Cleveland, OH

Cleveland could get women's pro soccer stadium under proposed Ohio House spending bill – Ohio Capital Journal

Published

4 months ago

February 9, 2024

Cleveland could get women's pro soccer stadium under proposed Ohio House spending bill – Ohio Capital Journal

The Cleveland soccer community is thrilled that the Ohio House passed a spending bill that includes a million dollars to create a pro women’s stadium downtown.

Helena, Maia and Chloe Murphy love being on the field, and dad Michael loves soccer, too. He runs the Cleveland Soccer Group, an organization trying to get a National Women’s Soccer League team to the 216.

“It’s so critical that our young girls, including my three daughters, have ‘sheroes,’” Murphy said.

His dreams may become a reality.

The Ohio House passed a part of a spending bill, one that gives $1 million to create the women’s soccer stadium.

“It’s really a chance for Ohio and Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to step up and say, ‘We’ve been very fair in funding men’s professional sports facilities in the state for a long time; we haven’t done anything for women,’” he said. “Here’s a chance for equity, inclusion and really to grab lightning in a bottle.”

Right now, Ohio is competing with several other states for the next pro women’s team in the country.

Cleveland Democratic state representatives Bride Rose Sweeney and Terrence Upchurch fought for this funding.

“I’m really proud of the work that we did to put people over politics and to put money back into the hands of our constituents and our communities that we represent,” Sweeney said.

The building of this stadium could show the league that the state is serious about the bid, Upchurch added.

“This is just another sports team that will just be an economic driver, hopefully a community partner and an asset to the city of Cleveland — along with our many other assets we have,” he said.

But it’s possible that the Senate will take out this money.

This spending bill, House Bill 2, contains two different aspects so far. There is the $350 million one-time funding that came from a surplus from the last operating budget, and there is $1.65 billion in other bondable appropriations — totaling about $2 billion.

This is confusing, which the lawmakers acknowledge.

In plain English — the projects slated to receive the $1.65 billion are typically in the capital budget — however, the House Finance leaders wanted to get the projects done before the full and extensive capital budget comes out.

There are concerns with the amount of funds given, though, Murphy said.

“There has to be substantially more dollars,” he said.

That being said, he and Sweeney share the belief that this is just the starting point of the conversation.

“We love our Cavs, our Browns, our Guardians — our NWSL club would be the fourth major league team in the same breath,” Murphy said.

The bill is headed over to the Senate.

Chamber drama

It would be an understatement to say that House Speaker Jason Stephens and Senate President Matt Huffman have a contentious relationship.

The pair make polite jabs at each other during press gaggles, but behind the scenes seem content with not working with each other.

For example, the Senate passed a proposal dealing with marijuana policy — restricting marijuana possession, lowering THC levels and making it more expensive. The House refuses to take it up because they believe the Senate is “going against the will of the people.”

The Senate passed S.B. 83, a controversial bill overhauling the higher education system. House leadership has continued to let it stall, saying there are problems with it — angering Senate Republicans.

The House passed the previous two-year operating budget in a bipartisan manner, like they did with the portion of H.B. 2. However, the Senate basically decimated the House’s proposal last year — causing them to go into conference committee for an extended amount of time to bargain for their needs.

Huffman is expected to challenge Stephens for House speakership next January. He has a faction of supporters within the House currently, and candidates have told WEWS/OCJ that Huffman has helped support their bid to knock out the Stephens’ team incumbents.

Moving back to the budget:

That one-time funding amount is $700 million total. According to House Finance Chair Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville), the House and the Senate agreed that each chamber would get to decide on half of it — or $350 million.

That was repeatedly echoed throughout the budget process by the representatives. Then, Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) released a statement Wednesday, potentially killing all of the project proposals.

“To be clear, there is no such agreement,” Huffman wrote in a memo to the Senate members. “The bill passed by the House did not include negotiations or discussions with members of the Senate or with the Senate President.”

Huffman never agreed not to touch the House’s half, he seemed to say.

“Approving a large spending bill without additional debate would be irresponsible and an abdication of the duties of the Senate,” he added. “Normally, both chambers work together to create an agreed upon bill. For unknown reasons, the House chose to break from that process.”

House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) seemed annoyed at the president’s claims — and addressed the memo to reporters after the session.

“It was widely published that the House was going to deal with $350 million, the Senate was going to deal with $350 million — which is exactly what we did,” Stephens said.

