ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOV. 4
Meet the candidates in Athens County’s local elections
Athens County voters head to the polls next Tuesday to elect local leaders across the county. Candidates include Lucas Mace and Nathan Simons for Glouster Mayor; Fred Holmes, Johnathan Flowers and Nancy Sonick for Nelsonville Mayor; Andrea Nicole Thompson-Hashman and Nicholas Smith for Nelsonville Auditor; and Carl Fouts III, Gary Arnold, Ralph Kevin Coey and John Standley for three open positions on the Trimble Local School Board, according to the Ohio Board of Elections.
Mace, Thompson-Hashman, Holmes and Fouts spoke with The Post about their candidacies and visions for their communities.
LUCAS MACE
Mace is a nonpartisan candidate for mayor of Glouster, where he has lived since 2013. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard, Mace said his years as a Glouster police officer inspired him to seek office.
“As a police officer in Glouster for many years, and with all the politics going on in the world as they are, I decided I needed to run for something,” Mace said.
In 2014, Mace pleaded guilty to six second-degree misdemeanor charges of dereliction of duty for hiding a woman wanted on drug charges and was removed as Glouster’s police chief, according to The Columbus Dispatch. His records have since been expunged, and he currently serves on the Glouster Village Council.
Mace said the investigation stemmed from his interactions with a woman who was found to have an active arrest warrant, which he said he was unaware of at the time. He also denied he had any sexual relations with the woman, saying they exchanged text messages and met for dinner once.
Mace said his decision to plead guilty was based largely on financial constraints, as he could not afford the legal costs of fighting the charges.
He also contended the Athens County prosecutor at the time had a personal conflict with him and should not have handled the case.
“I think most of the residents of Glouster knew that I was a good police officer for them, a good chief, the most honest one you’d ever find, and I think they pretty much knew that I was just a target of the prosecutor,” Mace said.
Mace said his mayoral priorities would include enforcing existing laws rather than creating new ones.
“Council seems to want to make new laws whenever we can’t even get the laws that we have enforced,” Mace said.
He also opposes implementing zoning regulations in Glouster, citing concerns about added costs for residents.
“Glouster is not a rich community, and I don’t see why we need to be applying fees to people or different things, as far as you know, upgrading their homes or things like that,” Mace said. “I don’t think zoning would benefit anybody in Glouster.”
Though the race is not party affiliated, Mace considers himself a Democrat.
Additionally, Mace seeks to reform the way municipal monies are spent, such as preventing officials from buying brandnew trucks on the village’s dime.
“Trucks are expensive,” Mace said. “Get the one that you have fixed and go with it for a while.”
ANDREA NICOLE THOMPSONHASHMAN
Thompson-Hashman is one of two candidates for Nelsonville auditor. She previously served as Nelsonville Clerk of Council, where she worked to prepare ordinances and appropriations.
“I prepared appropriations, ordinances and worked closely with the city auditor and the city attorney,” Hashman said.
She said her campaign focuses on restoring respect for voters’ decisions, referencing her support for Issue 23.
“I have fought for Issue 23 and to uphold the will of the people,” Hashman said.
Issue 23 was a ballot initiative to eliminate Nelsonville’s city charter. It was passed by popular vote but was later repealed by the city council.
As auditor, Thompson-Hashman said she would prioritize transparency and timely responses to public records requests.
“I want to make sure that public records requests are fulfilled in a timely manner and that we provide good customer service to our citizens and make sure the citizens are taken care of and that they know that we care about them,” Thompson-Hashman said.
Additionally, she plans on finding a way to lower residents’ water bills.
“I would really like to dig into the books and find out if there is some way that we can get the water bills lowered for the customers,” Thompson-Hashman said.
“Pretty much everybody I have talked to has concerns about how high their water bill is.”
FRED HOLMES
Write-in candidate Holmes is one of three candidates for mayor of Nelsonville. He has been involved in municipal government since 1987.
I’ve written budgets, I’ve managed large organizations and I’m pretty comfortable in this situation,” Holmes said.
Holmes said he aims to be a mayor for
all, especially with the influx of young people into the city.
“When I run for mayor, I want to be available to everybody, and I want to represent all the people of Nelsonville, all ages and all age groups,” Holmes said.
Holmes said improving the city’s image and attracting new businesses will be among his top priorities.
“We’ve already started the work of trying to improve the image of the city,” Holmes said. “We’ve already updated a lot of the services here, and hope to be very positive in attracting new businesses.”
He also hopes to improve the city’s relationship with Athens County and other community institutions.
“We need to be an active participant in Athens County and the organization, the Athens County Economic Development, and we need to be a good neighbor to all of our neighboring communities, including Hocking College and also Hocking County,” Holmes said.
CARL FOUTS III
Fouts is one of the four candidates for the three open seats on the Trimble Local School Board of Education in Glouster.
“I’ve been in the community my whole life; the family has been here since the 1800s,” Fouts said.
Fouts said his experience running several local businesses gives him the skills to help the district manage its budget.
“I run several successful businesses in the county, and I think I can help with the financial and running the school board,” Fouts said.
He plans to assess the district’s financial status with the state and develop a plan with the superintendent to address budget concerns.
“We’ve got to work together and see what we can do to correct these financial problems that we have and how we can get things going better for our school district,” Fouts said.
Fouts sees the continuing operation of the school district as critical to the community’s survival.
“Our school is all our community has left,” Fouts III said. “If we lose our school, Glouster would become a ghost town, and we can’t let that happen.”
ALEX PASSERO | FOR THE POST
(TALITHA MALOY | PHOTO EDITOR)
(TALITHA MALOY | PHOTO EDITOR)
Ohioans prepare for 2026 gubernatorial race
FINN SMITH | FOR THE POST
As Gov. Mike DeWine finishes up his second term, Ohio prepares for the gubernatorial race occurring in November 2026.
Multiple candidates in both major parties have already begun campaigning.
Vivek Ramaswamy is a Cincinnati native and the only Republican currently campaigning. He has received overwhelming support from the GOP and officials, such as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, according to the Vivek for Ohio Press Team.
Aiden Fox is a senior studying political science and serves as the President of the Ohio University Republicans. Fox has met Ramaswamy multiple times.
“He talked a bit about natural resources, expanding our utilization of them as well,” Fox said. “It’s exploring the idea of nuclear power in Ohio, which I think could be potentially even stronger and safer than natural gas is, certainly more reliable than certain renewable resources. He’s also pressed very heavily on the idea of advancing Ohio’s education.”
According to his campaign website, Ramaswamy wants to make Ohio a “state of excellence” where people from all over the country want to come to. He wants to cut red tape and regulations to grow the business sector. He also expressed embracing
capitalism and meritocracy.
Fox discussed Gov. DeWine’s performance in his past two terms, saying many Republicans in Ohio were extremely pleased with his signing of Senate Bill 1 but had criticisms of his COVID-19 restrictions and failure to follow Trump’s agenda.
On the Democratic front, Dr. Amy Acton is running and remains the leading figure for the party. Acton served as director of the Ohio Department of Health from 2019-20, leading the state’s charge against COVID-19.
Sammy Sherman, a freshman studying political science, said he likes Acton but has concerns about the Democratic Party having a candidate who embodies the COVID-19 era.
“I don’t think putting the face of COVID lockdowns on the ticket is a good idea for Democrats,” Sherman said. “Personally, I think she did a great job with handling COVID, but Ohio is a Republican state, and most Republicans in the state do not think she did a good job … people associate her with the COVID lockdowns, and they were not popular.”
Sherman said he would prefer to see former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan run. Ryan has announced he is considering a run for Ohio governor.
Sherman discussed how Ryan could unite Democrats and Republicans in the state to secure the win.
“His entire 2022 Senate campaign was about working with Republicans,” Sherman said. “And I imagine if he does end up deciding to run for governor, that’s what his campaign will be around, because there’s no Democrat that can win Ohio without Republican votes.”
Sherman said younger Democrats are very concerned with redistricting in the state and the handling of immigration.
