COLUMBUS Taft set to sign Latell bill

This will be the only Ohio House bill sponsored by the outgoing legislator to be signed into law.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
COLUMBUS -- Departing state Rep. Anthony A. Latell Jr. is getting a going-away present of sorts from Gov. Bob Taft next week.
The governor will sign into law a bill sponsored by Latell that permits local governments to apply for state grants to address Amish buggy and motorists' safety on Ohio's roads. The signing will be Monday, and Latell will be on hand to witness it.
"It is heartwarming to have the Amish buggy safety bill passed at this time," said Latell, a Girard Democrat. "It will indeed have a long-term effect of saving lives by helping to eliminate driving accidents within all Amish communities and throughout Ohio's roadways."
Latell's official last day as a state representative is today.
Instead of seeking a second two-year term in the state House this year, Latell opted to run for the 17th Congressional District seat. He finished third in the six-person Democratic primary in May. Latell, who has also served as a Trumbull County commissioner, state senator and Girard councilman, ends a 26-year political career today. Latell, who turns 65 on Jan. 31, has not discussed whether he would return to politics.
When Taft signs the Amish buggy bill it will be the first and only House bill sponsored by Latell signed into law. He introduced the bill Feb. 7, 2001. During his eight years in the state Senate, six of Latell's bills were signed into law.
Years of work
"We have worked for several years on this safety issue and it will be personally gratifying to witness the governor's signature," Latell said.
Local governments near Amish communities have not been able to meet the criteria to receive grant funding through the Ohio Public Works Commission to improve roads because of low traffic volumes, Latell said.
Latell's legislation will permit those communities to apply for grants from the State Capital Improvements Fund for additions to roads and bridges to enhance safety of animal-drawn buggies as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. Improvements eligible for funding include road widening, pull-off lanes and flashing warning signs for buggies.
skolnick@vindy.com