Edwards said the reason why the House moved ahead of the Senate was because the other chamber was “ready with their projects,” and had asked the House finance leadership. The Senate finance leadership asked the House to put their projects and money up now, he said.

“It was also agreed upon at that time that our $350 wouldn’t be touched by them,” Edwards continued. “Their $350 wouldn’t be touched by us — they get to spend their $350 however they want.”

Huffman doesn’t seem interested.

“The Senate will continue to follow its timeline announced in December for this year’s Capital Budget process which includes the additional $700 million for the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, with the goal of both chambers passing a single agreed upon bill later in May or early June,” he said.

Upchurch took a swing at the Senate, as well — preparing for if the other chamber tries to take out the soccer stadium.

“These folks claim that they care about women’s sports; I think that supporting this project is a way to do that,” the Democrat said.

He is referencing H.B. 68, legislation that banned transgender middle and high schoolers, plus college, from participating in athletics with cisgender peers. Advocates for the bill said this would protect the integrity of women’s sports. Opponents argued that supporters have never cared about women’s sports before.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on Twitter and Facebook.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Source link

Click to comment

Cleveland, OH

Major League Scouting Report: Cleveland Guardians’ Angel Martinez

Published

4 mins ago

June 22, 2024

Press Room

Major League Scouting Report: Cleveland Guardians’ Angel Martinez

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA – MARCH 11: Angel Martinez #79 of the Cleveland Guardians bats during the spring … [+] training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Goodyear Ballpark on March 11, 2024 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The Cleveland Guardians have promoted infielder Angel Martinez to the parent club.

The switch-hitting Martinez is taking the role of Gabriel Arias, who was placed on the Major League Baseball family emergency list June 21.

Martinez, 22, has been on fire recently, and graduates to the big leagues after hitting .333 with three home runs so far this season in 74 plate appearances at Triple-A Columbus.

Martinez got a late start to this season following a foot contusion he suffered during spring training. He was placed on the 60-day Injured List after he also fractured his left hamate bone.

Now healthy, Martinez has opened eyes with his very hot bat in the International League.

In a Columbus Clippers game against the Worcester Red Sox June 19, Martinez hit a double, and two home runs, scoring four runs, and driving in four.

About Angel Martinez:

GOODYEAR, AZ – FEBRUARY 22: Angel Martinez #79 of the Cleveland Guardians poses for a photo during … [+] the Cleveland Guardians Photo Day at Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday, February 22, 2024 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

MLB Photos via Getty Images

In 2018, Angel Martinez was signed by the (then) Cleveland Indians as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic.

Martinez received a $500,000 signing bonus.

The son of former major league catcher Sandy Martinez, Angel Martinez made his professional debut at the age of 17, when he played for the Indians Dominican Summer League team.

Martinez hit .306 in 261 plate appearances in that first professional experience .

Martinez has flown through the Cleveland Guardians farm system, having played just parts of five seasons. He did not play in the 2020 season due to the pandemic.

CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 26: Angel Martinez #60 of the Cleveland Guardians bats during the game … [+] between the Texas Rangers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Scouting Angel Martinez:

Martinez is 6-0, 200 pounds.

Martinez was placed on the Guardians 40-man roster in November 2022. He has been on the rise in the organization since.

As well as scouting him in the 2022 Arizona Fall League, this old scout got to evaluate Martinez in all 13 games he played this past spring training.

Martinez impressed this writer with his strong frame, excellent barrel skills, and outstanding overall play in the middle-infield.

Mature beyond his age, it is evident to this observer that Martinez has the athletic ability and overall skills on both sides of the ball to be impactful at the major league level.

Offensively, Martinez hits well from both sides of the plate. He can barrel the ball to all fields.

Martinez has strong hands and wrists, and his excellent bat speed is a highlight of his hitting mechanics.

Martinez has the ability to let the ball travel a bit, and then, using a measured swing, hit line drive ropes to the gaps.

As evidenced by his recent Triple-A results, Martinez is flashing power from his strong frame. There is every reason his power surge can continue as he adapts, adjusts, and learns how major league pitchers try to get him out.

An excellent contact hitter, in his entire minor league career so far, Martinez has struck out only 323 times in 1,793 plate appearances.

Martinez knows the strike zone well, but he goes to the plate to hit. Not to take a walk. He has recorded only 184 minor league walks.

Ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Guardians organization by MLB.com, Martinez is at his best when he sees lots of pitches per at-bat, which is a hallmark of the Guardians organizational hitting philosophy.

To this scout, if he gets decent playing time, Martinez could hit 20 home runs in a big league season.