Sherman said he would like to see an independent redistricting commission and higher investment in infrastructure across the state if a Democrat were to win the Governor’s seat in 2026.
According to Acton’s campaign
website, she believes in reproductive freedom and supports women’s right to abortion access. She also plans to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for Ohioans.
Regarding education, Acton wants to restore public school funding to a constitutional level, make the voucher system for private schools more transparent and use that money to invest in schools and education across the state.
The gubernatorial election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.
Athens City Council Election: All candidates unopposed Democrats
All Athens City Council candidates in this year’s municipal election are running unopposed and all are Democrats. The Nov. 4 election will seat three new members and promote one current member to president.
Council terms last two years with no term limits. Councilmembers Jeff Risner and Solveig Spjeldnes chose not to seek reelection, opening their seats for newcomers.
Megan Leah Almeida will succeed Spjeldnes, John Adams Staser will take Risner’s seat and Paul Isherwood will replace Micah McCarey as an At-Large Representative.
Joshua Thomas is seeking reelection as council treasurer.
Incumbents Beth Clodfelter, Alan Swank, Michael Wood and Jessica Thomas remain in their current positions.
McCarey, previously an At-Large Representative, is running unopposed to replace Sam Crowl as Council President.
McCarey also served as Director of the Pride Center at Ohio University before the center was shut down in June due to the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act.
McCarey said, although he has not been campaigning in a traditional sense as he is running unopposed, he has been preparing for the responsibilities of council president by reviewing the Ohio Revised Code, Athens City Code and City Council Rules.
McCarey said his main priorities as president include fiscal sustainability, housing and infrastructure, community cohesion and anti-hate initiatives, as well as environmental, accessibility and public health issues.
“We’ll need to lean into collaborative strategies for expanding housing options and maintaining livable, connected neighborhoods,” McCarey said in an email. “Strengthening sustainability, mobility and well-being will remain essential priorities—from reducing our community’s carbon footprint to improving walkability, transportation access and mental health supports that enhance everyday quality of life.”
McCarey said serving as an At-Large Representative showed him the role of Council can be even stronger, especially in terms of combining policy decisions and the well-being of citizens.
“Each term brings new challenges,
and I’m eager to help Council members work together effectively, stay informed and engage meaningfully with residents,” McCarey said in an email. “My focus is on helping Council function as a thoughtful, learningoriented body so that we can better address issues like budget constraints, housing availability and community cohesion.”
Swank is beginning his third term on Council after being elected in November 2021.
“I hope to continue advocating for the responsible expenditure of taxpayer dollars, to involve citizens early in the process on matters that will be coming before council, and to respond to constituent requests for help in matters that affect them and the city,” Swank said in an email.
Both McCarey and Swank shared their messages with Athens voters.
Swank said he aims to listen to and act on citizen concerns, with particular attention to how the city spends citizens’ tax dollars, while McCarey said he hopes to make it easier for residents to see how their participation shapes city decisions.
“Athens is full of people who care deeply about their neighborhoods, environment, and sense of belonging,”
McCarey said in an email. “My goal is to make it easier for residents to see how their engagement—whether through meetings, boards, surveys, or community conversations—shapes city decisions.”
Voting precincts and polling locations can be found on the Athens County Board of Elections website. Residents are encouraged to review candidate information and policies to make informed choices at the polls.
KH303123@OHIO.EDU
Ohio Gov. MIke DeWine speaks about the vaccine rollout in rural Ohio April 12, 2021.
KAITLIN HOGG | CAMPUS AND LOCAL STAFF WRITER
Nelsonville charter repeal spurs court battles, ballot confusion
In November 2024, Nelsonville voters chose to abolish the city’s charter and return to a statutory form of government. Issue 23, a citizen-led initiative to replace the charter with the state’s mayor-based system, passed with about 70% of the vote.
A city charter functions like a constitution, defining a city government’s powers, limitations and procedures.
Jonathan Robe, attorney and law director for Nelsonville, said the movement to abolish the charter largely centered on restoring a mayoral system.
“My observations of a lot of the political discourse really centered around the people in favor of abolishing the charter (and wanting) a mayor,” Robe said. “The Nelsonville city charter right now doesn’t have to be this way; it could have a mayor, but it has a city manager who is hired and fired by the council. Obviously, a mayor is elected by the people.”
Robe said there was debate about the proper legal process for putting Issue 23 on the ballot.
“The citizens committee argued that Issue 23 should be put on the ballot under the Nelsonville Article 10 charter procedures, while in court, the city again argued ‘no, it should go on the ballot under Article 18 of the Ohio constitution’” Robe said.
A lawsuit followed as the city and citizens disagreed on which article should govern the vote. Robe said the courts ultimately sided with the citizens committee, allowing the issue to proceed under Article 10 of the Nelsonville City Charter.
Although Issue 23 passed, the charter remains in effect until January 2026. The Ohio Supreme Court also ruled candidate names will still appear on this November’s ballots.
Before the Court’s decision, the Nelsonville City Council moved to challenge Issue 23. Robe said because Issue 23 was passed under Article 10 of the city charter, the council had the authority to treat it like any other piece of legislation.
“Any ordinary legislation passed by the council is subject to future amendments or even outright appeal, so the problem is that anything put on the ballot under Article 10, the council could amend or even flat out repeal,” Robe said.
Robe said the council’s repeal placed the measure in an awkward position.
“An ordinance passed by the council is valid unless
or until the court strikes it down,” Robe said. “The Supreme Court did not strike down Ordinance 5425, repealing Issue 23, that leaves Ordinance 54-25 in place. That is the law of Nelsonville, that Issue 23 is abolished.”
Robe added a candidate of Issue 23 has filed a lawsuit challenging the repeal.
Robe said he expects significant litigation to follow, potentially involving dozens of related lawsuits.
“The Supreme Court said, ‘Oh, it doesn’t really matter whether Issue 23 is repealed or not, the city can’t force the Board of Elections to take these candidacies off the November 2025 ballots,’” Robe said. “They did not decide the validity of Issue 23 or the appeal of Issue 23. They just said these all stay on the ballot.”
Robe said the decision could create confusion, resulting in competing city council members taking office Jan. 1.
He said the only resolution will likely come through further court action, with each side claiming legitimate authority.
“Because the Supreme Court did not rule Ordinance 54-25 repealing Issue 23, it remains the law of Nelsonville,” Robe said. “The only way that any of these issues get resolved is through protracted, extensive litigation where they will be dueling councils, dueling governments.”
Nelsonville residents’ effort to return to a statutory government may have instead left the city without a clear governing structure.
Part of the problem is when you have dueling governments, what that really means is you don’t have a government
- Jonathan Robe, attorney and law director for Nelsonville
MARY KATE MCNAMEE | FOR THE POST
The outside of Nelsonville City Hall, Oct. 26, 2025, in Nelsonville, Ohio, on Lake Hope Drive. (ALEX PASSERO| FOR THE POST)
Athens County residents to vote on multiple levies in upcoming ballot
Issue 1
Issue 1 on the ballot is a 5-yearlong levy renewal that continues to provide support for the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
ACBDD aids over 800 individuals with developmental disabilities across Athens County, offering programs that support people from birth through the end of life.
The levy helps fund programs such as Beacon School, which provides specialized education to individuals ages 6 to 21 years old. According to ACBDD’s website, the tax also supports professional services including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and more.
Originally approved in 2010 and renewed in 2017, the levy costs $43.92 annually for a homeowner with a property valued at $100,000, ACBDD Superintendent Kevin Davis said.
Davis said ACBDD has continued to expand services without increasing its funding request.
“We serve over 800 people a year, and we’re proud to say that this is a 46% increase over the last 10 years, and in that same time frame, our revenue has not increased,” Davis said. “We’ve been good stewards of public money.”
The levy generates $2.1 million annually, accounting for 20% of ACBDD’s total budget.
Davis emphasized how critical funding is for maintaining services.
“We can’t do that without the help and support of the taxpayers in Athens County,” Davis said. “We’ve been very mindful of our budget. We haven’t asked for an increase in over 20 years, and in order to be able to continue to serve people the way that we have and the way that we want to, this 20% of our annual budget is critical to be able to do that.”
