Court files released in the past couple weeks display the very friendly relationship the state’s top utility regulator had with one of the state’s largest utilities.
The filings are part of the state’s bribery and theft case against former utilities chairman Sam Randazzo.
First Energy executives Charles Jones and Michael Dowling also face charges they paid money to Randazzo in exchange for favorable treatment.
Some of the pieces of evidence are interesting.
Prosecutors say Randazzo texted a meme to first energy executives and lobbyists with the then-PUCO chairman dressed as a superhero.
There is also another image of Randazzo wearing a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer costume next to energy executives and a lobbyist.
And after House Bill 6 passed, First Energy’s then-CEO Chuck Jones sent a meme to Randazzo portraying executives, a lobbyist and Randazzo’s image on Mount Rushmore with the words "HB6 F-ANYBODY WHO AIN'T US."
Snollygoster of the week
The state of Ohio has had term limits for more than 30 years.
Basically, all state-elected leaders are limited to eight years in office. Then they have to run for a new office or find another line of work.
Now three decades later, some question whether term limits are producing better government and lawmaking.
Former House Speaker Larry Householder wanted to scrap or extend the limits.
Current House Speaker Jason Stephens floated the idea in December.
Recently, Senate President Matt Huffman agreed changes to Ohio’s term limits amendment would be a good idea.
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