Security at City Hall

The killings during a council meeting at Kirkwood, MO on 2/7/08 has inspired some interest in security measures being taken at Newark City Hall. Channel 4 in Columbus interviewed Council President Marc Guthrie for his reaction.

Federal funds were used to install an emergency exit door and there's a direct wire from council chambers to the police department for emergency help.

The problem though is not just the protection of council members. It is a matter of security for all City Hall employees.

For that purpose, a metal detector was purchased with federal funds three years ago but it is still sitting in the lobby, unused - apparently because the city has nobody qualified to operate it, though $89,000 was appropriated for that purpose last year and $100,000 this year.

There's a saying about closing the barn door after the horses get out. Is that what we're waiting for?

Thorp for Sheriff

The Advocate's recent report on the candidates for Licking County Sheriff did nothing to help me decide which one I would vote for were I to vote in the Republican primary, (which I won't because I value my independent status).

It was, however, reader response to this article on the Advocate forum where I learned what insiders believe. They convinced me Randy Thorp will win.