Issue 2
Issue 2 is the Athens County 911 Sales and Use Tax renewal, which funds emergency communications operations in Athens County. If approved, it continues for another five years.
Previously, the levy helped fund
the construction of a new facility that houses the Athens County Emergency Management Agency and the Athens County 911 Emergency Communications.
According to EMA Director Teresa Fouts-Imler, the levy has also funded upgrades to the communications system with advanced radio systems, GIS and GPS technology and computer-aided dispatch systems. Fouts-Imler said the tax amounts to a small but vital cost for residents.
“0.25% of one cent,” Fouts-Imler said in an email. “Taxpayers will pay 2.5 cents for every $10 spent, or 25 cents for every $100 spent on taxable goods. This amount represents a modest but significant contribution to maintaining the safety and efficiency of our 9-1-1 services.”
Over the past five years, the levy has generated $10 million. However, the amount was not able to cover the total cost of construction for the 911 and EMA center due to an additional $2 million for technology and equipment costs.
“Given that communication equipment typically has a lifespan of five to seven years, it’s crucial for us to secure this levy to effectively upgrade and maintain our technological assets,” Fouts-Imler said in an email. “This commitment is essential for delivering high-quality services and ensuring the safety of our community now and in the future.”
The levy is projected to generate $10.5 million over the next five years if renewed.
Issue 3
Issue 3 is a replacement levy providing continued funding for Athens County Emergency Medical Services.
The proposal replaces the existing 1-mill levy and adds an additional 0.5 mill, creating a total levy of 1.5 mills for five years.
If approved, the levy provides funding for emergency medical operations across Athens County throughout its 56 precincts.
All three issues will appear on Athens County ballots in the 2025 General Election on Nov. 4.
Police blotter: Gate theft, arrests, warrants of the week
Really, gate theft?
Kids, am I right?
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Federal Hocking Middle School in Stewart regarding a juvenile problem.
Deputies made contact with both the school staff as well as the juvenile’s parents. After meeting with all the parties involved, deputies resumed patrol.
Breaking and entering
Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report from Albany regarding a breaking and entering.
Deputies took a report, and at the time the media release was published, an investigation was pending.
Darn kids
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Four Mile Creek after receiving a 911 hang-up call.
On the scene, it was determined a juvenile was playing with the phone and accidentally called. There was no emergency.
Stop trespassing!
Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to New Marshfield Road in New Marshfield after receiving a trespassing complaint.
On the scene, deputies took a report.
Turn that down!
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Rock Run Road in Coolville after receiving a noise complaint.
Deputies made contact with the homeowner, who said the party was done and there would not be any more loud noises. Deputies then returned to patrol.
Warrants of the week
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office has warrants of arrest out for David McCoy and Stephen Watkins. McCoy is wanted for kidnapping, felonious assault, resisting arrest and domestic violence. Watkins is wanted for forgery. Anyone with information on either man is to contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately.
There’s … not a horse in the road?
The Ohio State Highway Patrol asked the Athens County Sheriff’s Office to assist with reports of a horse on Five Points Road in Athens, but on the scene, no horse was found.
Deputies spoke with horse owners in the area, but all horses were accounted for.
Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Athens County Fairgrounds after receiving a theft complaint.
Once on the scene, deputies were told two men had been spotted leaving the barn with many gates in the truck bed. Upon inspection, Athens County Fair Board members determined that gates had been taken from the sheep barn. Deputies took a report, and at the time the media release was sent out, the case was under investigation.
Bull’s out
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Hooper Ridge Road in Millfield after a caller told deputies their neighbor’s bull was loose on the street. The caller told deputies they were able to get the bull back where it belonged. The owner was informed the bull had gotten out.
You need to calm down
Deputies of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Baker Road regarding a juvenile complaint.
On the scene, deputies learned the juvenile had been punching walls and yelling because she was not allowed to go to a friend’s house. She calmed down after speaking with deputies, and the issue was resolved.
Arrested
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies were patrolling North Plains Road in The Plains when they happened across a man who had an active warrant out for his arrest.
Deputies made contact with the man, Levi Maffin, and took him into custody. He was then transported without incident to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
False alarm (literally)
Deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to an automated alarm coming from a business in Lodi Township.
However, deputies learned the alarm had been set off by the cleaning crew and did not need to investigate.
She’s a little runaway
Athens County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Happy Valley Estates on Baker Road in Athens in regards to a juvenile who had run away.
The girl was later found at a friend’s house and collected by her parents.
Deputies did not need to take any further action, and patrol was resumed.
MARY KATE MCNAMEE FOR THE POST
MONDAY, OCT. 20
Trump calls Colombia’s Petro an ‘illegal drug leader,’ announcing tariffs and an end to aid
The U.S. is set to eliminate assistance to Colombia and enact tariffs on its exports, after President Donald Trump said Colombia’s leader Gustavo Petro “does nothing to stop” drug production, the Associated Press reported. In a social media post, Trump referred to Petro as “an illegal drug leader” who is “low-rated and very unpopular.” Trump also announced he would impose new tariffs starting Oct. 20. Petro, unafraid to take to social media, rejected Trump’s accusations, defending his effort to fight narcotics in Colombia, despite Colombia being the world’s largest exporter of cocaine, the AP said.
TUESDAY, OCT. 21
Hegseth changes policy on how Pentagon officials communicate with Congress
Officials at the Pentagon have changed how military officials speak with Congress after new memos were released last week, the AP reported. In an Oct. 15 memo, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his deputy Steve Feinberg commanded Pentagon officials to secure permission from the department’s main legislative affairs office before communicating with Capitol Hill.
The memo was issued the same day Pentagon reporters exited the building instead of agreeing to the Defense Department’s new restrictions on their work.
Sean Parnell, the top Pentagon spokesperson, called the move a “pragmatic step” that is part of an effort “to improve accuracy and responsiveness in communicating with the Congress to facilitate increased transparency,” the AP reported.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 22
Trump imposes new sanctions on Russian oil giants in effort to urge Putin to end the Ukraine war
The Trump administration announced new “massive sanctions” against Russia’s oil industry, in an effort to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiation table and bring an end to Moscow’s war on Ukraine, the AP reported.
After months of calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as bipartisan pressure on Trump to hit Russia with strict sanctions on its oil industry, restrictions against oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil were put in place.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new sanctions were a direct response to Moscow’s refusal to end its “senseless war” and an effort to terminate “the Kremlin’s war machine,” according to the AP.
THURSDAY, OCT. 23
The White House begins renovations, tearing down part of the East Wing to build Trump’s ballroom
The White House began demolishing part of the East Wing, the traditional base of operations for the First Lady. Despite lacking the green light for construction from the federal agency that oversees such projects, the $250 million ballroom project is underway, the AP reported.
In a social media post, Trump announced the start of construction, referencing the work while hosting the 2025 college baseball champions Louisiana State University and LSUShreveport in the East Room.
Trump insisted presidents have wanted a ballroom for 150 years, and the massive 90,000 square-foot glass-walled space is needed due to the East Room being too small, the AP said.
FRIDAY, OCT. 24
Trump ends trade discussion with Canada regarding tariffs
Trump announced he’s ending “all trade negotiations” with Canada due to a television advertisement. The ad was sponsored by one of its provinces that used the words of former President Ronald Reagan to criticize U.S. tariffs. The province leader later pulled the ad from airing, the AP reported.
The post on Trump’s social media Thursday night created tensions after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he plans to double his country’s exports to countries outside the U.S. because of the threat Trump’s tariffs pose.
The 26th Premier of Ontario Doug Ford, whose province had promoted the ad, said it would be taken down but will still run during the weekend. Ford said after discussion with Carney, he decided to pause the advertising campaign immediately Monday so trade talks can resume, the AP said.
SATURDAY, OCT. 25
Government shutdown began as a way to enforce federal law, is now used to enforce presidential power
During the second-longest government shutdown in history, Trump used the circumstances to exercise new command over the government, the AP reported. Government shutdowns have been a modern occurrence since 1980, first starting with a series of legal opinions from former Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti, who served under Democratic President Jimmy Carter.
