Staying put: There will be no switching seats next year for Butler County Commissioner Chuck Furmon. A former Hamilton mayor, Furmon has been busy for the past couple of weeks collecting signatures on nominating petitions to run for his third term as commissioner.

Furmon has begun his re-election campaign at a time when his fellow commissioner, Courtney Combs, opted to run for the state Senate seat that will be vacated next year.

The state term-limits law will knock state Sen. Scott Nein and Rep. Gary Cates out of office next year. State Rep. Greg Jolivette's final term in the House expires in 2006.

Furmon was one county office-holder who was never tempted by the prospect of the open House and Senate seats.

"I don't want to be in Columbus or anywhere else," he said. "I'm very happy where I am."

Steve Kemme

Tale of the tape: Butler County Commissioner Mike Fox took some ribbing last week from Hamilton City Councilman Richard Holzberger over his recent conflict with county Republican Party leaders.

Fox claimed GOP leaders threatened in a recent private meeting not to endorse him next year in his re-election bid if he doesn't cool his public criticism of the policies and procedures of Domestic Relations Court. Republican honchos have denied they threatened him, and said they were merely trying to help Fox and the judges find common ground.

Holzberger, a Democrat, showed up at the commissioners' meeting at the Butler County Fairgrounds on July 24 with a piece of tape covering his mouth. Written on the tape were the words: "Republican muzzle." He removed the tape from his mouth and handed it to Fox.

Holzberger's gag had everyone roaring with laughter - including Fox.

Holzberger told Fox the Democrats had decided to let him join their ranks.

"We had a vote," he said. "We'll take you for three players to be named at a later date."

"I'd like to see the vote," Fox said.

"It was close," Holzberger replied.

Steve Kemme

Wallet watch: West Chester Trustee Jose Alvarez keeps a close eye on the township's purse strings - especially since he announced he wants to be a Butler County commissioner.

So it's no surprise he raised eyebrows recently over the cost for two trustees and some staff members to trek to St. Louis this weekend.

The purpose of the trip is to attend a seminar on community centers. (West Chester leaders have been planning one for years.)

But the original estimate of the cost, $5,000, now has risen to $6,160 for the trustees, two staff members and an employee from West Chester's cable television station.

At a special township meeting Friday, Alvarez was the lone vote against the expenditure. He describes it as wasteful and says too many people are going.

"I have a hard time spending this money out of the general fund," Alvarez said. "If trustees felt that they wanted to go, they could pick up the bill. Life has changed, the economy is not that strong, and we have to brace ourselves for possible reductions in the local government funds."

Trustee Catherine Stoker says she plans to reimburse the township for her portion of the trip's costs via a donation to the Voice of America Museum fund.

The other trustee going, Dave Tacosik, concedes he is letting the township foot his bill. But, he stresses, he has donated much of his spare time to the community center.

Jennifer Edwards

E-mail: jedwards@enquirer.com.