Dolan meets with local law enforcement

Ohio Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin, a candidate for Ohio's open U.S. Senate seat, was in Findlay on Wednesday on a campaign swing dedicated to meeting with local law enforcement officials and asking them what help they need from Washington, D.C. Much of the discussion at the roundtable in Findlay focused on the need for better access to mental health services, including juvenile treatment, addressing recruitment issues and the need for facilities. Findlay city councilmen, Findlay Municipal Court Judges Allen Hackenberg and Stephany Bishop, Hancock County Sheriff Michael Heldman, and Findlay Police Chief Robert Ring participated in the discussion, as did Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn. Former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery also attended the meeting in a show of support for Dolan. Heldman said law enforcement has become the nation's "primary mental health provider," and that getting help for inmates — even those with several mental illnesses — is difficult, and on some days impossible. "So we end up just holding them, so we can supervise them," he said. Dolan, 57, represents the 24th Ohio Senate District, on outer suburbs of Cleveland within Cuyahoga County. He has served in the Ohio Senate since 2017. He chairs the Senate's Finance Committee, which oversees the state's operating budget. He is a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, serving from 2005 to 2010; a former chief assistant prosecutor for Geauga County; and a former assistant attorney general for the state of Ohio. On Wednesday, Dolan asked what he described as a "third-rail question": gun laws and how they can be discussed without drawing the ire of Second Amendment supporters. Dolan said he doesn't favor taking guns away from law-abiding citizens, but asked if there is a way to have the discussion about rising gun violence. Dolan voted in favor of Senate Bill 215 last week. The legislation, favored by Republicans in both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly, removes permitting, training and background check requirements to carry a concealed weapon. Local representatives — state Rep. Jon Cross, R-Kenton, and state Sen. Robert McColley, R-Napoleon — also voted in favor of the bill. The bill now goes to Gov. Mike DeWine, who can sign it into law or veto the legislation. If signed into law, all Ohioans 21 and older would be allowed to carry a concealed weapon, so long as they're legally allowed to possess it in the first place. Wasylyshyn said the law is a mistake. "You need a license to drive a car. You need a license to get married," said Wasylyshyn. Removing the permitting also removes the required training that accompanies carrying a gun, which covers something as basic as which way the bullet goes or more complicated issues, like when deadly force can legally be used. Wasylyshyn said society is bent toward vigilantism and its distrust of law enforcement drives gun violence. With no training required, he said accidental shootings are likely to increase. In a statement, the Ohio Mayors Alliance called the bill a "dangerous step in the wrong direction" and said cities will bear the brunt of it. "Moreover, because our right to local control has been erased by a previously passed state law prohibiting cities from regulating gun laws, local communities will have no ability to protect themselves," the alliance said in a statement. The statewide chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police also opposes it, with government affairs director Mike Weinman saying "background checks and training and the notification are absolutely necessary." The crowded Republican primary field for senator includes former state treasurer Josh Mandel; former Ohio GOP chairman Jane Timken; author and businessman J.D. Vance; businessman Mike Gibbons; and candidates Bill Graham, Neil Patel and Mark Pukita. Democrats in the race include U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles; as well as Morgan Harper, Traci Johnson and LaShondra Tinsley. The seat is currently held by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-OH. Portman announced in January 2021 that he would not seek reelection. Primary elections will be held May 3, and the general election will be held Nov. 8. Early in-person voting begins April 5 and includes the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before Election Day. The deadline to register to vote in the election is April 4. More information about the "Dolan for Ohio" campaign can be found at www.dolanforohio.com Grant: 419-427-8412