In the current shutdown, Trump has used the lapse in funding to punish Democrats as well as attempting to lay off thousands of federal workers. Trump has also tried to seize on the gap left by Congress to reexamine the federal budget for his priorities.
CONNOR
The Weekender Trick-or-treating, live music, murder mystery
a meal together and take advantage of the festivities across campus.
Admission: Free
TUESDAY, OCT. 28
Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St., is hosting its weekly Designated Space from 9-11 p.m. Everyone is invited to sign-up and share their poetry.
Admission: Free
Ohio Volleyball plays Kent State in the Convocation Center at 6 p.m.
Admission: Free for students, $3-12 for non-students
The Office of Information Technology is hosting a Cybersecurity Movie Night featuring “Zero Days” in Baker Theater at 5:30 p.m. The 2016 documentary explores cyberwarfare and the Stuxnet computer virus, offering a thrilling look into modern digital security.
Admission: Free
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29
The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership is hosting trick-or-treat from 12-2 p.m. in Baker University Center. Students and locals can also learn more about the staff and offices inside the Baker University Center.
Admission: Free
The third Battle of the Greens showcase is on the LLC Oval from 7-10 p.m. Music acts are welcome to sign up and compete for a chance to perform in the Spring Festival.
Admission: Free
The College of Fine Arts is hosting Symphony Orchestra’s Hallowpalooza! Night show at Mem Aud at 8 p.m.
Admissions: Free
THURSDAY, OCT. 30
Donkey Coffee, 17 W. Washington St., is hosting its weekly Open Stage at 8 p.m. All are welcome to sign up and perform.
Admission: Free
FRIDAY, OCT. 31 – SUNDAY, NOV. 2
It’s Dad’s Weekend, and OU Culinary is celebrating with a special deal: dads eat FREE in any OHIO Dining Hall all weekend long with their Bobcat’s meal swipe. Enjoy
FRIDAY, OCT. 31
Celebrate spooky season in cinematic style with Horror in Color: “Pan’s Labyrinth” at the Athena Cinema. The one-night-only screening of Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning fantasy begins seating at 7 p.m., with the film starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free but required for entry.
Admission: Free, ticket required
The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership joins with the Lost Flamingo Theater Company to host a Murder at Masquerade Manor: a murder mystery dinner event in the Walter Rotunda from 7-10 p.m.
Admission: Free
SATURDAY, NOV. 1
Take your weekend to new heights with Dads Weekend Zip Lining at The Ridges. Outdoor Pursuits’ new 1,000-foot zip line offers an exhilarating ride over the scenic landscape with two lines running side-byside so you and your dad can soar together.
Admission: $15
The College of Fine Arts is hosting Any Colour – Wish You Were Here, a live Pink Floyd tribute concert, for dad’s weekend. The show begins at 8 p.m. in Mem Aud.
Admission: $20-30
Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring is hosting a Pickleball Tournament at the Athens Community Center on 701 E. State St., from 3-6 p.m. All are invited to come and watch some friendly competition. Those interested in playing can scan the QR code to sign-up.
Admission: Free to watch, $25 for singles and $50 for doubles
SUNDAY, NOV. 2
The Dean of Students is offering pancakes with President Lori Stewart Gonzales from 10-11:30 a.m. at 29 Park Place. All-you-caneat breakfast foods are offered.
Admission: Free
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
LILY MARINSKI | FOR THE POST STAR CHAMBER ARCADE OPENS ON COURT STREET
The Star Chamber Arcade opened at 74 N. Court St, Suite 001, this month with a soft opening beginning Oct. 2 and a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 16.
The arcade has a diverse selection of new and old games, the oldest being a 33-year-old “Getaway!” machine. It also has the classics: “Galaga,” “Donkey Kong,” “Ms. Pac-Man” and more.
Scenes from Halloween weekend
Party animals, mummies and other costumes graced Court Street for Athens’ most infamous holiday.
1: People in the crowd hold up face drawings at the Athens Block Party, Oct. 25, 2025, on Court
PHOTO 2: A crowd of people watches Naka Toni Danza perform at the Athens Block Party, Oct. 25, 2025, on Court Street.
PHOTO 3: Naka Toni Danza performs at the Athens Block Party, Oct. 25, 2025, on Court Street.
MARIA SAUNDERS FOR THE POST
CALEB SMITH | FOR THE POST
PHOTO
Street.
Athens’ celebrity cat resurfaces for election season
Upon arriving in Athens, some may think Ohio University’s iconic mascot, Rufus, is the only cat who represents the city. However, the truth is, Athens is big enough for two famous felines.
In 2012, the Athens County Board of Elections office adopted Pumpkin, a then-stray orange cat. Staff at the office consider Pumpkin to be grumpy and impossible not to love.
Pumpkin can be seen in the window of the Board of Elections office on 15 S. Court St. Most frequently, he is spotted basking in the sun, taking a nap while surrounded by his shrine of fan art.
On Court Street, people can be seen stopping to peek through the window in hopes of seeing the orange cat. Many will even snap photos of him, as spotting him is rare these days, given Pumpkin is not as young as he used to be.
In addition to paintings and gifts from visiting artists, Pumpkin has a line of merchandise at a local business, Ohio is Home.
Fans of the furry friend can purchase tote bags, T-shirts and more featuring his face from $3 to $32. Heather Raubenstraw, store manager and creative director for Ohio is Home, said the Ohio Census Bureau originally reached out to the store to make tees encouraging people to participate.
The business created a design of Pumpkin that read “everyone counts.” The shirts were such a hit that Ohio is Home decided to continue using Pumpkin’s face to promote election positivity with various designs and products.
“A lot of people who are looking for something small
go for a pin, a sticker or a magnet,” Raubenstraw said. “But as of lately, our biggest seller is actually our Pumpkin totes. Those have gone really well.”
“Vote for Pumpkin for pawsitivity” is a design by Ohio is Home created for the election season. This line features yard signs promoting the importance of voting.
“We had a lot of friends and patrons come in to purchase them and put them in their yard, and they said they even had people stopping by their yard to actually take a photo of the sign,” Raubenstraw said.
Pumpkin not only serves as an adorable design but as a greater symbol of unity and positivity yearround, especially during election season.
Ohio is Home even features a slide on the screens in their business and website, giving some background about Pumpkin and his impact on Athens because many people would enter and ask about the cat merchandise.
Raubenstraw, who has been in Athens for 15 years, saw Pumpkin in the window soon after he was first adopted.
“I think he’s a spot of sunshine in the area,” she said. “People don’t necessarily expect him to be there, so when you walk by, it kind of takes you by surprise.”
Many believe Pumpkin makes the Board of Elections’ office a more relaxed environment.
“It makes it more welcoming and less official, political,” Sophia Dussault, a freshman studying classics, said. “It probably drives more people (to) go over and stop by than they usually would.”
Pumpkin is not just loved locally; he is an online celebrity.
Over five years ago, a Reddit user uploaded a picture of Pumpkin sitting in his window. The post has since received over 18,000 reactions. Various social media posts have been made of Pumpkin and he has gained a large fan base.
Notably, an Instagram account, @pumpkin_the_ cat_fanpage, has been anonymously posting photos and memes of Athens’ local celebrity since 2018.
As students and residents navigate voting for the first time, Pumpkin serves as a calming figure who makes the process less daunting.
Cate Fleckenstein, a sophomore studying information systems, recently registered to vote at the Board of Elections.
“I was looking for him, trying to see if he was there and I got a little postcard,” she said. “It makes it a little bit more fun to make the trip down there, because it feels like kind of a chore to go to the Board of Elections usually.”
When making her plan to visit the office, Fleckenstein said she encouraged her roommate to join her on the trip, hoping to see Pumpkin.
“Come with me, maybe we’ll see the cat,” she said.
Remember When America Fought Fascists?
In 1945, “Antifa” Wore U.S. Uniforms
“ ‘Antifa’ is short for anti-fascist, as Coca Cola is shortened to ‘Coke.’ ”
“The only people who oppose anti-fascists — let alone call them ‘terrorists’ — are pro-fascists.”
