Thursday, October 28, 1999
Prosecutor's '2 Percent Club' splits parties
Butler politicians line up by label
BY JANICE MORSE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
John Holcomb
|
HAMILTON — At least in Butler County, the debate over the so-called “2 Percent Club” appears to be dividing strictly along party lines, with Republicans denouncing it and Democrats defending it.
This practice, in which public employees donate 2 percent of their salaries to their boss' campaign fund, has been discontinued in many places.
But an Enquirer report revealed Sunday that it has continued to thrive in the office of Prosecutor John F. Holcomb, the sole Democrat holding countywide office in Butler County. Some ex-employees said they felt pressure to contribute, but some current staffers said they gave willingly.
On Wednesday, the county Republican Party, which has endorsed Robin Piper to run against the longtime prosecutor in 2000, issued a statement denouncing the practice.
“It is disgusting that this type of behind-the-back, smoke-filled-room politics still exists, especially in an office as critical as the prosecutor's,” said Joe Statzer, the Republican Party's political director.
When asked to comment, Don Daiker, chairman of the county Democratic Party, replied, “It's not worth a response of any kind.” He accused the Enquirer of “playing into the hands of the Republicans” by continuing to report on the story.
“I don't think it deserves further play in The Cincinnati Enquirer, which has certainly devoted more than enough space to it,” Mr. Daiker said. “This is a non-story.”
But Rep. Jeff Jacobson, R- Dayton, said the issue shouldn't be partisan.
Opposition to this type of political fund-raising has gained bipartisan support at the state level, Mr. Jacobson said.
“People who believe in good government, whether they're Democrats or Republicans, they realize that the question is: Can we let this practice stay legal? I say the answer is no.”
Mr. Jacobson has introduced legislation to prohibit public employees from giving to their bosses at any level.
But Mr. Daiker said he thinks “employee contributions are not only legal, but they're constitutionally protected.”
PREVIOUS REPORTS
Voluntary donations questioned Oct. 24, 1999
About the 2 Percent Club Oct. 24, 1999
Prosecutor defends employees' donations Oct. 26, 1999
Legislator seeks to end '2 Percent Club' Oct. 27, 1999
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