Join Colin at Woodlands Tavern Sunday November 1st for another Day Drinking For Democracy. Much AC/DC and Cheap Trick will be performed. Donations accepted for Matternews.org. Support Local Journalism! Show starts at 4 pm.
How I Voted 2026
Hello. A pleasant reminder to all you freedom-loving patriots who might flip their wigs reading this article: 1) You don’t have to read it. 2) I am not telling you how to vote. This is just how I am voting. One citizen. Get out and vote however you want. Cool? Then let’s proceed……
Governor of Ohio
Vivek. Yeesh.
I personally witnessed this small-time grifter park his stupid limousine across three handicapped spaces. Disqualifying behavior from the jump.
Also I am not a Billionaire so his policies do nothing for me. Universal Healthcare please.
Vote: Amy Acton.
U.S. Senate
I cannot vote for anyone who voted for the Big Beautiful Bill. This blatant cash grab stole from small businesses to give to the ultra-wealthy while adding TRILLIONS of dollars to the national debt. It’s the single worst piece of legislation that has occurred in my lifetime.
Also, I don’t support this administration’s policy of American mothers being shot point blank in the head while sitting in their cars.
Vote: Sherrod Brown.
Upper Arlington School Levy - Issue 7
Short Answer: Nobody in history has ever said this sentence: “Once we defeated the school levy, things got so much better”
Longer soapbox speech: Yes, spending money for improvements kinda sucks. I mean, nobody loves it. It’s a sacrifice. Easier to kick the can down the road. We all do it. But just like houses, cars, HBO Max, vacations, jet skis, Buckeye tickets, the military, restaurants, hotels, wine, fast passes at Cedar Point, etc… you get what you pay for. The argument that money doesn’t make schools better always cracks me up. Funny how schools are the only thing on the planet that money doesn’t make better. I don’t see many CEO’s turning down bonuses saying money doesn’t matter. Whether we like it or not, money is crucial in doing things the right way. Schools are no different.
If you live in Upper Arlington like me and you are concerned about your property taxes increasing I’ve got good news: You are doing very well so you don’t have much to worry about no matter who wins this election. Except maybe a hurricane and/or rising seawater damaging your second home in Florida.
I try to remind myself how many people would love to trade places with me to own a home and the luxury of worrying about property taxes instead of rent, health care, day care, auto repairs, the rising cost of groceries and gasoline and utilities. Savings? 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Wealth disparity is the highest in USA history.
Also, I’ll walk the walk. If in the future you ever catch me whining about Upper Arlington property taxes please feel free to say - courtesy of Mr. Show - “Time to move your ass going, my friend.” Lots of communities cater specifically to wealthy old people. And they have pickleball too!
Vote: Yes.
Ohio State House 7th District
Remember when the band Nirvana played the tiny rock club Stache’s on High Street about two weeks before they became the biggest group on the planet? Folks are like, “I saw them back when…” One day people will say that about voting for Ukeme for the Ohio house.
Vote: Ukeme A. Jeter.
Ohio Secretary of State
Allison Russo is super-smart and extremely pragmatic. How on Earth she spent so much time serving in the Ohio Statehouse (which is the polar opposite of “smart” and “pragmatic”) is beyond me. I couldn’t do it. It is an amazing testament to her commitment to helping the working class and families.
Full disclosure: When I was dealing with the imminent demolition of the Golden Bear Center where Colin’s Coffee was located, Allison totally had my back as I sifted through the misinformation that was distressing to both staff and customers. (Google: Golden Bear Center Update.) I am personally thankful for her public service. In fairness, the new green space where the old mall was located is beautiful. At sunset it bathes the McDonald’s Golden Arches in a mystical light. And if you squint your eyes, the lonely giant cell phone tower kinda looks like the Washington Monument. Perhaps a national park designation could be on the table?
Vote: Allison Russo.
Ohio Attorney General
Speaking of smart and pragmatic, that also describes John Kulewicz. And while I never trust a man who parks his stupid limo across three handicapped parking spots, I always trust a man who swims laps seven days a week. Impressive!
Vote: Kulewicz.
Ohio Issue 3 “Stop Voting Already!”
One of the quirky features of Democracy is that it allows us to vote to take away our own right to vote. Are Ohio citizens this stupid? Maybe.
Vote: NO!
If you believe election fraud is real I have a digital panda to sell you. Bye.