“Or perhaps fascists themselves.”
“If your parents or grandparents were on Hitler’s side in World War II, they were pro-fascist.”
“If they were on our side, they were anti-fascist. Antifa, for short.”
“It’s that simple.”
— Andrew Tobias
“I may be wrong, but I think that ICE is looking for Dora Márquez. Antifa Code Name: ‘The Explorer.’ ”
— David Bruce
A “Vote for Pumpkin” sign sits in the window of the Athens County Board of Elections at 15 S. Court St. in Athens, Oct. 26, 2025.
Voting locations in Athens County for students
Athens Township voting precints & locations
ATHENS 1-1 , 1-2 , 1-3
Ohio Means Jobs
Building, 510 W. Union Street
ATHENS 1-4 , 1-5 , 2-1
Baker Center Ohio University, 1 Park Place
ATHENS 2-2 , 2-3 , 2-4
The Dairy Barn, 8000
Dairy Lane
ATHENS 2-5
Baker Center Ohio University, 1 Park Place
ATHENS 3-1 , 3-2 , 3-3
First Presbyterian Church, 2 North Court Street
ATHENS 3-4 , 3-5
Athens Public Library, 30 Home Street
ATHENS 3-6 , 4-1 , 4-2
Community Center, 701 East State Street
ATHENS 4-3
Athens Public Library, 30 Home Street
Additional information or in-person help
Athens County Board of Elections
Office
15 S. Court St., Room 130
Athens , OH 45701
Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)
Telephone (740) 592-3201
Fax: (740) 592-3262
E-mail: athens@OhioSoS.gov
Website: https://www.boe.ohio. gov/athens/
ATHENS 4-4 , 4-5
Baker Center Ohio University, 1 Park Place
To find your location use the Polling Location Search at lookup.boe.ohio.gov
Information courtesy of ohio.gov
Identification requirements for elections, voting
ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PHOTO IDENTIFICATION:
Ohio drivers license
State of Ohio ID card
Interim ID form issued by the OHIO BMV
US passport
US passport card
Ohio National Guard ID card or US Departmnet of Veterans Affairs ID card
ANY PHOTO IDS MUST ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIERMENTS:
An expiration date that has not passed
A photograph of the voter
The voters name, which must also match how the voters name appears in the poll list/book
*VOTER NOTICE
An unexpired Ohio drivers license, State ID card, or interim documentation with the voter’s fomer address is an acceptable form of ID when the voter’s current address is in the pollbook.
UNACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PHOTO IDENTIFICATION:
Utility bill
Bank statement
Government check
Paycheck
Other government document including a social security card or birth certificate
Driver’s license or photo identification card issued by a state other than Ohio
A driver’s license or ID that contains a “Non-Renewable/NonTransferable” identifier
A driver’s license or ID that contains a “Noncitizen” identifier may be used in conjunction with additional proof of citizenship.
Ohio Mobile ID
Insurance card
Any registration acknowledgment notice from the county board of elections
Voting Schedule
(Polls open 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
Symbols of American politics in recent media
MICAH FENNER | FOR THE POST
Political messaging is everywhere in American media in 2025. It’s seen in apocalyptic thrillers, teen dramas and even superhero films, making everything we watch a commentary on the paths the U.S is going down.
Although certain pieces of media are more subtle about their symbolism, others are more direct. This past year, media portrayed everything from revolutions against the government to superpowered immigrants.
“ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER”
First looking at films, there is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another.” The film follows Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Bob Fergeson, a retired left-wing revolutionary, in his efforts to find his daughter after the government goes after them. Although the film has its comical moments, it is quite blunt with what it is trying to say about America. It depicts the government as an overbearing authoritarian regime stifling the will of the people. They hunt down and kill revolutionaries and immigrants alike, leading to fear and chaos among the masses.
The film also does not try to hide its very negative view of the military as a whole. It spends a decent amount of its runtime showing how scummy the army officers are, including specifically highlighting scenes where military officers use blackmail and coercion to get the information they want out of people. There’s also a brief but poignant scene where, during a protest, the military plants a person in the crowd whose sole purpose is to throw a Molotov cocktail at the police to incite a riot.
Focusing in on specific characters, the main antagonist in “One Battle After Another” is Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Sean Penn). Lockjaw is played as an exaggerated metaphor. He is portrayed as a comically hypermasculine “alpha wolf.” He’s an unaccountable, authoritarian arm of the government. Lockjaw is a character who thrives on the control of the masses, a
visual reminder of the “big brother” the government takes the role of.
“SUPERMAN”
James Gunn’s summer blockbuster “Superman” follows the story of the superhero of the same name (David Corensweat) after he attempts to stop a war between one of the U.S ’s allies and a neighboring country. “Superman” has themes of immigration, kindness and commentary on real-life wars.
The war depicted in the movie is somewhat reminiscent of the real-life war between Israel and Hamas, although Gunn has said the film was written before the war and there is no direct correlation.
Because of this, “Superman” finds itself walking a tightrope. The film tries to stay true to the optimistic core of the character. However, it can’t ignore the
uncomfortable parallels between its fictional war and real-world conflicts.
When Superman intervenes to stop the violence, he’s framed less as a savior and more as a controversial outsider, someone who had no business interfering in this conflict but did so against his country’s wishes.
It’s also hard to ignore the subtle jabs at the state of media and public opinion. After Superman’s intervention, the film cuts between opposing news anchors debating whether he’s a hero or a terrorist, mirroring real-life political commentary within the news. The film is very clear on its harsh opinions on how the government and populace treat public figures in crises.
“ZERO DAY”
Taking a look now into the world of television, there is Netflix’s political thriller “Zero Day.” Starring Robert De Niro as a former president and lawyer, the plot follows him after a cyber attack cripples the country’s infrastructure.
The show has a clear message about the concept of fake news. Throughout the show, audiences see scenes detailing false evidence being quickly spread and news broadcasts twisting the truth. It creates this sense that no one is truly in control, and everyone is desperately reaching for something to hold onto in this deluge of misinformation.
Although some have argued the show doesn’t really have a point, “Zero Day” attempts to tell a story about the very real danger to democracy a lack of accurate truth-telling brings.
These are only a few of the ample amounts of political stories released in the past year. Politics appear in many films and shows. With themes of misinformation, government control and mirrors to real conflicts, each of these pieces of media are a window into American politics and how the masses grapple with them.
@MICAHDFENNER MF465224@OHIO.EDU
A guide to protesting safely this election season
With the recent spike in protests, such as the nationwide No Kings protests earlier this month, it’s important to know how to attend these rallies safely. If you’ve already been to a protest or are going to be attending your first one soon, here are some resources and tips out there to help you this election season. Firstly, remember you have the right to freedom of speech. The United States Courts describe freedom of speech as the right “not to speak, to engage in symbolic speech, to protest war, to use offensive words or phrases to convey political messages.”
However, there are still some constraints. You’re not allowed to produce or give out obscene materials, partake in “imminent lawless action” or burn draft cards to protest against war.
The American Civil Liberties Union provides information on rights for protestors and how the right to assembly applies to protests, giving information on
a variety of situations, including organizing a protest, attending one, or photographing one.
However, there are differences when protesting on private versus public property. Public property includes streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas in front of government buildings. You must ensure you aren’t obstructing traffic. You do not need a permit to protest, unlike on private property.
If a tense situation arises, be prepared to deescalate. The Human Rights Campaign suggests using “OODA Loop” or “Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.” Observe means you should identify the source of danger and your surroundings. Human Rights Campaign adapted this to protest settings, advising people to “Monitor crowd movements, police presence and signs of escalation.”
Orient is determining where you are and where you need to go. If you have any previous protest experience, compare it to your prior experiences and figure out your next steps. The decision is to choose an action that minimizes risk. You must choose to stay, reposition or leave.
Finally, act means to implement your decision and stay aware of changes in the environment. You need to move quickly and reassess immediately. Make sure to stay calm, and don’t be afraid to remove yourself from any situation that doesn’t seem safe to you.