Defensively, the Guardians have played him at second base, shortstop, third base, and in the outfield in his development years.

For this scout, Martinez probably fits best at second base. But his arm strength is strong enough to make every play from shortstop, with good carry on his throws.

If there is one flaw to his defense, Martinez may not have the first-step quickness to the ball some scouts may like. However, he gets the job done with good footwork, and that strong arm.

Martinez has enough speed to steal bases, but he isn’t a burner.

After observing Martinez in the 2022 Arizona Fall League, this scout wrote:

“Athletic, switch-hitting middle-infielder with potentially surprising power. Excellent contact hitter, with ability to spread the ball from foul line to foul line from both sides of the plate. Baseball savvy. Makes good game decisions. Can force his way to the big leagues.”

Martinez’ excellent spring reinforced those thoughts.

Martinez will wear No. 1 with the Guardians.

CLEVELAND, OH – FEBRUARY 26: Angel Martinez #79 of the Cleveland Guardians rounds the bases after … [+] hitting a home run during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Sunday, February 26, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Scouting Grade: 50

Martinez has the ability to be a regular middle-infielder at the big league level. If needed, he can play third base. He has a great eye at the plate, makes contact, and should hit for a good batting average, with potential power. He is good defensively.

It will take some time for Martinez to play his way to the starting lineup.

This scout values Angel Martinez as a Grade 50 player-or one that can be counted upon for an eventual regular place in a major league lineup.

Source link

Cleveland, OH

Fox 8 Jukebox: LoConti

Published

7 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) — LoConti is one of Northeast Ohio’s hottest up and coming bands. Fresh off a recent ‘Best of Cleveland 2024 Win for Best Band’, the alternative rock group shares original music in this edition of the Fox 8 Jukebox. LoConti also earned the title of 2023 Best New Artist at the Cleveland Music Awards. The band’s name might sound familiar to you, as their grandfather Henry LoConti, is a Cleveland music legend having founded the Agora Theater.

Source link

Cleveland, OH

FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission

Published

15 hours ago

June 21, 2024

Press Room

FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission

[Cleveland, OH] (6-12-24) FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen was recently appointed to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

Greg Nelsen

The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission improves Ohio peace officers’ professional capabilities through the careful oversight of law enforcement training within the state. The commission has also been given the same responsibility regarding private security, local corrections, jail personnel, bailiffs, and public defender investigators.

Nelsen said-

“I am honored to serve as the newest member of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and help to uphold and improve law enforcement training in Ohio.”

Nelsen has served in the FBI for over 23 years, and prior to leading the Cleveland Division, he most recently was the deputy assistant director of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS) Division’s Operational Programs Branch. CJIS provides a range of state of-the-art tools and services to law enforcement, national security and intelligence community partners, and the public. Nelsen was a police officer prior to joining the FBI.
Nelsen has served in the FBI for over 23 years, and prior to leading the Cleveland Division, he most recently was the deputy assistant director of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS) Division’s Operational Programs Branch. CJIS provides a range of state of-the-art tools and services to law enforcement, national security and intelligence community partners, and the public. Nelsen was a police officer prior to joining the FBI.

Peace Officer Training Commission members are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate. Members serve three-year terms. The commission issues recommendations to the Attorney General about matters pertaining to law enforcement training.

To fulfill its statutory responsibility and improve law enforcement training in Ohio, the commission may recommend to the Attorney General:

Rules for approving peace officer, private security, corrections, public defender investigator, bailiff, canine, and firearms training and certification.
The curriculum, minimum attendance, equipment, and facility requirements necessary for approval of training programs.
Minimum qualifications required for instructors at approved training sites.
Categories or classifications of advanced in-service training programs for peace officers.
Minimum requirements for the certification of canines used by law enforcement agencies.

The commission is also authorized to:

Recommend studies, surveys, and reports designed to evaluate its own effectiveness.
Visit and inspect any peace officer training school within the state.
Establish fees for the services the commission provides.
Make recommendations to the Attorney General or the General Assembly with respect to the fulfillment of its statutory responsibilities.
Report progress to the Attorney General throughout the year and to the governor and the General Assembly annually.

Per the Ohio Revised Code, the commission also includestwo incumbent sheriffs, two incumbent chiefs of police, one representative from the general public, a representative from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, a representative from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a member from the Ohio Department of Education, Trade and Industrial Education Services, and a representative of a Law Enforcement Fraternal Organization.

Source link