal and my momma and daddy just raised me to have some integrity.

After reading some of the posts, I realize that people having jobs in Vinton County is just not as important as people having jobs in the large urban areas. Let a large building at the Ohio State Fairgrounds or a State Park in a large county burn down and listen to the people scream bloody murder if the State diverted the insurance money to other "projects". But hey, "it is just money that could go to revitalize a very nice little State Park in SE Ohio and what clout do those local yokels have"? While in most other counties, fifty jobs might not seem like many down here in Vinton County fifty jobs being created would be fantastic! The tourist dollars a new lodge would bring in would help the overall economic picture for the county.

Oh yes, I do own land and live in Vinton County no matter what the city and state label is for my posting. So I do know what I am talking about when I voice my concerns. I will also do like "Why Vinton" and not purchase a hunting license or deer permit this year.

The state of Ohio has a budget crisis. It began with the economic and Wall Street collapse under Bush last year. Posters here seem oblivious to that.

Ohio Lawyer wrote:

The state of Ohio has a budget crisis. It began with the economic and Wall Street collapse under Bush last year. Posters here seem oblivious to that.

Sounding a little partisan there. I'm just sayin'.

Ex-AAG wrote:

<quoted text>
Sounding a little partisan there. I'm just sayin'.

Republicans are swine. That's not partisan. That's the obvious gospel truth.