If you are confronted by law enforcement, obtain as much information on the identities of the officers as possible.
This includes the officer’s name, badge number, patrol car numbers and the agency they work for. Anything
you find important, including contact information for witnesses, should be retrieved for future reference or if you need to file a complaint.
If you are taken into custody, New York state lawyers advise you not to lie to the cops, not to unlock your phone and not to accept drinks, gum, cigarettes or any ingestible items because the police can use them for DNA samples.
You should provide officers with your government name, ID, date of birth, address and any emergent medical needs. You have the right to remain silent, use the phrase “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I am invoking my right to talk to a lawyer.” Remember, anything you say in custody can be used against you in court.
In Ohio specifically, you have the right to contact a friend or family member to tell them you have been arrested; this isn’t limited to one phone call. You have the right to have a lawyer there during any identification procedure the police want to have, including suspect line-ups.
Multiple websites, like ACLU Washington and HRC, detail what to and not to bring to a protest. Protestors should bring identification, emergency contact information and any necessary medications. Try to steer clear of personal items, wearing contacts and anything that could be seen or used as a weapon. If you bring your phone, make sure it’s fully charged and turn off fingerprint, camera password protection and location.
With the division of the current political climate, protesting is becoming increasingly normal. Know your rights, important tips and stay safe this election season.
RUBY JOHNSON | FOR THE POST
ABBY DOENCH | ASST. ART DIRECTOR
ABBY DOENCH | ASST. ART DIRECTOR
‘Saturday Night Live’ cold opens highlight politics
EMILY FRANK | FOR THE POST
“SNL for Trump Cold Open” - Nov. 10 2024
The first “Saturday Night Live” episode following the 2024 Presidential Election opened with the faces of cast members Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Kenan Thompson and Heidi Gardner seemingly in a somber mood.
The sketch began with the cast members stating the election results.
“Thanks to the Supreme Court, there are no guardrails,” Yang said.
Nwodim agreed with this line of thought and mentioned how there is nothing to protect people who are “brave enough to speak out against him.”
“And that is why we at SNL would like to say to Donald Trump, we have been with you all along,” Thompson said.
The skit continued as more cast members entered the stage to praise Trump.
Colin Jost made an appearance, jokingly threw his “Weekend Update” partner under the bus and said, “I hate how the lame stream media, Michael Che, tries to spin it to make you look foolish.”
The cast continued to joke that if Trump is keeping a secret list of his enemies, he has no reason to put “SNL” on that list. The cast said they would “rat out” any cast members they find out voted for Harris, including the people who, at the time, were the newest cast members, Jane Wickline, Ashley Padilla and Emil Wakim.
"And we're so excited to debut our new impression of hot jacked Trump,” Sarah Sherman said. A muscular version of President Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson) makes an appearance.
“If our planet falls apart we can all go to Mars with the other man we love and trust, Elon Musk,” Thompson said.
The skit ended with the entire cast breaking out into the song “YMCA.”
“Pete Hegseth Cold Open” - Oct. 5
“SNL” Season 51 opened with Jost standing behind a podium portraying Secretary of War, previously known as Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegeseth as opposed to where audiences typically see Jost behind the “Weekend Update” desk.
The sketch is in reference to Hegseth summoning hundreds of the U.S.’ top generals for a meeting. The sketch went into his new rules for the army to make sure they adhere to “the highest standard.”
Toward the end of the meeting, Jost summarized, “No fuggos, no fatties, no facial hair, no body hair, just hot, shredded, hairless men who are definitely not gay.”
He went on to say, “we are facing the greatest threat to freedom and democracy the world has ever known and we all know what that threat is.”
Trump, played by Johnson, interrupted and said, “Late night TV.” Hegeseth was then frozen for the rest of the sketch as Trump rambled on.
After a brief introduction, Johnson said, “I’m just here keeping my eye on ‘SNL’ making sure they don't do anything to mean about me.”
This is most likely in reference to the cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and the brief suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Trump then broke the fourth wall a bit, making a crack at Jost, “Look at Colin. Poor Colin.”
This is in reference to a cold open earlier in the year following Trump’s inauguration, where Lin-Manuel Miranda reprised his role as Alexander Hamilton only to get interrupted by Trump and frozen in place in a similar manner.
Trump then made a crack in reference to the
Political ad campaigns shaped America
from its recession in the early 1980s. Regan saw great success during his campaign for his second term.
controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, with comedians such as Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart and Pete Davidson set to perform.
“Frankly, I’m surprised Colin’s here,” Johnson said. “I’d thought he’d be with his friends at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. I didn't get an offer."
The bit went on for a little while longer before Trump sent Jost on his way.
“Oh, and Colin! May every day be another wonderful secret,” Johnson said. “That was a quote from a poem I wrote to a horrible man I’ve never met before.”
This is thought to be a reference to the birthday card allegedly from Trump to Jeffrey Epstein.
The skit ended with Johnson talking about a possible war with Venezuela. When asked how he will pay for it, he said “with my scams, my beautiful scams.”
EF687124@OHIO.EDU
What the United States American Left Wants
With upcoming elections, TV and social media are being flooded with campaign advertisements. Big promises and catchy jingles are trying to get people to vote for candidates and policies. There have been countless memorable ads; some have shaped election results, while others have set the framework for how advertising would look going forward.
American citizens viewed thefirst-ever political TV advertisement, Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “I Like Ike” ads, during the 1952 presidential campaign. The simple jingle and phrase caught the attention of voters and stayed in their minds. Eisenhower dominated the 1952 election, capturing 442 electoral votes as compared to Adlai Stevenson II’s 89.
Lyndon B. Johnson was the next person to leverage a TV ad for his campaign. After becoming the vice president after John F. Kennedy’s assassination, he ran against Barry Goldwater. Goldwater made pro-nuclear weapon use statements during a debate in Seattle. Johnson then leveraged these statements and the nervous feeling around nuclear weapons to his advantage. He put out what is now referred to as the “Daisy” ad. It features a girl picking daisies and counting the petals until an announcement for a countdown comes in. When the countdown reaches its end, a nuclear mushroom cloud is shown.
The ad was presented as a claim that if Goldwater were elected, this would be the future for American children. This fear and concern, intensified by the ad, proved to have a large impact on Johnson’s campaign. Similar to Eisenhower in 1952, Johnson won in the Electoral College, getting 486 votes to Goldwater’s 52. It was not until 1984 that another political ad left an impact. Ronald Regan’s major success in his first term was due to helping the United States bounce back
He showcased this success in his ads, most notably in the “Morning in America” ad, showing people living successfully in Regan’s America and offering up testimonies of Regan’s success.
The ad included claims, such as, “Today more men and women will go to work than ever before in our country’s history” and “This afternoon 6,500 young men and women will be married.”
This ad showed the impact Reagan had during his first term,, and he coasted into reelection, capturing 525 Electoral College votes to Walter Mondale’s 13. He also carried all states but Minnesota.
The 1988 Presidential Election marked the shift to negative political advertising. Republican nominee George H.W. Bush used Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis’ support of the Massachusetts furlough law against him, highlighting Willie Horton, an inmate who committed assault, armed robbery and rape while furloughed.
The advertising hurt Dukakis’ image, and Bush won in a landslide: 426-111 electoral votes.
In 2008, Barack Obama returned to hopeful messaging with political ads adopting Eisenhower’s idea of a memorable slogan in his “Yes We Can” video. The iconic slogan came from one of Obama’s speeches during the New Hampshire primary, and was later turned into a video by artist will.i.am. Obama beat John McCain with 365-173 electoral votes.
Political ads, used to criticize opponents and sway voters, have been pivotal since the ‘50s and have since expanded into the social media sphere. The ads play a pivotal role in campaigns.
Affordable health care for all (that’s what the government shutdown is/was about), equal rights, progressive taxation (tax the rich more than the non-rich are taxed), due process for all, consumer protection, soft power earned abroad as with USAID, free speech, adherence to the Constitution, a system of checks and balances, environmental protection, support for scientific research that can improve or save human life, support for the Voice of America and PBS, a higher minimum wage, reproductive choice, sensible gun safety, and democracy instead of autocracy, fascism, and authoritarianism
Socialism is a scare word they have hurled at every advance the people have made in the last 20 years.
