COLUMBUS — Ohio would suspend its sales tax for two days in December to spur the economy under a plan announced Monday night by House Republicans.

        “We can't think of a better time to do it than now, when we're at an all-time low in consumer confidence,” said House Speaker Larry Householder, a Glenford Republican.

        The sales tax holiday would tentatively take place on Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16, the lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Mr. Householder said.

        It would not include sales of motor vehicles, boats and food served in restaurants.

        It would cost the state about $35 million, Mr. Householder said.

        House Republicans also announced their plan to bridge the state's $1.5 billion deficit, two weeks after Gov. Bob Taft announced his own proposal.

        The GOP plan uses less of the state's rainy day fund — $195 million compared with Mr. Taft's $280 million — and more of the state's multibillion-dollar share of the national tobacco settlement.

        Mr. Taft proposed borrowing $100 million from that settlement; Mr. Householder proposes $240 million, to be paid back in about 10 years.
       

UC trustees plan financial review

               Hammered by two cuts in state subsidies this year, the University of Cincinnati on Monday scheduled two special trustees meetings in the coming week.

        Friday, the board's finance committee will “review the university's investment program, its performance over the last fiscal year, major policy issues for the future and major plans for the coming year.”

        With that review in hand on Nov. 5 the entire board will “reconsider our budget in light of the reduction of our budget by the governor.”

        The announcements did not elaborate but senior UC officials openly have speculated on a midyear tuition increase, possibly 2 percent on top of the 8 percent that went into effect in September for the 2001-02 academic year.
       

Luken, Fuller to meet in live TV debate

               The last time Charlie Luken and Courtis Fuller appeared live on WLWT-TV together, they were co-anchors on the evening news.

        This time, they're candidates for Cincinnati mayor, squaring off in the first — and likely only — live television debate of the campaign.

        The debate, to be broadcast on Channel 5, will air at 8 p.m. today from the Museum Center.

        “That will be the final showdown,” said Mr. Fuller, who took time out from campaigning Monday to prepare.

        Mr. Luken has been pushing for more debates for weeks, saying he'll show up anytime, anywhere to talk issues with Mr. Fuller.

        It appears, however, that Mr. Fuller is content to debate one last time and let it be.

        “The (radio) debate on the 16th was very good. I think it established very well for voters what our positions are,” he said.
       

Sheriff offers X-rays of candy

               BATAVIA — The Clermont County Sheriff's Office again this Halloween will X-ray candy on request.

        “The fear factor has built up over the years about people tampering with trick-or-treat candy,” Sgt. Dick Corder said. “This gives parents more peace of mind.”

        The office has offered the service for about five years, usually attracting between 200 and 300 parents. Although bioterrorism fears may encourage more people to come this year, the X-ray machines cannot detect anthrax or other bacteria, only metal objects.

        Sheriff's deputies will run the X-ray machine Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Clermont County Common Pleas Courthouse, 270 Main St. The service is free.

        Information: 732-7250.
       

Mayor asks city to read best seller

               TOLEDO — Mayor Carty Finkbeiner is asking residents to read the best seller Tuesdays with Morrie next month as part of a shared community experience.

        The “One Book, One Toledo” program follows a trend started in Chicago when Mayor Richard Daley suggested that the entire city read To Kill a Mockingbird.

        Mr. Finkbeiner said he's such a fan of Tuesdays with Morrie that he gave a copy to President Clinton at a Christmas party at the White House two years ago.

        The book, written by Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom, is about Morrie Schwartz, a college professor who inspired and taught Mr. Albom.
       

Programs offer college information

               The College of Mount St. Joseph is offering two programs to introduce the public to the private Catholic liberal arts school.

        Get Acquainted Day will be noon-3 p.m. Sunday at the Seton Center. Information on just about everything involved in coming to the college will be available.

        An open house for adults interested in returning to college will be 6-9 p.m. Nov. 14 at Seton Center. The college offers day, evening and weekend degree programs.

        Details, Office of Admission, (513) 244-4531, (800) 654-9314.

        The Mount is at Delhi and Neeb roads.
       

Forum to discuss public education

               Cincinnati's Civic Forum will discuss problems in Ohio public education Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Room 118 of the University of Cincinnati's College of Law at Clifton Avenue and Calhoun Street in University Heights.

        This week, the authority and responsibility of the General Assembly will be addressed by State Reps. Steve Driehaus, D-33rd District, and Bill Seitz , R-34th District.

        On Nov. 8, UC President Joseph A. Steger and Board of Regents Chancellor Roderick G. W. Chu will talk about the role of higher education. A panel of activists will give a community response on Nov. 15.

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