Socialism is what they called public power [developing and distributing electric power / hydroelectric plants].
Socialism is what they called Social Security.
Socialism is what they called farm price supports.
Socialism is what they called bank deposit insurance.
Socialism is what they called the growth of free and independent labor organizations.
Socialism is their name for almost anything that helps all the people.
Note:
The U.S. has a mixed economy that combines a predominantly capitalist system with government intervention and regulations and a variety of social programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP for the public good.
or candidate’s campaign.
ABBY DOENCH | ASST ART DIRECTOR
AUSTIN YAU | FOR THE POST
David Bruce paid for this ad, which is not authorized by any candidate
In Syracuse, New York on October 10, 1952, Harry Truman said this about the Republicans:
Clara’s Commentary | School levies are vital for districts
Local elections decide rent prices, transit routes and campus safety issues that shape daily student life. When students skip the polls, others determine their future for them.
ASST. OPINION EDITOR
Every day, my seventh graders walk into my classroom with an understanding that they will be fed, the lights will be on, the bathrooms will work, the water will run and their teachers will be paid to enrich their minds. In Ohio, my students are guaranteed this by voters through tax levies that keep our schools open.
This November, voters across Ohio are asked to continue funding their public schools. For teachers, students, families and staff of those districts, their decision couldn’t matter more.
In Ohio, school districts receive money for day-today operations from federal, state and local funding. Much of school district funding in Ohio comes from locally levied taxes through property and income taxes. Property taxes are based on the value of Ohio residents’ homes or land. Income taxes are taken as a small percentage of residents’ income, and 212 districts in Ohio have active income tax levies.
Property and income taxes are vital to keep school districts functioning, so when school district levies appear on the ballot, it’s important to understand it’s not just a tax increase; it’s a district extending its arm to you as a voter, asking for your help to keep their school operational, pay their staff and make the education experience for your kids even better. Quite often on local ballots, these two taxes appear
as district levies, asking residents to contribute to schools based on either their income or property. This comes in the form of tax increases, which really grinds a lot of people’s gears. In Ohio, many people are in agreement that property taxes are too high.
Ohioans have had issues with state property taxes since the ‘90s due to a variety of policy changes. The latest in this debate on the federal level, earlier this month, Ohio Senate members voted to restrict certain types of levies school districts could put on the ballot. In an effort to reduce residential property taxes, senators voted there could no longer be emergency or replacement levies on the ballot in Ohio.
Gov. Mike DeWine originally vetoed the change because of fiscal concerns for Ohio school districts. Now, school districts’ only option is to propose a new levy each year or renew the current levy they hold, which would limit districts from asking for more money, as a renewal levy must stay the same. However, it passed in the Senate, a move the Ohio Education Association said, “will cause extreme harm to Ohio’s public school districts, communities, and the nearly 90 percent of students in our state who attend public schools,” according to an Oct. 2 press release.
Unfortunately, with the new legislature, it seems many districts are going to find themselves in a funding crisis. However, the November ballot is unaffected by it. Making it even more important to
get out and vote for your school levies.
Although there are no proposed school levies in Athens this election, there are many in Ohio’s other cities that will affect Bobcats who are registered to vote in their home counties. Almost 60 school districts in Northeast Ohio have proposed school levies. Cincinnati Public Schools also have an important levy renewal on the ballot, and Olentangy Local Schools are proposing a levy to aid in new construction.
School levies are crucial to keep Ohio school districts operational. If a levy doesn’t pass, the district faces budget cuts, which can mean cutting afterschool programs or sports, letting faculty go or being unable to pay maintenance staff.
The Ohio General Election is Nov. 4. Voters can view a sample ballot before hitting the polls to know what to expect. This voting season, remember it takes a village to make a school run, and you are a part of that village as a voter. It’s all of our duty to lift up our school districts and support them in continuing to fund the people and places that educate the future minds of America.
Clara is a senior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Clara about their column? Email them at cl125221@ ohio.edu.
Heidi’s Hot Takes | Local elections deserve student votes
In 2024, celebrities and influencers came together to encourage people to vote in the presidential election. However, upcoming local elections have not been promoted.
trending on social media, but they determine how livable your college town really is.
that understands their needs now, not in some theoretical future.
College students love to talk about change in today’s society. We post about it, protest for it and debate it in class. Yet when election day rolls around and it’s a mayor or city council race instead of a presidential election, student voter turnout plummets. It’s ironic because local elections decide the very issues that shape students’ lives. It’s easy to push away a city council race as something for older adults, the people who own homes and pay property taxes. However, students are residents too, and the policies decided in local elections touch nearly every part of campus life. Rent costs, public transit, safety, zoning for student housing, all of it comes down to local votes. The next time your lease goes up, remember it’s your city council setting those regulations. When the bus schedule cuts weekend service, it’s your local transit board making that call.
Local ballots aren’t filler; they are the foundation for our small towns, especially Athens. A single mayor’s decision can determine whether the university gets funding for student-led sustainability projects or whether or not the wobbly bricks on Court Street get replaced. These issues might not be
Athens voters are determining the renewal or replacement of multiple tax levies. By renewing tax levies, the city of Athens will not increase taxes beyond the current rate. A replacement of certain tax levies will replace the existing tax with a new one.
The uncomfortable truth is when students don’t vote, someone else always does. Those voters, often older, wealthier and/or voting from another county with an absentee ballot, shape policies that may not reflect the student experience. They might view student housing as a nuisance instead of a community. They may push for noise restrictions or parking limits that ignore the way students live. Local elections are often decided by a few hundred votes, and a small number of ballots can tilt these decisions. Imagine if even half a campus voted in local elections. The power of decision-making would be handed to college students.
Some argue students are temporary residents. They will leave after graduation, so their vote doesn’t matter. Temporary does not mean irrelevant. Students pour money, energy and life into college towns. They rent apartments in Palmer Place, volunteer at Passionworks, work for local shops and bring life to Athens. They deserve representation
The power of the student vote isn’t theoretical either. In several college towns, young voter turnout has swung elections. One organized dorm floor can make more difference in a local race than thousands of social media posts about national politics.
So, before walking away from the booths because it’s just a local election, take a minute to look at what’s on the ballot. Research the candidates who decide your rent prices, campus bus routes and the nightlife you enjoy on weekends. National elections might decide the country’s future, but local ones shape your present.
Change doesn’t always come from Washington; it starts with a vote cast two blocks from your apartment. College students have dominated the culture of Athens for many years. It is time to make your culture count. On Nov. 4, 2025, cast your vote and let your voice be heard in City Hall.
Heidi Bartolone is a sophomore studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Heidi about her column? Email her at hb963023@ohio. edu. @heidibartolone
CLARA LEDER
HEIDI BARTOLONE FOR THE POST
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Soph’s Soapbox
Celebrities should advocate for local elections
SOPHIA ANNESS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
As election day approaches, local candidates and issues take the forefront of local news. Decisions on how tax dollars are spent and trustee candidates are important to residents. However, local elections usually see smaller voter turnout due to the lack of people urging others to vote.
In 2024, 63.7% of voters voted in the presidential election, the second-highest voter turnout in the last century. Celebrities and influencers encouraged young voters to exercise their civic duty during the last election, but in 2025 there has been a lot less social media interaction.
Now, there seems to be a large gap in voting advocacy, and with Election Day a week away, this is a large concern for local elections.
Although celebrity endorsements do not contribute directly to the voter turnout, they help people pay attention to what is on the ballot. People with a large social media following get attention when they speak out on certain issues, which is why it’s important for them to utilize their platforms to speak out.
Celebrities have long been using their platforms to speak out on a wide range of political issues, including immigration rights, LGBTQIA+ rights and abortion rights. Using their platforms for this purpose brings larger awareness to these issues.
It’s as simple as celebrities reposting a post or making a statement on a certain issue. Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift are two examples of celebrities who have used their platforms for political advocacy.
Eilish was vocal on her social media platform and in person at her concerts, sharing her disappointment in President Donald Trump’s election win in 2024. She took
to her concerts to share her feelings.
“Someone who hates women so, so deeply is about to be the president,” Eilish said at her 2024 Nashville show.
Swift endorsed Kamala Harris on her Instagram in 2024 after a presidential debate. This was a huge deal at the time, as she has a large platform and sharing her opinion on social media got a large number of her fans’ support.
“I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice,” Swift wrote. “Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make.”
If more celebrities advocated the same way for local elections as they do for presidential elections, voter turnout could be higher.
All counties have their own local issues to vote on. In Athens, board of education candidates, township trustee candidates and proposed tax levies are all on the ballot.
People may wonder why they should vote, thinking results will not affect them. However, the results affect everyone, even if it’s not on a national stage, so as a local, it is important to vote in these elections.
Even though it feels like an off year in terms of election issues, it is still just as important that people pay attention to these issues. This is a call to action for those with a platform to use it and encourage voters to fill out their ballots.
Sophia Anness is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Sophia about her column? Email/tweet her at sa425522@ohio.edu /@AnnessSoph0415.
“FISCAL MISSILE” BY LANE TANNISH
Daphne’s Dispatch
Analyze local election candidates in Athens
DAPHNE GRAETER OPINION EDITOR
The candidates running in local elections directly influence your day-to-day living. From policies and budgets to education and public safety, the people whose names are written on the upcoming Nov. 4 general election ballot have been deeply involved in the city’s business.
Your vote has weight. In local elections, your vote gives direction to our community’s needs, and whether you’re a student at Ohio University or a resident of Athens County, your voice deeply affects each area of the county’s needs, and the person whose name you bubble in matters.
Voters can use a sample ballot to prepare for the election by observing the running candidates under each category. Located to the left of the page are the names of each candidate who is running in this general election for Athens County.
On this ballot, candidates are individuals running for positions in our local government who shape services and rules in our community.
City council members work as the legislative body for the city by creating ordinances, setting policy, approving the budget and hiring city officials.
The candidate running for the position of president of the Athens City Council is Micah McCarey. In last year’s general election for the Ohio House of Representatives District 95, he ran for the Democratic Party position and lost the race to Don Jones, the Republican Party candidate. McCarey bolstered 16,020 votes.
Since June 2021, McCarey has been the Athens City Council Member At-Large since 2021, meaning, for the last four years, he has represented the entire city while making decisions, rather than making decisions for a geographical district or ward. He
degree and a Ph.D in philosophy from OU in 2007, 2008 and 2022.
In McCarey’s role with the city council, he was the chair of the City & Safety Services committee. With other council members, the committee covers services from fire and police to water, garbage and recycling.
McCarey’s background and knowledge of vital city resources speak toward initiatives he would be passionate about as the president of the council.
The candidate running for the role of treasurer for city council below McCarey on the ballot is Joshua Thomas. In 2023, Thomas ran as a write-in for Athens City Treasurer, winning with 331 votes after he was appointed treasurer two years previously and has since been in the role.
He previously told this publication the treasurer is responsible for overseeing the reconciliations of all city accounts. Thomas also owns Brenen’s Cafe with his wife, located at
At the bottom of the sample ballot is the category for school district officials, including candidates running for school board member positions. The three running officials are Paul Grippa, Jason Heinrich and Charity Wilhelm. Each candidate is running for the Athens City School District at
Those running for school board member positions would be responsible for setting educational goals, establishing district policies and approving budgets, as well as ensuring the district operates in legal
Grippa, one of the running candidates, is a former principal of Athens Middle School and was involved in an investigation that began in 2018 to determine whether he mishandled a reported 2010 sexual assault of a 13-year-old student.
The student, Emmalyn Brown, later started an online petition to remove Grippa from the Board of Education position he held at the time of the investigation.
Brown said Grippa didn’t notify police and instead told her she owed her perpetrator an apology. At a school board meeting that occurred after the investigation was announced, Grippa read a statement, “Let me stress that I welcome the investigation – the sooner the better. I look forward to responding. But, given the constraints on my ability to respond publicly, I am left in a very difficult position.”
After the investigation concluded, the Athens school district found no action was needed against Grippa and
the findings of the investigation will remain confidential.
When voting in local elections, it’s pertinent to do thorough research on the candidates who are running for these positions or their accomplishments in the position previously held.
Daphne Graeter is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Daphne know by emailing her at dg422421@ohio.edu. From
The second candidate, Heinrich, is the managing attorney of the Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio in the Athens office. He spent two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Southeast Ohio, serving people living under the poverty line. Heinrich has also represented clients before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals involving child custody, child abuse and neglect.
The third candidate, Wilhelm, is an alumna, a previous substitute teacher and student success adviser at OU and has held the role of an Athens Board of Education member since 2022.
The entirety of the candidates running in this general election for Athens County have not all been listed within this column; however, I wanted to include the range of history and roles of individuals who are running for such influential roles.
When you vote in this upcoming election, make informed decisions about the candidates and hold these people accountable. They are responsible for enabling positive change in Athens.
TO SEE A SAMPLE BALLOT PROVIDED BY THE ATHENS COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW:
SUDOKU
Letter from the Editor
Don’t
give up on democracy
JACKSON MCCOY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term in late January, the American people have witnessed unprecedented destruction of U.S. institutions. The tirade Trump and his fellow Republicans in power are on is rapidly leaving our government in a state vulnerable to a hostile authoritarian takeover.
Democracy as it functions in this country enabled the Trump administration to infiltrate, weaken and weaponize every level of the federal government. Rampant gerrymandering, the Senate filibuster and the overwhelming amounts of money spent on elections have muddied the Founding Fathers’ vision for a modern beacon of liberty, even if that vision was already muddied by racism, classism and sexism. However, Americans can’t turn to chaos or hopelessness in the face of an authoritarian threat unlike any before seen stateside. Although we can no longer blindly trust American democracy as it exists today, we must continue to advocate for democracy at all levels.
A quick Google search will define democracy as “a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.” However, democracy can and should be practiced beyond the state. For example, workers should use unions as a way of democratizing their workplaces and consolidating their collective power. Federal and state legislation could make large companies delegate a certain number of board seats to workers, democratizing those companies’ corporate structures.
democratic material change, she stayed in the abstract, “saving-the-soul-ofour-nation” argument utilized by her predecessor, President Joe Biden.
This argument falls short when the arguer fails to acknowledge the failings that formed the soul of our nation has often been filled with malice toward the most vulnerable. Democracy as a concept has failed Black people, women, immigrants and Indigenous people for centuries, a failure that continues in many parts of the country today.
Democratizing policy is not an entirely new idea. Theorists and political analysts have made an argument for democracy as an applied policy rather than an abstract idea for years.
“We need to offer a conception of democracy materially grounded enough to bridge that gap — to convince more people that democracy isn’t just some woolly ideal but the very means by which their material lives might be improved,” Osita Nwanevu, a magazine editor and author, told the New York Review of Books in a recent interview. Nwanevu is just one person arguing for a more democratized policy system. People are doing this by voicing their concern at town halls, attending a local protest or reading their town’s newspaper, whether they realize it or not.
Democracy is inherently tied to freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and supporting these things at a community level brings meaningful change people can see in their everyday lives. Small publications expose corruption among city officials, and voicing dissent locally reaches those same officials directly.
In the 2024 presidential election, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris positioned herself as a defender of democracy and Trump as an authoritarian threat. Although Harris was certainly correct that Trump is a threat to democracy, she didn’t often connect her themes of democracy to concrete policy with democratization at its heart. Instead of purporting
JACKSON PENNINGTON | FOR THE POST
Incorporating democracy into habits and policies that benefit the lives of Americans is paramount to ensuring its future in our country. From the top down, democracy needs to be at work to fight authoritarianism. Democracy in the U.S. has often fallen short of being a real solution to the problems we now face, but with some work and faith in its principles, it can reshape American life to be more equitable for all people than it has ever been before.
